What’s recently happened?
School is out for the summer! After 180 days of hard work, the Andrean High School (AHS) 59ers have wrapped up yet another school year. The AHS students stayed determined and focused in order to push through finals. AHS challenges its students every day academically. These tests couldn’t have been easy, but the 59er’s thrive in everything that they do. There is no doubt that they finished with a bang.
This past month, many of AHS’ spring teams closed out their seasons. All of the athletes gave their best in the 2023-2024 seasons, and AHS couldn’t be more proud. 59er fans' hopes are set high for next year’s seasons after the sheer talent that was displayed this season.
While all AHS students are done for the year, some have concluded their time at AHS for good. The class of 2024 finished its journey at AHS and graduated at the end of May. Graduation is such a bittersweet time for AHS. Being that it is such a small school, everyone knows each other, so letting go is always a little more difficult. However, knowing the path AHS has helped to pave for these students, it is clear their futures are bright. AHS has always been a place that alumni come back to visit often, so rest assured the 59ers will see these familiar faces more often than not.
What’s coming up?
Now that summer is upon AHS, it is time for the fall sports teams to kick it into high gear. Over the summer the football, volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams will work daily to prepare for the fierce competition they will face in the 2024-2025 seasons. 59er athletes are all so gifted and strategic when it comes to their sports, but they wouldn’t be able to win as much as they do without the copious amounts of work they put in every summer.
Some AHS students will be putting in work this summer, and some will be doing what everyone does during the summer; having fun! AHS students come from all over Northwest Indiana (NWI). 59er friendships bloom between many towns which calls for way more fun. Every town has fun things to do to stay busy this summer, but one thing teens tend to keep their eyes out for are the different town fairs.
When the funnel cakes and carnival rides come out, so does all the fun! Laughter and music can be heard from blocks away. There are many different festivals throughout the summer. These include the St. John fest, the Schererville fest, and the big one – the Lake County Fair. The best thing about these small town festivals is that everywhere you look, you can see someone you know. The town fests are such a nice way to have fun while staying close to home.
Schererville residents get this luxury very soon. Starting on June 5, 2024, the Schererville fest begins at Redar Park. There will be many rides and games, food trucks, and different live bands every night. Students from schools all over the 219 will be in attendance. It is a great way to meet new people and let loose. The festival will be closing on Sunday June 9, so get yourself a wristband and hop on some rides before it’s too late! If the fest slips past you, don’t fear; soon enough, the Schererville corn roast will be approaching.
Community member spotlight:
All of the fun events that Schererville puts on couldn’t be done without the help of the community members such as Jeannine Quigley.
Quigley has been a life-long resident of Schererville, and her devotion and loyalty to the town is shown through all of the many things she gives back to it.
“Schererville has maintained its appeal and friendly neighborhood feel. It’s one of those places where everyone is kind to each other and looks out for one another,” Quigley said.
Quigley is a member of the Schererville Chamber of Commerce. Her involvement allows her to give back to the community by making sure things are running smoothly and planning events to help bring the community together. One of its most successful events is the Corn Roast, the longest standing corn roast in the Region. The Chamber is currently preparing for this summer's upcoming Corn Roast.
Quigley has owned her business Arbonne for the past 19 years and her health coaching business for 11.
While she is maintaining such an effective role in her town community, she is also giving back so heavily to her church community. This year, Quigley is celebrating her 12th year running her youth group, Radiate at St. Michaels Church.
Years ago, she was at a meeting at the church and they were talking about how they wished there was an opportunity for teens to be able to express and learn about their faith.
“I felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me I was the one who had to take this role. I had to create this group for teens,” Quigley said.
That is exactly what she did. After a few months of planning, Quigley and her husband created the Radiate Youth Group. They devotes their already busy schedule to help spread the word of God and teach the youth about Christ.
Quigley gives back to all of those around her with a smile on her face. She is kind and positive and embodies exactly what Schererville is; the kind of place where neighbors help neighbors and radiate that small town feel.