What recently happened?
The Valparaiso High School (VHS) drama club performed outstandingly in “The Beauty and the Beast.” The musical was in the VHS auditorium on November 16, 18, and 19. Raegan Smedley played Belle, Jack Reichert played the Beast, and Allie Parks played Babette at this performance.
“I love how flirty and girly I can be with this role, I love being able to put my sass and spin on her,” Parks said.
Parks highlighted the effort and hard work actors have put into this performance.
“The actors have put incredible amounts of effort into their specific roles, not only by themselves but with the help of Colleen Peluso and Matt McCann,” Parks said.
“The Beauty and the Beast” was a hit for families to enjoy.
What's coming up?
While Christmas break is quickly approaching, students are preparing for final exams. Finals will be held Dec. 15, 18, 19, and 20.
In addition, Valparaiso Nazarene Church (VNC) has connected with VHS to collect food items for the backpack and snacks food program. This program has been created to aid students who may not receive the meals they require over weekends or breaks by giving them a backpack filled with food necessary to get them through that time.
VNC also has events coming up in December for students and families to enjoy. These include a Christmas Celebration on Dec. 10 and the Summit Christmas party on Dec. 17.
Staff spotlight:
Heidi Krouse is a science teacher at VHS—Krouse teaches principles of biomedical sciences, medical innovations, medical interventions, and AP Biology. Krouse attended Saint Joseph’s College where she obtained a degree in biochemistry.
Krouse originally planned to go into a different aspect of medicine but eventually decided on teaching. She enjoys teaching students although it was not her first plan.
“I had no plans to become a teacher. I wanted to go into veterinary research. This was a total afterthought,” Krouse said. “I do enjoy the kid interaction and the questions that kids ask, especially when they are curious about stuff.”
Krouse also facilitates both future medical professionals and the Earth Awareness Club. She enjoys interacting with them outside of class.
“I love seeing the kids in a different light, so when I take kids on hiking events or when we go to museums, it’s cool to see them not as students. I don't have to be their teacher who is forcing them to do stuff,” Krouse said.
Outside of working in the school, Krouse loves to hike, travel, and workout. She also advises students to have fun during high school.
“If I could give any advice to students it would be to travel. Get out of the area you live in. Take advantage of any study abroad opportunities. Take some friends, throw them in a car, and go downstate to camp. Do something that gets you out of the area, because you will experience things from different perspectives and different mindsets, and it changes you,” she said.
Krouse loves to give students exposure outside of the classroom, whether that be field trips or speakers.
“My favorite part of the school year is when we have speakers and field trips—anytime we get out of the school to do something fun. The best learning happens outside of school,” Krouse said.
Krouse has a strong love for teaching, and she shared her motivation to continue teaching daily.
“I want kids to have opportunities that I didn’t have. I want them to think outside the box because I didn’t. I was so programmed that you had to be a doctor or a nurse with no thoughts that you can merge things that you love,” Krouse said.
Student spotlight:
Junior Jack Smiley enjoys weightlifting, video games, and hanging out with friends during his free time. However, Smiley mainly spends his time playing basketball for VHS, where he finds enjoyment from it daily.
“I enjoy playing basketball and being around my teammates and coaches. It gives me joy being around these people daily,” Smiley said. “They are great people, and it pushes me to be a better person too.”
Smiley has practices and weightlifting daily to keep him prepared for the season. Basketball is such an enjoyable sport for Smiley, however, he mentioned some difficulties he faces.
“It’s difficult getting out of practice, going home late, and still having to do homework when you have zero motivation. You have to become a student-athlete first. You can’t be on the team if you don’t have good grades, so I have to make sure I’m staying on top of everything,” Smiley said.
Despite difficulties, Smiley feels a lift in his spirit whenever he is in the gym.
“I am always in a good mood. Basketball takes my mind off of things whether it’s school or homework,” Smiley said. “The people are very fun to be around, and I find joy in the sport overall.”
Smiley enjoys many of the classes he's enrolled in this year and what they entail.
“My favorite class is APC. I get to lift weights and that is something I enjoy doing. However, studies-wise, I like AP Environmental Sciences. I enjoy learning about real-life situations, and my teacher, Ms. Fields, as well as my classmates, makes the class even more fun,” Smiley said.
After high school, Smiley plans to play basketball in college.
“Playing basketball in college is my main aspiration. I don’t have a set plan on what I aspire to do after college. Wherever basketball takes me is my main goal,” Smiley said.
Lastly, Smiley mentioned a piece of advice that every student should know and remember.
“Stay focused on your goal, whatever it is. Don’t let other people tell you what you can or can’t do. Eliminate all the distractions and don’t take school for granted because you need it in the long run,” Smiley said.