Postseason Track
As students ran toward the end of the year, the Niners’ track and field team was spiking-up to compete in races of their own. Postseason kicked off with the men’s track meet at Crown Point High School, May 21.
Owen Satoski came through with a strong performance in the 800-meter run. Though not initially projected to finish within the top three individuals to move onto regionals, Satoski established himself on the track with one of the best times of his season.
Further, the Niners manifested success in the 300 meter hurdles through Richard Thiel. Though plagued sporadically with injury across his track career at Andrean, Thiel was able to finish his high school career with a stellar performance at the regional level. Rounding out the regional qualifications for the Niners was the men’s 1600 meter relay team. The Niners qualified with a time of 3:32, and through a shift in athlete composition, were able to pull a 3:29 at the regional.
The women’s team faired similar success, May 19, at the Lowell sectionals. Finishing fourth at sectionals with a time of 10:23, the ladies were able to shave off 11 seconds at their regional performance. Natalie Nowesnick dominated in her field events of long jump and high jump, making a regional appearance across the board and subsequent PRs to boot.
A bad sprain early in indoor season left Kellyn Vale uncertain the kind of track season she would be left with. Vale, only cleared to run in last couple meets of the season, was still able to earn a regional appearance much to the effort she put in through endurance cross training while she was injured. Vale exploded through the finish at the Valparaiso regionals in second place with a time of 2:21, earning herself the opportunity to fulfill her high school dream of competing at state down in Bloomington.
Freshmen Picnic
The class of 2019 is on the brink of the start of their high school experience, and as a kind of ice breaker, Andrean hosted the annual Freshmen Picnic in the cafeteria, June 17. The experience allows for an introduction to Andrean for both the students and parents from both a social and informative perspective.
The incoming freshmen were split into groups while the parents were escorted to an information session in the library on what it means to be a part of the Andrean family. Students competed within their groups in a game of Andrean trivia. From here, students went on a interpersonal scavenger hunt, in search of people who fulfilled a list of facts such as, “Was not born in Indiana.” The goal of the game was to collects the most signatures on the page for each statement, while also meeting and interacting with the diverse cast that will make up the Class of 2019.
Summer Enrichment Program
Education never sleeps at Andrean, as evident by the summer enrichment program for incoming seventh and eighth-grade students. Adolescents who seek an avenue by which to remain sharp during the summer months are given the opportunity to explore academics and athletics in an atmosphere of faith, here at Andrean.
This four-week program runs from June 15 through July 10, from 8 am to 3 pm during the weekdays. The schedule remains standard through the program, beginning each day with a light breakfast. From there, half hour academic sessions are arranged throughout the morning, and a brief meditation precedes lunch. Following the provided lunch, students experience wellness activities, in the afternoon, which incorporate the variety of sports offered at Andrean.
Baseball Goes to State
Not even rain delays could keep away a win by the Niners in the 3A state finals against Jasper, June 18, at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The Niners fought for more than two hours between a rain delay preceding the start of play and yet another delay after 3 and a half innings. Tied at one for most of the game under Luke Jaksich pitching for the Niners, Kevin McCune came in to clench the game in its final couple innings as the Niners snuck in the game winning run for the final score of 2-1.
Andrean holds five state titles, all under the leadership of Coach Dave Pishkur. This expert coaching has brought great depth to the Niner roster and talent across all grade levels, making hopes of a third state win in a row for Andrean a realistic goal. With consistent training and balanced strategy, the Niners will rock the baseball world for years to come.
Teacher Shoutout: Jaycob Knazur
The class of 2015 strolled off the stage with their diplomas after a successful school year; everyone got their class shirts, people survived prom, and no one was devoid of a gown or tassel as they took the final steps in school. So many parts must come together to create senior year, and Andrean credits the movement of these parts to the senior class moderator Jaycob Knazur. When much of the class became ill with senioritis, Knazur ensured everyone made it out of senior year alive and with minimal causalities.
In addition to his vitality as class moderator, Knazur does not shy away from involvement, but rather welcomes it. Racking-up extracurriculars of his own such as Kairos retreat leader and Quiz Bowl coach, Knazur sets an example of exemplary school pride and involvement for students.
Knazur not only makes senior year possible, but Andrean possible. Beyond the changes and everyday stresses, Knazur is always ready with a joke and a laugh to get someone out of a funk and show them the potential they have at Andrean and in themselves.
Student Shoutout: Nina Tadic
While many choose to conform in high school, only few choose to take the road less traveled, or in this case the “alternative” route. Rising senior Nina Tadic not only creates art, but makes art of her life, pledging her efforts to create an outside world as beautiful as she sees it inside her head.
As an avid alternative music listener and supporter, she works to take her love of music to the people around her in a positive way. Tadic does much in the support of suicide prevention through the Chicago-based nonprofit organization Hope For The Day. In conjunction with this organization, Tadic has helped promote their local benefit at Royal Skate in Lansing to friends, family, and acquaintances in the name of suicide prevention.
In a room, Tadic’s personality is contagious. Even without knowing her, one is soon to find him or herself on a gleefully impassioned conversation on anything and everything from feminism to the defense of pop-punk or even photography, one of Tadic’s cherished pastimes. In the midst of conversation, negativity soon fades away behind Tadic and her sincere actions and personable attitude which exude the message that when times get tough, one need not fret because all that is necessary is to change the lens, and picture life at a new angle.
In continued efforts to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention, Tadic is raising money for Hope For The Day, now through August 12. Donations can be given at classy.org/DefeatTheLow.