Remembering Haley Kay Ralph
Sad times have hit River Forest in this month of November. Shortly after school on November 11th, beloved freshman Haley Ralph was in an ATV accident. Haley’s injuries required being airlifted to a hospital in South Bend. As River Forest is a small and close-knit school, the entire school felt the impact of this tragic accident. Though times were dark, the wave of love and support from the River Forest family soon illuminated the entire community.
A prayer gathering, led by senior Cy Muraida, was held after school the following Friday. Over 70 Ingots stood hand in hand in the cold fall weather to pray for their fellow Ingot. Shortly afterward, a candlelight vigil was held at Columbus Park. Faces young and old gathered to show their support and love. A GoFundMe account was started up to help the Ralph family with medical expenses, and immediately donations began pouring in. Within a single day, over two thousand dollars were raised from over 30 different donors. The outpouring of love and togetherness was unlike anything that River Forest had ever seen before.
Despite the determined and heroic action of medical personnel at South Bend, and her own strong fighting spirit, Haley Ralph passed away on the quiet morning of November 14th. Haley decided at a young age to be an organ donor and was able to donate many organs to those in need.
The next day, a car cruise for Haley, started by junior Ronnie Smith, paraded through Hobart and Lake Station. Led by the Lake Station Fire Department and joined by many northwest Indiana car clubs, the cruise was a somber way of showing support and love for Haley. Haley’s wake was held at Rees Funeral Home in Hobart on November 20th. Her funeral was held in the River Forest gym on the snowy morning of November 21st. Both the funeral home and the gym were filled with friends and family of Haley. After the funeral, a procession drove to Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens to finish the funeral.
Haley was described as being “energetic, sweet, and kind.” She was “the kind of person that was friends with everyone.” Haley played softball with Lake Station Little League for 9 years and was involved in Girl Scouts for 9 years as well. An energetic cheerleader for the last 4 years, Haley was the junior high cheerleading captain in her 8th-grade year. Haley was a bright student, and actively involved in student council. Above all, Haley was an Ingot, and will forever be in the hearts of all students and teachers at River Forest.
Athletics
Wrestling: Wrestling season is officially back at River Forest. Though the team hasn’t had any meets yet, that isn’t to suggest the Ingots haven’t been busy. Each wrestler practices hard almost every day after a long day at school, working hard to stay in shape and prepare for the season ahead of them. The long-awaited first meet is November 28th at North Newton. All are eager to see what experiences await this season.
Girls Basketball: Girls basketball is starting up strong, with practices Monday through Saturday. Already this practice is paying off. On November 24th, the Lady Ingots gave their all playing Bishop Knoll and won the Greater South Shore Conference ball. On November 28th, the girls will go against Hanover Central in a home conference game. The girls will undoubtedly fight hard to keep the conference ball where it belongs- right here at River Forest High School.
Boys Basketball: After an amazing football season this year, the Ingot boys are back and ready to have a record-breaking basketball season. The boys are working hard, also practicing Monday through Saturday. The Ingots played Lacrosse in their first home game on the 25th and scored a close win at 57 to 50. The next challenge for the Ingot boys is against Highland High School on November 27th, at home. Triumphant from their first win, the basketball team is sure to be successful in all upcoming games.
Student Shout Out
Brianna Delhaye is River Forest’s most colorful junior. No other junior at River Forest can say that they have had their hair every color of the rainbow - multiple times. No other junior can also say that they work part time as an assistant to a professional photographer. These extraordinary things are just part of everyday life for Brianna.
Brianna’s hobbies include photography and listening to music.
“It’s a great feeling when I get to combine those interests and actually take photos at concerts,” she said.
Brianna also enjoys eating pizza.
“That’s a skill, right? I'm great at it!” Brianna jokes.
As of now, Brianna is not heavily involved with any extracurricular activities, instead using the extra time to focus on her grades and photography. Brianna was the editor of the yearbook her freshman and sophomore years - a rewarding but challenging title. After sophomore year, Brianna is no longer affiliated with the yearbook activities.
After graduation, Brianna plans on double majoring in Business and Management and minoring in Marketing. Though not entirely sure where she would like to study yet, a few of her top choices are Indiana University and Ohio State. All that know Brianna know that she will, without a doubt, leave a beautiful, multicolored mark on the world wherever she goes in life.
Teacher Shout Out
Mr. Vorrier is a science teacher at River Forest. Mr. Vorrier can be seen teaching Earth and Space science, and AP biology to high school students of all grades. Easily recognized by his cynical humor and receding hairline, Vorrier is a one-of-a-kind addition to the Sciences department of River Forest.
Mr. Vorrier admits that he attended college “longer than most people.” Vorrier graduated from Lewis University first, graduating in 1998. From there, he attended Valparaiso University Law School. While law school was a great experience, Vorrier still felt that there was something missing. This is when the idea of teaching came to his mind. Vorrier completed the transition to teaching at Purdue University Calumet, and has not looked back since.
When asked why he became a teacher, Vorrier said, “I tried almost everything else so I figured, why not give teaching a shot?” Vorrier also adds, “Plus, the large sums of money you get from teaching are irresistible.”
To Mr. Vorrier, the best part about teaching is making a difference.
“Sounds corny, I know,” says Vorrier, “But I look where students I've taught have gone, and it’s nice to think that, for some at least, I helped them get there “
In his free time, Vorrier loves watching sports, especially soccer and hockey. Vorrier also enjoys traveling. “I get to travel a lot with my daughter's travel soccer team. It's a great way to spend time with her and see new sights,” says Vorrier.
Upcoming Events
November 27th- Boys basketball game against Highland High School
November 28th - Wrestling Meet at North Newton
November 28th - Girls basketball game against Hanover Central
December 1st - Boys basketball game against South Central
December 5th - Boys basketball game against Wheeler