Muslim Student Association Sponsors 9th-annual Fast-A-Thon
For the 9th consecutive year, the Crown Point High School Muslim Student Association invited students and staff members to participate in the annual Fast-a-Thon on Dec. 11. Participants were challenged to refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise till sunset and experience what it is like for Muslims to fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Although about 60 people took part in the event, not everyone approaches the challenge with enthusiasm.
"The hardest thing about putting it together is probably getting people involved. Some are excited to try some thing new but others get sort of scared the minute we say you can't eat from sunrise to sunset," MSA member Maisa Nour said. "We often tell them that if they feel they can't make it through the day then they are more than welcome to break their fast."
Participants are invited to attend a free dinner catered by Aladdin Pita at sunset, a reward for lasting the Muslim fast.
Nour believes the Fast-a-Thon has been a means of educating others about her religion, a feat she and other MSA members hope to continue at Crown Point.
"The best feeling about the fast-a-thon is spreading the beauty of my religion with others. A lot of people have a misconception of Islam and by doing this, I get to show people what Islam is really about," Nour said. "I hope that in the future we will be able to get more and more people involved so it becomes almost a tradition for everyone."
Crown Point Orchestras Share Holiday Spirit with Concerts
After months of preparation, Crown Point’s 5th grade, middle school and high school orchestras took the stage for the annual holiday concert on Dec. 14. Students performed a variety of holiday favorites, including “The Polar Express” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”
Orchestra director Tom Reed has taken part in previous holiday concerts. With the retirement of long-time high school conductor James Deal, however, Reed found himself playing a bigger role in this year’s production.
“As a middle school director, I simply brought my group over the high school and helped Mr. Deal with a few things here and there,” Reed said. “Now, I was responsible for everything and had to take care of every aspect of the concert. It was a lot more for me to think about and work on.”
Despite the added responsibilities, Reed believes the concerts were a success and values the experience this year’s performances have given him.
“I love conducting. That’s the moment we’ve worked for: that performance,” Reed said. “When I get to walk on stage, step up on the podium and conduct an orchestra that’s well-rehearsed, it’s a lot of fun. We were all in it together, and I’m proud of how the concerts turned out.”
Upcoming events:
Stray Dogs Improv Club Set to Perform in First Show of the Year
The Stray Dogs improv club will be performing for the first time this year on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Crown Point High School auditorium. The show consists of different improv games the group has been rehearsing since the start of the school year. Despite the rehearsals, however, the comedy group looks to entertain through unscripted scenes, helping the audience unwind after a week of testing. "I would encourage people to attend because it's a great way to relax after finals are over," improv member Hannah Rademacherr said. "We are always trying to step up our game and make the audience laugh, and honestly, I think we do a pretty good job." Admission to the event is $5 and all proceeds will benefit the Lake County Animal Shelter.
Talent Show:
It’s back. After last year’s program was cancelled due to a low number of audition submissions, Student Union is sponsoring a talent show on Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. Students were asked to submit all auditions before the two-week vacation, and after a significant number were turned in, Student Union sponsor Amy Sansone proceeded with the event.
Students such as senior Becca Olesek are pleased with the return of the show.
“The talent show is a great way for students to showcase their many talents and just do what they love,” Olesek said. “Without the talent show, some of these talents don’t always have a place in afterschool activities, so it’s an amazing chance for to perform and show others what they are truly capable of.”
Shout outs Liz Hanlon Named Crossroad Chamber’s 2014 Inspiring Educator
Special needs teacher Liz Hanlon was honored by the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce early last month. Hanlon was named the 2014 Inspiring Educator, an award that aims to recognize an education who has portrayed excellence, creativity and initiative and challenges students to reach their potential.
Hanlon was nominated by Crown Point High School principal Chip Pettit and assistant principal Mark Gianfermi. After an interview with members of the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce, Hanlon was awarded with the honor.
“I feel honored to be chosen,” Hanlon said. “The support of my fellow teachers as well as the administrative staff at Crown Point High school is key to the success of the program.”
Julie Stuckert Demonstrates Dedication through Viola
While students at Crown Point High School prepare for upcoming finals, senior Julie Stuckert dedicates herself to even more. Stuckert has been able to incorporate time to study musical notes in addition to others, hoping to succeed in upcoming competitions and auditions.
“With college auditions and ISSMA contest, I’ve been spending a lot of time practicing, taking two lessons a week with my instructor, Rovelli Grib, as well as taking additional lessons with violists in Northwest Indiana,” Stuckert said. “I’ve also taken a sample lesson with viola professors at the three schools where I’m auditioning. Those lessons have been invaluable. I’ve learned so much in those lessons that will help me audition successfully.”
Stuckert finds pleasure in such hours of rehearsal, however. In the midst of a busy schedule, playing her viola has been her escape, and as she prepares for her various contests, Stuckert has proven how one can balance something they must do with something they love.
“Music is my refuge on hard days,” Stuckert said. “I feel at home when I’m playing. I love the challenge of conquering a new piece of music and the thrill of performing. Playing the viola can bring incredible stress at times, but it has also given me incredible joy, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.”