What's recently happened?
During the week of September 19-23, Valparaiso High School (VHS) engaged in many different homecoming activities. The week featured spirit dress-up days, a parade, a tailgate, a football game, and a homecoming dance.
“This week is just a great way to get people to take part in school activities and look forward to something other than a regular school day,” said Senior Fiorella Cespedes.
To hype up the football game, students participated in spirit days throughout the week. The spirit day themes consisted of grout fit (gray outfit) day, favorite vacation destination shirt day, patriotic day, favorite music/band shirt day, and 'green out' day to show some support for the VHS football team.
VHS hosted its pregame tailgate on Friday, September 23. It was a party for all family and friends of VHS students and teachers. Food trucks present at the event ranged from Mexican to shaved ice. A free photo booth was available where photos could be printed or airdropped.
“It was a good time,” said Senior Jonathan Coronado.
The game started at seven that night and the varsity team played their hearts out against Crown Point High School. Even though VHS did not win, the team was just happy to be out on the field.
On Saturday, September 24, the VHS cafeteria was jammed with high schoolers moshing to the DJ at the homecoming dance. The dance theme, curated by the VHS cheer team, was ‘come sail away.' The decorations had a cruise ship and an underwater theme.
“It was really fun to see how many people were there, and the decorations were really cool to see when walking in,” said Senior Eva Mckinny.
What's coming up?
Congratulations to this year’s VHS girls' golf team. The team took first overall in their sectionals tournament and will be headed to state the first weekend in October.
“I’m really excited because one of our goals from the beginning of the season was to make it to state, and I'm just so happy that all of our hard work has paid off and we were able to achieve that goal,” said Senior Maddie Isley.
VHS student council would appreciate it if students met in the school parking lot Thursday morning to wish the girls a happy send-off. They will be taking a bus down to Carmel, Indiana for the tournament.
“We are really excited to be going to state. We’ve been working towards this for the last two years. We missed it last year by one stroke which was disappointing for all of us. We are excited to go and show them what Valpo can do,” said Senior Leah Ribordy.
Good luck VHS girls’ golf!
Staff Spotlight
This month's staff spotlight is main office secretary Paula George. George is the first smile people see when entering the school. She is always welcoming and loves meeting new faces.
“The kids and the staff make Valpo a unique place to be. We have a good community and caring educators who make Valpo a fun place. I try to make it fun at least," she said.
After high school, George’s first real job was as a secretary. It was something she always wanted to try.
“It fit me and I liked the organization of the job. So that's what I’ve done ever since," she said.
The fun part of George’s job is that she gets to work alongside student aids. She loves getting to know the different students and hearing all their interesting stories. They help her with small tasks like running passes and she helps them with all life advice.
“Keep an open mind, education is important but so are the trades," she said. "Follow your heart. You know what you want to do, so do what you like. It is never too late to change, you are never stuck.”
George plans to be at VHS for a very long time. She would later like to retire from school and pursue her traveling dreams.
“One thing I miss from high school is seeing my friends every day, so I am going to stay at VHS as long as I can," she said.
Outside of VHS, George’s first priority is her family, but she likes to run in her free time.
“I really want to do the Dopey Challenge. It is a race at Disney where you can do either a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon. I think it would be really cool," she said.
The VHS community is thankful for everything George does and is glad to have her be a part of the office team.
Student Spotlight
This month's student spotlight is senior and homecoming queen Ramaya Hall. Hall genuinely appreciated the support she received from her peers and was honored to be crowned the 2022 homecoming queen.
Hall has been involved with VHS extracurriculars since her freshman year. She loves learning from new people and experiences as she takes on high school.
“Throughout my years of high school, being involved in different clubs and sports has introduced me to a range of people who have all, in some way, taught me valuable lessons," she said.
Hall was excited when she learned of her nomination for homecoming court. She had the possibility to win homecoming queen with the small price of standing in front of her whole school at the homecoming football game.
“I’ve had a bit of experience with standing in front of a crowd, but I was still a little nervous," she said.
When Hall’s name was announced as this year's homecoming queen her face showcased an exuberant smile. She realized VHS had chosen her as she looked at the green flower she had received.
“The whole night felt surreal," she said. "Knowing people voted for me and wanted me to win was extremely heart-warming.”
Being homecoming queen has taught Hall that the people who appreciate you have a great impact on your life. She is grateful for the foundation VHS has provided in her growing years.
Hall had a fun time at the dance and maybe moshed a little too hard.
“Do not wear heels to the actual dance. Bring a pair of sneakers. People mosh to absolutely every song," she said.
Hall can’t wait for what the rest of her senior year has in store as continues to create her own VHS legacy.