#1StudentNWI: Change Comes to Andrean High School

Sports in the Summer

Summer is a season for mental rest and relaxation, but athleticism at Andrean continues, though on a smaller scale than during the regular academic year.

Andrean holds six different summer camps. Four were held in June, and those were baseball camp, boys’ basketball camp, girls’ basketball camp, and the striker/goalkeeper academy for juniors or elites.

There are two athletic camps held in July: football camp and volleyball camp. The first part of football camp was June 22-24, and the second and third parts are July 13-15 and 20-22. Also, volleyball camp is July 20-23.

These summer athletic camps provide great ways for probable future Andrean students to meet and form bonds before high school begins, while also staying in shape through the typically lazy summer months.

Additionally, football players to be can partake in summer football practice. Summer football practice takes place three weeks in June and two weeks in July. Academic-year football practice begins on August 3rd. Football is perhaps the most exciting season at Andrean, and we hope to make it to the state championships for the third time in a row.

The Courtyard Project

In the heart of Andrean’s iconic A-shaped main building, there is a courtyard. This clear, grassy space is central to the Andrean campus, and can be seen through countless windows facing the courtyard. Until now, though, there has not been much to see. However, Andrean is in the process of renovating the courtyard into a more widely used and enjoyable space.

The project leader and organizer is rising junior Patrick Librandi. New landscaping items, benches, and a labyrinth will be installed into the area. The courtyard will become a site for events such as outdoor class time, spiritual class retreats, and other special events.

The courtyard project is truly an Andrean family event. Any associate of Andrean is fully welcome to volunteer to complete the project. Furthermore, anyone can donate specifically to the courtyard project.

Book Swap

Last year, the annual Andrean book swap went digital. Books can be bought and sold via the new book swap website. However, this year, Andrean is bringing back the traditional book swap day.

On July 25, in the main gym, the annual book swap will occur. Incoming students can find the textbooks they will need at typically lower prices, and former students can let go of their old schoolbooks.

The book swap is an Andrean tradition that allows everyone, including faculty, students, former students and students to-be, to get together for (arguably) the most important part about Andrean: its education.

Teacher Shout Out

Rick Piwowarski arrived at Andrean High School last school year as the assistant principal. He has been elevated to head principal for the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. P is known at Andrean for his kind personality. Exchanging a few words with him is bound to put a smile on your face.

Mr. P has big hopes for Andrean High School. He is working to create an institution with a cutting-edge education, and he is making reforms in order to make that happen. New courses have been added to the curriculum thanks to him. He plans to continue to add more courses, institute a sharper uniform code, and bring Model United Nations to Andrean.

In addition to his more serious academic outlook, Mr. P is someone who is very easy to talk to. His lighthearted personality makes him a favorite among Andrean students.

Student Shout Out

Rising junior Ayanna Diaz has had two starkly different years of high school. Her freshman year, she did not participate in school as much, but instead, preferred to stand back and get comfortable to the new environment. In contrast, her sophomore year, she joined six school clubs, as well as the tennis team. She started to make a name for herself at Andrean.

Ayanna is the kind of person that you may not notice at first, but once you do, she is one of the most unique people in your life. Her consistent sense of humor always keeps anyone around her laughing, and she is very fun to be around. She is very passionate about certain issues, and able to hold her ground in any debate against her position. Ayanna’s love for comic books, fictional characters, and 70’s rock music is undeniably quirky, but equally lovable.

Ayanna is spending her summer volunteering for St. Francis Xavier’s Vacation Bible School. It will be interesting to see how much more she will grow as her experience in high school continues.