What's recently happened?
The residents of Lake Station, Indiana, have spent their final few weeks of summer enjoying the sun and attending the state fairs and other local events. Many have taken advantage of these hot summer days before returning to school. Throughout the town, many different homes, families and businesses continue to host rummage and garage sales of all kinds. These sales are a great opportunity to find new things that someone else may not have a use for anymore.
Many residents of Lake Station have spent time at the Porter and La Porte County fairs. These fairs bring many people from all over the area in to enjoy the day. There are many activities such as shopping at different vendors who are selling numerous types of products, taking a look at fair animals, getting something sweet and savory to eat, and of course, getting on the rides. For many Lake Station residents, these fairs are a time for them to have quality time and get out for some fun.
River Forest High School has offered free summer meals. Students were able to get these meals at five different locations which include Twin Oaks Park, Columbus Park, Ravina Pines Living Community Playground, Henry S Evans Elementary School, and the River Forest High School cafeteria. These meals were offered Monday - Friday for breakfast and lunch.
Many fall sports have already sprung into action and begun preparations for the upcoming season. River Forest High School hosted cheerleading tryouts Tuesday, July 18 through Thursday, July 20 from 3-5 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. These tryouts were for current River Forest High School students and incoming freshmen.
NorthShore Health Centers hosted a physical clinic Friday, July 14 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. for athletes at River Forest High School. This event was open to all current high school and incoming freshman students. Students were required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) physical form.
What's coming up?
As the upcoming school year rapidly approaches, many schools have begun to open their doors for fall sports tryouts. Many sports, such as football, volleyball, and cheerleading, have already begun getting these student athletes up bright and early to begin their preparations for the season. Many students have begun their annual back-to-school shopping and even preparations for a college move-in.
The Lake County Fairgrounds will be hosting its annual summer fair August 4-13. There will be daily horse shows, carnival rides, motor sport events, and so much more. Many Lake Station residents enjoy going to the fair and spending time with friends and loved ones. These fairs are not only fun but also a great opportunity to come out and meet new people.
On Friday, August 4 at 6 p.m., the Gary SouthShore Railcats will be hosting its annual Union Night, where the team will be celebrating the strong union presence across Northwest Indiana. Many will be there to enjoy snacks, quality time with family and friends, post game fireworks hosted by Fifth Third Bank, and, of course, a good old baseball game.
Community member spotlight:
Madison Roach is an upcoming senior at River Forest High School. She is a part of the marching band, the softball team, and serves as the treasurer for the National Honor Society. Roach also volunteers to coach the River Forest Middle School concert and marching band. Along with the many other roles she takes on, Roach also volunteers to coach the River Forest Middle School softball team.
Throughout Roach's summer, she has been working in the concessions stand for the old little league fields in Hobart while also volunteering to help keep the complex clean and up to par for the younger girls. She has also had many tournaments this summer with her travel softball team, but due to injury, she was on the sidelines for this year's marching band.
“If I had to pick the highlight of my summer, it would probably be the time I had during the Fourth of July,” Roach said. “My friends and family and I always have a great time swimming, watching and setting off fireworks, and just getting to spend time with each other. It's definitely the day I look forward to every summer.”
After high school, Roach plans to attend a four-year university in Indiana studying accounting or finance. She also has hopes of playing college softball.
“I’m definitely excited for my senior year, but I'm also really nervous,” Roach said. “It's nerve-racking knowing that I'm one year away from being an adult in the real world. I'm not ready to experience my last high school moments; it'll be bittersweet for sure. All in all, I'm ready for whatever this year will bring my way.”