Roustabout: We Can’t Stop Talking About it
Last month, Hobart’s theatre department put on an inspiring and moving play, Roustabout: The Great Circus Trainwreck, written by Jay Torrence. Hobart had asked Mr. Torrence for permission to perform his play.
Mr. Torrence saying yes allowed for Hobart to be the first high school ever to perform this production as well as the first theater in Indiana to perform it.
Roustabout: The Great Circus Trainwreck is a mix of facts and fiction, and it’s based on a tragic crash between a military train and the Hagenbeck Wallace Circus train that was stopped on the tracks just outside of Hammond, Indiana. The crash took place on June 22, 1918, injuring more than 100 performers and killing 89 who were sleeping in the train cars. The dead were buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois.
Most of the circus crew were unidentified and buried in graves with tombstones that read “Unknown Male” or “Unknown Female” as well as being labeled with a number. The unbelievable emotion was portrayed in the play. One minute the audience was quiet with intense focus, another minute hysterically laughing, and another moment crying.
The play took place on Thursday, March 3rd through Sunday, March 6th. During the Saturday performance, Jay Torrence himself watched Hobart’s theatre department perform and participated in a Question and Answer afterwards.
Roustabout was an amazing experience for everyone who performed, helped out, or saw it, and many of those who attended wish they could see it again. Hobart was extremely lucky to be a part of something so special.
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
On Wednesday, April 6, a group of students gathered in the high school’s auditorium along with administration and parents to celebrate the high achievement of the hard-working students who were chosen to be inducted into the National Honor Society.
Mrs. Buffington, Hobart’s superintendent, was there to welcome everyone and congratulate the students being inducted. Mrs. Swafford, who is a teacher at the high school and the Chapter Advisor (the leader) of National Honor Society, introduced the NHS officers who then spoke about what qualities the students selected for membership are expected to continuously demonstrate. Some of these skills include scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Membership in NHS is not only an honor, but it is a huge responsibility. The president of NHS is Marisa Butkiewicz, and she discussed what it takes to be a part of the high-achievement group. Vice President, Katie Hardlannert discussed character. Secretary, Marisa Porras discussed leadership. Treasurer, Jessica Sherrard discussed Service, and Historian, Stephanie Stack discussed scholarship.
As the officers finished, they lit four candles that represent the four characteristics. Then, names of all of the members were called up to receive their pin and certificate as well as sign their name in the NHS logbook of members. New inductees included sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Cake and other desserts were served afterwards. This was the first official NHS induction ceremony at Hobart so the night was very exciting!
Hobart High School’s Talent Show
Hobart High School’s annual talent show is almost here! Every student has the opportunity to audition. Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15 at 7:00 P.M. Some of Hobart’s students will be putting their talents on display for anyone who chooses to come and support. To become involved in the show, students get to audition one on one with Mr. Wolff who is a choir, guitar, and music history and appreciation teacher here at the high school.
Mr. Wolff is also the director of the talented group of young ladies known as Wolffgang. Those who auditioned find out whether or not they will be performing and when rehearsals will be the following week after auditions.
Throughout rehearsals, students work on acquiring comfortability performing in front of an audience as well as stage presence. Students get to work with the high school theatre department’s tech crew to figure out the specifics such as lighting for the big event, and Mr. Wolff assists the performers by providing input on what should change and what should stay the same.
The acts this year range from singing and dancing to comedy and playing instruments. Another aspect of the talent show that is looked forward to by many includes the MC’s. Every year they never fail at having the audience laughing almost to the point of tears. Tickets are $6 and senior citizens pay $5. So come and see some incredible talent!
Winter Sports All-Conference Awards Recognition
After each athletic season, for fall, winter, and spring athletes, the Hobart school board invites athletes and their families to attend a school board meeting which takes place on Thursday evenings. Winter athletes who were awarded honorable mention, 2nd team, or first team all-conference for their sport were invited as well as those who earned academic all-conference.
The special night of recognizing these hard-working student-athletes took place on April 7th. Mrs. Peggy Buffington, Hobart’s superintendent and the rest of the school board members were there to congratulate all of the students and present them with their awards along with Mr. Robert Glover who is the athletic director at Hobart High School. Also at the meeting, Mr. Glover was presented with an Athletic Director Award, which is an extremely difficult award to receive. He has spent an immense amount of years working hard at the high school, and Hobart is very proud to have him!
Hobart is happy to have such a driven group of students and staff who strive not only for success but are willing to spend their time and effort to improve themselves and help others along the way. Keep up the awesome work!