What’s recently happened?
After a long summer and the first few weeks back, September was the first full month of school at Andrean High School (AHS). Students had to work hard to get back into the swing of things, but they had a lot of things to keep them busy.
Starting off, all of AHS' fall sports have been displaying the wonderful talent the school is packed with. The majority of the teams are wrapping up their regular season games and are preparing to start their post-season runs.
Girls soccer won its first round sectional game against Hebron High School 5-0. Some of the team's top contributors include: Mila Champion, Christina Gil, Sophia Cuadra, and Tessa Powell. These talented girls all scored in this high intensity game. The girls are preparing to take the field again on Thursday, October 10. Good luck, Lady Niners!
This month, seniors were recognized at senior nights. All sports teams celebrated their senior teammates during a special game where they were honored.
This month, AHS also celebrated Homecoming. AHS students dressed in different themes every day during the week leading up to Homecoming. For students who have to wear uniforms, this is a very big deal. Students get to express themselves by showing their personal style.
On the Friday before Homecoming, students were able to have a day of fun. Students made their way out to the football field to watch a game of powderpuff and cheer on their female peers. They also got to watch skits put on by the court. The 10 students running for Homecoming King and Queen worked hard to create skits to try and earn the votes of their fellow students.
That night, the AHS football team had its Homecoming game. Students filled the student section dressed in all gold to support their team. Andrean took the win against Highland High School!
The Homecoming court was also recognized, and the winners were announced. The 2024 Homecoming King and Queen were Jayden Neil, and Addi Stephens. A big congratulations to them on this fun victory!
The next night, AHS students took to the dance floor for the Homecoming dance, dressed to impress, and let loose. They showed their best dance moves and had a night to remember.
What’s coming up?
Next month will be filled with a lot of games for AHS’ fall sports. AHS has high expectations for its athletic teams, hoping they all have long postseason runs. Everyone will be keeping them in their prayers, praying for safety and success.
AHS students will be participating in service projects to help out St. Jude House and those who suffer from domestic violence. Students are asked to donate to the foundation to help them get the resources they need.
This is also a month to honor the Respect for Life movement. Students have the opportunity to pray the Rosary in honor of unborn babies.
With the fall sports season coming to a close, AHS' winter sports teams will begin their seasons soon. AHS encourages fans to come check out the basketball teams who show their hustle and drive on the court. Attending basketball games is a great way to show school spirit and have something to do on the weekdays after school.
Something else to keep an eye out for is the AHS theater troupe’s fall show. It will be putting on its rendition of “Clue." The show will happen at the end of November, so mark your calendars! Like all students at AHS, the theater troupe is filled with talent and always puts on a show you don't want to miss.
Staff spotlight:
Senora Amanda Grove has been a Spanish teacher at AHS for the past 11 years.
This year, she is teaching six classes. She teaches Spanish I to the freshmen and Spanish III to the juniors.
Grove is originally from Michigan but came to Indiana to go to college at Valparaiso University. It was there that she met her husband. He is from Indiana, and since she can teach from anywhere, she decided to move to Indiana with him.
Through some different friends and connections, she was able to get a job at AHS, and has been teaching here ever since.
Grove always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She originally was interested in teaching middle school students, but after going to high school, she found out she was really good at Spanish. Her teacher led her down the path of choosing to teach Spanish, and thank goodness she did, because AHS wouldn’t be the same without her.
Grove is filled with such a power and is a bright light that anyone can see Christ through. Many students have noted her as one of the most compassionate people at 5959 Broadway, and everyone in the building knows that if they are in need of anything, she is the person you go to.
She is always there to lend a helping hand, and welcomes everyone into her classroom with open arms. She never hesitates to make sure everyone is okay, comfortable, and happy. She makes every single student feel seen and understood.
"Don't be afraid to keep evolving. We all think that we have to become something and once we become that thing we are that thing, but I think we're always becoming new things. Growth is exponential over the years. It’s not something that leads to the end and then we’re done,” Grove said.
Student spotlight:
Maddie Walton cannot wait to start this new season. Walton has been on the Girls Varsity Basketball team since she was a freshman, and this year she has stepped into a new role as captain.
“Basketball brings out a new me. It helped me build leadership skills. Every year since freshman year I have grown and gotten better and better in my playing ability and also in the different roles I have taken while on the team,” Walton said.
To Walton, one of the most important things that has come out of her time on the AHS basketball team is the family she has made over the years. She has gotten so close with her teammates; the community and family-like setting has been so important to her.
As captain this year, Walton really wants to be able to be a role model for the younger girls. She wants to show them how to be a good teammate and friend, but also demonstrate how hard work can pay off.
Walton loves the size of AHS. She likes the small and close environment because everyone knows everyone. She loves the atmosphere because it is always cheerful and fun.
“It feels like a little family reunion every now and then,” Walton said.
Walton’s favorite tradition at AHS is Armeggedon. She loves getting to see everyone come together as one big community to play games together and have fun.
Walton is a smiling face for all to see. She treats everyone with kindness and demonstrates God’s love to all she speaks to.
As the basketball season nears, come support Walton and the rest of the Lady Niners basketball team!