What is Happening at the ACCU
February at the Area Career Center University (ACCU) is filled with progress reports and the smell of hard work; nevertheless, we celebrate Valentine’s Day through various fundraisers. These fundraisers include Crush for You Crush, flowers, and stuffed animals bought by students.
February is also the month for preparing for the ISTEP+ exams. This is the state-issued test that is a graduation requirement for most students in Indiana, which makes it a big deal to pass. With students staying after school for a majority of the week, they will be fully prepared. ACCU students are both nervous and happy to have this wave of testing complete.
The Health Careers students are preparing for HOSA. This is an organization that runs a conference and competition every year. Students from around the country study various topics hoping to advance to the next tier of competition.
Yearbook Club is currently making this year’s yearbook and designing the pages. ACCU started a yearbook when students started to ask for them. Having a publication that allows them to reminisce is always a good idea.
ACCU is currently receiving applications from Hammond middle school students for the Class of 2022 freshmen. Students apply through their middle schools and go through an interview process. Once these processes are completed, they will receive a letter which tells them if they were accepted or not.
Student Spotlight
Sarah Hacker is a junior at Area Career Center University. At the ACCU, she is a very fundamental part of student affairs. She was partly responsible for planning and completing last year’s prom, and she is one of the main planners for this year’s prom. She has planned and created numerous fundraisers like The Winter Wonderland Bash. This was a fundraiser for the school’s clubs where they raised money for prom efforts.
Sarah’s favorite part of school is spending time with her friends. She can walk into a room and make everyone laugh or smile with her wit. Her team attitude isn’t just for her friends; she also values teamwork on the field. Sarah is a softball player for Morton’s softball team. She also helps manage her little brother’s football team. Sarah’s hobbies include knitting and crocheting, covering things in glitter, and challenging herself to be the best she can.
Sarah Hacker is in the Health Careers Pathway here at the ACCU. When she grows up, she wants to be an elementary school speech Therapist. Her favorite quote is, “Time moves in one direction, memories in another,” by William Gibson. In this program, Sarah scores at the top of her class and is a joy in the classroom. She uses her attitude and sense of humor to show her knowledge of whatever topic the class is discussing. As a self-motivated learner, Sarah makes herself open to a world without limitations.
Teacher Spotlight
Meagan Stephens is an English teacher at the Area Career Center University. She has worked at the ACCU since its inception at the start of the 2013-2014 school year. She is finishing up her fifth year at the ACCU. She is currently teaching all of the dual credit English courses. These courses include Business Communication, Technical Writing, and English 101.
Her favorite part of teaching is when her students teach her something new every day.
She said, “A great teacher shows students where to look but doesn’t tell them what to see.”
She likes that she gets to hear different perspectives and insightful ideas from the young adults that she teaches.
When asked what she loves most about her students, she said, “They’re down for eating crickets! No, really, they are - but above that, they’re open to new experiences and being challenged like they thought they never could be challenged before.”
She looks forward to hard work because her Papa taught her that nothing in life worth having is easy or free. She also looks forward to putting on her sweatpants at the end of every day because “who doesn’t?” Her favorite quote is, “Si vis amari, ama.” This is Latin for “If you wish to be loved, love.” One thing she tries to include in all of her lessons is that kindness doesn’t cost you anything.
She does some amateur photography, writing (she is still working on a young adult book that she said she would write four years ago), and she enjoys playing with her little brothers. She is also finishing another master’s degree because she loves to constantly learn through reading, writing, and so much more.
Next at ACCU
The seniors are ready to graduate and are keeping themselves motivated. Seniors, as always, see the finish line in sight and are ready to walk across the stage. Time management, organization, and securing their ranks at ACCU and at their home schools are among their primary concerns. Some students will be valedictorian here and at their home school. Danielle Munoz is an example of this because she is number one at Clark Senior High and at the ACCU.
National History Day is Saturday, February 24th. This is a history competition in Notre Dame, Indiana that seven students will be participating in this year. The project ranges from written papers, to performances, to group presentations. Mrs. Castillo started this three years ago at the ACCU. Three students have participated every year: Sarah Hacker, Brien Nash, and Brenna Blue. The awards and prizes range from advancing to the next tier of the competition to receiving scholarships. The ACCU wishes this year’s participants the best of luck.
HOSA will be from April 9th to the 11th. With the state level competition coming up soon, the students are studying immensely. Fundraising is currently a big part of their lives. These students will stay in Indianapolis in April and compete in their chosen events. These events cover various topics, scenarios, and tasks in the health career field.
Tickets for ACCU’s 2018 Prom: A Night in Paris are going to be available for sale. Students are encouraged to attend the ACCU’s and their home school’s prom. A Night in Paris will be on April 27th at the Hammond Marina.