What’s recently happened?
Crown Point High School's wrestling team showcased its tenacity and skill at the annual Carnahan Memorial Invitational, securing a commendable fourth place overall. The spotlight, however, was firmly on the outstanding performances of brothers Will and Paul Clark, who not only dominated their respective weight classes but also clinched first-place victories, adding a touch of familial excellence to Crown Point's success.
Crown Point's wrestling team and the Clark brothers' victories at the Carnahan Invitational are causes for celebration within the school community. The triumphs on the wrestling mat underscore the commitment to athletic excellence and the resilience instilled in the team by their coaches.
As Crown Point reflects on the success at the Carnahan Invitational, the wrestling program looks ahead with determination and a renewed sense of purpose. The accomplishments of Will and Paul Clark serve as inspiration for fellow wrestlers, motivating them to strive for excellence and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Crown Point's formidable wrestling team.
What’s coming up?
Crown Point's Journalism Department is abuzz with excitement as the newspaper, yearbook, and radio and TV teams prepare to attend the upcoming annual journalism convention at Franklin College. This event promises to be an enriching experience, offering students a platform to enhance their skills, share insights, and connect with like-minded individuals from across the state.
Crown Point's Journalism Department encompasses a rich array of media outlets, each playing a vital role in capturing and disseminating the school's stories. From the dynamic reporting of the school newspaper to the visually compelling yearbook and the engaging broadcasts of the radio and TV teams, the department represents a multifaceted approach to journalism.
The annual convention not only enhances the skills of current journalism students but also serves as an inspirational platform for those considering a future in journalism. Workshops covering topics such as storytelling, digital media, ethical reporting, and emerging trends will empower students to navigate the complex world of journalism with confidence.
Staff spotlight:
Crown Point is fortunate to have educators like Jolene Smith whose journey in education began with an innate passion for teaching. Specializing in both mathematics and French, Smith’s story is one of dedication, discovery, and a commitment to instilling a love for learning in her students.
“I am a third-generation teacher. I am a twin and I have been ‘playing teacher’ since I was 3 or 4. I cannot remember a time where I did not want to be a teacher,” Smith said.
From a young age, Smith felt a calling to the teaching profession. Her early experiences as a student fueled a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others through education. Recognizing the profound influence teachers can have, she embarked on a journey to cultivate her own skills with the aim of inspiring future generations.
“I didn’t take a world language when I was in high school because it wasn’t required. My dad was giving a speech in Paris and my mom wanted to take a few French classes to travel with him. It was a ‘mother-daughter bonding class,’ so my sister and I took it with her and thought, ‘Why just take one class when you can learn the language?’” Smith said.
This revelation opened a new chapter in her teaching journey, prompting her to explore the rich linguistic and cultural landscape of French education. Smith’s decision to expand her expertise beyond mathematics showcased her adaptability and willingness to embrace diverse educational pursuits.
“I have always loved math. I had never been introduced to a language – I was always a STEM kid, so I took all the extra sciences. It’s always come very naturally,” Smith said.
As a teacher who initially set out to inspire students through mathematics, Smith found herself navigating the intricate worlds of both pre-calculus and French. Her ability to seamlessly transition between these disciplines reflects her dedication to providing a well-rounded education for her students. The juxtaposition of math and French in her teaching repertoire highlights the versatility and passion she brings to the classroom.
“Math and French actually support each other. Mathematics is another language, so they aren’t so different. I do think that teaching a world language and seeing it from a perspective of not knowing the language helps when presenting and breaking down math to make it easier for students to understand,” Smith said.
Smith's unique journey serves as an inspiration to students and educators alike. Her story demonstrates that career paths can evolve, and embracing unexpected passions can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching teaching experience. By combining her love for mathematics with her passion for French, Smith continues to inspire and motivate her students to explore diverse realms of knowledge.
Student spotlight:
Junior year at Crown Point brings with it challenges and opportunities for personal and academic growth. One student, Raquel Ruffin, has embraced her role as both the stage manager for the school's theatre productions and the editor for the yearbook.
“Theatre has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of friends. I have definitely found a community in theatre,” Ruffin said.
For Ruffin, theatre isn't just about the performances on stage – it's a communal experience that brings students together. As the stage manager, she has played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the theatre community.
“Theatre has taught me how to be a good leader who gets what they need to get done while still respecting others,” Ruffin said.
Beyond the world of theatre, Ruffin dons another hat as the editor for the school's yearbook. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she leads the charge in creating a visual and written chronicle of the school year. Ruffin collaborates with fellow students, photographers, and writers to compile a comprehensive representation of the diverse experiences and achievements within the Crown Point community. Her dedication to preserving memories ensures that each yearbook becomes a cherished keepsake for students and staff alike.
“Yearbook has definitely helped with my graphic design skills and being able to handle stress in a way that doesn’t hurt others,” Ruffin said
Ruffin's choice to major in graphic design is a testament to her desire to build bridges through art. Whether it's orchestrating a theatrical production or crafting visual narratives through design, she envisions creating connections that resonate with people on a deeper level. Her commitment to community building extends beyond the stage, and graphic design becomes a new avenue through which she can touch hearts and minds.