What’s recently happened?
The long awaited 2024 La Porte High School (LPHS) Prom finally arrived, and students dressed to the nines on May 4 to dance the night away.
Students arrived as early as 6 p.m to line up at the Civic Auditorium for the famous red carpet walk. As attendees walked in, they were able to see the theme that the junior class officers chose: “Mamma Mia!” This theme could be spotted in decor such as the glamorous chandelier, table toppers, photo booth, and cookies provided by Della Nonnas.
In order to attend, students had to be in acceptable academic and attendance standing. They had to have their permission slips signed by parents and an administrator.
“Attending Prom is essential for students as it offers them a platform for self-expression, marks a pivotal milestone in their lives, creates lasting memories with friends, upholds traditions within educational settings, and celebrates their achievements,” Junior Class co-Sponsor Marybeth Lebo said.
The Prom Court consisted of King nominees Jack Komasinski, Kevin Konieczny, Carter Moses, Hayden Spencer, and Willie Clay. Queen nominees were Chloe Chezem, Molly Menne, Neveah Reynolds, Anna Donnelly, Carlee Reyes. Prom King was Willie Clay and Prom Queen was Neveah Reynolds.
What’s coming up?
Senior students at LPHS will be reunited where their academic journey all began on May 28. All seniors will be returning to their elementary schools to walk through the halls in their caps and gowns.
Students will leave to their designated school at 9:30 a.m and return at 10:30 a.m. During this time, students will walk the halls, talk with past teachers, talk with current elementary students, play on the playground, and eat desserts.
To be able to attend, students have to turn in their field trip permission slips signed by parents and teachers to Brenda Cooper or Joe Mrozinski in rooms J.15 or C.16
“When I was in elementary school and my sister walked through the halls in her cap and gown, it was so special to me to see her. I was so proud of her, and seeing all the seniors gave me something to look up to, something to motivate elementary student me. I have always looked up to her, but in that moment, I knew I wanted to be just like her and all the other seniors,” Junior Evie Yeaney said.
Staff Spotlight
Science Teacher Stephanie Ruff is making an impact at LPHS.
Ruff teaches Biology, AP Biology, and the PLTW classes: Medical Interventions, Human Body Systems, and Biomedical Innovations when there is enough interest. Previously, she taught similar subjects at Crown Point High School, Elkhart Central High School, and Brazil High School.
From a young age, Ruff knew she wanted to be a teacher. Though she strayed to different careers in college, she came back to education her junior year.
“Teaching has impacted every aspect of my life. It’s not something you can walk out the doors and not think about until you walk back in. It’s always there whether it’s worrying about a student or going over a lesson thinking how you could do that better or reading new articles and materials to stay current on your subject. Teaching has definitely given me more patience and empathy and something to be passionate about,” Ruff said.
Though teaching was a light in her life, Ruff took a five year break to spend time with her two young girls. During that time, Ruff pursued her photography business.
“When you put your all into what you do, sometimes you need to take a step back and give yourself time to refill your cup,” Ruff said.
Ruff returned three years ago to teach science at LPHS and has been able to continue her interest in the subject. Ruff often finds herself asking why and wanting to know how things work. She loves how science is ever-evolving and that there will always be something new to learn.
“I think I fell in love with science because it explains so much of what is in our everyday lives and encourages questioning and curiosity. Also, I’ve always felt that science is a subject that is relevant to everyone because it makes up the world around us and helps us to understand it,” Ruff said.
Ruff is constantly reflecting on ways to improve her classes and learning experiences. Her goal is to find a way to make her class engaging, exciting, and interesting.
In her free time, Ruff can be found curled up with a good book or doing an artsy project. Her favorite genres are historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. Some of her all time favorites are “Harry Potter,” “Lessons in Chemistry,” “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” and “Divine Rivals.”
Student spotlight
Track Star Tayshaun Williams is breaking records at LPHS. Running a 10.76 in the 100 meter dash, Williams broke the previous school record.
Track is an important part of Williams life. It has helped him become more productive and confident in himself.
“My advice to an incoming athlete is to be more determined and focused on your dreams,” Williams said.
While track is a team and individual sport, his motivation is the people cheering him on.
“The people who have been the biggest supporters are my coaches and my family because they made me who I am today and for the future,” Williams said.
Williams is a team player on and off of the track. Balancing athletics and academics is a challenge, but he is able to do so by focusing more on academics.
“I mainly focus on school and less on track because my education comes first and my only goal in school and track is to get the job done,” Williams said.
Though Williams is only a junior, he plans on going to college to explore his future career. He is unsure what he wants to pursue, but once he does, he knows he will be proud of himself for making it as far as he did.
In his free time, Williams enjoys listening to music, playing Xbox, and maintaining a clean room
