What’s recently happened?
The week of February 13, Lowell High School (LHS) celebrated Kindness Week. LHS put out a variety of different activities to spread awareness of how crucial it is to be compassionate.
National Random Act of Kindness Week began in 2018, and LHS proudly observes it because of the importance it holds.
The purpose of Kindness Week is to focus on the positivity that surrounds us daily. It reminds everyone that a bit of kindness can go a long way. It also serves as a reminder that everyone needs a little kindness sometimes.
Students were encouraged to participate in the spirit week, where each day had something to do with spreading kindness. They also had the opportunity to send out a kindness gram to someone they would like to recognize and show gratitude for every day that week.
Advisories handed out a list of random acts of kindness to the students, and if they completed their list by that Friday, they received a prize.
The Red Devil Mentor Program (RDMP) has additionally made its weekly lesson to the freshmen about kindness.
During the mentor advisory, every mentor was taught a lesson about kindness and its importance and purpose. They then taught that lesson to their group of three to five freshmen mentees and came up with some activities to share with them to further their understanding.
“I’ve found that Kindness Week served its purpose and reminded everyone how important it is to have compassion. I’ve seen many more people open doors and greet people with a smile since that week,” said Audrey Roge, a sophomore at LHS.
What’s coming up?
The LHS Theater’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will take place on March 9, 10, and 11 at 7 p.m., and on March 12 at 2 p.m.
The LHS Theater has been working on this production since January, and it has put in the time perfecting it at rehearsals.
The community always enjoys the LHS Theater productions, and there is no doubt that the auditorium will be full every day it performs.
Everyone is encouraged to show up to LHS and see what exemplary production the LHS Theater has to offer.
Staff spotlight:
Brianna Mikovetz has been an English/Language Arts teacher at LHS for three years.
Mikovetz is originally from DeMotte, Indiana, and attended Kankakee Valley High School. She later went on to study at Purdue University Northwest where she received a degree in English education.
While she is incredibly content with her current position, she did not always know she wanted to be a teacher. Mikovetz initially went to college to become a registered dietitian, but she disliked many of her classes. For that reason, she switched her major to English education.
“On a bit of a whim, and with some encouragement from my awesome parents, I decided to switch my major and try out English education. I had no idea if it was the right fit at first, I just knew I loved to read. Shortly after, I realized I had made the right move,” said Mikovetz.
While she is still a relatively new teacher, Mikovetz truly puts in effort for her students. She tries to engage them in any way possible, which proves to be effective.
“I love reading to my kids, acting certain scenes out, and hopefully making them more interested in the text. I don’t believe it when someone tells me they don’t like reading; they just haven't found the right book. I also like how much the kids can make me laugh, even if it is at my own expense. You have to have a good sense of humor to be a high school teacher,” said Mikovetz.
Mikovetz also finds great pride in making any impact or difference to a student. There have already been many moments in her career where students have made her thankful and confident that she made the right choice when she chose to be a teacher.
“Despite all of the hardships that come with being a teacher, if you know you’ve helped a kid, it makes the job feel worthwhile,” said Mikovetz.
Outside of school, she enjoys reading and playing with her puppy. She also finds joy in animals and the outdoors.
Student spotlight:
Sarah Gygi is a sophomore at LHS and is someone who makes sure people listen to what she has to say.
“My biggest accomplishment so far has been using my voice and advocating for myself and the students at LHS,” said Gygi.
Gygi dedicates much of her time to extracurricular activities because she enjoys serving and helping her community.
She is very involved in the LHS community and is constantly striving to make a difference. She is in LHS Theater, will be next year’s Culture and Diversity Club secretary, is an officer for Student Council, writes for the "Red Devil Post," is a mentor in the RDMP, and is a member of the LHS Page Turners and Art Club.
“As a student trying to focus on a future with a post-secondary education, I have focused on earning scholarships and filling my schedule with a job and many different extracurriculars,” said Gygi.
She finds joy and fulfillment in helping others and ensuring that everyone has a voice. Gygi speaks up whenever she feels necessary and helps try to make everyone feel comfortable at LHS. She has a big personality which is what makes her attempts at making a change so prominent.
“My goals after high school consist of going to college for a degree in education and possibly social work. I want to become a teacher and an advocate for less fortunate students who do not have a voice to fight for them. I plan on being their voice,” said Gygi.