#1StudentNWI: The Lowell Red Devils are ready for sunny summer days

#1StudentNWI: The Lowell Red Devils are ready for sunny summer days

What’s recently happened?

Lowell High School (LHS) students recently had their Advanced Placement (AP) tests the week of May 2.

AP tests are standardized exams that test students based on how well they know the content. Each test is catered to the individual AP class and subject.

There are many benefits to taking these classes. They provide insight into college-level work, provide boosts to grade point averages, and allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.

These exams can be stressful for students, and it's important to put in the necessary time to study.

“If you study and work hard, you should be good. It’s a long test, but the teachers prepare you pretty well. I suggest studying a few weeks beforehand and going over what you don’t know a night or two before,” said LHS sophomore Audrey Roge.

Another event that has recently taken place was the Lowell Varsity Girls Tennis games. The team has been excelling in all of its matches and even made it all the way to the IHSAA Sectionals in Crown Point.

Overall, the Lady Red Devils finished this season 9-7 and were tied for second place in the NCC. That said, two of the girls will move on to the individual part of the State tournament.

What’s coming up?

LHS is getting ready to wrap up the 2022-2023 school year in the coming weeks.

The Lowell Devils get out of school for summer break on June 2, and many students are anxiously awaiting this day.

“I’m very ready for summer to start and for the weather to get warmer,” said sophomore Zoe Terry.

With the end of the year comes a multitude of different events, like final exams, and there are many graduation events for the seniors.

Specifically, there's the upcoming senior parade through the elementary, middle, and high schools on May 24, which is a right of passage for seniors. They get one last chance to take a look through all that they have been through and say one final goodbye.

All in all, students are excited to get a well-deserved break from school after they complete all the necessary end-of-year exams.

Staff spotlight:

Denise Houser has been a counselor at LHS for four years and is widely admired by all.

Houser grew up in Bourbonnais, Ill., and thus graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. From there, she earned an associate’s degree from Kankakee Community College, a bachelor's degree in criminal social justice from Lewis University, and a dual master's degree in professional and school counseling from Olivet Nazarene University.

“I began my career as a school counselor after many years working in human services; juvenile probation officer, clinical mental health therapist within an agency as well as in private practice. Becoming a school counselor has been, hands down, the most rewarding for me,” said Houser.

Further, Houser feels honored that her job has allowed her to work with a surplus of all kinds of people. She hopes that she's affected those she’s worked with as much as they have affected her.

“I find absolute joy in working with students. I love watching them grow and mature. I appreciate being someone they can rely on or someone they chose to share their good and their bad with,” said Houser.

One of her goals as a counselor has been to always make the students feel heard and seen.

Outside of being a counselor, Houser enjoys taking care of her flower beds and spending as much time as she can with her family. She finds joy in reading and playing with her son and just being present.

Houser has recently decided to resign from LHS. She feels that it’s time for her to take a step back and take care of her son despite the tremendous amount of joy she finds in her work.  

“To the Lowell High School students and families past and present, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for accepting me to be a part of your lives for the last four school years. It’s been a journey. I have had the pleasure to see so many students soar and leave LHS to pursue adventures and ambitions. I will miss that so much. I have loved getting email updates and phone calls from past students or family members. Thank you for putting your trust in me. It was never something I took for granted,” said Houser.

Houser has been a substantial asset to LHS in the time that she has had there. She has made a lasting impact on everyone and it is without a doubt that she will be missed by many.

Student spotlight:

Bryson Hebble is a sophomore at LHS who is heavily involved in the school community.

He is a very intelligent student who has been in honors classes since his freshman year. He takes great pride in this accomplishment.

Additionally, he has maintained straight A’s while also being a part of a variety of extracurriculars.

“I’ve been able to maintain a 4.2 GPA while being a student athletic trainer, being in student council, being a member of Leadership Club, and being a member of the LHS Page Turners and multiple Academic Super Bowl teams,” said Hebble.

Not only is he in many clubs, but he is also a part of the LHS soccer team and a part of the Red Devil Mentor Program.

When Hebble is not in school, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family.

Because he is such a distinguished student, Hebble has planned out much of what he wants to pursue in higher education.

“After I graduate, I plan on becoming an architect,” Hebble said. “My hope is that I’ll get into Ball State University.”