What recently happened?
Many things happened in October for Valparaiso High School (VHS), like the Natural Helpers retreat. The retreat at Camp Tecumseh from October 26 to 28 focused on time, trust, self-esteem, and maintaining authenticity. Attendees gained valuable insights about themselves and others as a result of the event.
VHS also hosted a Halloween Costume Contest on October 31, allowing students and staff to dress up and participate in various categories. Staff entered in categories like best staff/student duo and best staff department/group costume, while students entered in best duo/trio and best individual costume.
Regarding events in October, the VHS’s boys football team played Michigan City High School on November 3. The football team won Sectionals with a score of 26-7. Justin Clark’s strong performance rushing for 146 yards led VHS to another victory. The team will continue to play against Merrillville High School on November 11 for Regionals.
What’s coming up?
The VHS drama club has been preparing for a performance at the “Beauty and the Beast” musical, which is set to be on November 16, 18, and 19.
The production is expected to be crowd-pleasing.
“I feel as if the costumes, set, and hard work everyone has put in is really going to leave the crowd wanting more,” Senior Allison Parks said. “People are going to love the amazing actors who have put incredible amounts of effort into their specific roles, not only by themselves but with the help of the incredible Colleen Peluso and Matt McCann.”
Parks has been participating in drama club since her sophomore year, and she has immense gratitude for the positive impact it has had on her life.
“Drama club has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Being able to be myself in front of others who share the same passion as me led me to really open up my sophomore year. It is such a nice outlet, and it has taught me a lot about myself and what I love. The amazing people I have met while in drama club have changed my life, and I never could thank them enough,” Parks said.
Staff spotlight:
Riley Zimmer is a science teacher at VHS. She graduated from Ball State University with a master's in curriculum and educational technology and Valparaiso University (VU) with a dual bachelor's degree in chemistry and secondary education.
“Honestly, going into college, I had my sights set on chemical engineering but I received a scholarship for a program that focuses on future math and science teachers at VU. I thought I would still pursue engineering and I’d just get my teaching degree as a bonus, but I fell in love with teaching while I was student teaching my senior year,” Zimmer said.
Zimmer expressed her love for the field.
“My favorite part about teaching is interacting with students. Each class hour has a different personality and each day in class is different. Kids keep me on my toes—you never know what they’ll bring to class that day. Plus, I love the field of chemistry and getting to talk about it every day,”
Zimmer said. “One of the reasons I love it so much is it’s unpredictable! You can prepare your lesson for that day but there’s always a possibility that something throws off your plan. It could range from a jammed copier to a snow day. You always have to be ready to roll with the punches and adjust.”
Zimmer, a varsity assistant girl's basketball coach at VHS, has been with the team for seven seasons and finds joy in it.
“I love the game and the competitive situations that coaching allows me to be a part of, and I love my players. The girls are always fun to be around and we have some great times,” Zimmer said. “I’ve always been a part of team sports growing up, and coaching allows me to feel like a part of a team again even if I’m not actually playing. It makes me happy to be a part of our program. We always make good memories together.”
Zimmer also expresses advice she would give to students.
“My advice for students is to always put your best foot forward and own it when you don’t. Whether it’s a late assignment or a quiz that you didn’t do so hot on, we all make mistakes and face adversity but it’s how we react to those situations that shapes who we are.”
Student spotlight:
Samantha Edwards, a junior at VHS, actively participates in various extracurricular activities such as UNICEF, Mayor's Youth Council, Natural Helpers, Team Lead, and Student Council.
“I do a lot of clubs that help with the community and the school around me, I definitely think it makes me a more well-spirited person. Whether it’s school spirit or being a better person,” Edwards said.
After high school, Edwards desires to obtain a degree in political science and law and then get a job directly in political science or move forward to law school. Edwards is involved in numerous things related to her future aspirations.
“The Mayor's Youth Council and Student Council revolve around my future plans because I want to be in politics and these help me not only meet people who are interested but also help better my connections with the political figures in my community,” Edwards said. “I’m taking all of the social studies classes that I can so I can try and get more into the social studies realm. I’m also taking AP Government in the spring so I can better my understanding of the government around me since that's what I want to do after high school.”
When Edwards isn’t in school or working at Chick-fil-A, she likes to listen to music, hang out with friends, and go on late-night drives. Edwards also touches on a piece of advice for students.
“Stay focused and always be yourself when it comes to new opportunities. Be open to new people and new things,” Edward said.