Holiday cheer lasts all year
Although Crown Point High School provides many opportunities for students to give back to their community throughout the year, giving seems to peak at the holiday season. Various clubs provide many opportunities for the community to give back to others through service opportunities, donations and parties for children.
The CPHS Key Club hosted a pajama party for the community’s children on Dec. 14. Members dressed in holiday pajamas and hosted various stations of crafts and games with a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Both Student Council and National Honor Society created opportunity for many to give to the less fortunate through the Angel Tree program. Students were able to donate money to Student Council or sign up to purchase gifts for someone through NHS.
“I participated in Angel Tree, which is buying presents for a child in need. I participate in these community services to give back to the community and help people who may need it,” said senior Mackenzie Jaegar.
National Honor Society also provided members with the chance to collaborate with Salvation Army and bell ring outside of Strack And Van Til. Student bell ringing went from Nov. 19 to Dec. 21. Junior Nick Ryan found value in bell ringing despite the cold weather.
“I participated in bell ringing to help make a difference by collecting money for those in need. Even though it was cold when I was bell ringing, it was enjoyable because I knew I was making a difference. I didn’t think about it at the time, but when I look back, I realized what I accomplished and how much that would actually help other people who need it,” said Ryan.
Similarly, junior Grace Cleland participated in bell ringing to help give back to the community. She believes that participating in community service is a simple way to help those around you and should be done more often.
“I think participating in service projects more throughout the year is great to do. During the holidays, it’s nice because it’s a time of giving back, but help is still needed throughout the year,” said Cleland.
No matter when the service is done, it is still valuable according to Ryan. He and senior Gianna Bilotto are motivated to help others when they see what they have in comparison to themselves.
“I think it is important to give back during the entire year to keep in mind that there are people who are less fortunate, and you should always be thankful for what you have,” said Gianna. “Bell ringing was a great experience, and it was so nice to see so many people giving back during the holidays.”
Collectively, students raised $5,000 for the Salvation Army.
Boys Basketball hopes for success throughout season
With an overall record of 9-2, the Crown Point High School boys basketball team maintains high hopes for the rest of their season.
The varsity team participated in the Noblesville Holiday Tournament following Christmas. Playing three games total, the boys made it to the championship game against Pike High School only to fall short during overtime, which is their only loss this season. Although the dogs lost, senior Sasha Stefanovic scored his 1,000th career point and won an award.
“We did really well, making it to the championship game and losing in overtime. I played well and got the award for the Most Outstanding Player for the tournament,” said Stefanovic.
This wasn’t the team’s first appearance at the tournament, and senior Dominic Tomich enjoys the challenge it always brings.
“We played well the whole tournament and had a few unlucky breaks in the championship game. It was a great experience as it has been the previous years we went,” Tomich said. “We would’ve liked to win the championship game and remain undefeated, but we have our goals set higher and are working on flaws that were shown in the championship game against Pike.”
With four of the five starters being seniors, the team has had many opportunities to form lasting friendships, and both Tomich and Stefanovic cite these as things they will miss.
“I’m most looking forwards to having fun with my teammates for one last year. I’m going to miss the friendships I’ve made and the team bonds I’ve made,” Stefanovic said.
The team has goals set for the season, and the team is working towards them while enjoying the time they have together as high school teammates.
“Myself and the other seniors are looking to enjoy one last go around playing with each other. We have goals in mind for later in the year, but for now we are trying to enjoy each game we play and compete every possession. Us seniors have been playing together since third grade, and it makes the senior experience that much better,” Tomich said.
“I’ve made friends that I’ll always know and talk to from basketball, and we are looking to embrace each game and win each time we step out onto the court. I’ll miss being able to play with these guys when the season’s over, so I’m going to appreciate every moment I spend with my teammates and coaches.”