What’s recently happened?
Recently, the seniors at Crown Point High School (CPHS) took a walk down memory lane as they visited their former elementary schools in their graduation gowns. This annual tradition is one of the favorite days of the year for seniors and staff alike, creating a full-circle moment as students return to the place where their academic journey began.
Aadil Khan visited his elementary school, Lake Street Elementary School, and the experience proved to be a very impactful one for him.
“It definitely took me back to being in that school again,” Khan said. “I have made so many amazing memories there, so coming back was a lot of fun. The students were all so nice. It was cool to see my progress and how much I’d grown since then.”
The visits were filled with smiles, hugs from former teachers, and excitement from elementary students who looked up to the graduating seniors. While the elementary students saw their future, the seniors saw their past. This nostalgic tradition not only celebrates the seniors’ accomplishments, but also inspires younger students by giving them a glimpse into their future.
What’s coming up?
The CPHS graduation ceremony for the class of 2025 will take place on June 4. As the school year comes to a close, seniors are preparing to take the next big step in their lives. Whether a student is headed towards a college education, the start of their career, or another adventure, graduation marks an exciting and emotional turning point for all students.
Lillian Stadnik, a CPHS senior, is among those looking forward to her life beyond high school.
“My plans for graduation are to major in biology at Indiana University (IU) Bloomington,” Stadnik said. “I am super excited to graduate. I think high school was super fun while it lasted, but I am so ready for a new chapter in my life full of new experiences and room for growth.”
The ceremony will celebrate all of the many accomplishments of the class of 2025, recognizing the hard work and memories that have defined their high school years. Families, friends, and faculty will gather to honor the students and send them off into their futures with pride and support.
Staff spotlight:
Chloe Hoffman teaches chemistry and AP Chemistry at CPHS. While these classes are known to be difficult, Hoffman helps her students to succeed in them. Chemistry was not always a subject that she wanted to go into.
“I actually originally started out majoring in pharmacy,” Hoffman said. “After seeing what actual pharmacists did, I realized that I didn’t want to pursue that and decided to go into chemistry.”
This change impacted Hoffman greatly, causing her to even change majors. Chemistry was something that Hoffman enjoyed throughout college, but she felt that it was challenging to learn. This inspired her to go into education with the incentive to help students feel better prepared for these college level courses.
“I felt like I had a sort of responsibility to help students feel better prepared for college chemistry,” Hoffman said. “This is why I switched into education, and chemistry kind of came with it.”
Teaching has always been a part of who Hoffman is.
“I guess I always taught things growing up, I just never really realized it,” Hoffman said. “I taught at a dance studio, tutored on the side, and I worked in the chemistry research room at Purdue University, so I definitely was doing a lot of teaching without realizing.”
Outside of teaching chemistry, Hoffman has many other hobbies and interests. She loves to read, garden her flowers and plants, and spend time outside. She also loves being around her chickens.
Hoffman’s teaching style allows for students to have hands-on experience with class experiments, giving them lifelong lessons and memories. She’s motivated to continue being a valuable teacher and prepare these students for their futures.
Student spotlight:
Sadie Pogose has turned creativity into entrepreneurship by starting a nail business. What began as a passion for art quickly grew into a way to connect with others and make people feel confident in their self-expression.
“What made me want to start my nail business was the desire to have my art on people and help others express themselves,” Pogose said.
In addition to the artistic outlet, this experience has opened up social opportunities and taught Pogose valuable lessons in resilience and curiosity.
“My favorite part about it is meeting new people,” Pogose said. “One thing I learned through it is how to accept criticism.”
Balancing school with running a business can be challenging, but Pogose’s dedication and enthusiasm show that passion and perseverance can lead to success when pursued. Her journey not only highlights student entrepreneurship at her school, but also serves as an inspiration for others looking to follow their creative dreams.
