What’s recently happened?
Valparaiso High School (VHS) held its AP/IB Honors Art Show on April 11 and April 12. The show was from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and was located in the VHS upper gym. Students produced artwork for the Honors Art Show and have worked extremely hard, creating pieces and planning their booths since the beginning of the school year.
“The entire year is spent working towards the art show and making pieces that’ll connect and make sense when all put together,” said AP Honors Art Student Emily Evans.
Evans participated in the Honors Art show last year and highlighted her favorite thing about being a participant.
“My favorite thing about the Honors Art Show is getting to walk around once everything’s set up and see other people's art, compared to just getting a glimpse of their work in class,” Evans said.
What’s coming up?
VHS Prom will be held on May 18 at the Porter County Expo Center. The dance will be held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. VHS also has many different activities planned in addition to the dance for students to enjoy.
Students will have to purchase a ticket for the VHS Prom. Tickets will be $20 per person and are scheduled to be available Monday, April 29. Tickets will close for purchase on May 12.
A complimentary photo booth will be available for students to enjoy this year. Students will be able to receive a photo booth strip as well as an instant text of their image. Props will be available for students to enjoy.
Prior to the dance, students may attend the Grand March. The Grand March will be held on May 18 at VHS. The march starts at 5:45 p.m. and ends at 6:45 p.m. Doors open at 4:45 to any spectators. GreatNews.Life photographers will be taking candid shots at the Grand March and photos will be posted on the Valpo.Life website.
Staff spotlight:
Mike Ippolito is currently teaching IB Film, English 9, and English 10 at VHS. Additionally, Ippolito is the varsity running back coach for the VHS football team.
“I know this is cliche, but as a football coach, I really look forward to Friday nights in the fall. Nothing beats the atmosphere of high school football games, and I really enjoy being a part of it,” Ippolito said. “I also really love the family aspect of the football team, and it is always great to see players improve on and off the field. Seeing a team come together toward a common goal is fun to be a part of.”
One specific reason moved Ippolito to becoming a teacher.
“I had a lot of teachers that had a big impact on me. I wasn’t always sure that I wanted to be a teacher, but I knew I wanted to do something that gave back and helped people. Teaching seemed to be the best way to do that,” Ippolito said.
Ippolito enjoys participating in many different activities in his free time.
“With coaching and teaching, I don’t get much free time. When I have down time, I enjoy being outside. I like fishing, playing golf, and sitting around a fire,” Ippolito said. “I also have a lot of other hobbies. I love watching movies, and I collect sports cards and memorabilia. I also like to just spend time hanging out with friends and family,”
Lastly, Ippolito shares a piece of advice he would offer students throughout their high school career.
“Always give your best effort. Many realize their potential too late in the game and have regrets about the effort that they gave to school. Making sure to always give your best effort is the most important advice I would give,” Ippolito said.
Student spotlight:
Parker Gleason is currently a senior at VHS who was involved in football and wrestling. Gleason learned valuable lessons through the sports he was involved in during his high school career.
“Sports shaped me in being able to cooperate with others around me and being able to work as a team to obtain certain goals. They shape you into being able to work together with others and change your mindset to get things done. Things that you learn in sports can and will be used for the rest of your life,” Gleason said.
Additionally, outside of school, Gleason works as a server at Pines Village Retirement Home.
“My favorite part of the job is the environment with my coworkers and getting to know residents,” Gleason said.
After high school Gleason is going to attend Ball State University to receive a degree in film. Gleason took IB Film his junior year, which sparked interest in him.
“IB Film was my favorite class because of the teacher who taught it, and I was learning about something that interested me,” Gleason said.
Gleason offers some advice he would give to students.
“I would say to enjoy the time that you have with your friends and other students. Eventually, you will not see some of those people, so enjoy the time you have with them,” Gleason said.