What’s recently happened?
On February 4, John Adams High School’s 2023 National Honor Society (NHS) chapter passed on its legacy to the 2024 chapter. The induction ceremony commenced with introductions by Cecilia Stanton-Verduzco, leader and organizer of NHS, along with a few words by 2023 Chapter President Michael Camilleri.
As the ceremony went on, speeches were made by the preceding officer, who then passed the role onto the upcoming officer. Officers of the 2023 chapter discussed how each pillar – character, leadership, scholarship, service – impacted their time and efforts in NHS, while the 2024 chapter members discussed how they would implement each pillar. After each pair finished their speech, they completed the ritual of passing the torch to display the passing from one leader to another.
“As a representative being inducted into NHS, it gave me great pride to see my classmates and peers being acknowledged for their tireless work. Additionally, I am so excited to see what this NHS chapter will bring to Adams,” said Claire Brenner, officer of the 2024 NHS chapter.
After each candle of the 2023 chapter was extinguished and the new candles were lit, the process of inducting the new NHS class began. New members were introduced, signed their name in the book of all the members that came before them, and received their award.
While the induction was bittersweet for the seniors who had to leave their posts behind, new leaders were recognized in the junior class. The junior class will be able to display its talents and creativity through the spring and fall projects.
“It was so inspiring to see the talented new officers coming into NHS and knowing that they are going to do great things,” said Camilleri.
What’s coming up?
On February 18, the John Adams Student Council is hosting the Snow Ball dance. This dance wasn’t held in previous years due to COVID-19, but Adams is starting up the tradition once again.
The dance will be held at The Brick from 7 p.m.-11 p.m., where refreshments such as a waffle bar will be served. The dance is semi-formal and will be open to all grades, including students from other schools who can be brought as guests.
“We are having the Snow Ball in order for all grade levels to have a fun night outside of school and let loose with friends,” said Olivia Purcell, vice president of Student Council.
The Snow Ball allows students to enjoy a night of dancing and hanging out with their friends outside of a school setting. The night has promised to be filled with fun and lots of memories.
“Though my time at Adams is coming to an end, I am trying to make as many memories as possible,” said Senior Ayva Rainwater. “I am excited to attend the Snow Ball this year and enjoy the time that I have left with my friends.”
Staff spotlight:
Social Studies Teacher Emily Dean grew up in central New Jersey but moved to South Bend with her family. Dean loves the neighborhood that she now lives in and feels a great sense of community within it. With so many small businesses, including Brain Lair Books and The Local Cup, as well as wonderful neighbors, it was one of the best decisions that Dean has ever made.
“Our small pocket of the city is amazing, and I love it. The diversity of people creates a vibrant, caring, and responsive community,” said Dean. “I have never lived in a place where so many people were invested in intentionally living in a community that provides for everyone’s needs.”
Dean attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, where she had the opportunity to meet many new people as well as play a variety of sports and enjoy different art classes. Dean did her undergraduate studies at the University of Evansville where she studied archaeology. Later, Dean earned her master’s degree in American history and museum studies at the University of Delaware.
“I was always interested in what life was like in the past for people who were very different from me,” said Dean. “I loved my college experience; Evansville was a small school, so I was able to get to know the students and the faculty.”
Dean teaches world history classes at Adams and has recently taken the challenge of teaching International Baccalaureate (IB) World Religions. Dean loves the work that she does and truly puts all of her efforts into ensuring that her students are receiving a quality education.
“For me, teaching has become the most important and profound form of social justice work that I can do,” said Dean. “I love building relationships with my students and seeing them mature and change over four years.”
While not in the classroom, Dean spends most of her time close to home, or driving her kids to practices and playdates. Some of her most favorite activities in South Bend include going to The Local Cup on Saturday mornings and attending Art Beat and Fusion Fest.
Student spotlight:
Nakayla Scales is a senior at Adams and is working to obtain the full IB diploma. Some of her favorite classes include IB Spanish and Advanced Placement Calculus due to the skills that she has learned to manage them, such as dedication and focus to succeed.
“IB has provided me with the academic rigor to prepare me for my future ahead and has broadened my perspective of the world,” said Scales. “I have learned to manage my time and work hard to succeed.”
Scales has been a very involved member in the Adams community and enjoys the time that she is able to put into her extracurriculars. Scales is the senior co-captain of Science Olympiad as well as the vice president of the International Student Organization. Some of her favorite memories also include giving prospective student tours during the beginning of her senior year to encourage younger students about the advantages of taking full IB.
“I decided to join these clubs because of my great academic interest in STEM and my minority identity,” said Scales. “These clubs have provided me with new friendships and knowledge.”
Throughout her time at Adams, Scales enjoyed all of the distinctive opportunities and new areas to explore. She has not only grown as a student but as an individual making her way in the community. Scales has learned many important life lessons and the impact of her decisions and the control that she now holds over her life.
“The years I have spent in high school have taught me valuable lessons of self-love, commitment, and perseverance,” said Scales. “My time here has prepared me socially and academically to triumph in life after graduation.”
Scales' goals after high school are to study neuroscience and Spanish, with the aim of moving onward to medical school. As her time in high school comes to an end, Scales holds a bittersweet feeling, as she is looking forward to what life has to offer but also fears moving on from what she has grown accustomed to.
Lastly, Scales describes a favorite memory that she held with her throughout her last few years at Adams. In IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, she failed her first quiz which was an eye-opening experience.
“I believe this was the turning point of my high school career because I was finally challenged. Growing up, I easily succeeded within math and finally I experienced my first form of ‘rejection,’” said Scales. “This experience taught me to persevere and continue despite failure, and understanding that failure is not the end.”