WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

“ The wolverine, a solitary animal, has a reputation for ferocity and strength out of proportion to its size, with the documented ability to kill prey many times larger than itself.” This definition applies to what it means to be a Wolverine at Woodland Hills. We are not a solitary animal, but in our commitment, we are unified as one. We have the strength to carry on in times when others may give up, and we fight to overcome troubles that may seem too large to conquer.- Mary Jane Probola, Special Education Teacher, Woodland Hills Junior / Senior High School

Being a Wolverine means loyalty, integrity, and strength. – Jamie Glasser, Board of School Directors, Class of 1997

Anyone can wear school colors and claim to be a Wolverine but a true Wolverine is someone who lives it in their community, in how they honor and respect the students of Woodland Hills, how they cherish their schools, and finally how they treat themselves and others. Being a true Wolverine is an unbelievable privilege that I am thankful for.- Michelle Sperduto, Class of 1989, 1st Grade Teacher, Wilkins Primary

Being a Wolverine means you are motivated, privileged, and humbled. Motivated to strive for your goals. Privileged to represent a community of one family. And humbled for the opportunities that Woodland Hills provides each and every single day.-Mike Caprara, Class of 2012

Being a Wolverine is to have pride and unity. I say that because Woodland Hills is composed of many different kids from many different communities who come together as one, and it has shown over the years.-Jevonte Pitts, Class of 2011

To me what it means to be a Wolverine is that when you are faced with the

biggest tragedy a human can endure, you can find the strength from the Wolverine community to survive; because as a“ Wolverine,” you will never stand alone.- Lori McDowell, Churchill High School Class of 1987, Instructional Coach, Woodland Hills Intermediate

A Wolverine is persistent and does not let naysayers stand between them and their goals. A Wolverine is kind, compassionate and a beacon of positivity. A Wolverine never forgets where they came from....- Katherine Stupakis Armstrong, Class of 1994, Teacher, Woodland Hills Academy

I believe that being a lifelong Wolverine has given me the strength and tenacity to be the man I am today. The opportunities as a student and a teacher at Woodland Hills have truly helped me understand who I am and the world around me. I have a very unique perspective of living through the merger that created the district and many changes that Woodland Hills has experienced since then.- Craig Mehalik, Class of 1990, Art Teacher, Woodland Hills Junior / Senior High School

When you are a Wolverine, you instinctively take the hand of someone who may look different and live different than you and unwittingly love them because they are a wolverine too. You are courageous against the conventions and institutions that expect you to fail as they place barriers before you that make success all but unattainable. Yet, you are resilient, and with hard work, you achieve what was thought to be improbable. When you progress out into the world, you bring back your accomplishments and unselfishly share them with other Wolverines. To be a Wolverine is to be part of something unprecedentedly unique and an insightful privilege is gained that is impossible to obtain anywhere other than Woodland Hills.-Jennifer Damico, Class of 2000, College and Career Access Center Director, Woodland Hills Junior / Senior High School

Everyone is accepted despite differences. I don’ t feel pressure to change who I am.-Elizabeth Weaver, Class of 2021

Being a Wolverine means being part of a bond that runs deep. Something built long ago by tough, strong, loving people. People who aren’ t scared or hesitant to band together and grind no matter the cause or the circumstances. People who really want to be great. To achieve, you must endure is the motto of the Wolverines. It speaks directly to how Wolverines put the time and work into the process of being successful. That culture and mentality has been carried along and grown to become a powerful family that I am beyond proud to be a part of.-Jullian Turner, Class of 2011

To be a Wolverine means I’ m blue collared, humble, fearless and ambitious!“ To achieve you must endure!”-Khaynin Mosley-Smith, Class of 2010

To be a Wolverine is to succeed in the face of adversity, to love without limits, and to stand for what is right: even when it feels like you’ re standing alone. But, being a Wolverine means you’ re never alone.-Sarah King, Learning Support Teacher, Woodland Hills Junior / Senior High School

To be a Wolverine means to be a part of a community that is all about diversity

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