What’s recently happened?
Crown Point High School (CPHS) has started its new school year, marking a historic milestone with over 3,000 students enrolled. This significant growth underscores the rapid development in the Crown Point community, and the school is set to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with such expansion.
As CPHS navigates this period of growth, the focus remains on providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students. The administration is committed to using the school’s resources and community spirit to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
The 2024-2025 school year at CPHS is shaping to be one of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. With the support of a dedicated faculty, engaged students, and a responsive administration, CPHS is set to continue its legacy of academic and extracurricular success.
What’s coming up?
CPHS is set to host its annual College and Career Fair, an event designed to provide students with valuable insights into their future educational and professional paths. Scheduled for early September, this fair is a cornerstone event for juniors and seniors, though underclassmen are also encouraged to attend.
This year’s fair will feature representatives from a wide range of colleges, universities, trade schools, and local businesses. Students will have the opportunity to explore various post-secondary options, ask questions, and gather information on admissions requirements, scholarships, and career opportunities. The College and Career Fair also provides a unique networking opportunity for students. They can interact not only with college recruiters but also with local business leaders and alumni who can share their experiences and advice. For students interested in internships or job shadowing, this is an excellent chance to make connections that could lead to real-world opportunities.
Attending the College and Career Fair can be a pivotal moment in a student’s high school experience. It offers a firsthand look at the possibilities that lie ahead and helps students make more informed decisions about their future. Whether a student is certain about their post-graduation plans or still exploring their options, the fair provides valuable resources to guide them.
This event is part of CPHS’s broader commitment to ensuring that every student is prepared for life after high school, whether that path leads to higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce directly.
Staff spotlight:
CPHS is excited to announce that Nicholas Lewandowski, a dedicated educator at CPHS, is the new sponsor for the school's Key Club. This leadership change is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to one of the school’s most active student organizations.
“Back when I was in my high school’s Key Club, I really liked the community service aspect and it was a big club at my high school and it seemed like a great way to make new friends,” Lewandowski said.
Key Club is one of the largest and most active student organizations at CPHS, with a longstanding tradition of service projects and community involvement. The club is affiliated with Kiwanis International and focuses on developing leadership skills in students through volunteer work. Under Lewandowski's guidance, the club aims to build on its past successes while also exploring new initiatives that align with the evolving interests of its members. Some of the planned activities include local charity drives, environmental projects, and collaborative events with other student organizations.
“The club is so big; we have so many members. It’s really awe-inspiring because we have such a big capability to make an impact with that many people in Crown Point, so as we go into this year I am attempting to push us more out into the community,” said Lewandowski.
The students of CPHS are excited about this new chapter for the Key Club, and with Lewandowski, there is a strong sense of optimism for what the group can achieve in the coming year.
Student spotlight:
CPHS Junior Isabella Valenzuela is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, both behind the camera and on the sidelines of the wrestling mat. As the Advanced Photo Editor for the school’s yearbook and a dedicated wrestling manager, Valenzuela is juggling multiple responsibilities, showcasing her talents and commitment to her school community.
Valenzuela’s role as the Advanced Photo Editor for the Excalibur Yearbook has placed her at the forefront of capturing and curating the memories of her peers. Her eye for detail and passion for photography are evident in the high-quality images she contributes. Whether it’s capturing candid moments at school events or photographing sporting events, Valenzuela is known for her ability to tell compelling stories through her lens.
“Being an editor is an amazing experience because I have learned so many different life skills that will help me in the future, and I have met so many new people because of being an editor. I’ve created bonds with the other editors that I will cherish forever because you truly become a little family within that time you are together,” Valenzuela said.
Her position as Advanced Photo Editor comes with significant responsibilities, including overseeing a team of photographers, ensuring that photos meet the yearbook’s standards, and contributing to the design and layout process. Valenzuela’s leadership and creativity play a crucial role in the success of the yearbook, which is eagerly anticipated by the student body each year.
In addition to her work on the yearbook, Valenzuela is also a wrestling manager, a role that showcases her versatility and dedication. As a wrestling manager, Valenzuela is responsible for assisting the coaches and athletes during practices and matches. This includes everything from organizing equipment and tracking statistics to providing moral support for the team.
“I became a wrestling manager because one of my senior editor friends had convinced me to join her since she was already a head manager. Becoming a wrestling manager with her and one of our other friends was such a fun experience. I loved going to meets and tournaments and watching our team win,” Valenzuela said.
As Valenzuela continues her junior year, she is focused on making the most of her high school experience. Her involvement in the yearbook and wrestling team has not only allowed her to develop valuable skills but also to forge lasting friendships and create memories that will stay with her long after graduation. Valenzuela’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated students can have on their school community. Through her work with the yearbook and the wrestling team, she is leaving a lasting legacy at CPHS.