#1StudentNWI: Lake Central Goes All Out for St. Baldrick’s

#1StudentNWI: Lake Central Goes All Out for St. Baldrick’s

Student Spotlight

Most kids don't go through their high school career thinking about cancer. However for Jack Quinlan, cancer is something that has affected him, his family, and his friends in more than one way.

Quinlan is a Senior at Lake Central and last year he was diagnosed with Leukemia.

“It feels like the entire world is on your shoulders. You feel this pressure in your chest and it is kind of hard to think of. The first thing my doctor said when she told me was, from now on your whole life is going to be different,” Quinlan said.

At first Quinlan was devastated and didn’t know what to do or how to go about the diagnosis.

“It crushed me, but only for a little bit. We then turned our attention to facing the problem and solving it,” said Quinlan.

Through his fight against cancer Quinlan credits the boys soccer team with helping him get through the tough days.

“I grew with all of those kids, I love my dudes. It was awesome to see them be that supportive of me,” explained Quinlan.

March 16 is a day that Quinlan will not soon forget. Lake Central held their St. Baldrick's event and Quinlan came before the school and spoke before the entire student body. At the assembly it was announced that Quinlan was cancer free and though it had been known for some time, many students were not aware.

The message received a standing ovation from the crowd and plenty of cheers.

“I kinda knew before my parents told me, I knew when the phone call would be coming and right after they answered it they ran outside hollering and I knew something good had happened,” Quinlan said.

Through all of this Quinlan has learned a lot and grown up quicker than most kids, but his outlook on life has changed drastically.

“Live your life like it is your last day and appreciate everyone who helps you out. Don't confine yourself to a small world. If you have a dream, go out and chase it because you’ll end up regretting it and you’ll appreciate that you did it. And if you fail it’s okay, it will only build your character to where when you are older you are a bit wiser and you can teach your kids,” Quinlan said.

Congratulations to Jack on being cancer free! Lake Central is proud and stands with you. WE ARE LC!

What's Going On:

1Student-LC-March-2018-04March is the slow month of the year for most people. At Lake Central March was a month full of work. The month started off with the boys Varsity basketball taking first place in Sectionals and advancing to Regionals where they were defeated by the South Bend Riley. The Lake Central Centralettes placed 1st in the State. Dr. Larry Veracco hosted several business from St. John and Dyer. There, Veracco informed businesses about how the school was performing and why the school was going back to the taxpayer in May.

1Student-LC-March-2018-03“I think it was important for the business community to get out and see what this referendum was all about. Having this big crowd was really good,” said Chris Chyung.

The third quarter also ended on March 14 and the school year is now heading into its final nine weeks. On March 16 Lake Central held their second St. Baldrick's event. The entire school attended and there were several guest speakers. The main event was when the students and staff who raised money for St. Baldrick's took on the courageous decision to shave their heads. When all was said and done Lake Central managed to raise $23,000 for St. Baldrick’s.

Spring Break goes from March 26- April 2. School resumes Tuesday April 3.

Happy Spring from Lake Central

1Student-LC-March-2018-02What's Coming Up:

With so much going on at LC it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on all the time. With spring sports coming up it can be a tricky time to stay on top of everything. Here’s what’s coming up in the next few weeks:

  • March 21 Field House Walkers 6:00 p.m. @Lake Central
  • March 26- April 2 No School SPRING BREAK!
  • April 3 School Resumes
  • April 3 School Board Meeting @7:30 Lake Central
  • April 4 Junior Class College Meeting (During PtE)
  • April 9 Lake Central Education Foundation Meeting 6:00 p.m. @Lake Central
  • April 10 SAT (Juniors Only) @Lake Central
  • April 12 Academic Letter Winners Banquet
  • April 16 School Board Meeting @7:30 Lake Central
  • April 17 Spring Concert 6:30 @Lake Central
  • April 20 Senior Banquet
  • April 28 Color Run @Lake Central
  • May 3-4 Freshman Play @Lake Central
  • May 5 PROM @ Halls of St. George

Teacher Spotlight

1Student-LC-March-2018-05Carrie Wadycki is one of the two journalism teachers at Lake Central. Going on her 19th year of teaching, Wadycki has witnessed a number of interesting things.

“I actually didn’t want to be a teacher. I wanted to be a journalist but I fell into this job accidently and I fell in love with it. Nineteen years later here I am,” Wadycki said.

In her number of years of teaching she has come to love what she is doing and has helped train the next generation of newscasters, writers and editors. Wadycki’s favorite part of the day is teaching and advising the publications staff.

“It’s a different style of learning. You learn by doing and not from a textbook, it is a different environment. It gives the students real world experience and that is what I really like,” Wadycki said.

When it comes to the worst thing about her job, Wadycki was blunt and honest.

“Staplers, they are the worst part of teaching, they get jammed or run out at the worst time possible. It’s not the kids or the grading its staplers,” said Wadycki.

When not working with her publications staff or grading you can find Wadycki at home spending time with her daughter or playing Minecraft.

“Outside of school I watch a lot of TV. I am addicted to Minecraft, it sounds kind of nerdy but it is like building legos but just in a game,” Wadycki said.

Wadycki is also known for her school spirit. Last year when Lake Central held their first St. Baldricks she made the last minute decision to shave her head.

“Last year I was up in the bleachers and it was really powerful to see all the teachers who battled cancer walk out. I began to think about my family and all those who have fought cancer: one of my little friends from Virginia and all the kids out there who have had to go through that. Last minute I ran down there and shaved my head,” Wadycki said.

When her hair began to grow back her students began telling her that she should dye her hair different colors.

“I guess I am known as the crazy teacher with the colored hair because some of my students were angry when I said I was going to shave it again this year. They asked if I was going to dye it and when I said I wasn’t planning on it they insisted that I had to. So when the hair grows back and is long enough I think I am going to have a twitter poll on what color should I dye it,” Wadycki said.

This year Wadycki got together and with a few students from her Publications class they managed to raise $1,600. Finally in all 19 years of her teaching Wadycki’s favorite thing is to see her students go on into college and enjoy success that they never dreamed of.

“The most memorable things are when our students go off to college, get scholarships, graduate college, and then they get amazing jobs. That is the best thing - watching them grow,” Wadycki said.