What’s recently happened?
After missing the last two years, Valparaiso High School (VHS) students were excited to be able to attend their promenade dance again. VHS held its first classic prom since the 2019 pandemic. The grand march took place in the VHS gym from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and the dance was held at the Porter County Expo Center from 8 to 11 p.m.
Junior Taylor Engel really enjoyed her prom experience. She attended prom in a big group and had a great time with all her friends.
“Prom was such an incredible experience! So many fun people and cool experiences. I think it brought a lot of different people together,” said Engel.
Junior Maggie Lopez, who attended Engel’s group, also thought prom was a blast.
“Prom was so fun this year. Even though I got sick from it, it was so worth it.” said Lopez
Engel and Lopez were both thankful VHS was able to hold a 2022 prom and can’t wait for their senior prom.
What’s coming up?
Congratulations to all 2021-22 seniors. VHS is holding its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022 on the evening of Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the VHS Football Stadium.
Senior Xavier Rochon appreciates the experiences he gained from attending VHS the past four years.
“The best part about graduating is looking back and seeing how much you’ve changed. I think it's crazy because I am enlisted in the Navy for the next six years, then after that I am going to Millikin University for music.”
Senior Leah Green also agrees that change is a big part of high school.
“Starting your next chapter is such a huge change and it's crazy good, sad and hopeful all at the same time. I am excited to be attending the University of Georgia in the fall," said Green
Senior Clay Kain is thrilled to be starting his next chapter and is ready to move on to new challenges.
“The best part is knowing that I am moving onto another chapter in my life. I am attending Washington University in St. Louis this fall," Kain said
The Valparaiso Community wishes these seniors good luck as they take the next step in their lives.
Staff spotlight
This month’s staff spotlight is Life Skills Teacher Megan Lawrence. She is a Purdue graduate and has been a part of the life skills program at VHS for three years. Lawrence loves being able to work with all the wonderful high school students.
“I think the level of acceptance we have here at VHS makes it unique because we have so many students that support activities like unified sports and the coffee house which make VHS feel like a community," said Lawrence.
Lawrence was inspired to be a teacher by the longing to help others make a change.
“I think wanting to make a change with those that often don’t get that chance to make a change by themselves and helping those with different abilities have the same opportunity as others really brought me to teaching," Lawrence said.
Lawrence believes that VHS has really given different types of students the opportunity to reach goals and prepare them for the future.
“The amount of support to help build a better classroom and provide resources is incredible," said Lawrence.
If Lawrence isn’t teaching, you can probably find her at a Harry Styles concert or packing her bags to take a trip around the world.
Student spotlight
This month's student spotlight is Junior Hugo Fagen. Fagen is a goal-driven individual who is always ready to take on a challenge. He is a member of Team Lead, a group that tutors middle school students, and a part of the VHS track team. Fagen values the memories he has made in each activity throughout his high school years.
“Both have contributed to my memories here in high school and I hope to continue them next year," said Fagen.
Fagen really appreciates the high school community at VHS. He believes it has helped him grow in areas he did not know he needed too and is thankful for all the support VHS provides.
“Before high school I had the option to go to Valparaiso or another school of my choice. However, I am glad that I chose Valparaiso because I have grown as a person through all of my experiences and met so many people that I have been able to bond with. Once I graduate, I hope I remember all those that respected and cared for me in their presence. The clubs I am part of also made quite the difference in my life since I really got to see a different perspective from working with others," Fagen said.
When Fagen is not working hard at school or practicing for track there is a combination of activities to describe what he likes to do outside of school grounds.
“I am always hanging with my friends, we're either playing music or goofing around. But when I am solo, I like reading books, cooking, and chilling with my siblings. I know I can always go to them when I need something and vice versa. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without them," said Fagen
Being the ambitious individual that he is, Fagen is ready to take on the summer. He believes there is so much to do and so little summer.
“During the summer I look forward to numerous activities, including my hobbies such as gardening or hanging with friends playing gigs. The beach is also one of my cherished summer hangout spots to vibe with others," Fagen said.
As his senior year is right around the corner, Fagen is already thinking about plans after high school.
“It's between IU or Purdue currently, most likely the latter. Boiler up, if you know what I mean," Fagen said.
Fagen believes time management is the key to high school and will be taking these skills with him when he goes to college.
“Manage your time wisely and finish each semester to the best of your ability; that way you can say you did all you could to improve yourself. Plus, you can relax better after the time you’ve put into your goals," Fagen said.
Fagen wishes all VHS students to have a great summer.