NHS Induction
Members of the junior class were inducted into the National Honor Society on March 22. National Honor Society is responsible for several service projects in the school and the community, including recycling, peer tutoring, and Christmas tree set up and take down at Barker Mansion. Senorita Gracyalny is the sponsor, and senior Bailey Holkan is the president. To be considered for National Honor Society, students must have a minimum of 3.3-grade point average and participate in six clubs or other activities. The 58 inductees, along with the current members, were honored with a breakfast in the media center before school on March 22, followed by the induction ceremony in the evening in the MCHS auditorium. Congratulations to all newly inducted National Honor Society members!
Winter Sports Awards
On March 24, City winter sports athletes, coaches, and parents met in the auditorium for the Winter Sports Awards. Each coach introduced the members of their team, discussed the overall season, and awarded two athletes with the MVP award and the Wolf Award. Swimmer Tim Schoof was recognized as the DAC MVP, and gymnast Meghan Miller was announced as a member of the DAC All-Conference team. Individual letter winners were not recognized, as the teams are planning their own special banquets to hand out these awards. The MVP and Wolf Award winners are:
- Boys Basketball: Shanquan Hemphill (MVP) and Zach Vigil (Wolf Award)
- Girls Basketball: Hannah Noveroske (MVP) and Lauren Slisher (Wolf Award)
- Cheerleading: Zhane Bondon (MVP) and Megan Shepherd (Wolf Award)
- Gymnastics: Megan Gushrowski (MVP) and Kristen Gushrowski (Wolf Award)
- Girls Swimming: Lizzie Quinlan (MVP) and Sage Santana (Wolf Award)
- Boys Swimming: Tim Schoof (MVP) and Marshall DeBone (Wolf Award)
- Wrestling: David Taylor (MVP) and Ryan Stefanko (Wolf Award)
Juniors Sponsor Color Run
MCHS’s Junior class is sponsoring a Color Run. The run will take place April 23 in Washington Park. The first run time is 8:00 am, and times are expected to last until 12:00 noon. The event is open to the public, and the registration fee is $30. MCHS students can participate for $20. Log on to www.eventbrite.com to register, or you can pick up a form at MCHS. Even if you’re unable to participate, the website allows you to donate money. All proceeds go to the Junior class, which will be used to fund Prom in May. Bring your friends and family members to Washington Park for an eventful run/walk this April!
Advanced Placement Testing
Advanced Placement (AP) students have been working hard all year to prepare for their AP tests. By taking these tests in different subject areas, students can earn credit to save money and time in college. AP classes are offered to juniors and seniors and include AP English, US History, US Government, Microeconomics, Psychology, Statistics, and Calculus, as well as in the foreign languages. The tests are scored on a scale of 1-5, and a score of a 3 is required for the student to pass. The higher the score, the more college credit a student can earn. The tests are offered nationwide at the same time and are offered either in the morning or the afternoon in May. Good luck to all AP students as they strive to become College and Career Ready with their AP exams.
Student Profile: Lilly Endowment Recipient Rodrigo Serrano
Senior Rodrigo Serrano is one of the Unity Foundation of Laporte County’s Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipients. The Lilly Endowment Scholarship awards two seniors from each Indiana county with 4 years of full college tuition, plus a $900 book stipend. After a long application process, Rodrigo was notified of the award March 23 at school.
“I was surprised and speechless,” said Rodrigo. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Rodrigo plans on attending Valparaiso University and studying nursing. He’s most excited about living on campus and meeting new people. He’s also looking forward to enjoying the summer.
Rodrigo is involved in several activities at MCHS and in the La Porte County community. Some of these activities include Steering Committee, Soccer, Ping Pong Club, National Honor Society, Hoosier Boys State, and Leadership of La Porte County. He’s also a volunteer soccer coach for the Michigan City Park Department.
Soccer is Rodrigo’s favorite activity because he’s made such great friendships through it. His favorite part about MCHS is the close relationships students can make with their teachers. He loves La Porte County because of all the volunteer and activity opportunities that are available. Rodrigo’s advice to underclassmen is to get involved in the community and in school. Always keep your grades up, and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Congratulations, Rodrigo, for being named the 2016 Lilly Scholar!
Staff Profile: Mr. Parker
Mr. Parker has been a teacher for four years and has been teaching at MCHS for two years. He teaches math and sponsors Chess Club. His favorite part about teaching at MCHS is working with teenagers.
“It’s a huge responsibility to help them become the best people they can be,” said Mr. Parker. He loves La Porte County because it is the home of Michigan City. Mr. Parker’s other interests include being involved in his faith and training martial arts. He’s looking forward to finishing his degree and working at MCHS for many years to come.