The last four full days of the WHS school year are not a typical ending as compared to other schools. WHS offers a unique end-of-year program known as “June Academy,” and the focus during these days is on learning for learning’s sake. 

   June Academy allows students to pick course options ranging from board games to college tours. While some questions and concerns have been raised about the loss of traditional educational time due to June Academy, many at WHS feel its benefits far outweigh its issues.

   “I feel like June Academy is one of the most ideal ways to learn,” said art teacher Christopher Fehl, leader of this year’s June Academy committee. “I think it’s a good opportunity for students to be exposed to something that they would have no inkling that they would have an interest in.”

   A few months prior to the start of the academy, each student fills out a choice form selecting their top five preferred course options for the morning and afternoon sessions, or for all day courses. Later in the year, they are placed into classes based on these preferences in whatever way will fill the four-day program.

   “Last year I put Wilderness Survival as my third choice and that’s what I ended up having,” said sophomore Neeve Callanan. “I was a little sad I didn’t get my first or second choice, but it ended up working out. I really liked Wilderness Survival.”    

   While June Academy is generally enjoyed by students, as the classes offered are separate from the more traditional “academic” classes students take during the rest of the school year, some had concerns about using school days for such a non-traditional learning experience.

   “At one point it was looking like June academy was going to be discontinued due to the perception by administrators and parents that it was taking time away from learning,” said Fehl.

   Another concern some have raised is the cost of running these classes, some of which have involved field trips or hands-on learning requiring fairly expensive supplies.

   “We have been working to make June Academy more cost affordable,” said Fehl.  “At first there was a large budget set aside for it, but now we have been trying to cut down expenses and make it more sustainable.” 

   Fehl and the June Academy committee hope to resolve these questions this year as many teachers are in favor of the program. 

   “Overall, I enjoyed getting to do something less school-work based with students while having a relaxing end of the school year,” said math teacher Rebecca Walz. 

   Every June Academy class is different, and not all involve field trips. Many courses remain at the high school, while others  offer the opportunity to leave campus.

   “Last year I got to go to a real disc golf course during my Disc Golf June Academy [class],” said sophomore Raymond Kwok.

   Having a fun, relaxing way to end the year is ideal for many students, though how much fun some students have can relate to how interested they are in the classes they are given. 

   “I think June Academy is the most fun when you are doing things you genuinely like,” said senior Anne Moser. 

   Having an enjoyable experience is one of the most valued parts of the program; however, many students also appreciate that it takes them out of their typical social group.

   “I feel like the course teaches students skills that they maybe didn’t know before, and it also gives them the opportunity to meet new friends,” said Kwok.

  Getting to know new people through June Academy is not only valued by students but teachers too.

   “I think it’s a great way to close out a school year, but more importantly I find it super helpful since students who I teach in June Academy often become my students in future school years” said math teacher Bailey Fidler. “I also enjoy sharing my ‘outside-of-school’ interests with students.”

   Not every student is a fan of taking June Academy courses, but they have found other ways of using these last days of the year.   

  “I like the idea of June Academy overall, but sometimes it can feel like a waste of time,” said junior Izzy Wheler.

“Last year I went on a Peru trip with my Spanish class instead of just taking a typical course, and I really enjoyed that.” 

   The goal for those who support this program is to keep it going because of its value as a unique learning experience. Achieving this goal may require minor adjustments to past practices, but those in charge of making this year the best June Academy yet believe it should have a future. 

   “I think the idea of June Academy is a beautiful thing really, and I hope we can continue it as a school,” said Fehl.