#1StudentNWI: Celebrating the Arts and Awesome People at Portage High School

Art on the Lake

Tuesday, March 3, was awards night for the second annual Art on the Lake, an art show put on by the art teachers of PHS to showcase student artwork. Art teacher Paula Weise was the organizer of the event.

“It’s an awesome feeling when you design a gallery area and you see all of this beautiful artwork together,” Weise said.

The students whose work was in the show had a chance to put a little extra money in their pockets. Julia Rex made a ceramic sculpture that, according to her, she started last year and finished a week before the show. Her work won her $100. Jenna Buras had a painting submitted in the show and won $50.

This year, Courtney Steele won best in show for her piece entitled, ‘Follow Me.’

Singing and Dancing and Poetry, Oh my!

Friday, March 13, marked another successful year for the student annual variety show. The show had a total of 36 acts featuring multiple students and their chosen talent. The Choraliers opened the show with a musical number and the cast from this year’s spring musical, Godspell, closed it.

Senior Erin Richards has been in the last two variety shows. Last year, she wowed the crowd with the song, ‘Angel of Music’, from The Phantom of the Opera, but this year she took an entirely different route and performed an original poem entitled, ‘Wings of Gossamer.’

Also wowing the crowd this year was senior Teagan Powers who performed a dance to the song, ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’ from the movie, Frozen.

The show started at 7:00 p.m. and tickets were $6. A DVD of the show will be available for purchase in the coming weeks.

It’s Raining Outstanding Young Men

PHS put on its annual Outstanding Young Man competition on March 7. The competition featured several senior boys all fighting to win the scholarship money that is promised at the finish line. During the show, the boys go through interview questions and other formalities. They even have to perform an entertaining fitness routine that always leaves the crowd roaring with laughter.

This year’s Outstanding Young Man is Nick Bell. Marko Mavrovic was first runner-up and Max Harsha was the academic winner.

They’re Off to Compete at State

The gymnastics team competed in their sectional meet on March 7 against Chesterton at Chesterton. Madison Kurtz placed fifth on floor, Taylor Burhans placed fifth on beam, and Delaney Barcelli placed sixth on beam. The team placed third overall.

“[Third place] wasn’t ideal,” Kurtz said. “But we’re happy to be moving on.”

According to Kurtz, she the team are hoping to do their best at regionals and be able to compete in the state meet.

On Friday, March 13, the team went on to regionals and took third, ensuring that the team will be competing at the state meet.


Student Shout Out

This issue’s student shout out goes to senior Alicia Wood. Not only is she on student council and National Honor Society, but Wood is also taking advanced classes at the high school. On Wednesday, March 11, it was announced that Wood had been named PHS’ outstanding student. The scholarship was put on by Comcast Leaders and Achievers. In order to be able to apply, students had to be chosen by their high school. Alicia was nominated and won the $1,000 scholarship.

According to Wood, she was very happy when she heard she had won.

“I was elated,” Wood said, “[because] I was nominated for the scholarship which is a feat in itself, but then because of that I won money for college.”

According to Wood, she is proud of the things she has done so far in her academic career.

“It’s a great feeling to know all of my hard work in high school is paying off,” Wood said.

Teacher Shout Out

This issue’s teacher shout out goes to biology teacher Miss Brittany Kodie. Recently, Kodie and her fiancée were entered into a contest by the DJ they hired for their wedding. The couple’s picture was posted on Facebook and how many likes or shares the photo receives is how many times their name is put in the drawing to win $10,000.

According to Kodie, when she told her students about the contest there was an immediate rush to like and share the picture with as many of their friends as possible.

“I did offer maybe a little bit of extra credit at first,” Kodie said, “and then they started going crazy [by] liking and sharing it and tagging people.” Kodie said that there are some students who are not in her class but show massive support.

“Right now, I am in second [place] with a little over 1100 [likes],” Kodie said. “The person in first has about 3200 [likes].”

The competition ends on Sunday, March 15.

Upcoming Events

• Winter Sports Awards Night is on March 16 at 6:00 p.m.

• DAC Academic Super Bowl is on March 19 at Valparaiso High School at 3:45 p.m.

• Gymnastics will go on to the state meet on March 21

• Softball has their first game of the season against Andrean on March 31 at 4:30 p.m.

• Baseball has their first game of the season against Elkhart Memorial on March 31 at 4:30 p.m.