What’s Recently Happened?
The Valparaiso High School (VHS) gymnastics team competed on Jan 25 at 6 p.m. Their meeting was in the Valparaiso Central Fieldhouse. The gymnastics team competed against three schools including Lowell, Hobart, and Morgan Township High School. Valparaiso gymnast Chloe Ochman won first place all-around in her division.
Ione Skafish highlights her favorite part of being a part of the gymnastics team.
“My favorite aspect of being part of the gymnastics team is the memories with the girls on the team. They are some of my best friends and the best thing is celebrating together,” Skafish said.
"I continue to do gymnastics in high school because, aside from loving the sport, I love creating new friendships and being a part of a team that makes me feel comfortable and cared about. "
Along with the enjoyment of being a part of the gymnastics team, the girls prepare for meets by practicing six days a week for 3 hours each practice.
“The team prepares for meetings by staying on task at practice and pushing ourselves and each other to be consistent and work hard,” Skafish said.
Finally, Skafish mentioned some of the traditions the girls do before meets, including state.
“Before we compete we have a tradition of saying a prayer and sharing positive and encouraging words with each other. We also in previous years have eaten a flower petal out of our bouquet before state,” Skafish said.
Overall, the girls have had a successful start to the gymnastics season.
What’s coming up?
Key Club has been working hard to put together the Winter Formal for the VHS Students to enjoy. The Winter Formal will be held in the VHS cafeteria on February 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The theme for this year's formal will be Fairytale/Storybook.
The VHS doors (one and 31) will open at 7 p.m. Students should have their e-ticket on their phone ready to be scanned and a picture ID to be allowed into the dance. The dance will require semi-formal attire, and there will also be a coat check available for students. Tickets are on sale for students to purchase up until February 9.
Lastly, the VHS Winter Formal has teachers and students excited to attend.
“I also really enjoy Winter Formal because it’s low-key compared to Homecoming and prom, and it’s always so neat to see everyone all dressed up," Erin Charpentier said.
Staff Spotlight
Jennifer Kimmel is a counselor at VHS, who attended Henderson County High School in Henderson, Kentucky. Kimmel went to IU for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Kimmel received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and her Masters Degree in Counseling.
Kimmel previously planned to take a different career path, however, she decided counseling suited her.
“When I initially started at IU, my dream was to go to law school and I thought Psychology was a good degree to start with for pursuing Law School," Kimmel said. "The more I studied Psychology, the more I decided that my passion was actually counseling. I was also a Resident Assistant in college, and I became passionate about helping others."
In addition to Kimmel's passion for helping others, she explains the enjoyment of her career.
“I like that despite a fair amount of repetition, no two days are the same. Every day is an adventure and an opportunity to make a difference,” Kimmel said. “Hearing success stories from students: whether it's getting into their college of choice, passing their Math test, or overcoming a struggle they’ve been facing–hearing about student success brings me joy.”
Kimmel is very grateful for the VHS community and enjoys her job daily.
“This is a great school to be a part of and a wonderful community to live and work in. I'm grateful to be part of VHS and grateful to be a small part of students’ futures,” Kimmel said.
All in all, Kimmel has some advice she would offer students.
“Always be kind. Everyone is going through something and there is enough negativity out there,” Kimmel said.
Student Spotlight
Madeline Sorrick is currently a senior at Valparaiso High School. Sorrick is involved in dance (mainly ballet), which occurs after school and on the weekends. Sorrick attends Eclipse Performing Arts, as well as Visceral Dance Center located in Chicago. Sorrick enjoys dancing, as she has been a dancer since she was four years old.
“My favorite part about dance is the performing aspect. Going on stage and sharing my skills and emotions as a story with the audience is truly a deep connection and an amazing opportunity. I also love being in costumes with full hair and makeup while feeling just like the character I am portraying,” Sorrick said.
“I have learned many valuable lessons and skills that not only help me in dance, but with school, life, and future endeavors. Dance has taught me perseverance, work ethic, time management, discipline, respect, and so much more. I have performed, competed, and even participated in numerous ballet summer intensives over the years which involved living away from home for a month in the cities of different studios.”
In addition, Sorrick plans to take the next step in college, pursuing ballet and business.
“I will be pursuing ballet as a major in college, as well as something in business. Ballet in college is very prestigious and a big step up, but I am excited about the opportunities and new adventures to come,” Sorrick said.
Lastly, Sorrick advises students to obtain.
“Live in the moment. High school goes by very quickly and focusing on the bad in your life takes up too much time. Get out of your comfort zone and just have fun!” Sorrick said.