What’s recently happened?
On Sunday, March 19, Valparaiso High School (VHS) hosted its annual National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony in the auditorium. The program began with a welcome statement read by NHS President Lucy Warner. Following the statement was the candle lighting ceremony, the inductions of candidates, the NHS pledge, and refreshments that were held in the cafeteria. The eligible candidates consist of current juniors with a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher.
“I am excited to be invited into the NHS chapter at VHS. I can’t wait to meet new people and serve the community,” said newly inducted Junior Riley Treece.
NHS students need to collect a total of 40 hours of community service to be eligible for the NHS scholarship and earn their tassel at graduation. Students are able to volunteer at events hosted by the school or other organizations in the community.
“I am most looking forward to volunteering my time to make a positive impact on our community and helping those in need,” said New NHS Member Ava Dilley.
The NHS program at VHS strives to bring students together through helping those in need. The program focuses on character, scholarship, leadership, and service to improve the well being of students at VHS.
“The tassel is worth the hassle,” laughed Warner.
The current NHS chapter, the Class of 2023, has a total of 5,000 service hours and 137 members.
What’s coming up?
VHS will host its annual Academic Excellence Awards banquet on Sunday, April 23. Seniors who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or better all four years of high school are able to choose an educator of their choice to personally invite to the banquet.
“I like being able to personally thank teachers who have helped me maintain my GPA. I appreciate the teachers who care, and it is hard choosing just one that influenced me throughout my four years at VHS,” said Senior Colin Walworth.
Students will have to write a letter to their chosen educator explaining how this educator influenced and inspired them and how the educator contributed to their education. The banquet is not only to award the students but also to thank the VHS staff.
Staff spotlight:
School Nurse Teddi Creekmore has been working at VHS for eight years. She graduated from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. In Michigan, Creekmore was an operating room nurse, but the work schedule did not fit her needs. After shadowing a school nurse, she knew it was for her.
“My job at VHS is unique because I get to build relationships with kids, whereas in a hospital, patients get better and go home. Building relationships is one of the best parts of this job,” said Creekmore.
Creekmore appreciates the VHS community because she is able to do what she loves in a positive environment. She wants students to be aware that school isn’t everything and it’s better to learn about yourself through everything VHS has to offer.
“Being a teenager is hard because not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up. Plans change, so focus on who you are. College isn't for everyone; be who you want to be. That’s what I did,” said Creekmore.
Creekmore wishes all her students a good finish to the school year.
Outside of VHS, Creekmore loves to read mystery novels and hang out with her five cats. She also loves to travel.
“I would like to go to all 50 states. I think I am halfway there,” said Creekmore.
Student spotlight:
NHS President Lucy Warner plans to attend Purdue University – West Lafayette next fall majoring in biomedical health science. Warner is a hard-working student who plans to one day achieve her dream of being a doctor. She is excited to be able to learn new skills and expand her circle of influence at college.
“I am ready to not have a set seven hour schedule everyday. College gives students the opportunity to figure out what real life is like,” said Warner.
Being NHS president comes with a lot of responsibility. Warner creates the agendas for the meetings and leads each meeting. Along with the other officers, she plans the big events like the annual food drive and valentine flower sale.
“I love the amount of work we do for the high school and the community,” said Warner.
Warner is thankful for the VHS community where she has been able to meet people with different views and hobbies. She appreciates the support from teachers and peers to be able to follow her medical field dreams.
“Growing up in a positive place like Valpo has allowed me to be able to form my own opinions,” Warner said.
Outside of school, Warner enjoys working at Pines Village Retirement Communities and cooking in her free time. In the next five years, she would like to be a Purdue graduate and in her first year of med school.
“I am going to miss being around some of the best people I know, but I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me,” said Warner.
Boiler Up!