What’s recently happened?
On June 8, the John Adams High School Class of ‘23 was recognized as it walked across the stage to receive high school diplomas, including over 200 diplomas which held academic honors and technical honors. The Class of ‘23 received an interesting high school experience, as it had to finish out freshman year virtually, since the spread of COVID-19 forced all schools in the South Bend district to close. With the perseverance that the Class of ‘23 held, it was able to come back stronger and finish out the remaining years at Adams with fond memories and knowledge that students will carry with them throughout their future. According to Principal James Seitz, the Class of ‘23 was able to raise its graduation statistics from 67% to over 90% between freshmen and senior year.
At the graduation ceremony, five valedictorians and two salutatorians shared their speeches and lasting remarks as they represented the highest academics that Adams had to offer. Not only did each graduate receive top marks in their classes, they were also recognized for their leadership and involvement in extracurriculars at Adams. From National Honor Society, to Science Olympiad, to an array of sports, these seven students showed excellent commitment to their education and to their school.
“While change can be daunting, it is a vital part of growing up and being able to experience the world around you” said Salutatorian Ruth Halperin.
There was also a special recognition for a former student of the Class of ‘23: Jonathan Sedmak. Sedmak was recognized for his high achieving grades his freshman year at Adams and his loving personality. Sedmak is remembered through his parents and family friends. He was awarded a diploma which his childhood friend received in his honor.
The class officers gathered on the stage for one final goodbye as the Adams Eagles of ‘23 turned their tassels, and caps were thrown into the air.
What’s coming up?
On June 28, there will be a pride event at the Potawatomi Zoo. All proceeds gathered from the event will help support the work of the LGBTQ Center. The LGBTQ Center, the only one in Northern Indiana, is dedicated to the promotion of the LGBTQ+ community, and it helps to ensure that there are equal experiences and inclusivity throughout the community. The goal of the center is to help each individual feel valued, respected, and empowered.
“We represent space for our community and our allies,” said executive director of the LGBTQ Center, H.R. Jung.
The LGBTQ Center has space for everyone, with support for different groups and individuals, to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable, while also being able to experience events in the community. Roar with Pride offers a chance for a family friendly event, and the ability to experience all the new animals that Potawatomi Zoo has to offer, including the giraffes and new baby animals. The event allows for community gathering, walking around to see animals, food, and fun!
Community member spotlight:
Jennifer Ortega was born in Colorado and lived all over the United States until the age of 13. Once her family moved to South Bend, they settled and continued to raise their family. After Ortega graduated high school, she left for 29 years until her return to be with the rest of her extended family.
Ortega attended Clay High School, Northwestern University for undergrad, and the Erikson Institute for grad school. Some of her favorite memories include living in Chicago, and being able to take advantage of all the opportunities that the city provided, such as finding poetry slams, and attending the theater, opera, and symphony.
Ortega works at the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) for the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC). She started, and continues to teach English as a new language for preschoolers, to help work with children whose families have just arrived from all over the world.
“I love being able to help families create a new home in South Bend, and I like to connect them to other resources to help them become settled,” said Ortega.
Ortega is very involved with her community and enjoys all the events that South Bend hosts. She is on the board of the South Bend Education Foundation for SBCSC as well as a part of the mayor’s Immigrant Inclusion Committee. She really enjoys attending the Día de los Muertos events and block parties that the community has to offer. Ortega is also looking forward to attending the Juneteenth event at the History Museum in South Bend.
“I really think that St. Joseph County is a wonderful place to live, and I enjoy doing all of the things that the region has to offer,” Ortega said.
Lastly, some of Ortega’s favorite things to do in her free time are to hang out with her family and friends, while also going to the theater, musical events, the wonderful restaurants, and museums in South Bend.