Student Spotlight: Emma White
With college on the minds of many seniors, it can be difficult to balance homework and extracurriculars. Senior Emma White recognizes the stress associated with clubs and advanced classes.
“Sometimes I find it difficult to stay motivated to keep on top of my schoolwork and studying, but I just try to plan ahead to save myself from being more stressed in the future,” White said. “I definitely used to be a procrastinator, but now I try to get my work done early so that I can utilize my time better later instead of cramming the night before a test. It really saves me from a lot of unnecessary stress.”
White is involved in French Club, NHS, Student Council, and CASS. CASS is an acronym for “Creating a Safer School”, and each month high school students visit middle school classrooms to talk to them about how to create an overall better school environment. White plans to study biology in college.
“When I’m older I want to go into scientific research. I think it would be so interesting to work in a lab environment everyday, as you would never stop learning,” White said. “I’ve been interested in science ever since middle school, when I decided to join Science Olympiad in sixth grade. In high school, I began to take more advanced science classes and quickly discovered my passion and curiosity for the topic. At this point in my life I really can’t see myself choosing another college major or future profession.”
White is excited to begin her transition into adulthood.
“At the beginning of senior year I was mainly excited for football games and homecoming week,” White said. “Now that fall has arrived and those activities are coming to an end, I’m looking forward to getting all of my college applications in and eventually choosing where I am going to spend the next four years of my life.” (Photos provided by Emma White)
Teacher Spotlight: Elizabeth Laba
Elizabeth Laba currently teaches pre-AP honors chemistry, but has also taught all levels of chemistry. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in education from Valparaiso University.
Laba originally did not want to be a teacher until she went to school for it, and if she wasn’t a teacher she would go into engineering.
“I did my summer internships within the field of biomedical engineering, so I’d probably be doing that,” Laba said. “I wanted to be an astronaut as a kid, there was a big push for women to go into engineering when I was in high school so that’s what I initially studied.”
Laba enjoys seeing the growth of her students through the course of a year or more.
“I teach a challenging course, and it’s good to see students rise to the challenge,” Laba said. “I’ve been teaching so long now that my former students are scientists, doctors, researchers, and I love to see where they end up.”
Laba met her husband while teaching at CPHS and they have three children. She also has a piece of advice for high school students.
“Keep doors open for yourself. Don’t do anything with just half effort because you think it’s not important and you’ll never need it,” Laba said. “You never know what the future holds.”
What’s recently happened? 2018 Indiana Teacher of the Year Jerome Flewelling
Students had no idea why they were being led to the cafeteria during third period Monday morning. Anticipation grew as they observed school board members and state education officials towards the front of the crowd.
As soon as physics teacher Jerome Flewelling entered, it became apparent he was the recipient of 2018 Indiana Teacher of the Year.
In a surprise announcement, Flewelling was informed of his status surrounded by his family, students, and fellow faculty members. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jennifer McCormick, announced his status to the crowd and following that, Principal Chip Pettit addressed the recipient and the audience.
“He has been a wonderful role model for teachers in our school and community for some time. I am very pleased that he will now have the opportunity to serve as a role model for all teachers in the state of Indiana,” Pettit said. “What makes Mr. Flewelling a great teacher is the positive relationships that he makes with students on a daily basis. He is tireless. He is passionate. He is committed to his students.”
“The whole thing is exciting. It's exciting to represent all of the teachers. It’s cool because I’m not like the best teacher but it just means that I’m representing our teachers well,” Flewelling said. “There are other really, really good teachers out there that may or may not have had this opportunity and I’m excited. It’s affirming, like what I’m doing is right and good.”
Flewelling is an alumni of Taylor University and is also the assistant director for theatre. He originally did not want to be a teacher, but found he could combine his love for physics and theatre into one.
“The creativity in the classroom, like coming up with new lesson plans, energizes me, and interacting with the students, doing physics, the colleagues, and getting to work with such a great group of people is all good,” Flewelling said.
Flewelling will represent Indiana in the National Teacher of the Year Competition. (Photo provided by Ashley Rekitzke)
What’s coming up?
The German Club is hosting Oktoberfest on October 4th in the Field House, which is also National Teach German Day. Admission is $10 and there will be music, food, and games.
CPHS’s National Honor Society is hosting their annual Color Run on Oct. 5th. All proceeds benefit the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation. The run starts at 5 p.m. and although registration to run has closed spectators can still throw color for $3. It is recommended to wear as much white as possible in order to see the color thrown. There will be food trucks and music following the run.
The deadline to drop or register for a Dual Credit class through Indiana University Northwest is Oct. 13.
Inklings and Excalibur will head to Indiana High School Press Association’s 2017 State Convention Oct. 19-20.
There will be a half day on Halloween, Oct. 31.