What’s recently happened?
Valparaiso High School (VHS) has started a new project to help students be more creative and to make the parking lot look more colorful and brighter by encouraging seniors to paint their parking spots.
Over the last couple weekends, Senior Adi Foxx painted her parking spot. For her spot she chose to paint it over Deadpool and use one of his catchphrases.
“My inspiration was my love for Marvel, and Deadpool’s catchphrase really sums up my senior year of high school,” Foxx said.
Foxx also had some words of encouragement on why seniors at VHS should paint their parking spot.
“I would definitely encourage it. It's super fun and it is cool to see everyone being able to express themselves through their art,” Foxx said.
VHS is only allowing seniors to paint their parking spot until December 1 as that is the deadline for painting, so hurry fast and paint your spot before it is too late!
What's coming up?
Basketball season is approaching, and the VHS basketball team is getting ready to start its season. After going 19-7 last year and going 5-2 in the Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC). VHS is looking to make it back this year as a top team in the DAC.
After losing to Crown Point High School in the sectional semifinals, VHS lost star Senior Point Guard Jack Smiley as he transferred out of VHS to La Lumiere School to finish his high school basketball career.
VHS starts its season against Gary West Side Leadership Academy at home on November 27. The Vikings have a little ways until conference play begins, though Portage High School is first up on VHS’ conference schedule for January 10.
“I think we have a lot of great players, and the scoring output will change night in and night out,” said Jonny Klumpe, junior shooting guard.
This will be Klumpe’s first year on the varsity roster.
“I'm looking at it the same as I would for any season – prepare the same and try to be the best player I can be,” Kiumpe said.
Staff spotlight:
Hannah Kornfeld has been teaching at VHS for three years and teaches Spanish. Her awesome teaching style has made students love her as a teacher since she has started working at VHS.
“I try to keep my classroom a good learning environment by creating a place where students feel comfortable and important,” Kornfeld said. “I want them to be okay with making mistakes, asking questions, and absolutely trying their best.”
Having a good learning environment really helps make her students feel comfortable and safe each day when they walk in class.
Some teachers have different reasons on why they became a teacher, maybe a family member was a teacher, or it has always been their dream. Kornfeld, on the other hand, was inspired by her Geometry teacher.
“I had a math teacher in high school who was the coolest and most kind person ever,” Kornfeld said. “She would create songs and raps about geometry and I thought, ‘wow she can really make math fun.’ Therefore, I wanted to become a teacher to create a fun and caring learning environment for my students.”
Outside of school Kornfeld has many hobbies and enjoys a wide variety of activities in her spare time.
“I really enjoy reading, music, art, and cooking,” she said. “I also love plants. I have so many at home and in my classroom as well.”
Kornfeld’s favorite part about being a teacher is making strong connections with her students.
“Each and every one of my students is the reason I come to work, and I hope they know how much they mean to me,” Kornfeld said.
Student spotlight:
Noah Sena is a junior at VHS and also plays on the baseball team. Sena also attends a radio and broadcasting vocational class at the Porter County Career Center.
“This school year has been easier than last year with having fewer classes and it is just been slow this semester,” Sena said. “The main thing I do outside of school is baseball pretty much; other than that I just play toss with a friend or go to the gym and workout.”
Sena also partners with Team World Vision and just recently raised money for kids in need of clean drinking water. His goal is to raise $20,000 for kids in need.
“Well to give to the community,” Sena said. “I recently raised $3,800 with World Vision to help kids in need of clean water.”
While Sena is still unsure of where he would like to go for college after graduating from high school, he knows he wants a good college to pursue his dreams.
“My dream college to go to is somewhere where I can play baseball and have a great medical program,” Sena said. “It will also help me achieve my goal in becoming a physical therapist.”
For more information on Team World Vision click on this link to check out more ways to help kids in need and to help Sena reach his goal of $20,000.