What’s recently happened?
For seniors and even some juniors, college is right around the corner. Luckily, Boone Grove High School tries to make things easy and efficient for everyone
For the past couple of months, Boone has been allowing a variety of different college representatives to visit during lunch. They are able to talk to anyone interested, answer college-related questions, and hopefully help anyone who needs it.
“Universities send their admissions representatives to high schools to offer a personal one-on-one interaction with prospective students to encourage them to apply to their school,” said Karen Krause, guidance secretary for Boone.
It’s an amazing opportunity for students to have direct contact with the admissions counselors at several colleges. There are six schools that have visited so far.
“These schools include Purdue University, Ball State University, Valparaiso University, University of Cincinnati, Manchester University, and Indiana University (IU) Northwest,” said Krause.
The IU Northwest visit was especially popular because they were able to help with students’ admission applications, process them right away, and give an actual decision on whether or not they got in. Along with this, they showed each student what type of financial aid they were eligible for.
All in all, these college visits have been a major success at guiding students towards their future.
What’s coming up?
The end of the first quarter of school is quickly approaching. With this comes a lot to look forward to in the future.
Students are pushing themselves in academics in order to be eligible for some amazing opportunities Boone offers. Any juniors or seniors who have grades above a C- on their first quarter report card are able to participate in blended Wednesdays. This means they can stay home that day and complete their work online.
Along with this relaxing break in the week, any student in the school who maintains these grades isn't required to attend Instruction Support Period (ISP) before school. Without ISP, their school days start a little later than usual at 8 a.m.
In addition to privileges centered around academics, Girls and Boys Basketball and Wrestling are starting soon.
“I’m super excited for this season. We’ve got a bunch of new people interested, so it seems like it’ll be a fun couple of months,” said Isabel Francis, a junior and returning member of the basketball team.
Boone is hoping for a strong end to the first quarter and is looking forward to all of the upcoming events in the next one.
Staff spotlight:
Kathy Witt is an Applied Skills Special Education teacher at Boone. She’s been at the school since August of 2007.
Witt grew up in Hebron and knew since first grade that she wanted to be a teacher. She worked hard, accomplished her goals, and now enjoys what she does.
“I love seeing the happy, excited faces of my students as they come in each morning for a new day,” said Witt.
So many timeless memories have been made throughout Witt’s years of teaching, but one particular tradition remains a favorite. Every year, Witt’s classroom has its own Thanksgiving.
“We work together and cook the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, and then sit in one huge circle or line of tables, depending on how many students we have that year,” said Witt.
Witt adores all of her students, and she wants them to feel at home when they come to school.
“We are one big family in my classroom,” said Witt.
Outside of the classroom, Witt has a large family and a 2-year-old dog who she loves spending time with. Along with this, Witt enjoys taking pictures, scrapbooking, gardening, and traveling.
“I love visiting the ocean each summer and recharging before the next school year,” said Witt.
Witt is an essential part of Boone, and it shows through her work. Her care, devotion, and dedication to her students don’t go unnoticed.
Student spotlight:
Perry Rigsby is a name that’s well-known throughout Boone. It’s hard to see him in the hallway and walk by without a high five. Luckily, Rigsby is never one to shy away from socializing.
While born in Portage, Rigsby moved to Boone when he was young and has been at the high school in Witt’s classroom for seven years now. One would think that going to school this long would get boring, but Rigsby has loved every second of it.
“My favorite thing about this place is seeing all the students. I love to talk and meet new people,” said Rigsby.
Rigsby especially enjoys lunch, where he gets to sit next to all his friends and gross them out by putting peanut butter on his lasagna.
There’s never a dull moment in Witt’s classroom for Rigsby. He’s made countless memories throughout his years of high school.
“The funniest memory I can think of is when my old buddy Evan got picked up over somebody's shoulders and the person fell. They both face planted,” said Rigsby.
Outside of school, Rigsby is involved in a Porter County Basketball team. He’s been on the team for a couple years now, and there’s always someone in the crowd cheering him on.
Along with his bright personality, Rigsby is also well-known for his love for IU and hatred for its rival, Purdue University.
“IU is the best. Purdue sucks. Just so that you know, Indiana has more banners than Purdue,” said Rigsby.
Rigsby has accomplished many things in his life, like being mentioned on the podcast “HoosierHysterics,” but in the future, he’s looking forward to getting both a car and a girlfriend.
“I think he brings positive energy wherever he goes. He definitely lights up a room. Perry has a kind of spunk that makes people enjoy talking with him — even though his favorite college stinks,” said Elaina Schriener, a senior and close friend of Rigsby.