GET TO KNOW OUR STUDENTS things to know about : BHS Alumnus Jimmy Wodarek
HE TAKES CHERISHED ITALIAN RECIPES VIRAL .
Jimmy Wodarek ( Baldwin High School class of 2018 ) grew up with the deep soul-nourishment of a close-knit Italian family . That nurturing was given tangible expression through his Nonna ’ s Italian cuisine . Today , Wodarek shares recipes that have been proven over generations through a new medium : social media . Wodarek ’ s TikTok channel @ JimmyBigMuscles has racked up nearly 300k followers and 4.7 million likes .
HE LOVES SHARING HIS FAMILY ’ S CULTURE .
“ The key to every social media account is finding your niche . Mine is Italian content showcasing my family ' s traditions . I take pride in creating very authentic and genuine videos that everyone can resonate with and learn about our culture .”
HE ’ S TURNED A SIDE-HUSTLE INTO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS .
After graduating Baldwin High School , Wodarek earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from La Roche University . He has parlayed his media savvy and marketing training into a profitable business . “ I am very proud that this is my first year being fully self-employed .
I have worked with a lot of major brands on my social channel such as Warner Bros ., Lavazza , Barilla , Swiffer , and more . I also run a social media marketing agency , and I have my own DJ business ,” says Wodarek .
HIS NONNA IS NOW INTERNET-FAMOUS . “ At first I don ’ t think she understood how so many people would see the posts , but as the account grew she began to get noticed in public , people would call to tell her about the videos , and of course seeing herself on TV . Now she understands how Tik Tok works and really enjoys making content with me !”
HE ’ S DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE HIS GOALS .
“ For me a huge lesson I learned [ in high school ] is to not hold back on trying something new . In high school I played four different sports : ice hockey , track , wrestling , and lacrosse . I did not let joining a new sport and being a beginner at first intimidate me . For example , my senior year in high school , I decided to join the lacrosse team . I put a ton of effort into learning as fast as possible to compete with people who played their entire lives . Not only did I play Varsity that year but I got recruited to play in college where I made some of my best friends and memories . This was a sports example , but it ' s a mindset to always be learning and consciously deciding to not let anything hold back your decisions to follow or discover what you love to do .”
aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS things
Denise Wells , Assistant Principal at Baldwin High School to know about : things to know about :
40 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
GET TO KNOW THE DISTRICT TEAM
His Denise athletic Wells has career taught informs
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. respect .” Brown believes academics and athletics complement one SHE KNOWS IT ’ S NEVER TOO LATE TO PURSUE YOUR another “ You learn so much on the field that you don ’ t GOALS . get in the classroom . It teaches you about being a family ,
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real . Kids see through it immediately if you ’ re wearing a SHE mask LOVES . They SEEING appreciate OUR STUDENTS and respect GROW that . authenticity .”
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. is having the opportunity to support our students in all that they do . I am Baldwin always amazed ’ s football by them program and the is way coming they grow off into a bumpy well-rounded stretch individuals of . seasons I also love . Brown going into shares the classrooms , “ It ’ s a challenge to be a part that of the I daily enjoy routine . At the that end our teachers of the day and , staff we go have through an opportunity
to make the to students do something ’ experience we at can Baldwin be a really valuable proud one .” of . I preach to my kids that this team has to be the team that sets HER ROOTS IN BALDWIN GO DEEP . the foundation . My goal is changing the focus .
In addition to decades as an educator in the District , Wells was We got into a habit of being okay with losing . a Highlander herself . She shares , “ I am a Baldwin graduate and We have to change that mindset . You have played on three WPIAL Championship teams , two softball , and one to volleyball hate to team lose
.” more than you love to win .”