What recently happened?
Lowell High School (LHS) recently hosted a career fair for the current juniors and seniors on April 10.
The school tried its best to get businesses from as many future fields as possible. That said, LHS primarily highlighted careers in the surrounding Northwest Indiana (NWI) areas. Some of these businesses included Albanese Candy, Lowell Animal Hospital, Lowell Public Library, Athletico Physical Therapy, Denmark College, and many others in fields like graphic design, finance, insurance, etc.
Each business had its own table with flyers and representatives ready and willing to answer any questions the upperclassmen at LHS could pose.
This is useful for the students because they get an opportunity to see real businesses in the fields they are interested in, even if they don't necessarily want to stay in the NWI area. Speaking with people already involved in the working world gives them an idea of what their future paths will be like.
This fair was held in the fieldhouse on that Wednesday morning, so LHS ran an adjusted schedule.
Not only this, but LHS recently hosted the long-awaited and heavily anticipated prom. The theme was “Big City Lights, Big City Nights.” It was hosted at St. Peter and Paul Macedonian Hall and began promptly at 6 p.m.
The hall served dinner at 7 p.m. and began the music and dancing after the courses were completed. It was decorated with things to make it seem like a city, with each table labeled a different city.
Seniors Owen Thiele and Kristen Kiszenia were announced as Prom King and Queen. They both received their crowns and were cheered on by the other students at the dance.
Overall, it was a well-organized and enjoyable evening for all those who attended.
What's coming up?
With the end of the year quickly approaching, the seniors at LHS are preparing for their final month as a Red Devil.
Being a senior means that they have quite a few things coming to wrap up their high school careers. Some of these events include cap and gown pick up, the senior parade, the PRIDE banquet, and of course, the graduation.
All of these events mark the end of a memorable high school experience for the seniors of LHS. That said, LHS tries its best to ensure that the seniors get a memorable send-off and plenty of recognition for their achievements.
Additionally, on the week of April 22, the Environmental Club will be hosting a spirit week and a scavenger hunt to show support and spread awareness for Earth Week. The spirit week’s days are Monday as “Go Green Day! Wear all green;” Tuesday is “Dress as Your Favorite Season Day;” Wednesday is “Dress as Your Favorite Animal Day;” Thursday is “Hats Off to Mother Earth! Wear a hat;” and Friday is “Give Trash a Rest Day! Wear your pajamas.”
Further, the scavenger hunt will take place every day that week before school, during passing periods, and after school. Those who complete the hunt will receive a prize at the end of the week.
Staff spotlight
Teacher Whitney Cross has been an educator at LHS for four years now. Currently, she teaches the courses Principles of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Landscaping.
Cross grew up in Lowell and even graduated from LHS in 2014. After high school, she sought a higher education at Purdue University. There, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education with a Minor in Horticulture. She spent most of her time in the Animal Science facilities where she completed several research projects throughout the College of Agriculture.
Growing up, Cross did not always see herself as an educator. She recognizes that she wanted to be a Conservation officer for the majority of her childhood. It wasn’t until she began participating in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) that she realized how much she would love to teach.
“Working with youth in the agriculture industry is so rewarding and such an incredible experience for them!” said Cross.
She enjoys working with her students and FFA members and getting to know them, which is why she takes great pride in everything they accomplish. She feels it is a privilege to get to work with them and observe their large capacity to learn.
“I love learning with my students, and watching them grow throughout the school year because it’s such an incredible experience! Especially with my FFA members, getting to travel around the state competing with them is such a fun and rewarding adventure,” said Cross.
Not only this, but she also feels fortunate that LHS has such an advanced Agriculture facility with its commercial greenhouse, two shops, a state-of-the-art aquaculture system, and more.
While Cross doesn’t have much free time to indulge in hobbies, she spends any extra time she has reading, working with the cattle, and trying new recipes and ingredients for cooking.
Student spotlight
Ashlyn Walker is a current junior at LHS who enjoys participating in athletics and also working hard academically.
She puts forth effort into everything that she does, which is why she excels so often. Walker takes great pride in her ability to make people laugh, and in how hardworking and forgiving she is.
Currently, Walker is a member of the LHS cheer team and track team, where she is involved in the varsity team of both. Not only this, but she is also in the Leadership Club and the LHS Student Council.
While much of her time is spent in extracurriculars and working, she still ensures that there is plenty of time for her academics.
Her most prominent academic accomplishment is her recent induction into the National Honors Society. This is primarily because Walker is the first in her family to be accepted into this, and she is proud that her hard work and dedication have paid off.
“After high school, I plan to go to college to get my Associate's Degree in Radiology, and then later go back to cross-train in CT and MRI,” said Walker.
Her big goals for the future are the primary reason why she takes school and extracurriculars so seriously.
Outside of the LHS setting, Walker heavily enjoys cleaning her room, reading books, and spending as much time as possible with friends and family.
“Your life is only worth what it takes to keep it,” said Walker.
The above quote is advice that fuels her daily and that she feels everyone would benefit from taking into consideration.