What's recently happened?
On September 29, Valparaiso High School (VHS) hosted its Homecoming game as well as the Homecoming tailgate. The Homecoming parade began at 4:30 p.m. and started at Ben Franklin Middle School; the parade then headed towards the high school.
Additionally, the Homecoming tailgate was also available for students and families. Various activities were available for students to enjoy, including a photo booth, face painting, a DJ, and vendors like Valpo Velvet Shoppe.
The Homecoming game followed the tailgate starting at 7 p.m. against Merrillville High School. Many seniors competed for Homecoming Queen and King throughout the week. In conclusion, Valparaiso Senior Libby Ehrhardt won Homecoming Queen and Senior David Gonzalez won Homecoming King.
In addition, the Homecoming dance was held on September 30 from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. VHS’s Cheer team decided on a “Red Carpet” theme and decorated the cafeteria for students to enjoy. The dance had a photo booth with props as well as a DJ.
What's coming up?
VHS Cheer winter tryouts will be held from October 18-20. VHS Vikettes will also be holding tryouts on October 18 and 20.
Fall break will be held for students to enjoy through the dates of October 16-17. Following fall break, freshmen through juniors will also be taking the PSAT on October 18.
Staff spotlight:
Charissa Wirick is currently an English teacher at VHS. Wirick obtained an undergrad degree in English from Purdue University Northwest and continued to obtain a master's in education from Ball State University.
Wirick originally intended on a different career path within the field of teaching, but later settled on secondary education.
“I originally wanted to do elementary education, but I worked in a preschool for around a week and a kid cut my hair, so I decided I wanted to teach a different grade,” Wirick said.
Regarding teaching, Wirick enjoys her job for many reasons. Wirick loves spirit days as many students get involved as well as finding new ideas and activities that students would enjoy participating in. Overall, Wirick emphasizes a couple of reasons she really enjoys her job.
“I love how every day is different as a teacher, but I also enjoy getting to know students and talking to them, especially sophomores because they undergo such a unique change from being freshman babies to almost adults by the end of the school year. They become really enjoyable to talk to,” Wirick said.
Wirick also mentions her favorite part about teaching students is how she can have a degree of freedom while doing it.
“I really enjoy teaching because I get to talk to many people, move around, and teach however I want. I can have a crazy day if I want or have a quiet day if I feel that I need one,” Wirick said. “I love seeing the student that struggles finally have the moment where it clicks, and that's why I am motivated to teach students every day.”
Wirick also shares what she thinks everyone should live by and apply to their life as a whole.
“I heard this saying a while back that stuck with me, and it was that lighting other people's candles won't make you dimmer. Being kind to others will never hurt you,” Wirick said.
Wirick loves to read in her free time, hang out with English teacher Erin Charpentier, and listen to Zach Bryan.
Student spotlight:
Noah Magiera is currently a senior at VHS. Magiera looks forward to going to soccer practices and games to see his teammates. He enjoys playing soccer as the team is like a family.
“I look forward to practice every day, and I hate when it ends. As serious as practice is, and while we are all trying to get better, I can't help but have fun, I just love the sport,” he said.
Not only does Magiera look forward to soccer practices, he also feels that the sport has shaped him as a person.
“Playing sports definitely gives me more school spirit. Being a part of a great soccer program encourages me to attend all of the girls' games because they frequently come to support us. Since being a part of the soccer program, I have definitely changed as a person. It has made me more confident and helped me develop strong leadership skills. It has also changed my outlook on life. I learned to cherish my youth and the people around me,” Magiera said.
Magiera plans to attend college after high school to obtain a degree.
“I plan to go to college after high school and study business. I strive to get my Master of Business Administration and hopefully obtain a good job out of college. I have acquired credits that correlate with my future plans. Those credits include the classes Business Management, which is dual credit (DC), Marketing Fundamentals (DC), and Economics,” Magiera said.
Magiera also enjoys doing many things in his free time including playing pickleball, spike ball, and spending too much time on fantasy football.
“I enjoy watching football on Sundays. When I'm not in sports season, I love going to Chicago with my friends on the weekends. I like getting coffee, whether that be by myself or with friends, just talking about life and having a good time,” Magiera said.
Magiera is currently enrolled in a class where he gets to explore his interests in photography.
“I really enjoy IB Film. I've always liked photography, and now I get to work with it every day and learn new things about it,” Magiera said.
Magiera also mentioned some advice he would give to students to receive the best high school experience.
“Don't take anything you do here for granted. Don't be shy, try to be confident, and talk to people. These four years can be a great time if you find the right people to spend it with. It goes by fast, so take advantage while you can,” Magiera said.