What’s recently happened?
The 2024-2025 school year is in full swing. Andrean High School (AHS) students are finally getting back into the routine of the school year.
As the school year begins, students are either learning the way high school works or adjusting to their new teachers and schedules. Either way, all AHS students are rising to the standards AHS holds them to.
AHS started off last month with Freshman Orientation, the first day of school, and the football team had a scrimmage at Lake Central High School. AHS students got dressed in all white attire and filled up the student section for the first football game.
Fall sports have begun. Whether it’s football, volleyball, boys or girls soccer, cross country, or tennis, AHS sporting events are not to be missed. If the opportunity arises, everyone should come and see the amazing talent performed by AHS athletes.
AHS athletes are putting on a show on the field, but the AHS theater program has been working on bringing their show to the stage. Recently, the group held auditions for its upcoming fall show, “Clue.” A big congratulations is in order to all those who got a role! AHS theater is very talented, and it is a big deal to be able to beat out the tough competition and secure a role.
During the month of August, AHS students were asked to donate school supplies to help out some of the local elementary schools. Every month students have a service project that they can either donate to or do an act of service for. Last month, students were able to directly help out those around them who are in need.
What’s coming up?
School is back in session and there is one thing on everyone's mind - Homecoming. On September 28, AHS students get to dress to impress and let loose on the dance floor.
Prior to the dance, students will show their school spirit at the football game on September 27. The Homecoming game is the biggest game of the year, and there is always a great turnout. Whether it is their first or last Homecoming, all students go all out for this football game.
There will be a Pep Rally at the school on September 27. Students will get to participate in different games and relay races. The Homecoming Court will put on skits to help win the hearts of their classmates and try to secure their votes.
On September 26, it is the girls volleyball senior night. The girls will take on Hobart High School and six seniors will be honored at the game.
The week leading up to Homecoming will be filled with tons of fun. Every day there will be different themes. As a school that wears uniforms, AHS students are very excited to be able to express their individuality by dressing out of uniform.
Staff spotlight:
Gianna Niece has just started her journey at AHS.
Niece moved to Indiana from New Jersey about four months ago to be AHS’ new campus minister. She is in charge of running the service projects, Masses, and helping students get closer to God.
Niece has been placed at AHS through a program called Echo at the University of Notre Dame. She wants to be able to evangelize to students and help them further their relationship with God. The role allows her to do so. Echo places students around the country and allows them to work with the youth of today to learn about Christ.
She is currently living with two other girls in the same program who are working at other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Gary.
Niece was raised in a Catholic household, so faith has been something she has always been surrounded by.
Moving to Indiana was a big change for her. She stated she is still getting used to the slower pace compared to the city life she is used to. She loves Lake Michigan, and can’t wait to get to see what Northwest Indiana has to offer.
Niece says that since coming to AHS one thing that has really stood out to her is how respectful AHS students are. She said everyone has been super welcoming and treated her with a lot of respect and kindness as she navigates through finding her footing in this new place.
She is looking forward to getting to take students to the local soup kitchen. She thinks that service is very important and wants to be able to lead a small group of students in volunteering.
“If I could leave a mark at AHS, it would be that I could be a light for Christ for the students. I hope that the students will see my light, and be able to show theirs to others,” Niece said.
Student spotlight:
Ava Hernandez-Trost is the senior captain of the girls volleyball team and the starting setter.
She has been on the volleyball team since freshman year and has been a big role model for all the girls who have come into the program since.
She is an amazing leader and treats all her teammates with respect. Hernandez-Trost constantly encourages her teammates. Whether she is on the court or not, she is the team's biggest cheerleader. She plays with such emotion and passion that it can be felt by everyone in the gym.
Hernandez-Trost is not only on the volleyball team, but she is also a part of the National Honors Society. She maintains a healthy balance between school and sports.
“This year I want to spend every minute I can making memories with my friends before we graduate,” Hernandez-Trost said.
