Athletics
Football conditioning: The Ingot Boys are hard at work conditioning for the 2016 football season. With a season as extraordinary as last year, which showcased the 25th anniversary of River Forest going to semi state, the boys have big shoes to fill. Practices are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. The conditioning times are optional; players can either go to the 6 to 8 practice, or the 8 to 10 practice. Practices consist of going over old plays, learning new ones, and lifting weights. The team is excited to make this year even more memorable than the last.
Cross Country: It's that time of the year again! The shoes are laced tightly, the water bottles are at the ready, and River Forest cross country team is back for another great season. Conditioning began in mid-July, naturally in the heat of the summer. The harsh sun can't stop these runners, though. Practices are Monday through Saturday from 8 to 10am. Many think a cross country practice would be strictly running, but not for these Ingots. Though running is the main focus, the Ingots also can be seen riding bikes around the neighborhood. The team is eagerly awaiting this upcoming season, and all the possibilities it brings with it.
Band Camp and Parades
River Forest held its annual band camp the last two weeks on June. Run by band director Ms. Fine, band camp is where students young and old learn to march, memorize, and maintain a straight line. This is the first time many students have ever tried to play while moving, so it is always quite a sight to see.
Students began by practicing on the football field to learn the traditional step size: eight steps to every five yard line. The field, where marching shows during football games are performed, is not the smoothest surface to march on. This helps prepare students to face possible potholes, rocks, and other debris that may be in the roads. From the fields, the band took to the streets of New Chicago. Many residents were surprised to look out their windows and see a 50+ marching band go by! Children stood on the street corners, clapping, cheering, and even mimicking the marchers.
On July 3rd and 4th, it was time to showcase everything that was learned and perfected in those 30 tedious hours of band camp. July 3rd was Lake Station's Independence Day parade. Though the shorter of the two parades, the constant stopping and starting made it feel much longer than it was. Unfortunately, River Forest took second place to Edison for best marching band.
The Ingots refused to be too down, though. July 4th was Hobart’s Independence Day parade. Though it is the longer parade, Hobart continues more fluidly with less stops. For some, Hobart would be the last parade they ever marched in with the Golden Ingot Pride Marching Band. The band marched their hearts out, gathering many compliments from onlookers. In the end, all of the hard work paid off. The Ingots won the Hobart parade, continuing the winning streak that has been in place for more than ten years.
Student Spotlight
Ally Clare is an exuberant senior at River Forest. Though she seems quiet to those that do not know her, Ally becomes more and more outgoing and funny as you see more of her. She is determined to make this year the most memorable and rewarding yet.
Inside school Ally is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball. Outside of school, she plays travel softball and go to church where she sings in choir and plays bells and cello. Dull moments in her busy schedule are almost nonexistent.
In her precious free time, Ally is involved in travel softball. Ally also loves go fishing and kayaking. If you ask Ally her favorite hobby, she would say homework without hesitation! Ally is very dedicated to maintaining her grades.
“If I don't have any homework, I make it up and do stuff all the time for all of my classes. Especially when I was in AP Bio,” said Ally.
When asked what she likes most about being an Ingot, Ally said, “What I like most about being an Ingot is the close-knit, family feel I get being here. I could go to school anywhere because I don't live in the district. However, I chose to come to River and I love it here. Teachers have a connection with their students and can be one on one with them just because of our size. You can't get that at a big school. I am proud to call myself an Ingot and wouldn't want to go anywhere else”
After high school, Ally would like to pursue pre-med at Valparaiso University. With her unmatched determination and passion for her future, we know Ally has a very bright, very rewarding future ahead of her.
Teacher Spotlight
Ms. Erikson is River Forest’s quirky, stylish choir and drama teacher. As she taught music at River Forest Elementary and also Evans Elementary, Ms. Erikson is a long time favorite of many of the students at River Forest. She brightens any room she walks into and has more interesting stories than even she can keep track of.
Ms. Erickson went to Crown Point High School and graduated with the Class of 2000. For her undergraduate degree, she decided to go to Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN where she graduated in 2005 with a degree in music education. In 2009, Ms.Erickson decided to get her master's degree in Vocal Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL, graduating in 2011.
Ms. Erickson always loved music, so the decision to teach it only seemed natural.
“I always loved music and I liked the idea of being a teacher,” says Erickson. “I would get to teach other people about what I loved so much. I know my music classes in high school really helped me function as a teenager and I wanted to be that person for my students that my teachers were for me.”
When asked about what the best part about teaching is, Ms. Erickson says, “The process of getting a concert ready is definitely the best. Sure the concerts are fun, but I love the challenge of getting all the voices to work together. I also love to see students continue doing musical activities after High School.”
Outside of school, Ms. Erickson absolutely loves going to the gym, because she believes a strong body makes a strong musician. Erickson also sings with the Northwest Indiana Symphony and plays tuba with Windiana Concert Band, South Shore Orchestra, German Band Inc., Ein Prosit German Band, South Shore Brass Band and freelance in the area. She is also a very active member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity for women, where she serves as the local Alumnae Vice-president of membership and is also the advisor for the Valparaiso University. Finally, Ms. Erickson says that when she does have rare free time, she enjoys bumming around with her boyfriend and their dog.
Upcoming events:
August 1st- Volleyball tryouts
August 16th- Teachers’ first day
August 17th - Students’ first day