What’s recently happened?
Fall is in full effect and Andrean High School (AHS) students are basking in the chilly season. Between staying bundled up at the Friday night football games and sweating in the jam-packed gym for basketball games, AHS students are always supporting each other.
This past month the Girls Volleyball team and Girls Soccer team both wrapped up their seasons after two unfortunate losses in Sectionals – both teams lost to Boone Grove High School. The whole 59er fan base was sad to see their seasons end so early, but the girls on both teams felt so much love and support from their AHS family. Win or lose, the girls had support from their peers and families the entire season, and it made a difference.
That is what AHS is all about – making the difference and showing support to fellow 59ers. That is what the football team is looking for as the team continues its postseason run.
The boys just wrapped up their third postseason game of the 2024 season. In the first and second round of Sectionals and in the Sectional championship game, none of the teams they faced scored a single touchdown against them. The boys will move on to Regionals against Lafayette Central Catholic High School on November 15 and ask that 59er fans come and show them some support. This will be one of their tougher games of the season, but all 59er fans have faith in these talented players.
As one team is on the final stretch of its season, another is just beginning. Girls Basketball just kicked off its season with a challenging match against Merrillville High School.
It unfortunately ended in a loss for the lady 59ers, but showed a very promising season ahead for the girls.
During the month of October, AHS put on its annual Young Adults Really Care (YARC) Halloween party.
YARC is a club at AHS where students volunteer to help put on events for individuals with special needs in Northwest Indiana. For its Halloween party, guests got to dress up, play games, do crafts, and even go trick or treating.
YARC is a way for students to allow the light of Christ to shine through them and get involved with the community.
With the end of October came November 1, a highly anticipated deadline for most seniors. They finished their early action college applications which are due on this busy day and are now awaiting an answer from all of their dream schools.
Knowing AHS’ talented students, there are no doubts they will accomplish anything and everything they have and will put their minds to.
What’s coming up?
The start of November also brings the countdown for the end of the first semester. Students will begin preparing for midterms. This is a time of immense focus and determination, but thanks to the amazing skills of AHS’ teachers, students will have no problem demonstrating all that they’ve learned this semester.
This month both Girls and Boys Basketball and Wrestling begin, so it is highly encouraged that all fans come and support these athletes.
During the next few weeks students will have the opportunity to go on field trips to the soup kitchen to do some service. Service is one of the pillars that AHS is built upon, so students are diving at the opportunity to serve.
The end of this month will be wrapped up with Thanksgiving break. A time spent with family will be so cherished by students, but AHS football fans are hoping to be pretty busy that weekend.
If in the next few weeks the football team can work very hard against their fierce competition, Thanksgiving break will be spent at Lucas Oil Stadium fighting for the state championship.
Success is in arm's reach and 59er fans can't wait to see them grasp it.
Staff spotlight:
Denise Maldonado is one of the teachers that makes AHS what it is today. Maldonado has been teaching at AHS for 36 years and is actually now teaching second generation 59er students.
“The people are a big part of AHS for me because it's really neat to be teaching the children of my previous students. I have been invited to speak at many events like weddings and funerals for my previous students, and that makes the AHS community different for me,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado is a theology teacher at AHS and teaches sophomore theology.
She says that since she teaches the same course and information over and over every year nearly five times a day, one of the most important parts of her job is to teach each class with the same energy and passion as she does with her first period of the day. Even if she gets tired and drained from the repetition, she speaks with such enthusiasm about Christ that students can’t help but retain almost every word she says.
Maldonado is in charge of the YARC club and has been for many years. She loves getting to organize something that inspires so many students.
Maldonado’s favorite Andrean tradition is Armeggedon. Armageddon is AHS’ very own field day that 59er students celebrate at the end of the school year. She loves it because she has seen it change and evolve every year. She says she loves seeing the camaraderie and the changes that each generation brings to the event.
“I know it is cliche, but you really are all special,” Maldonado said. “Every single one of you is perfect in God’s eyes.”
Student spotlight:
James “Jimmy” Finley is one of AHS’ star athletes. He participates in football, basketball and track. Finley has been a State finalist for track in the 110 and the 300 meter hurdles. For football, where Finley is currently displaying his talents, he is a defensive back and a wide receiver and has earned Junior All State, All Area, and All Conference twice.
Finley has been playing since he was 4 years old and is now fighting to continue his postseason run for his senior season. After high school, Finley will continue to play football at the collegiate level.
Finley loves AHS because of the tight-knit bond between all the students.
“I have a good feeling about what’s ahead,” Finley said. “It won’t be easy and we’re the ‘underdogs,’ but I think we will do well if we can come out and dominate the field.”
Finley has become a leader of the team and one to keep your eye out for on the field. His talent shines everytime he steps foot on the field, and AHS couldn't be more proud to be able to have him as a representation of the athletes at AHS.
“All you can do is control what you can: your effort and your attitude,” Finley said.
Keep up the great work, AHS couldn’t be more proud! Good luck at Regionals!