What’s recently happened?
Over the past month, people have been showing up to Central Park Plaza for movie nights. Every Tuesday, a family-friendly movie has been shown on a projector in the downtown amphitheater. It’s been an instant hit for many high school students, including the students from Wheeler High School (WHS).
“When I heard that they were having outdoor movie nights, I was a bit confused at first, but I brought my younger siblings. It turns out they loved it and so did I,” WHS Senior Clara Davis said.
So far, “Zootopia,” “Inside Out 2,” “The Parent Trap,” and “Monsters Inc.” have been played during these movie nights. The next movie is on July 1, which will be the showing of “Moana 2.”
However, these nights are not simply just movies. Before the movie begins, there are some fun pre-movie activities. This includes face paint, giant sculptures of foods, and more taking place in Central Park Plaza.
“My sister loved getting her face paint. I don’t think she stopped talking about it throughout the movie. She kept showing it to me. It was super cute,” WHS Sophomore Adalina Gaetz said.
What’s coming up?
The Fourth of July will be here in a flash. Fireworks will be set off all around the United States, and Valparaiso will follow that trend. On Independence Day, there will be a celebration held in Urschel Field.
“I go to this Fourth of July event every year. There’s always something new, but there are always the parts that are classic to this holiday,” WHS Senior Titus Parrish said.
This event includes live music, food trucks, vendors, and smaller patriotic events that lead up to the big firework show. The event begins around 5 p.m., and the patriotic events start at 6:30 p.m. The main event of fireworks starts at about 9:15 p.m.
“The fireworks never disappoint. I have yet to be unimpressed by them here. The finale is always the best part,” WHS Junior Jack Gaetz said.
Many community members love coming to the Fourth of July celebration. For many, it is the highlight of their summer.
“I am usually at the event from start to finish. I love the vibes, food, lemonade, and all of the shows. It is one of the best days of summer vacation,” WHS Sophomore Brooke Lawson said.
Community member spotlight:
Maddie Janssen is a huge part of the nearby running communities. She runs Redhead Running Co, and uses it to advance her coaching and helpfulness to the community.
Janssen is the new assistant coach for the WHS Cross Country Team. She puts the team through rigorous workouts every Tuesday and Friday to help them become stronger and better runners.
“I don’t make the kids do hard workouts because I want to be mean, but because it will make them better not only with running, but in their life,” Janssen said.
The team really loves having her around and think she is a great new addition to the program.
On top of coaching for a high school team, Janssen coaches at Orange Theory, a gym that specializes in organized workout classes. She has coached over 1,000 classes and continues to push the limits.
“I have been coaching at Orange Theory for a while now, and I love it,” Janssen said. “I love being able to push the regulars to become better, teach newcomers the ropes, and show them how to love working out.”
Janssen is beginning her own running club that will meet every other Saturday. She has been wanting to start this for some time now, but she is currently recovering from a tendon injury.
“I was bummed when I found out I wouldn’t be able to run for some time. However, it made me really understand all of the other components that go into being a good runner. Sharing that knowledge with others and teaching them how to love their bodies is the best feeling,” Janssen said.
Janssen is a caring force who wants the best for all of her students and her teams. She is forming young, new, old, and seasoned runners into better versions of themselves and she loves every minute of it.
