What's recently happened?
At the annual Valparaiso High School (VHS) Honors Art Show, that took place on April 14 and 15, students were able to showcase their talent through different pieces composed throughout the course of the semester. Students picked one main focus topic for their art and created a booth-like display to illustrate their chosen theme.
“I chose to focus on pivotal moments of events in my life that resulted in growth. Working on these pieces brought me to realize that I changed and learned a lot throughout my life and it has led me to where I am today,” said Junior Mylan Rossetti.
The VHS students displaying their art revealed that they did not only enjoy assembling their art portfolios, but they also learned much about themselves along the way.
“I think being a part of this class has definitely helped me with time management because these pieces took forever. I was able to expand my artist's abilities and I think I grew the most as an artist this year,” stated Senior Helena FioRito.
Agreeing with her fellow peer, Senior Lea Vojsolavek also believed she developed as a person through this experience.
“This honors art class has shown me how to express myself in ways I did not know I needed too. I developed a sense of consistency, which is a skill I am starting to use everyday," said Vosjsolavek.
Junior Jaden DeKock noted that he had grown as an artist as well, but he had also been introduced to new crafty materials.
“This honors class has opened my mind up to different methods of displaying art and different materials that can be used for art. I don’t know any other class where I would be introduced to so many materials and ways to use them,” explained Junior Jaden DeKock.
Parents and friends reacted positively to the students' different booths as they walked around to view the art. The show will be held again around the same time next year.
What's coming up?
Juniors and seniors at VHS are starting to show their excitement for the upcoming mythical greek god theme prom dance that will be held on May 14 at the Porter County Expo Center.
“I am super excited to spend time with my friends, this prom. I’ve gotten my dress, shoes, and made my hair appointment. I am excited to see what prom night has in store for us,” said Junior Hailey Stemple.
The VHS student council has been hard at work planning this year's grand march. Grand march is an opening ceremony where students show off their stunning dresses and suits. The VHS grand march will be held in the field house and start at 5:30 p.m.
“I am really excited to see everyone dressed up for prom this year. I rented my tux and can’t wait to put it on,” exclaimed Senior Clay Kain.
VHS Junior Katherine Stalmah has been preparing her gorgeous prom look with the use of different social media apps and online websites.
“I’ve been looking on Pinterest a lot to get ideas for what colors match and what flowers to get. I looked on the JJ’s House website for dresses as well. I also really enjoy seeing people who have already attended prom post their pictures on Instagram.”
Prom is not something that can be planned last minute. Students everywhere are ordering and pre-booking to be ready for the dance.
“I have picked out my dress, ordered my flowers, bought my tickets, made my dinner reservations, and I’m literally so excited,” said Junior Sabrina Olivarez.
Prom is only about two weeks away and VHS students are ready to bust out their dance moves.
Staff spotlight
This month’s staff spotlight is English teacher Charissa Wirick. This is Wirick’s first year at VHS. Wirick teaches freshman and sophomore English and is happy to be a part of the VHS teaching staff.
“I love Valparaiso. The people in this city are so supportive and it makes teaching at Valpo super fun and exciting. I can say from a teacher’s perspective VHS really cares about their students," said Wirick.
Despite being a school teacher, Wirick is still in school herself. She received her undergraduate from Purdue Northwest and is working on her masters at Ball State University.
“I graduate from Ball State University in two weeks with a degree in secondary education. Honestly, I am really excited. Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World inspired me and ever since then I have wanted to be a teacher," said Wirick.
Wirick finds value in being able to have time outside of school to express love for traveling. She has many aspirations for the places she wants to go in the future.
“My bucket list consists of traveling,” Wirick said. “I want to one day stand on a really high cliff in Scotland or Ireland and feel the breeze. I would also love to mountain bike in some beautiful mountain ranges.”
Wirick tells all her students that time management is the key to an easy high school experience. She believes students should manage their time wisely in order to succeed well in their upcoming high school years.
Student spotlight
This month's student spotlight is Sophomore Mady Lamb. Lamb is a hard-working student who enjoys being social and getting together with friends to support the Valparaiso community. Lamb is a member of the VHS dance team known as the Vikettes. Through Vikettes, Lamb has been given many opportunities to help out around town.
“I love volunteering with my team because it makes me feel like I am a part of something that is trying to make a difference," said Lamb.
Not only is she a dedicated Vikettes team member, Lamb also dances at the Prestige Arts Company located by Subway on Calumet. Lamb aspires to be important in the dance industry one day and hopes to continue that dream by becoming a dance team captain.
“I love dancing and the people I have met through dancing. It is my passion," said Lamb. I really hope to be Vikettes captain sometime throughout my highschool career because I feel like it will give me a sense of what real responsibility in the dance world really looks like.”
Through dance Lamb hopes to earn a scholarship for school to continue improving her skills.
“I am thinking about Arizona State University (ASU) or Purdue. I know I have some time but ASU has always been a dream of mine, and I would love to dance in college," said Lamb.
Aside from dancing, Lamb spends her time hanging out with friends or playing video games.
“I hang out with my boyfriend a lot, I play a lot of minecraft, I just really enjoy hanging out with people because I form a lot of my favorite memories with them," said Lamb.
Lamb can’t wait for next Vikette season and hopes to see students be a part of the VHS student community by supporting the Vikettes at the football and basketball games next year.