#1StudentNWI: Spring has Sprung for the River Forest Ingots

#1StudentNWI: Spring has Sprung for the River Forest Ingots

Ingot Cheer in the Spotlight

River Forest cheerleaders competed at Hobart High School on March 4 at the annual Brickie Cheer and Dance Invitational, where they came in as the defending champions. The team competed a team routine in the co-ed division along with four stunt groups in the stunt-off division.

“A lot of people doubt us or say cheer isn’t a sport, but those people will never understand the blood, sweat, bruises, and tears we go through to compete the way we do. It’s two minutes and 30 seconds of heart, confidence, and sass once we step on that mat. Our coaches Angie and Alyssa Yanez put so much effort and work into our team. We couldn’t do it without them. I can’t even explain the feeling after we hit everything. We run off to the side and just all hug each other and cry tears of joy because we actually did it. We’re all a big family,” Cheer Captain Ariana Nieves stated.

1Student-RF-March-2018-02The team placed first in the co-ed division for yet another year. Additionally, the stunt group, consisting of: Vanesa Lozano, Cheylyn Henry, Sarita Smith, Jonarie Nieves, and Allen Evans, placed first in the co-ed stunt-offs. Lastly, Henry also won the best jumps award. As for the junior high, they had two stunt groups compete in the stunt-offs, placing first and second.

“My girls absolutely killed it with their sass and won over the audience. We had a lot of support cheering the girls on. We are so grateful,” Head Coach Angie Yanez stated.

Congratulations to all the River Forest Cheerleaders and coaches.

Staff in the Spotlight: Julie Jachimczak

1Student-RF-March-2018-03The River Forest percussion ensemble encountered some serious success at the recent State Solo and Ensemble competition in Indianapolis. The talented group of musicians was led by Julie Jachimczak, who taught the group of wind players everything they need to know about percussion. At the state competition the percussion ensemble received a perfect score from the judges.

“I wanted to challenge the kids with a difficult piece of music in hopes of advancing to state so that our four seniors would be able to have that experience. They have been working individually on the music since the end of marching band in October, and we came together as an ensemble just before Thanksgiving. I am very proud of all the students efforts, and it’s been a pleasure working with them,” Jachimczak stated.

Jachimczak is a volunteer percussion instructor for the River Forest band program who volunteers countless hours at the school. She also instructs the students through marching band season by instructing the drum line through the parades and football season. Most recently the band performed a Led Zeppelin song in the Fourth of July parades and put together a complete halftime show. One of the songs, “Rock and Roll,” was arranged entirely by Jachimczak.

Jachimczak’s efforts towards the band program are highly appreciated by all involved, and she has helped shape one of the strongest band programs in the area.

Spring Fling Turnabout 2018

1Student-RF-March-2018-04River Forest’s annual and highly anticipated turnabout dance was held on February 24, 2018. At River Forest all the girls love to take turnabout to the next level with many creative proposals. Unlike many dances, the roles are flipped and the girls must ask the guys to the dance. With many clever proposals filling the hallways and girls looking everywhere for that perfect dress, the day of the dance quickly approached.

The day of the dance finally came and students came in semi-formal attire and enjoyed themselves in the multi-purpose room. People danced together and had fun in the photo booth until the night ended.

The senior class put a lot work into planning this year’s turnabout despite the setbacks they encountered. Since the dance took place in late February this year, the seniors decided upon spring fling as their theme. The multi-purpose room was filled with bright colors, flowers, butterflies, and lights for a night of fun. The night soon came to an end but the memories created will last forever.

Spring Athletes Preparing For Upcoming Season

The weather is starting to warm up around the region and River Forest spring athletes are anxious to take their game outside for the final sports season of the school year. Currently spring sports are in the month long pre-season as coaches try to get prepare their athletes for a competitive and hectic game schedule starting in April.

The spring sports scene is filled with a lot of new coaches this season, softball, track, and tennis are all under a new coach this season. Head baseball Coach Michael Kosinski is the only returning spring coach this season. Gil Arzola and Denny King took over the softball program, Lauren Erickson took over the track team, and Danielle Vandertill took over girls’ tennis.

Spring sports will be in action. Track will first travel to Bishop Noll for an indoor meet on March 12. The rest of the teams will get into action at the beginning of April.