What's recently happened?
On February 24, students were able to participate in a once in a lifetime opportunity: a petting zoo!
Held in the agriculture room, a variety of animals were showcased including cows, piglets, goats, sheep, rabbits, donkeys, chickens, iguanas, and even a horse.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) organized this event with the hopes of raising support for their group and animals.
“I love seeing the school come down to support the FFA and being able to tell people about the animals,” FFA President Audrey Jeffers said.
Jeffers brought in a horse, donkey, mini pony, and bearded dragon. Many of the students in FFA also participate in 4H or show animals at the fair.
To maintain sanitary conditions, students had to sanitize their hands before and after petting the animals.
This opportunity was a great way to give students a break from their classes and to do something they may not do or see everyday.
“I liked how it gave me a mental break in my day and I love being with animals,” Student Katelyn Hertges said.
In other news, Thursday, March 10 was a big day for La Porte Envirothon students. Both teams departed from the school in the morning, heading to Red Mill County Park with hopes of placing well at the annual Indiana Envirothon Regional competition. The competition is run by Nicole Messacar, who happens to be married to Martin Messacar, a science teacher at La Porte High School (LPHS). She is in charge of the entire Indiana envirothon competition.
Envirothon is an academic competition touching on environmental issues such as forestry, aquatics, wildlife, soil/soil health, and a current issue. This year's current issue was landfills.
Leader of the group, Starr Rice, teaches the Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) course offered at LPHS. Rice started teaching this course about 12 years ago and took over the Envirothon because it matches so well with the curriculum she teaches. Since Rice goes over most of the curriculum touched on in envirothon, she takes the entire APES class to compete.
Any student is welcome to join envirothon and is encouraged to do so. Due to the large numbers, LPHS has two teams.
If teams place first, second, or third, they advance to state which is held at Purdue University at the end of April.
“Prior to the event we studied extensively, going over material and doing practice tests. Because they have to do both a presentation and a paper, I have been trying to give them as much practice in both as I can,“ Rice said.
Both teams came back with top finishes; first and third, respectfully. La Porte couldn’t be more proud and are excited to perform in April.
“This is just our first stepping stone to our main goal in between regionals and state," Rice said.
As prom season approaches, LPHS has once again stocked both art rooms full of prom dresses and accessories for students to take. For the past 10 years, LPHS has been giving away items to make prom more affordable for students.
Parents, jewelers, retail shops, and peers have been donating towards this great cause. Any student that is able to attend prom is allowed to take items. They can take a dress, jewelry, handbag, shoes, or all four if they wish.
“Being the junior class sponsor, I have found that many students won’t attend prom because of the cost factor, and I don’t want that to stop them from attending. This is a way to give everyone a chance,” Teacher Marybeth Lebo said.
Over the years LPHS has accumulated dozens of dresses and has been able to have a dress suited for each individual, ranging from different colors and sizes to different lengths and patterns. LPHS hopes to give an equal opportunity to all.
What’s Coming Up?
Brena Cooper’s creative writing class is organizing their annual Reflections Magazine. It is a collection of original student writing and artwork. Students must submit writings such as short stories, poetry, prose, or any type of artwork. These are due by March 18.
Once all entries have been submitted, students in creative writing anonymously evaluate the work and create designs and pages for the magazine.
The magazine also offers advertising space and collects donations to support the cause.
After the magazine has been edited they go for sale for $5 a piece.
Staff Spotlight
Math Teacher Kathleen Callahan is making a difference at LPHS. Every day she welcomes them to class with a smile and an eagerness to teach.
Callahan went to college at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. At DePaul, she was studying as an English major, but once she did student teaching she realized that though she loved reading, it wasn’t for her.
She hasn’t always wanted to be a math teacher, or teacher at all for that matter. As her parents were both teachers, they told her how many teacher qualities she had and how much potential she has as a teacher.
Once she transferred to math, she realized how excited she was to come and teach everyday.
She has been teaching for 21 years, and she loves to engage with her class to avoid making the class feel repetitive.
“Each class has a different personality and I love getting to learn and know each student. In my mind, teaching math is secondary to skills like communication and responsibility that I hope students are learning in my class. Building relationships is one of my favorite parts about teaching,” Callahan said.
When not at school, Callahan can be found volunteering at Reins of Life to help train therapy horses. She has always had a fond love of animals. She has four dogs and two cats that are all rescue animals.
“If I could say one thing to my students that would stick with them forever it would be to keep an open mind. You have no idea what your future holds, or who you will become. I’m married to a guy that I hated in high school, and I teach what was once my worst subject. I’m glad I gave both a second chance!” Callahan said.
Student Spotlight:
Senior Ella Minich is staying busy at LPHS. She participates in cross country, track, National Honors Society, and National Technical Honors Society.
Minich is currently in track right now training for her main events of 3200, four by 800, 800, and 1600 meters.
In the future, she plans on going to Indiana University Bloomington with a major in apparel merchandising.
Fashion has always been an important part of Minich's life. Previously, she has made her own formal dress for the Girl’s Reserve Dance and has been sewing projects for 4-H since third grade. She says that her grandmother and great-grandmother help her greatly by helping her with fabrics, pattern reading, and sewing along the way.
At home, her family runs the Minich Flower Farm. This idea was spurred by her mother’s love for flowers and her father’s drive to do anything he puts his mind to. It was started in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic with hopes of success, and it has now blossomed into a La Porte staple. Not only do they grow flowers, but pumpkins as well.
During the summer time, Minich shows both her beautiful fashion pieces and also goats. She has been showing goats since she was a child and it has now become a part of her lifestyle. Her goats are even expected to have babies in the upcoming months.
Managing her time is not easy but she makes sure her responsibilities are spread out through the week and to make time to relax.
In the free time she does have, Minich loves to go thrifting, watch her comfort TV shows, go on runs, and get coffee with friends.
“Though my life can be hectic at times, I wouldn’t change anything about it,” Minich says.