What’s Happening?
The Cougars at New Prairie High School returned from Christmas break at full speed this January. The highlight of this month was the Blood Drive, put on by Mrs. Brennan and the members of Student Senate. The Cougars had a great turnout of over 70 participants for the Drive. NPHS was able to collect 75 units to help the Red Cross. Both teachers and students participated, making it a great way for Cougar Nation to come together and benefit others.
In the arts at NPHS, the choirs spent this January prepping for the upcoming competition season. New Prairie has two advanced show choirs: Sing Sensation (all girl’s) and Innovation (mixed choir). New Prairie has consistently had amazing performances by both choirs and are proud to have them be a part of their art department.
Madison Michael, a senior and officer for both choirs at New Prairie is excited to start off her last competition season.
“I’d say choir is going very well! There were struggles at the beginning of the school year, but now that an entire semester has passed, we are ready to crush competition this season,” says Michael.
The choirs have had to adjust to a new director but are now ready for anything.
“I hope we can make it to state for a third year in a row, and place in the top five for both choirs,” adds a hopeful Michael.
Madison would like to speak for both choirs by thanking the always supportive choir parents and their choreographer, Joe Sato, without whom they would be unable to put on a show.
In the sports department, New Prairie’s winter sports are slowly coming to an end. Girl’s basketball came to a close, having their senior night on January 29th. The gym was packed as they faced Westville. Students from all grades were in attendance as they watched their three seniors step onto the floor for the last time.
The seniors were Maddie Durbin, Ashley Campos, and Brooke Prestin, all of whom have been involved in basketball since they were little kids.
“I’d like to thank all the younger players for making this a memorable year,” says Ashley Campos. The seniors are looking forward to watching the boy’s senior night and also supporting the students that attended their games all season long. Also, NP’s Swim and Dive had their Senior Night on January 5th. There were eight seniors: Hope Myroup, Caitlyn Witkamp, Seth Boniface, Emily McCoole, Ryan Moser, Mariah Elkins, Evan King, and manager Nicole Kujawa.
All the seniors enjoyed their night of recognition for all of the hard work they had put in.
“It was obviously very emotional, everyone was emotional, but that just shows how close we are as a team. We really are a family,” says senior Caitlyn Witkamp, a lifelong swimmer. Swim goes on to tackle sectionals in February.
What’s Coming Up?
NPHS will have a busy February. FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) will hold their annual fundraiser, a carnation sale for Valentine’s Day. Also, NPHS’ first ever Winter Homecoming will be taking place the week of February 8-12, with the 12th being the date of the first Winter Homecoming Dance. Also, the final days of winter sports will happen, and the spring sports will gear up in preparation for their seasons.
Student Shout-Out
New Prairie’s Student Shout-Out for January is Lexy Hay. Lexy is a senior this year and is an active member of FBLA, National Honor Society, and a mentor for Rolling Prairie Elementary School. Lexy has been involved with NPHS volleyball since she was a freshman but has been playing since she was in 5th grade and has also been a member of Dunes Volleyball Club for a portion of her career.
Lexy has also been a part of track for her junior and senior years, participating in throwing events. Lexy’s future plans are to study Occupational Therapy at University of Indianapolis. Lexy is happy she spent her high school career at NP and can’t wait to take on the world.
Teacher Shout-Out
New Prairie’s Teacher Shout-Out for January is Mrs. Holifield. Mrs. Holifield is a chemistry teacher at New Prairie, teaching Chem 1 and AP Chemistry.
Mrs. Holifield graduated from Union County High School in Liberty, IN and then went on to study at IU Bloomington. At IU, she acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in Chemistry and minor in Biology. Holifield later received her Master’s in Education degree from Indiana University.
Holifield then went on to teach at NP and has been teaching there for 24 years. Along with teaching, Holifield serves as the Science Department Chair and serves on the School Improvement Team.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her great family.
“New Prairie High School has been my second home for more than half of my life. I’ve enjoyed my time here, making memories and friends along the way.”