What’s recently happened?
John Adams High School’s unified football team has had a lot of incredible feats this season, including its first win on September 28, with a score of 27-25. Shortly after its first win, the team began to advance further in the league.
On September 30, the John Adams Eagles defeated East Chicago Central High School in the semifinals and then took down Valparaiso High School in the Championship game! From there, the unified football team advanced to Regionals.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Unified Flag Football Regionals were hosted by John Adams at the Everwise Credit Union School Field on October 7. The Eagles played a solid game against Carroll High School but unfortunately lost 20-12 in the Regional semifinals.
Lastly, Senior Night was also celebrated for unified football, and the seniors recognized were Anthony Mullas and Harry Singh. John Adams is super proud of all of the hard work and dedication that each athlete and coach put into their season.
What’s coming up?
October is a busy month for the John Adams Eagles as the first quarter is coming to a close, with many exciting activities along the way. Eagles can look forward to an array of events, such as October 11, the PSAT day for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. While this may not be what underclassmen look forward to, seniors have the day off and are encouraged to go on college visits, finish up college applications, or enjoy a day to catch up on work before grades are due.
What many look forward to with Halloween right around the corner is John Adams’ annual Track or Treat, where the sports and clubs that make up John Adams’ extracurriculars pass out candy to families and friends in the surrounding neighborhood. The event takes place on October 17 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at John Adams. Students have opportunities to dress up in costumes and decorate their tables to show off their Eagle pride.
“One of my favorite events of the year is Track or Treat because I love being able to see all of the families come in with little kids in costumes,” said Allison Kinney. “I also love hanging out with my friends and passing out candy at the John Adams Volunteer Association (JAVA) table.”
Immediately following the event is the infamous MORP, or prom spelled backwards. MORP is the annual school costume party, which usually falls around Halloween. Students can buy tickets at all lunches on Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17 for the price of $7.
MORP is a lively experience and allows one to be able to catch up with friends, show off their Halloween spirit, and dance the night away.
Staff spotlight:
Jordan Tafelski was born and raised in South Bend, attended John Adams High School, and completed his undergraduate studies at Ball State University. Even though Tafelski grew up with aspirations to move away from his hometown, he really appreciates all the opportunities that the city has to offer.
“While I still don’t know if I’ll be here long term, I’ve grown to appreciate South Bend and have been excited to see the growth and changes made in my lifetime,” said Tafelski.
Tafelski originally received his teaching degree in Social Studies Education. However, while applying for a position at John Adams, his old high school principal offered him an interview for an English position. Tafelski has been teaching English for four years now, and through his efforts, he has made an impact and helped teenagers become better writers.
“Watching my students improve from the beginning of the year to the end and collaborating with them brings me a sense of pride and accomplishment that I’m not sure you can get from many other professions,” said Tafelski.
The Adams community was very welcoming and allowed for a seamless transition into teaching for Tafelski. Being able to teach in the same environment that he grew up in allowed for a greater emphasis on teaching. Lastly, Tafelski finds the variety of students at Adams very engaging because he is able to interact with many different types of students.
“Not only does this make my job more interesting, it also brings a greater diversity of ideas to classroom discussions and interactions, which benefits everyone,” said Tafelski.
When Tafelski is not busy shaping young minds in the classroom, he also enjoys going to concerts, golfing, and hanging out with family and friends. One of his favorite events that South Bend has to offer is the return of Fusion Fest, which allows the community of South Bend to come together and share knowledge and cultures through food.
Student spotlight:
Joie Warnke is entering her senior year at John Adams and is very excited for the opportunities that it has to offer and the memories that she will create. Warnke is pursuing an academic honors diploma while working towards a partial International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate.
“Some of my favorite classes have been IB Music with Kevin Graham and any math class with Jim Bartholomew. Both are such engaging teachers, and I have thoroughly enjoyed how much I look forward to each class every day,” said Warnke.
Warnke is a very active member at John Adams and is involved most notably in jazz band, concert band, pep band, and marching band while also being an athlete on the girls golf team. Warnke has participated in band all four years of her high school career, and it has shaped her to be the person that she is today. With guidance and many amazing opportunities provided by the band directors, music has continued to inspire Warnke in her life and remains her passion.
“I have been provided the opportunity to grow as a musician and learn various new instruments, and I absolutely enjoy playing and performing them,” said Warnke. “Band has opened my eyes to the profession that I intend to pursue and has caused me to develop such an intense love of performing.”
John Adams’ band just finished competing in Indiana’s State School Music Association’s (ISSMA) season, where it received the People’s Choice Award for its show “Helen” which drew inspiration from Greek mythology. During her junior year, the band even went as far as to travel to Indianapolis for the State competition after receiving a Gold Rating with its show “Tempus.”
“The band continues to get better, and it was incredible to see the band grow and improve as a drum major,” said Warnke. “I have been able to pursue my passion of playing my instrument, while also developing the greatest friendships I could imagine.”
Band is not the only aspect that draws Warnke’s attention, as she just finished out her senior golf season. Her coach, Andrew Kern, was very welcoming and encouraged her to be a part of the team, which was really special for Warnke since she has played ever since she was little.
“Playing on the golf team has been such an amazing experience, and I love being able to meet new girls from other high schools that share the same love for the sport,” said Warnke.
As application season for college quickly descends on seniors, it has allowed Warnke to look towards her aspirations for the future. Her top schools include Butler University, Western Michigan University, and Ball State University, with plans to study instrumental jazz performance with a minor in business.
“I would love to become a professional jazz musician and spend my time traveling across the country to spread music to others,” said Warnke. “I also want to create my own jazz club where other musicians, or aspiring ones, could share their love of music with one another.”