I have been a student at Angola High School for the past four years. I have been a member and president of the youth-led, non-profit organization, FIST. I was drum major of the Angola Marching Band, president of Student Council, and have been very involved within the community over these years, being graciously chosen to be a finalist for the Steuben County Lilly Community Scholarship as well.
Through my leadership experiences and community service opportunities, I have recognized the beautiful community that is Angola. I have also recognized the unfortunate way Metropolitan School District of Steuben County views and treats their teachers. The lack of funding teachers receive and the lack of input they are able to give is causing students to be negatively affected.
My senior year of high school, I did not have a high school experience. Band was my only class at the high school, the remainder online through IvyTech or in-person at Trine. I come from a single-parent household that has struggled with finances for years. These in-person courses are not cheap. I could either settle for a mediocre online education, or take classes at Trine paying out of pocket as MSD doesn’t offer scholarships for these courses. As a high-achieving student, I can understand the benefits of dual-enrollment courses. Most students cannot handle this load though, and more importantly, will not benefit from these courses. Without qualified teachers within the school system, students cannot get the education they deserve.
Other students have felt the same way. One of my peers, Jed, shared his thoughts with me as well, stating: “Kids at Angola do not feel that the district is looking out for us. Half my school day last year was spent at Fremont High School where I took an advanced level science class that was not offered at Angola. Having that experience I saw what a school district that truly cares about its students looks like. In retrospect, had I known what my high school experience at Angola would have been, I would’ve transferred to Fremont a long time ago, something many kids are doing because Angola is going downhill.”
Jed is first in his class, knowing how important education is. He expressed his gratitude at being able to take this advanced course at Fremont, but makes a great point: What is stopping MSD’s students from looking at the environment and courses Fremont offers, and transferring there? Right now, nothing.
MSD’s teachers are not happy. This is not news to MSD. More than 15 teachers have voiced their concerns to administration over the previous year. Teachers who have made a positive impact on my education, mental health and future have left Angola due to pay, unfair treatment, or the overall lack of opportunity MSD presents their faculty. This used to be the most sought-after school system. Teachers wanted to work there and students wanted to attend. This is not the case anymore.
I love Angola. I have been blessed enough to have been raised here. I have written and presented this letter because I want MSD to be the sought-after school system once again. I want each and every student at MSD to get an outstanding education, one that I believe I was not presented with in my final years there.
I am going to college for pharmacy. After college, there are endless places I could live to pursue this high-demand profession. I want to choose Angola. With the changes MSD is making, I fear this may not be the best option for my future family. On behalf of myself, other students, and many teachers, things need to change.
Wylie Fredrick is a 2024 graduate of Angola High School. This past school year she was president of the youth philanthropy group Forever Improving Steuben County Together. She was just crowned Miss Steuben County and will represent the community in the queen competition at the Indiana State Fair. She will attend Purdue University this fall.
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