SENIOR CELEBRATION & PENNANT SIGNING

send-off: a demonstration of goodwill and enthusiasm for the beginning of something new.

In the multi-aged classrooms of Montessori schools, moving on to the next level is a time of celebration and reflection; graduation is no exception. Younger students are encouraged to express well wishes, words of encouragement, and reflections of the impact older students have made on them. Teachers also share the growth they have seen, or examples of contributions to the community.

At Wesley’s Pennant Celebration, the outpouring of such acknowledgements was evident of the lasting impact his time at OFMS has made on his peers and educators. Many spoke of his voracious love of reading, scientific mind, and humble gentleness in helping others. Sophomore, Sami Al-Jabari, shared that he saw Wesley as an inspiring role model of independence and perseverance. Michael Tyler, Graphic Design Teacher, said he will miss the Dungeons and Dragons and AI talks as well as an appreciation for his brain and heart. Junior, Aleina Henderson, described Wesley as being humble about his intellect. She said that he freely shared his knowledge and was someone they all looked up to. To exemplify his scientific mind, Katie Lautzenhiser, OFMHS Science Teacher, said that Wesley would sometimes take joy in explaining things to her like the Heisenberg theory on quantum physics. She added that his kindness and gentleness will be greatly missed. Administrators, Jon Agler and Bridget York, who have known Wesley the longest, said that they were grateful for the privilege of working alongside him and watching him grow into the confident, fun, young man he is today. They both reminisced of early days when, as soon as no one was looking, he would covertly replace assignments with giant novels; always reading and gobbling up information!

While this celebration culminated in the hanging of a Purdue pennant, it is really the beginning of a new chapter and a continuation of a simple message…we will miss you; visit soon!

While Wesley is the first OFMHS graduate to attend Purdue University, it is a family affair for the Wolheter’s. Both of his parents and grandparents are Boilermaker alumni!

Watching Wesley these last few weeks of school, you would not guess that he completed most of his time at OFMHS as a party of one. When he speaks of the school, he talks fondly of his classmates; both those ahead of him and those underclassmen below. During his graduation ceremony, alumni speaker, Gavin Burtch, shared that when Wesley joined the high school he jumped right in with the upperclassmen in their difficult classes, politically charged conversations, and growing study body. At his pennant celebration, faculty and peers were quick to point out his humility and desire to be a friend to all. Wesley, himself, shared in his senior address that mentoring others and sharing his knowledge, friendship, and faith have not always been easy; but, have been what he strived to show in his leadership.

While some could choose to see being the only senior this year as a negative, Wesley has leaned on his community of classmates, family, and teachers to insulate himself with friendship and joy. He joined the newly created OFMHS bowling team and Athletic Leadership Council, taught lessons at the middle school, and coordinated the high school end of year roller skating party. Between community meetings, weekly family time, bi-annual intersession trips, game nights, lunch conversations, and social gatherings, relationship bulding is key to the Oak Farm Montessori experience. When asked what he would always remember about his time here, Wesley quickly responded, “the sense of community.”

Wesley shared that Fall Festival is the tradition he is most fond of during the school year. The popular event is held on our south campus each September and hosts close to 500 guests. Middle and high school students offer micro economy products for sale and enjoy interacting with parents, students and facutly.

This year our senior decided to opt for a roller skating party for the final celebration the last week of school. The entire roller rink was rented out and students and faculty enjoyed an afternoon of fun.