What’s Happened?
December comes with a whole heap of challenges and changes for students. Classes are winding down, finals are an ever impending monolith of anxiety, and the switch over to the brutality of a Northwest Indiana winter are just a few of the stresses you find weighing down on high schoolers this month. However, there are a whole heap of attempts to make this tumultuous time a little less overbearing. The always entertaining and stunning showcase of Valparaiso student talent," This Is Our Story," takes place this month. Highlighting the incredible abilities and dedication of students from every grade level, TIOS is a Valpo schools winter time staple. Artists, singers, dancers, and musicians grace the stage for two nights every December, showing what their years of hard work have allowed them to do.
Other students might have been directing their attention to the various other clubs and activities winding down for break. Many clubs are having their final meetings of the year to plan out donations and charitable actions. The basketball season is in full swing now, with the girls team taking lead and showing off some classic Viking Pride. Amongst all of the pressures of the end of the year, VHS has not missed a beat. There’s no shortage of exciting things happening in the halls of Valparaiso High School, although coming into the halls these last few weeks might prove to be a little low in morale. Finals preparation has kept spirits in check, but the approaching allure of winter break is balancing it out.
What’s Coming Up?
With the end of the first semester, a lot of new things are shaping up for the students of Valparaiso High School. Some of the more eager seniors will be graduating early, leaving to pursue job opportunities or to get an early start on furthering their education. Class schedules will be switching over with the start of the second semester, making the return to school a little bit disorienting. Amongst all of these changes also comes the realization the seniors have all been waiting for; this is their last semester at VHS. The end of their journey at VHS is fast approaching as students prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
In terms of student driven activities, it’s a slower time for activities. At a school where there is no shortage of interesting and fun things to do on any given day, seeing the halls empty so quickly at the end of the day is a little strange. Students aren’t hanging around after school as much, as clubs and after school activities prepare for winter break. Preparations are beginning for performances and such after students return, but the school is bustling with students much more worried about their Calculus final then anything that far in the future. The school is concerned with the present moment, instead of the focus being on what’s next for the time being.
Teacher Spotlight
There’s something incredibly special about a great math teacher. For most students, even if the subject at hand, whether it be Geometry or Calculus, makes sense, the teachers leave something to be desired. The wonderful thing about Mrs. Tracy Corneil is that not only does she make the subject of Calculus engaging, but she also goes above and beyond to make sure that each and every one of her students is on the same page.
“I got my bachelor's at Ball State and my master's from Purdue. I have been teaching at VHS for 25 years, and have taught lots of different math classes. Currently, I am teaching pre-cal and calculus,” said Corneil.
In a subject like this, it’s easy to fall behind and lose the drive to try and succeed. Mrs. Corneil makes success achievable, though. Everytime a student struggles on a lesson, underperforms on a test, or even misses a day of class, Mrs.Corneil’s door is open to help that student realign.
While most teachers offer help outside of their classes, the difference is Mrs. Corneil makes this invitation feel personal, even welcoming. Her classroom environment is so open and in tune that seeing her after or before class doesn’t feel like a burden or punishment.
“I really strive to be a difference maker. I want the kids in my class to learn about life as well as math. They are very important to me, and so is their education. I enjoy getting to know my students and helping them learn math and have a little fun at the same time,” said Corneil.
That is exactly what sets her apart from other math teachers. That is what makes her class a joy to sit in, and what makes her a world-class teacher. There’s an effort and desire to be relatable and to connect with her students in a subject where that connection can be very difficult to make and maintain. Her lectures are filled with anecdotes and humor, a far cry from what normally constitutes a calculus lecture. Her passion and care is felt in every waking moment that you sit in her classroom.
“The most gratifying aspect of teaching is seeing kids learn and grow up to be incredible young adults. Its wonderful when kids come back to see me and tell me about school, their career, family, etc,” said Corneil.
Student Spotlight
Keenan Flannery’s never ending energy and purposeful demeanor make him an enigma at a school where almost every student is involved in a thousand different clubs.
“I am currently involved with Debate primarily. However there are myriad other activities that I participate in, such as NHS, History Club, Political Philosophy Club, and Latin Club,” said Flannery. Anyone who’s ever met Flannery can tell immediately that he is confident in his abilities and has every right to be. He is an A-Class debater in the Public forum event, winning numerous high placements at the state and district competitions in his four years as a team member.
“VHS offers an environment for any individual to grow and better themselves as long as they are willing to put in the effort themselves...people of ambition and quality are not lacking. Some of the most brilliant and humorous people of my life are from here. In all VHS has provided what is necessary, a place to develop and others to join you in the process," said Flannery.
Valpo is a breeding ground for dedicated young people to flourish and adapt, to find their niche and the group in which that niche can continue to be nurtured. Keenan is the bonafide proof of that important aspect of VHS curriculum.
“Valparaiso has, if anything, taught me self-dependence. Often in life you will have to motivate yourself to succeed and Valpo undoubtedly has forced me to do that,” said Flannery.
It’s a place that forces you to reflect on your shortcomings, to realize what you’re doing wrong and adapt to the environment you’ve been placed in. Valpo does exactly what a high school is meant to do, and that is prepare students for the future. The future is fast approaching for seniors, and that future's looking bright for them, and for Keenan.
“I hope to attend Cornell University in the fall and from there to grad school. Law is the most likely career path for me,” said Flannery.