What’s Recently Happened:
Hearts were full at Lowell High School (LHS) as students and staff took the time on Friday, April 8 to learn about the importance of empathy in remembrance of former LHS guidance counselor Christina Thomas. Thomas passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. She was an incredibly empathetic person who did whatever it took to improve her students’ lives.
Before her passing, Thomas shared plans for a mural in the halls of LHS to promote kindness and empathy. Over spring break, the beautiful mural was completed by LHS art teacher Roni LaPage. It displays a beautiful set of wings with the quote, “Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.”
A memorial bench was also placed in the LHS commons, which also displays a set of wings. The bench was made by LHS teacher Robin Leslie and her husband. The amazing pieces of art created in her honor have been greatly appreciated and raved about throughout the school.
Along with learning about Thomas, her legacy, and her message, students had a class period full of lessons based on the idea of empathy and its importance. These lessons helped prove why Thomas made it a point to spread the message of empathy and compassion to LHS students.
During her time as a guidance counselor, Thomas proved to be an extremely positive influence on all Red Devils and was extremely beloved. She touched the lives of hundreds of students over the course of her time at LHS. She truly embodied compassion and empathy. Thomas led the Red Devil mentoring program, and even organized a special needs prom every year to spread kindness and joy.
She will be greatly missed by all, and it is certain that her message and story will be shared with all future students who did not get the opportunity to meet the wonderful person she was and see the impact she truly made on Lowell High School, along with the entire community of Lowell.
Coming up:
"Lowell’s Got Talent" is making a post-pandemic return this year at LHS! This recent news has students excited while planning out their acts to take onstage. Coordinators plan on putting together a night to remember that celebrates the many talented students at Lowell High School.
The event is on Friday, May 20 beginning at 6 p.m. in the LHS auditorium. Auditions will take place at the end of April. LHS is looking for singers, duets, groups, bands, artists, comedians, jugglers, instrumentalists, orators, dancers, and any other talents that students would like to showcase to the town of Lowell.
Vocalists will audition in the auditorium on Monday, April 25 after school beginning at 3:15 p.m. Auditions will be first come, first serve. All other performers will audition on Tuesday, April 26 at the same time. If callbacks are necessary, they will occur on Thursday and/or Friday, April 28 and 29.
Those who have an interest in auditioning are to pick up an audition packet before the date of their performance from Mr. Joseph Gianotti. Any other questions, suggestions, and concerns can be directed towards him as well.
Staff Spotlight:
LHS’ AP psychology, regular psychology, geography, and government teacher Michael Schoon is always ready to cheer up his students as soon as they walk into his classroom. Whether it’s by cracking constant jokes during lectures or taking a few minutes of class to check in with his students and their wellbeing, Schoon’s students always feel welcomed and cared for while in his class.
Schoon has been teaching at Lowell for two years now and teaches a wide variety of classes and grade levels at LHS. No matter what subject or age he is teaching, he’s always working his hardest to “make learning enjoyable.” And he does just that. Students are constantly discussing their appreciation for Schoon, his understanding of his students and their needs, and his ability to connect with them and make them feel heard.
Schoon finds ways to make his career at LHS enjoyable not only for his students but for himself, too. He stated that his favorite moment at LHS so far was being able to be a part of Lowell’s annual dodgeball tournament this year. The event proved to be a hit for all students and staff and was a fun night for all.
The concept of Red Devil Pride can also be found within Schoon, as he is proud to be a part of the Lowell High School community and staff.
“Lowell takes into account a lot of the social emotional learning (SEL) needs of our students, which the majority of schools in Indiana lack to focus on. I truly appreciate it.” Schoon said.
Student Spotlight:
Kaylyn Carey is a junior at LHS and definitely sets an example for students looking to use the many courses offered by the school to set them up for success in the right way. She has proven to show great amounts of dedication in her academic career and pride in her school.
Carey is involved in many groups and organizations at LHS. She’s a student council member and is one of the incredible new National Honor Society inductees. She’s also jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the trades program offered by the school, and encourages other students to do the same.
“LHS has some of the best programs for after high school careers. If you aren’t sure what you want to do after high school, take advantage of this opportunity. I would recommend doing this because you can end up finding a passion to take on as a career, or you can figure out what you like or don’t like when it comes to your future,” Carey said.
Carey, along with other students in the Red Devil welding program, were even approached with the opportunity to attend the SkillsUSA Welding Sculpture competition in Indianapolis. The competition took place on April 9 and is an event that showcases the best career and technical education students in the nation. Carey was amongst the students representing LHS and reflects on the showcase as a great experience that she plans to attend next year as well.
Along with the advanced CTE courses at LHS, Carey says she shows pride in her school and is proud to be a Red Devil. She feels the best part is the overwhelming amount of support shown by not only the school corporation, but also the community. She says that Lowell’s community is what makes it such a welcoming and supportive place to learn and live.
“The community always helps us host events for our school and wants to see the future of Lowell succeed. I think that our small school helps us really get to know each other, and that alone separates us from other schools in the county,“ Carey said.
Carey’s current plans for the future include going to college for engineering or business. After college, she plans to start her own business. There is no doubt that she will have a very successful future, as she shows extreme amounts of determination and passion for anything she does, all while proving what it truly means to be a Red Devil.