What's Recently Happened:
The weekend of March 10-12, Valparaiso High School (VHS) students were given the opportunity to attend the spring Natural Helpers retreat. The Natural Helpers program is a peer helping program based on the premise that students go to their friends instead of adults for help and advice with their problems. The spring retreat helped students understand what it means to be a true natural helper.
“I really enjoyed this retreat. Getting to know other people and learning their stories was my favorite part. I also liked connecting with other students who I haven’t talked to in a while,” said Junior Gabi LaBelle.
Students shared personal stories from their past to elaborate on why it is important to have someone to lean on for support in difficult times. Lively skits were performed by the Rainbow Staff, a group of seniors who previously attended the retreat, covering obstacles that are common to the lives of many high schoolers. Students also journaled during the retreat to take time to reflect on topics discussed throughout the weekend.
“Journaling was definitely my favorite part. It helped me personally review my actions from this past year. Writing out the goals I want to accomplish gave me motivation to become a better helper for others,” said Junior Nicholas Gring.
The retreat challenged the students mentally but overall helped the participants to realize what it means to be a natural helper.
“This retreat was very successful in my opinion. It made me very happy to see everyone working together to see themselves as they truly are so they can help others when needed,” said Senior Paige McCorkle.
The Natural Helpers retreat takes place twice a year. Both students and staff recommend attending if you are presented with the opportunity.
What's Coming Up
The VHS unified track team is starting up practice again this spring. Unified Sports teams combine students with and without physical and mental disabilities for sports events like track, bowling, flag football, etc. Special Olympics Indiana and the Indiana High School Athletics Association (IHSAA) are partnering for the fifth year to sponsor Unified track and field competitions statewide. VHS is happy to be able to continue the unified track program this year.
“I am really excited to be a part of a program that works with special needs students. It makes me happy to see kids with disabilities able to do what they love,” said Freshman Anna Rotole.
The VHS drama department is happy to announce that the 'April Antics' talent show will be held on April 8 and April 9 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
“You don’t want to miss out on this," Stage Manager Katherine Stalmah said. "The drama department has been working really hard to put this show together.”
Last but not least, VHS is holding their prom on May 14 at the Porter County Expo Center from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are available beginning Monday, April 25 to Friday, May 6. Tickets are $20 per person. No tickets will be sold after Friday, May 6.
“This is my last prom and I want to make it my best prom. I am excited for the grand march because I love seeing all the happy couples and everyone's beautiful dresses,” Senior Natalie Grund said.
VHS can’t wait to see all juniors and seniors there.
Staff Spotlight
This month’s staff spotlight is Life Skills Program Teacher and Natural Helpers Coordinator Tina Morales. Morales received her bachelors of science from Western Michigan University and her masters from Indiana Wesleyan University. She started the Life Skills program for special needs students at VHS in 1994-1995. Prior to that, she taught the same courses at Portage High School for two years, making this her 30th year of teaching.
“I have always wanted to be either a teacher or a secretary but I was drawn to the world of special education through my sister, who studied people with autism," she said.
Morales thoroughly enjoys working with the students and staff that make VHS really feel like a community. She has made many memories throughout her countless years of teaching.
“Valpo loves their students," she said. "From the superintendent to our peer tutors and everywhere in between, our students receive support. Dr. (Jim) McCall comes through our classroom and students run up to give him a big hug. Our building administrators love our students and support us teachers as we are here to provide for the kids.”
Aside from working with the special needs students, Morales has seen how the Natural Helpers program has positively affected her education career as well. Seeing VHS students mature and grow into true natural helpers is a part of teaching Morales is glad to experience.
“I am honored to be a part of the Natural Helpers Program, and although I get to know some typical students through their peer tutoring in my classroom, my interactions are limited," she said. "Natural Helpers has allowed me to meet and interact with a greater number and variety of students at VHS. Seeing students at their best is a blessing that I am proud to receive.”
Morales tells all her students that kindness is the key to a good friend and a natural helper. She believes students should find their passion and follow it to see how they can feel better by helping others feel better.
Student Spotlight
This month's student spotlight is Senior Isabella Latinovic. Latinovic plays soccer for the high school’s varsity team and is on a local club team. She is also part of Team LEAD, UNICEF, ASAP, and National Honor Society (NHS). Latinovic was able to attend the Natural Helpers spring retreat where she learned a lot about herself and met many new friends.
“The retreat opened my eyes a bit more and allowed me to look at myself and the world from a different perspective," she said.
Latinovic is still undecided on what she is going to do after high school but knows the future can only be brighter. College is her main goal but she is still unsure about where to attend.
“I have a love-hate relationship with graduating," she said. "I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life but also sad because I’m going to miss everyone. But definitely enjoy every moment in high school because we aren’t lying when we say time flies by fast.”
Latinovic wishes all students good luck in the last quarter of the 2021-2022 school and hopes to make the most of her last summer at home.