Student Spotlight
Student talents are always a hot point of discussion at VHS. So many students manage to be incredibly busy and involved, while also nursing otherworldly talents and abilities. One such student is senior Emma Adams, an artist who is driven to put herself on the map and make something of her talent.
“At VHS I’m involved heavily in the arts program I’d say. Ever since I was young I’ve been interested in art and it’s all I’m truly confident in doing," said Adams. "The most profound effect it has had on me is that I'm seriously considering becoming an art teacher for high school students. I’ve learned that if you’re truly passionate about something you should go for it and be happy with your life. Happiness means everything compared to money.”
Her involvements in Team LEAD, Natural Helpers, and the AP Art program are well known amongst her peers. Emma is an incredibly compassionate and friendly person who is always trying to make people laugh and have fun. Her presence in a room is felt as soon as she walks in. Even more impressive is her artistic abilities, as her work in the arts program consistently stuns her peers. The arts at VHS have had a huge impact on her and her plans for the future.
“I would pick my art teacher Mr. Banas as having the most impact on me as a student. He is one of the most impactful teachers I have ever had in my life. I also believe he goes above and beyond the expected standards of a teacher. He cares for each and every single one of his students. He creates a bond with his students as if he is one of us. His teaching skills are impeccable and combine a sense of fun and humor, making the class enjoyable to be apart of,” said Adams.
Adams is planning to attend Ball State University in the fall, hoping to study either art education or criminology. Her tenacity and drive will carry her far, as is expected of so many of the bright people attending, and soon leaving, VHS.
Teacher Spotlight
There are few teachers in any school that can make you feel at home in their classroom on the very first day of class. It takes a teacher that can realize the stresses that students have. To realize that all of us have heard the introductions and played the ice breaker games a thousand times. The first day of class with Mr. Weil breaks all of that convention. He is a teacher that connects with his students directly, never breaking in patience or kindness, probably in part due to his background.
“After six years in the Army, and a tour in Iraq, I earned a Bachelor's in English and Spanish from Valparaiso University and a Master's in Comparative Literature from the University of South Carolina," said Weil. "I taught Spanish classes as a teaching assistant at South Carolina before I taught Spanish and English at Lake Central High School for a couple of years. This is my first year teaching at VHS and I love it here.”
There’s still the obligatory syllabus and handouts, the introductions, and everything students are used to, but something else becomes noticeable as soon as he passes the formalities. Weil's classroom atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and open, lacking stress that often permeates classrooms. Mr. Weil does his best to create a classroom that is easygoing and capable, while still making class and lecture involved and interesting.
“I want my students to know that giving up isn't a solution and I was a student who knew how to quit and did it frequently. Quitting is easy and alluring for a society that champions convenience, but giving up won't serve these students in the end," explained Weil. "I want them to know this: just keep trying. It's an understated fact of adulthood. Most of us have no clue what we're doing, but we're trying.”
Sitting in Mr. Weil’s classroom is not like sitting in most other classrooms. When walking in, there is no feeling that you forgot to do something or that today is going to be tough. That doesn't mean his coures aren't challenging, but it has more to do with the fact that he doesn’t perpetrate an air of priority. Every student has multiple classes to worry about, and those commonly run into each other. Mr. Weil knows that, and doesn’t add to the heap. He’s understanding, kind, and truly wishes the best for his students. Conversations and lectures with him always stand out as he makes you feel like less of another student and more like a colleague.
“The most gratifying aspect of teaching is the notion that your wisdom will be passed along to successive generations--that the future really begins with each new class period. When my students understand a concept and can apply it coherently, as individuals, I feel like the future is a little more guaranteed, a little more assured. When they accomplish something, I'm filled with a sense of hope,” said Weil.
What’s Going On?
As previously noted, the winter time, while still containing plenty of things to do around VHS, is a little dry in comparison to the spring and fall. Basketball is always popular for the student body.
The most recent boys basketball game against Chesterton on the 16th of February was a hot topic of discussion around school and on social media. On Twitter, students were cooking up a lot of arguments with the neighboring school, playing into the long standing rivalry our schools foster in every single competition. The smack talk only went so far, and when it came down to the actual game, VHS and CHS fought valiantly until the end, with Chesterton coming away with the win in a 71-61 result. Junior Brandon Newman continues to be a marvel to behold, constantly boasting high scoring games and impressive stats. The teams most recent game against Concord was an even closer battle, although the online fights were much more calm in comparison to the hype leading up to game the day before.
February 17th’s game against Concord was a win for the Vikings, resulting in a 70-66 score and great performances from the whole team. Senior Charlie Healy helped out the team immensely, providing four assists, while junior Colin Walls put in work with seven assists. Junior Brandon Newman once again proved that he’s a force to be reckoned with, scoring 45 of the 70 points and getting 7 rebounds during Saturday’s game. Viking basketball is truly an exciting thing to witness, especially during this time of the school year.
What’s Coming Up?
Coming up at VHS there's a heap of things to be excited about. The spring should bring a lot of the staples that Valpo is known for, such as the improv comedy show April Antics, spring sport seasons for track and field, and more.
One of the senior centric activities, Mr. VHS, is always sure to be a crowd pleaser. Males of the senior class elect to participate in what is essentially an all male beauty pageant, complete with outfit changes and the works. Students know it’s that time of year when senior guys run into their lunch hours, blasting pop music and wearing short shorts with Mr. VHS shirts. It’s always a great way to take some of the edge off of that busy time of the year, with finals fast approaching and graduation not too far off either.
Speaking of graduation, senior students will be spending the coming weeks finalizing all of the wonderful details for college. Housing applications and the lot have been released, and so students can be found worrying and stressed about all the implications of the future for the next few months. Colleges will also be visiting the schools in the coming months, vying for some of VHS’ best and brightest to attend their universities. Until all that comes to a point, there are plenty of other distractions for students to take their mind off future planning. The spring trip for Natural Helpers, VHS’ retreat trip that emphasizes personal growth and offers a lot of life experience, will be coming soon. All the students who come back from this trip have nothing negative to say, citing it as the single most important thing they’ve done in their time at VHS. Although not much is happening right now around the school, the spring time is sure to be exciting.