Recently happened: Hoosier Girls State
From June 24-30 at Trine University, around 500 girls from all over the state of Indiana gathered for the 77th annual Hoosier Girls State. Hoosier Girls State is run by the American Legion Auxiliary. While at Hoosier Girls State (HGS), delegates took part in creating a mock government within their fictional political party, the Nationalists and Federalists, and also within their cities, counties, and state. Girls could run for a number of offices including county sheriff and governor of HGS. They could also be a part of their party’s platform committee which chose the issues their party wanted to help change.
Throughout the week, girls attended a few programs including one by the Indiana State Police and the “Poppy Program” where everyone wore a little red poppy in remembrance of all those who gave their lives to protect our nation’s freedom. Every night girls did “Vespers” within their cities; this was when their whole city did a fun activity. One night they lined up in two groups and had to pass a banana back to the girl behind her with her feet! If she dropped the banana, they had to start again; this was a funny way to have fun and required teamwork.
On the last full day at HGS, the girls had the opportunity to roleplay for the morning. The elected officials had to do their jobs to make their city and county run smoothly. The county sheriff, for example, made sure that nothing fishy was going on. The city mayor appointed girls to positions such as the city tooth fairy. All in all, by Saturday, no one wanted to leave. Everyone had such an amazing week and wanted to bring all they had learned back home to their communities.
Staff spotlight
Who is the lady in charge of scheduling an entire school of students into their classes? Mrs. Mary Kay Mark.
Mark has been the academic advisor at Marquette for 20 years! She was offered the job by past principal Patrick Cannon, and with this being a first for Mark, “…the confidence he had in my ability endeared me to accept the new career challenge.”
As the academic advisor at Marquette, her day-to-day responsibilities include "creating students’ schedules, monitoring tutoring opportunities, coordinating teacher/student/parent communications, grade reporting, managing all IDOE standardized testing, and so much more. Our number one priority is to guide our students to graduation with as many college and career opportunities for them to grasp and explore. We strive to inspire students to believe in themselves and aim high,” Mark said.
Mrs. Mark also has the one-of-a-kind opportunity to work with her husband, Mr. Tim Mark, director of maintenance. Mrs. Mark said, “This may surprise some but I genuinely enjoy working at Marquette with my husband, Tim! We both appreciate each others commitment to our jobs and are there to support each other through the ups and downs.”
Both Marks are alumnus of Marquette as well as their parents, three children, a son-in-law, and daughter-in-law.
Mrs. Mark said, “I have been fortunate to continue to make Marquette memories as an alumna and employee.”
Inspiration for Mark has been none other than her parents.
“My father’s service to the community started at the age of 21 as an elected official. His many years of involvement and commitment to the city were evidenced through several elected positions in government and the school board. I have heard story after story from people whose lives my dad has impacted over the years…. My mother was a stay at home mom… she lost her mother right after graduating from Marquette in 1949. Offered a scholarship to St. Mary’s College, she put that on hold to help with her younger brother. Her creative talents included sewing, knitting, and painting. After suffering from a stroke…she had to reteach herself how to knit. She was persistent… So, yes, I need only look to my parents’ remarkable accomplishments to be inspired,” Mark said.
What’s coming up
Queen of All Saints Church in Michigan City has an amazing opportunity coming up for local teens. Ignite is a week-long teen “vacation bible school”. Ignite will take place July 16-20 from 6-8pm at Queen of All Saints Church. The many activities will include a bonfire and s’mores with seminarians, learning more about Mass and scripture, SoulCore: “the fit way to actively pray,” penance service and celebration of Mass, a visit from the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, a movie night with the intriguing film Ignatius of Loyola, and finally serving the local community by making “blessing bags” for the homeless. The event is open to all teens in grades 7-12. You can sign up by emailing Alysha Fath at alysha0117@outlook.com or by registering at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-teen-event-tickets-46810409194. The week is sure to be an amazing opportunity to not only grow in your faith, but to make new friends and serve the community.
Student Spotlight
Gianna Tedesco had the amazing opportunity to attend Hoosier Girls State. Tedesco is a senior at Marquette this year. Her favorite part of HGS was “all of the amazing people that experienced it with me. We started as strangers with similar ambition and left as inseparable friends eager to stay in touch.”
While at HGS, Tedesco ran for city chairman and state representative.
“I ran for representative because although I had a little bit of experience writing bills before, I wanted to learn more about the process,” Tedesco said.
Her message coming home from HGS was “that in some cases, it’s good to be uncomfortable. The only way to broaden your comfort zone is to put yourself out there and have an open mind.”
Tedesco’s inspiration hits close to home: her dad. “My dad inspires me more than anyone I’ve ever met. He’s been through almost everything and never fails to tell me the lessons learned from the endless pool of experiences. If I were stuck on an island, he’d be my partner of choice; for he is my rock, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Tedesco is also very involved. She has been on the swimming, golf, tennis, and volleyball teams throughout her high school years. She was a part of her school’s orchestra as second violin and a part of the environmental and spell bowl clubs. She serves the community through Reins of Life.
As a senior at Marquette, she said, “Marquette was my light at the end of the tunnel. College used to be such a scary thought, but now that MQT has prepared me for what’s to come, I am comfortable enough to say that I am more than ready (and even a little excited).”