What recently happened?
The Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) recently announced the Rising Stars of the Indiana Class of 2026, recognizing students with exceptional academic performance and leadership qualities.
La Porte High School (LPHS) was invited to honor up to four juniors for their academic achievements. Juniors Amaya Antos, Henry Denger, Layna Hannon, and Dana McQuarters received this prestigious recognition.
Each student has maintained a 4.0 GPA and taken several Advanced Placement (AP) classes, showcasing their strong work ethic and potential for future success, further demonstrated through their extracurricular and community activities and leadership roles.
Antos has taken five AP classes: Seminar, World History, Chemistry, Research, and Language and Composition. She is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, the Equestrian Club, Girl Reserves, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Orchestra, and 4-H and manages her business.
Denger has taken four AP classes: Seminar, Chemistry, Language and Composition, and United States History. He is also a member of the Cross-Country team, Academic Super Bowl, and Debate Club and plays the bassoon for the South Bend Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Hannon has taken four AP classes: Seminar, United States History, Language and Composition, and Spanish. She is an active member of Girl Reserves, National Honor Society, Choir, and Cheerleading. In addition, she sings at various venues throughout the community.
McQuarters has taken six AP classes: Seminar, World History, Language and Composition, United States History, Chemistry, and Research. She is on the Varsity Tennis and Golf teams, serves as President of the French Club, and is involved in the Girl Reserves, National Honor Society, and Student Athletic Council.
What’s coming up?
LPHS Band Classes will hold their annual Recital Night in the Performing Arts Center from 3 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Students will perform in small chamber groups throughout the evening, presenting short musical pieces that last four to five minutes each. Selected students will showcase their solos or group pieces as part of the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) in preparation for the preliminary competition at Kankakee Valley Middle School on Saturday, February 1. Specific performance times at Recital Night will be announced later.
LPHS Band Directors Joe Clark and Matt Sullivan encouraged students to form small groups in early January. This initiative aims to help students enhance their musicianship, take ownership of the pieces they are preparing, and develop their interpersonal communication skills. Students move into small practice spaces, receiving minimal assistance from the band directors, to problem-solve to ensure independent success.
“I love seeing how the ensembles improve over three to four weeks. There's always a lot of progress, and witnessing students’ confidence come alive is truly rewarding,” Clark said.
Orchestra and Choir will hold their recital nights on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Feb. 6, respectively. For more information, email msullivan@lpcsc.k12.in.us.
Staff spotlight:
History teacher Taryn Grin creates an interactive learning environment where students can unlock their academic potential through creativity and real-world activities that make history come alive.
Grin has been empowering students at LPHS since 2021. She teaches AP World History and United States History, having previously taught World History & Civilization and Geography.
“I try a blended or hybrid approach, structured so students know what to expect while rotating between different methods of instruction and curriculum,” Grin said. “Sometimes I lecture; sometimes students work in groups; and at other times, they read, find evidence, and make inferences independently. I balance teacher-centered and student-centered learning.”
Grin enhances her curriculum with activities and roleplay that engage students with historical content. In “The Urban Game,” for instance, students create a paper village and listen to a story about the effects of industrialization. As decades pass, their town transforms into an urban area, culminating in a classroom discussion about the impact of industrialization.
“I strive to balance teacher-centered and student-centered learning,” she said. “I also try to remain true to my personality and strengths while meeting the needs of both the students and the curriculum. Listening to my students helps create a positive environment! When students feel seen and heard, they are motivated and encouraged to do well.”
Grin is dedicated to ensuring students understand the material through one-on-one conferences and class review games, enabling them to unleash their most significant academic potential.
“I do whatever I can to break down a concept into smaller parts to help students understand. Patience goes a long way,” she said. “I remember the teachers who were happy to help and made me believe I could be successful with a bit of perseverance. I hope to have the same impact on my students.”
Since high school, Grin has wanted to become a teacher, and she enjoyed visiting the library and reading about historical facts.
“I loved looking up various historical events and learning more about them,” she said. “I want students to learn and appreciate history as much as I have because I believe it helps us understand the world we live in today and how we can progress moving forward.”
Grin graduated from Griffith High School in 2014 and earned a double major in History and Anthropology from Indiana University Northwest. She then attended Ball State University’s Transition to Teaching program, a one-and-a-half-year course that allowed her to complete the requirements for her teaching certificate.
Although her greatest potential to empower students is still unfolding, Grin is a vibrant presence in the halls of LPHS, inspiring one student at a time.
“Teachers play a crucial role in every community,” she said. “We provide compassion and support to students who may not receive it at home, and we foster social-emotional learning through goal setting and building relationships. These efforts contribute to shaping well-rounded individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
Student spotlight:
The Indiana Football Coaches Association (IFCA) has recently announced the 2024 Class 5A Senior All-State Team. LPHS Senior and Middle Linebacker RJ Carnes has been selected to represent La Porte for this prestigious honor due to his outstanding performance and commitment to empowering his teammates.
“I was thrilled to receive all-state recognition, which essentially means that the coaches in the state believe I am one of the best players in 5A,” Carnes said. “My family was even more excited than I was, and they made me feel incredibly accomplished.”
Carnes has played football for 12 years and has been a member of La Porte Football throughout all four years of high school, becoming the varsity team captain this year.
This season was challenging, but I kept my confidence,” he said. “This meant working my hardest every day and always believing in the team.”
Despite the 0-10 winning record, the Slicers continued to show great spirit and endurance throughout its games, thanks to Carnes. He impressed his teammates with impressive warm-ups and individual drills during training exercises.
“I truly enjoyed the team this year,” he said. “They have grown so much this year. I love that feeling of walking out on the field with them.”
Thanks to his Slicer spirit, Carnes has amassed other awards throughout his high school career, including All-County, All-Region, and All-Conference.
I love my school and want other students to appreciate our success,” he said. “Setting a good example makes me feel proud.”
Off the field, Carnes is an honor student with a 3.86 GPA. Juggling football and academics has been difficult, but he significantly influences other players to balance both.
“I have to be very scheduled and disciplined to get everything done,” he said. “Everything had a due date and a planned day for when I would do it.”
Carnes has maximized his high school career, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field, and is committed to achieving success through dedication, one defense at a time.
"My advice to students who want to join the football team is to give it their all because many people wish they could experience what you do every day," he said. "Even the toughest days are a gift from God."