What’s recently happened?
On May 11, the New Prairie High School (NPHS) Prom was hosted at the South Bend Scottish Rite. The theme for the 2024 Prom was the Gatsby Gala, based on the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Lined with black, gold, and shimmery decorations, the hall was transformed into a glamorous scene.
“I really enjoyed the theme. Having read ‘The Great Gatsby’ in class, I thought it was fitting for the dance,” said Senior Prom Queen Nominee Emma Tulacz.
Despite having previous complaints about Prom themes or layouts in past generations, NPHS Student Senate took all comments into consideration and had a lot of interaction with the student body in organizing the event, from sending out forms regarding preferred music to suggestions for photo booths and photo opportunities.
Another change to NPHS Prom was the red carpet. Similar high schools in the area have a red carpet at their Proms. Many NPHS students have seen them, asking about one being incorporated into NPHS’ Prom. Under new student planners and a lead teacher, NPHS’ Prom has tremendously evolved over the last 10 years.
“My favorite part of Prom is definitely taking the pictures, it’s nice to dress up and look nice once in a while. They definitely stepped it up this year,” said 2023 Junior Prince Ty Graves.
Another change Student Senate has implemented at NPHS is the process of electing Prom royalty. Instead of having a set King and Queen, students can now run individually or with another person in affiliation. This new process is to encourage inclusion for everyone at NPHS, not just couples.
“I felt really cool winning, especially with Niaomi, my girlfriend. It felt like something out of a movie and a once-of-a-lifetime opportunity,” said 2024 Senior Prom King Luke McNeely.
Hundreds of students attended the Gatsby Gala and had a blast dancing, singing, and living their best lives. Many students said that everyone should go to Prom at least once; it's a moment they’ll look back on for years.
What’s coming up?
As the end of May is near, the Class of 2024 is nearing the end of their high school career. While the graduating class has over 200 students and all have worked hard for their diploma, there are a few that have worked extra hard and were named NPHS Top 10. Evan Lux and James Henning have been named the 2024 co-valedictorians, followed by MacKenzie Gall, Emma Holmes, Zoë Pietrzak, Sawyer Edwards, Reese Yettaw, Reghan Romstadt, Tristan Foster, and Isabella Beall.
These students have not only shown excellent grades and attitude in the classroom but have also managed to be a part of student life and activities outside of school. All of the Top 10 have worked a part-time job during their time in high school, and a majority participated in varsity athletics, some even being dual-sport athletes.
“I am a part of cross country, track, Student Senate, and I am a barista at Evvy’s Coffeehouse & Cafe, but I always make sure to give my all to my work during the week. Weekends, however, are time for my friends and family,” said Beall.
Despite all of their accomplishments in an action standpoint, they all have been praised by faculty for being kind and engaging students. All students have maintained their high grade point average, as well as attendance, but they have also continued helping others in the classroom with work or outside of school as well.
“I like to remind anyone who is pursuing education at any level that education unlocks tools for every walk of life,” said Foster.
The 10 students all plan on attending a higher level of education at many different colleges and universities. Lux, Yettaw, and Beall plan on attending Indiana University (IU) Bloomington. Henning will be studying at the University of Notre Dame. Holmes will be traveling to Washington and attending Lee University. Pietrzak is moving as well to Washington University in St. Louis. Gall, Edwards, and Romstadt have committed to Purdue University West Lafayette. Foster is starting his journey at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
“I’m super excited to graduate! I’ve been counting the days since the first day of school. I will miss the people I became friends with, but I’m ready to start my new journey,” said Gall.
While it is sad to see the Class of 2024 go, there is no doubt that NPHS is proud of every single one and ready to celebrate with them on June 2, the commencement date.
Staff spotlight:
Chrystal Wilkeson has been a teacher at NPHS for 31 with a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a focus in English from IU Bloomington. Wilkeson decided to get her master’s at IU South Bend for administration soon after.
Wilkeson has taught many grades from seventh to 12th, but she currently teaches English 12 and AP Literature and Composition (AP Lit) to seniors.
“Teaching only seniors is a little more tender rather than a mix of grades. I feel like I am sending off my own kids to the future,” said Wilkeson.
Although Wilkeson is a mother, she sees her students as her kids, too. Students spend roughly 180 days with their teachers, so it makes sense considering Wilkeson makes it her mission to make everyone feel included in her classroom and in the community. Outside of teaching Wilkeson is a big fan of gardening, reading, and even doing special research.
“During COVID-19, my daughter and I really got into knowing our family history. We set up an Ancestry account and learned so much, and it was fascinating. When we read ‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi in AP Lit and the kids were really getting into the connections and history aspect, I knew it would be a great idea,” said Wilkeson.
Although Wilkeson felt strange not reading Shakespeare as the final unit and instead handing out this research experience, she knew it was the right call. All of the AP Lit students were enthralled by this project, even spending their free time in classes doing it.
Wilkeson is also in charge of the Senior Exit projects that are worked on by every English 12 student for their entire senior year. Students are to research and explore a career with a mentor in that field and apply it in their final project.
“I think this project is a great way for students who feel a bit lost when it comes to life after high school to get some clarity in what’s right for them, or even what’s not right for them. It just helps them see a possible future, and I am happy to help them showcase it,” said Wilkeson.
Although Wilkeson only has two years left before her retirement, she will still keep making meaningful and motivating impacts on students in the time to come.
Student spotlight:
Aisling Zarate is a senior at NPHS and is without a doubt a powerhouse both academically and in the community. Zarate is the Social Media Coordinator for Key Club, Scholarship Chair for National Honor Society, head editor of the NPHS Yearbook, Girls Basketball manager, and a member of the Indiana Latino Institute.
“I am a part of a lot of organizations, but I always make sure that I have enough time for my friends and family, as well as my school work,” said Zarate.
The NPHS Yearbook was recently handed out to the students of NPHS who ordered it, and the reception has been especially positive. Getting a yearbook is a very special time in high schoolers’ lives, and Zarate is the one who made the final student calls.
“Everyone had a big part in making this year's edition. As a senior editor, I was able to show underclassmen how to make and edit a spread. I also got to do the final edits,” said Zarate.
Zarate additionally helped organize the first ever pickleball tournament at NPHS, sponsored by Key Club. Teams of two paid $5 to enter, and the winning team chose a charity to donate the proceeds to.
“I was excited to find a new way to raise funds for important charities. Pickleball has gotten very popular recently, and I thought it would be a great way to engage the community and help it at the same time,” said Zarate.
Zarate is heading to IU Bloomington in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in media, specifically in media advertising. Zarate’s advice to the future generations of NPHS is to join clubs they wouldn’t normally join, take any classes that sound interesting, get out of their comfort zone, and be confident they’ll have a unique and thrilling experience.