What’s recently happened?
On October 6, Lake Central (LC) High School celebrated its seniors at the last regular season home football game. This was definitely a bittersweet night for students in the Class of 2024 and their overjoyed families.
Before the LC Indians took on the Merrillville High School Pirates, seniors from the cheer and football team lined up with their families to be announced and proudly walk across the field. Parents linked arms and held hands with their athletes with beaming smiles after hearing their child’s name echoing through the speakers in the stadium.
The National Anthem was played beautifully by the LC Marching Band, and students sang together and cheered to start the game off right with a loud crowd.
Students were eager and excited to watch their team play. LC’s school spirit is unmatched. Kate Shafer, dedicated fan to the LC Indians, stood along the fence one last time to watch her team play.
“It’s definitely bittersweet. I love watching these guys play, and they’ve had a great season. I love all of them so much,” Shafer said.
Students filled up LC’s student section wearing their senior shirts or pink to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A student even made a sign to hang on the fence that read “Tackle Cancer.”
In honor of the strong fighters and survivors of breast cancer, students released pink balloons after the National Anthem to show their love and support. The sky was filled with pink as students clapped and cheered. It was a touching sight to see.
The football team started off extremely strong and ready to fight. The seniors were playing their hearts out, for it was the last time they’d be playing on their home field together.
At halftime, senior Color Guard and Marching Band members quickly lined up with their parents and siblings to be recognized. One by one, each dedicated member walked with their parents across the field.
As soon as the announcements were done, members were rushing to grab their equipment and instruments to put on one of their best halftime performances yet. From the mesmerizing music to the outfit changes, all while playing through a bit of rain, this performance was definitely one to remember.
After a long and cold game, LC lost to the Merrillville Pirates. However, there is more to come for the Indians.
What’s coming up?
LC’s Environmental Club meets one to two times a month to learn and improve the school environment.
At the club’s first meeting, a large group of members went outside to pick up trash around the school. Brody Snyder, co-president of the Environmental Club, believes that the club is truly making a difference.
“I think we’re making a good impact, especially with cleaning around the school. I just think it’s a really nice club to be a part of,” Snyder said.
Coming up on Tuesday, October 24, the club will be having its second meeting of the school year. The group members will be creating Halloween decorations out of recycled products.
Julie Shupryt, science teacher at LC and sponsor of the club, is looking for donations of toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, and clean, empty milk jugs for the decorations.
The students in the Environmental Club are creating new and fun ways to benefit their school and the environment in their club.
Staff spotlight:
LC has been in need of a permanent substitute for its journalism classes. Kristen Mirabelli is the perfect person for the job - she used to be a journalism student herself.
In fact, Mirabelli graduated from LC in 2018 as a Publications student.
“I had the honor to serve as the social media editor as well as speak at graduation,” Mirabelli said.
She took Photography and Intro to Journalism during her time at LC. These are two classes that she will be teaching now.
Mirabelli graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with her bachelor’s in public relations. Now, she’s in grad school getting her master’s in hospitality and tourism.
“Coming back as a sub at LC is definitely a humbling experience. I see who I was as a student and all the dreams and goals I had for myself. Now that I’m working towards my future, I want to help my students accomplish their own goals,” Mirabelli said.
Mirabelli is most excited to connect with all of her new students and learn about them. She wants her students to know that she’ll always be here for them if they need her.
Student spotlight:
The LC football team has put in countless hours of hard work this season, and it hasn’t stopped yet. Between the athletes, coaches, trainers and managers, the dedication is unmatched. Sectionals will be taking place soon, and the LC Indians are preparing and practicing hard.
The Sectional playoffs draw was held on Sunday, October 8.
LC drew the Portage Indians for its playoff game. The game will be on Friday, October 27 at Lake Central High School.
James Shaffer is an extremely dedicated student and coach to the LC football team. Shaffer is looking forward to the playoff game.
“I’m feeling good. Hopefully it’s a win,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer has been coaching for the LC Football team for the past two years.
“It’s sad that it’s coming to an end. I’m going to miss the team a lot, but I’m happy I’ve spent as much time with them as I have,” Shaffer said.
As far as post-high school plans, Shaffer is currently enlisted in the U.S. Army and is leaving right after he graduates high school.
“My favorite part of coaching has been bonding with the team and making memories with all of them,” Shaffer said.