What’s recently happened?
The National Honor Society (NHS) at New Prairie High School (NPHS) put on its annual Santa’s Workshop event on December 10 to great success. Santa’s Workshop is one of the many community service projects NHS plans every year in order to raise funds to support its projects in the future. During Santa’s Workshop, families around the community have the opportunity to bring their children to make crafts, play games, get hot chocolate and make cookies, as well as meet Santa for a small price of $2.
“It was a wonderful turnout; all of the kids were thrilled about the games and treats we had. I loved seeing all of their excitement when they would walk into Santa’s room,” said Service Chair Holder Vida Mendoza.
Even if Santa’s Workshop takes a lot of time and effort to promote and set up, members of NHS are happy to volunteer their time to make it a fun experience for the community and the children. With the help of NHS Sponsors Kortney Brennan and Jennifer Soos, the volunteers were able to host this year’s event without any problems.
“Our station was constantly busy, but that didn’t stop my partners and I from providing a fun experience and a creative craft kids could take home,” said First Year Member Lilli Armato.
Although Santa’s Workshop does help fund future service projects for NHS and is a fundraising event, the true purpose of the event is to provide a fun yet accessible event for families.
“Our main goal of Santa’s Workshop is to let our members spread Christmas cheer to their community while also giving back,” said NHS President Reese Yettaw.
Showing holiday cheer to members of not only the school community but also the neighboring town’s communities encourages higher spirits and togetherness as time gets closer to the holiday season.
What’s coming up?
As winter break approaches, finals loom over the students of NPHS. In order for the students to enjoy two full weeks of relaxation, winter break has been delayed a week later than usual. Finals happen on the last Thursday and Friday before break on the 21st and 22nd. NPHS is also trying a new blocking system for the finals to be close together, with odd classes on Thursday and even classes on Friday.
“Although in years past I have enjoyed the three-day time period to finish finals, I am excited to have more days to study and prepare,” said Senior Alena Naddaf.
Students across the school have been preparing for weeks, and although many teachers have given out materials to help, some students are still nervous for their finals.
“Transitioning into high school was hard at first, especially with the upcoming finals. I know that I have support from teachers and friends though, so I am more confident going into my first round of high school finals,” said Freshman Madalyn Kruszewski.
While seniors are excited for their second-to-last round of finals and freshmen are nervous to learn the true experience of NPHS’s finals, juniors and sophomores land in a different place.
“I take many AP-style classes as well as honors classes, so I feel really occupied and worried about these difficult tests,” said Junior Emma Schultz.
Although these students have numerous difficult tests left this year, teachers have been trying their best to provide any needed resources and materials students may need this finals season. Extra after school sessions for tutoring for many subjects are also offered in order to give students the most opportunities for success. Best of luck to NPHS students on their upcoming finals, and have a happy winter break.
Staff spotlight:
Kathleen “Kaylee” Hooks has been a teacher for four years, three at NPHS. Hooks is currently an AP Government and Politics teacher as well as the general Government and Politics teacher, but she has taught other classes in the past. Before teaching, Hooks was in the public relations field and even worked with a few politicians. However, they weren’t the most fulfilling opportunities for her in terms of lifelong goals.
“Although my previous jobs were amazing experiences and great learning opportunities, I wasn’t feeling satisfied by my work alone. I knew I needed to shift careers when I thought about what I wanted to accomplish in my lifetime,” said Hooks.
The last few years, Hooks has been a class sponsor and club advisor; however, this year she has decided to take a pause on her extracurricular duties due to her expecting her first child in a couple months. As she currently teaches only seniors at NPHS, Hooks has had the opportunity to grow into the community at the same time as her students, thus building relationships with them.
“I honestly think learning about my students’ interests – what they know and what they are experts in – is the most rewarding part of my job. I love getting to know my students and being a part of their lives," said Hooks.
As a teacher of not only advanced classes but also of difficult subjects, Hooks is no stranger to facing a large workload that takes a long time. While grading is most likely one of the least favorite activities of many students, Hooks views grading a little differently.
“I think that paperwork is a necessary evil. Every teacher has to do it, but it can be fun. Getting to learn the statistics and seeing the scope of what your students have learned from you can be really interesting," said Hooks.
Throughout NPHS, Hooks has been praised by numerous students From her teaching styles and how she has helped people graduate to helping students navigate the beginning of adulthood and watching them grow, Hooks has been a great addition to NPHS, and the students are very grateful for her.
Student spotlight:
Senior Monserrat Sanchez has been making a different kind of impact in the school. Sanchez has been a hard worker and dedicated student at NPHS and loves spending time with her friends and family. Although she may not be in any clubs, she still spends most of her time preparing for her post-secondary plans.
“After high school, I plan on attending the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for at least four years for the program of aircraft maintenance," said Sanchez.
Sanchez is among few students at NPHS going into the USMC, desiring to fight together with others as a collective to protect the nation and its advancement.
“In the Marines, you become a family. Even in recruitment and training, you form a bond with the others planning on entering with you," said Sanchez.
Sanchez has known for a few years that she has wanted to go into the USMC, especially after connecting with recruiters – such as one of her biggest inspirations, Recruiter Daniel Escobar – and seeing a glimpse of what being in the USMC is truly like.
“Seeing Marines hold a full-time commitment to their fighting and having an honorable title to their life means a lot to me. Knowing that I could serve like that and feel fulfilled from the hard work makes me excited for my future," said Sanchez.
Being one of the few students graduating from NPHS and going straight into the USMC, Sanchez not only is proud of herself but her community is proud of her and cannot wait to see her advance her future.