What’s recently happened?
With basketball season drawing to a close, Boone Grove High School’s Boys Volleyball team is gearing up for what looks like a promising season.
Its season officially started on February 26, and most recently played against Chesterton High School on March 14.
Both the varsity and junior varsity teams competed, with varsity taking the court first. The match started at 5 p.m. and, after three consecutive sets, concluded at 6:15 p.m.
Boone’s varsity team emerged victorious: the first set finished with a score of 25-13, the second 25-7, and the third 25-20. It was a swift win, one that instilled optimism for the remainder of the season.
“I was super happy to be back in the swing of things. We took care of things last night, but we have a long season ahead of us. There is always room for improvement. I’m just glad we got a good team win,” said Caden Harretos, senior and returning member of the varsity volleyball team.
With its early success, Boone looks forward to all the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
What’s coming up?
The final quarter of the school year means many events are on the horizon. One in particular is quickly approaching—prom.
Following the success of last year’s prom, expectations are high for Boone’s 2024 dance.
Prom is an event that is planned and executed by the junior class. For this year’s theme, the class of 2025 chose “A Night in Athens.”
It’s going to be held on April 13, and tickets were on sale from March 4 to March 15. The price was $70 per person, inclusive of a dinner and sundae bar.
Like the previous year, prom will be hosted at the Design Barn. The Grand March, something family and friends are all welcome to attend, begins at 5 p.m. The dance itself will be from 5:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
As a new addition, a 360° photo booth will be available, only adding to the excitement of the event.
“We had a lot of fun coming up with the theme and the menu, so I’m super excited to see how it turns out,” said Mitchell Saco, a junior and member of the Student Council.
Staff spotlight:
Maria Wilson has been an integral part of Boone’s cafeteria staff for four years, diligently serving students with a welcoming personality.
Though Wilson never initially thought of working in the school’s cafeteria, she finds immense fulfillment in what she does.
She originally intended to work in the floral business, but the busy weekend schedule it would require made her reconsider.
“Then I got married and became a mom. It’s the best job ever,” said Wilson.
Wilson has two cherished memories of her time working at Boone.
“I love seeing the kids and staff’s faces when seeing the decorations I put up in the cafe. The second is getting the staff of the month award. To know how the kids feel about me working at Boone makes me smile,” said Wilson.
Being a part of the cafeteria staff is an extremely rewarding job, one that allows Wilson to connect with all the wonderful students as well as see her own children.
Unfortunately, her job also has its fair share of obstacles. Wilson is responsible for keeping track of each student's accounts.
“It breaks my heart, and it is extremely hard to tell any kid they don’t have the funds on their accounts,” said Wilson.
Despite this, Wilson always puts her best foot forward when it comes to her work and tries her best to make everyone feel comfortable.
Beyond her work life, Wilson constantly has her hands full.
“I have six cats, one huge dog, a hamster, and a pig inside the house. I also feel like I live a new life day-to-day due to having one boy and four girls,” said Wilson.
Wilson’s future plans are always changing—a minute-to-minute life.
“All I can say is that I plan to be the best mom I can be, and, sorry Boone, but I will be leaving in seven years in exchange for some long overdue vacations,” laughed Wilson.
Student spotlight:
Ian Wilson, a longstanding student at Boone since elementary school, has involved himself in a diverse array of sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities throughout his high school career.
He’s been a part of the National Honor Society, Key Club, choir, baseball, and volleyball during these past four years.
Volleyball is currently taking precedence in Wilson’s life, as the season just recently began.
“I joined Boone volleyball in middle school. I believe seventh grade was when I first started,” said Wilson.
Reflecting on his past volleyball experiences, Wilson highlighted some standout memories.
“The best part of volleyball so far has been winning the Porter County Conference (PCC) with an undefeated season during my junior fall season. Hopefully I get a new favorite memory this year, depending on how far we’re able to make it in the state competition,” said Wilson.
Not only is Wilson heavily involved in school activities, but he is also committed to his academics, loves to listen to music, and enjoys playing video games from time to time.
“Other than that, I’ll commonly hang out with my family and friends. I also enjoy visiting my girlfriend at Indiana University Bloomington (IUB),” said Wilson.
Looking towards his future, Wilson plans on attending IUB next fall, where he hopes to receive a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Though IUB doesn’t have an official men’s volleyball team, Wilson doesn’t intend to give up the sport.
“I would still enjoy playing in an intramural league or amateur athletic union (AAU)-type team,” said Wilson.
For the rest of his senior year, Wilson is determined to maintain good grades and improve his volleyball skills.
“I feel as if I still haven’t reached my full potential. For my team to be able to go as far as I’d like, I want to know that I’ve played the best I possibly can,” said Wilson.