By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“Did you think we were going to do this this year?” asked Wyoming High School teacher John Doyle to the school’s juniors seated in the high school gym.

“No,” the students responded.

“Did you think we were going to do anything this year?” he asked.

“No.” the students responded back.

The thing was the school’s annual Alpha Wolf celebration, which usually takes place twice a year: once in the fall and again in the spring. Started in 2014, the Wyoming High School students and staff would honor six exemplary students each semester with the Alpha Wolf 11 champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors.

However, COVID — like it did for many events — but a halt to the celebration as the nation fought to stop the spread through social distancing. This resulted in the school placing a hold on the Alpha Wolf celebration in the fall, Doyle said, admitting it was not an easy decision to make.

But this spring has been a different story with social distancing guidelines easing and allowing more people in a room, which meant that the Alpha Wolf celebration was on.

“As Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said, we needed this for our soul,” Doyle said. “It was tough to let a lot of things go last year and this was an opportunity to celebrate the students and all that they have gone through.”

The celebration was a little different this year as the number of local officials and dignitaries had to be limited and instead of the whole school coming together to celebrate, there was three different assemblies for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Serving as this year’s guest speaker was Grand Rapids Community College President Dr. Bill Pink, who talked about kindness, compassion and grace in the face of the Oklahoma City bombings that took place in 1995, something that Pink experienced firsthand as he was a middle school teacher in Oklahoma City at the time.

The changes certainly did not damper the moods of the students who guessed the students being honored as the clues were given for each Alpha Wolf recipient. There was four for each grade level which totaled the annual 12 awards given for the year.

Sophomore Alpha Wolf Recipients

Alyjah Chandler: Alyjah was described by peers as a person who works to lift others up. He projects positivity and has focused on the importance of mental health. According to staff, he puts others first in order for them to be successful with one teacher writing that “He has been an eleven since the first day I met him.”

Cristian Diaz: From his love of pizza to the honors chemistry class, Cristian was an easy one for the sophomores to name. His enthusiasm is contagious with Cristian always greeting everyone. Through his actions, he demonstrates that contributions matter and has made that known whether at school or on the Wyoming soccer team.

Alexa Hudson: Alexa also was described as a positive person and one of the “kindest persons you’ll have every met.” As one peer wrote, Alexa is a “great student and great friend.” According to teachers, she is a fantastic leader, leading by example and has become a source of pride for the high school band, where she plays the alto saxophone.

Liza LaMar: Liza was described as best exemplifying the last lines of Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb”: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Liza is the light setting a great example, helping out when she can, and encouraging others to participate.

 

Junior Alpha Wolf Recipients

Rocco Albanese: Rocco was described by his teachers and peers as a” rock solid foundation” who always puts people first. He talks to everyone and is known to stand up for the people who are not able to defend themselves. He essentially serves as a “rock” to his friends and staff.

Isaiah Clark: There is all kinds of strength according to Coach Irv Sigler. Isaiah demonstrates strength both on and off the wrestling mats. He leads by example, demonstrates kindness, and spreads positivity.

Mateo Ledesma: While unable to see it, it is Mateo’s fantastic smile that draws people in. He befriends everyone and makes them feel at ease, according to students and staff, who added that he genuinely cares about his peers. He is a good listener, leaving his peers feeling that their ideas and beliefs have value.

Lejla Nakic: Lejla is someone who makes you feel good about yourself, according to her peers. She always acts in kindness and is very willing to help students who are struggling. She is hardworking, very friendly with staff and peers agreeing she is “the sweetest person you could ever meet.”

Senior Alpha Wolf Recipients 

Taejah Cross: Taejah is a shining example of graciousness as he always puts others first. One teacher noted that last year, he offered to clean up a mess another upper class left. His willingness to help has lead him to be a captain on the basketball, volleyball and track teams.

Eduardo Francis Estrada: Eduardo simply brightens up the room, accord to staff and his peers. He has a welcoming spirit and through his acts of kindness, compassion, and graciousness, is always trying to make the school a better place.

Brandy Kehl: The cloak of courage is perhaps one of the most important virtues and one that Brandy shows everyday. She demonstrates courage by standing up for other people and fighting for equality and justice all in her effort to bring more joy in the world. 

Zabiullah Najafi: Doyle admitted is a special student. He spent several years locked in a detention camp and came to Wyoming where he grew and worked to help translate so as to help others be heard. He has plans to change the world and the staff and his peers said they know he will. 

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