WARSAW — With the holidays just around the corner, many are singing carols and sharing sentiments of goodwill for all. Although numerous people will sing carols about “decking the halls,” the business, marketing, information, technology and entrepreneurship department has taken a literal approach to the classic Christmas tune. The department decided recently to get rid of the 30-year-old drab, yellow walls it had featured.

After 12 days of brainstorming, the staff in the BMITE department decided to create an opportunity to inspire BMITE students and give them the gift of recognition for their accomplishments. Staff worked several Fridays after school, dashing through the halls painting the walls and hanging pennants with care of different Indiana universities and schools WCHS seniors have decided to attend. Once BMITE students have accepted an offer for college, their name is placed by their chosen school’s pennant.

Another addition to the halls is the inclusion of gold stars, which recognize significant individual achievements students have accomplished in class. These coincide with a “BMITE Rising Star” banner hung at the end of the hallway. Each BMITE teacher sets their own standard for achieving a star. For example, students enrolled in digital applications and responsibility that pass their Microsoft certification are honored with a gold star that lists their name and accomplishment. BMITE students can continue to add to their star once they have completed new achievements. These stars will be given to students when they graduate.

BMITE teachers would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.