What’s recently happened?
Munster High School (MHS) choir students had a successful conclusion to their week-long Austria trip. They headlined their concert at the heart of Vienna, Minoritenkirche, with a sold-out audience of 400 Austrians and supportive family and friends.
“Singing in a place so rich in culture was life-changing,” Senior Tara Gaither said. “So many people came to watch us share our music. It was a great experience.”
The MHS choir started its trip on June 27 when students arrived in Salzburg. They rehearsed and performed alongside professional choirs for the Salzburg Choral Festival. The choirs sang under the direction of János Czifra, Domkapellmeister of the Dom and one of America’s best choral conductors, at the Salzburg Dom.
While not rehearsing, MHS choir students toured around the area. They visited the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart Square, the Dom, University Church, the entrance to Mozart’s birthplace, the Mondsee Abbey, and much more. They also were able to see film sites from the famous film “The Sound of Music” including the movie’s gazebo and wedding location.
“It was so beautiful there,” Gaither said. “It was nice to just walk around, explore, and meet the locals.”
What’s coming up?
Munster’s Centennial Park is a prime location for many summer events and festivals.
On July 9, Munster Parks and Recreation held a Kids Fest with balloon twisting, face painting, bounce houses, a foam party, and many food vendors and games.
On July 3, Munster held its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. This popular event consisted of food vendors, live music, a Girl Scout flag ceremony, and fireworks over the Centennial Lake.
Kylena Torres, a senior and MHS Chorale member, sang the national anthem at the Fourth of July event for all the park to hear.
“I felt very honored and proud to sing at the event, “ Torres said. “I have sung the anthem before many times, but at Centennial, it was definitely my best version. Being up there was nerve-racking at first, but I just had to tell myself that at the end of the day, I was going to sing it, and I had to make it count. I loved it, and I would do it again, no questions asked.”
The park’s next event is the Region Eats Festival on July 15. The park will have over 15 food trucks available for visitors to indulge in.
Staff spotlight:
A caring community member, loving mother, and beloved individual within the School Town of Munster, Amanda Jez touched many hearts and her loss has been felt by many.
Jez grew up in Hammond, Indiana, and went on to be a MHS Class of 1993 graduate. Her love for the school system carried on as her two children currently attend the Munster schools.
She dedicated 25 years of her life to the School Town of Munster, teaching at Eads Elementary School, serving as assistant principal at Wilbur Wright Middle School and at Elliott Elementary School. Jez was a proud national board-certified teacher and a member of the Indiana Teachers Association.
As she passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous battle with cancer, community members have shared their positive stories of Jez’s impact under the hashtag: “#joyforJez.”
“I met Amanda Jez when our daughters joined Girl Scouts in kindergarten,” Diane Hoogeveen said under the hashtag. “Through years of volunteering together, she has always worn a smile and been able to control a chaotic situation with ease. When my kids started middle school, she was there to help navigate the transition into sixth grade with her familiar warm smile.”
“Amanda was one of the funniest people I knew,” Julie Atkinson said under the hashtag. “Every day was a new opportunity for silliness in the Wilbur Wright Middle School Guidance Office. She was never one to pass up a good joke or a good dress-up day.”
“Mandy was a one-of-a-kind, class act, and all-around wonderful human,” Lynn Bettenhausen said under the hashtag. “She was bright, funny, and had a calming demeanor I will always strive for.”
“I had a student that hurried during tests,” Sheri Lynne said under the hashtag. “She gave him pep talks and had him test with her when possible. How amazing is that? Words cannot express my admiration for this woman.”
Student spotlight:
Reading her way through 23 books since the beginning of the year, Chloe Reynolds, senior, has spent most of her summer outside, under the sun, with a book in hand.
“I enjoy reading for school, but reading on my own is a lot more fun because I can read what I want and when I want,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds developed her strong interest in reading during the quarantine period. She found that reading books has been a great way to “escape.”
“It is like going into a whole other world, and it really helps me when I am stressed,” Reynolds said.
She enjoys reading romance and thriller novels the most, her favorite being “Stand” by Stephen King.
“‘Stand’ has well-developed characters, plot twists, and good lessons,” Chloe said. “I have learned while reading that everything happens for a reason and you have to make the most of it.”
Chloe is currently on her 24th book, “Finally Mine” by Lucy Score. She hopes to read 52 books by the end of the year.