What's recently happened?
River Forest High School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, along with the Independence Day celebrations of many Latin American nations – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. During this time, River Forest celebrated the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Many families and friends were welcomed to join in on games, food, prizes, and much more. This event was held on October 3 at 5 p.m. and concluded at 7:30 p.m. Families of students and staff of all grade levels participated in this celebration and indulged in many cultural activities and treats.
River Forest’s volleyball team and football team faced off in their annual Sectional games. The volleyball team played against Hanover Central High School at Griffith High School. The River Forest football team went up against West Lafayette High School. These games concluded the season and were a bittersweet moment for seniors who played their last games as River Forest athletes.
Partnering with Strack & Van Til, River Forest was offered free classroom equipment. River Forest students and teachers were eligible to earn free school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, and other necessary supplies for the classroom. In order to qualify for this, students and their families were required to shop at Strack & Van Til and save their receipts.
What's coming up?
River Forest's senior class is set to have its annual class meeting in regards to ordering information for caps and gowns. This meeting will take place during student resource time (SRT) in the ¨Round.¨ Seniors are recommended to come to this meeting as important information will be given out. This will be the second class meeting out of many for River Forest seniors as the countdown to graduation is rapidly speeding by.
¨I can't believe I'm a senior. It feels like time has just flown by and I was just in the sixth grade,¨ said River Forest Senior Makayla Troutman.
Basketball season is just around the corner, and many teams are set to begin preparations. River Forest’s Girls and Boys Basketball teams will soon begin their seasons by hosting a try out for students ninth - 12th grade.
Research shows that students whose parents stay involved in the school have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills, and adapt better to school. River Forest will be offering parents an opportunity to join the Parent Advisory Council and get a say in many subjects regarding school activities.
Staff spotlight:
Matthew Wendell has been a member of the River Forest community for 16 years. He takes on many leadership roles, but his main jobs are as the ACP supervisor and golf coach for the past 10 years.
¨I have always loved how much of a family-like atmosphere River Forest has been. It is a small community, and it is easy to get to know everyone and develop working relationships with one another,” said Wendell.
In Wendell’s free time, he loves working all the athletic events for River Forest and playing golf with friends and family. Beginning in the eighth grade, Wendell’s passion for golf only grew more and more. Growing up seeing his uncle go professional, his desire to play and/or coach only grew. Wendell also enjoys spending quality time with his two dogs, Addy and Wrigley, and his cat Ivy.
Student spotlight:
Makayla Troutman is a senior at River Forest. She has played volleyball for seven years beginning in the sixth grade. From a young age, Troutman has shown signs of her immense potential and dedication as an athlete.
¨I’ve been playing volleyball for seven years, softball for three years, cheer since I was about 5 or 6, track for six years, and basketball for five years. I enjoy working and playing sports. They are passions for me, and over the years I've learned to love going to work and always playing at least three sports,¨ Troutman said.
In Troutman’s free time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. Family plays an important role in her life. Her goal in life is to be able to give back to the people and community that has played a factor in her success.
After high school, Troutman plans on going to a four-year community college to double major in business management and nursing. Troutman has had an immense interest in the medical field since a child, growing up and seeing her mother as a phlebotomist.
¨When I graduate, I plan to continue my education and play softball as I have found that's where my passion and heart lies,¨ she said.