#1StudentNWI: The Ingot Community Celebrates American and School Pride This Summer

#1StudentNWI: The Ingot Community Celebrates American and School Pride This Summer

The Golden Ingot Pride Marching Band Marches Through The Summer

This Fourth of July was an extremely hot and humid one, but that didn't stop the River Forest marching band from appearing in the local parades. Despite weather in the 90’s, high humidity, and the sun glaring down on everyone, the marching band was able to push through and deliver a great show for the community. The marching band performed in the Lake Station parade Tuesday night and in the Hobart parade Wednesday morning.

Prior to the debut of the 2018-2019 marching band, there was the dreaded “band week.” Band directors Bridget Flory and James Wasmundt taught the fundamentals of marching band and rehearsed the music with the kids. Danielle Miller and Jennifer Edwards worked with the auxiliary on their routine counts, and Julie Jachimczak worked with the drum line and string section on their music, she also wrote and arranged the band’s U2 show this year. Pushing an amp through the parade made for one rocking marching band.

“I am so grateful for my for my fellow teachers, we make a great team. Special thanks to Miss J. for conceptualizing our show and arranging it. Also, thank you to all parents, bus drivers, and water helpers. We couldn’t do everything we do without all the help," Bridget Flory, head band director, stated.

1Student-RiverForest-July-2018-02The band rehearsed for six hours a day for five days, marching through New Chicago and memorizing music, all 30 hours of rehearsal were spent putting in hard work. This year’s band is led by some talented seniors, including senior drum major, Brianna Smith. The auxiliary team is also led by a big group of seniors, including two three-year captains, Lexington Harris and Hailey Bianco. The band has a talented and dedicated team working together to make for a great year.

“We are so proud of everyone, they hung in there and showed that they are Ingot strong,” Flory stated after the parades.

1Student-RiverForest-July-2018-03At the end of the last rehearsal the band had their annual parade preview and cookout for parents, alumni, and all band supporters. The kids marched around the back parking lot in full uniform to showcase a full rotation of all three pieces: Vertigo, Beautiful Day, and the School Fight Song. After the show, everyone moved to the courtyard for a cookout with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and desserts. It was a great way to celebrate all the hard work that everyone has showcased through the week before they took the streets for the parade the next day.

Celebrating Independence Day at Riverview Park

In the small town of Lake Station everybody loves celebrating the Fourth of July. It’s one of the only nights when no one cares about the River Forest-Edison rivalry. Instead, students from each school gather at Riverview Park for a great time followed by the annual fireworks show. Unfortunately, the rain had other plans this year.

Riverview Fest is a huge day that typically brings the whole town to the park. The day is filled with cookouts, vendors, music, games, entertainment, and topped off with a dip in the Riverview pool. It’s a great day to catch up with old friends or make a couple new ones, it’s bound to be a great day for all nevertheless.

However, Fourth of July was a little rainy this year. About an hour before the fireworks were set to start, a huge downpour swept through the town and families evacuated the park and bolted for their cars. The fireworks ended up being rescheduled for the next day and everyone met up for a second day of celebration. At dusk, everyone took their seats in their yard chairs or layed on their blankets to enjoy the long awaited fireworks show. The show may have been a day late, but it was worth the wait for everybody.

Student Spotlights: Hoosier Boys and Girls State 2018 Delegates

1Student-RiverForest-July-2018-04Through the weeks of June 17-30, River Forest was able to send seven delegates to Trine University for Hoosier Boys and Girls State. Four went for Boys State: Patrick Hottle, Garrett Brunker, Judah Lewis, and Cody St Pierre. Then three went for Girls State: Destiney Pratchett, Hailey Bianco, and Monse Alaniz. The program brings together the brightest leaders of the upcoming senior class for a week filled with mock government, new friends, and unforgettable memories.

This years delegates are some of the smartest of the senior class and are involved in many things throughout the school from theater, academic team, varsity sports, and everything in between.

It is an honor to be chosen to be a delegate and each year delegates go on to make a difference in their communities and strive to make the world a better place. Through a week of empowerment delegates often return home with more knowledge and a new outlook on life. The future of Indiana is bright because of this program, Thank you to the American Legion for bringing great young minds together so they can see that they can change the world.