What’s recently happened?
The Fourth of July is truly a central part of any city’s summer, but Michigan City residents find particular enjoyment in the activities found around their hometown.
On July 1, Michigan City hosted its annual Fourth of July parade. The parade featured the Wolfpack Pride, Michigan City High School’s (MCHS) marching band; Michigan City Area School (MCAS) lunch ladies; MCHS’s cheer team; the football team; the robotics team; and Pop Warner in the event. Even a band from Missouri joined in the fun.
On July 4, the city hosted its annual firework show. After the sun went down, the night sky was lit by an array of dazzling colors and lights. Citizens crowded the lakeshore, marina, and nearby shelters and pavilions to catch a glimpse of the spectacle that night.
“It was an exciting show that never slowed down. It was very pretty. I plan to go back next year and watch it again,” Community Member Lexi Gresham said.
MCHS has extra pride this summer in a small group of students that were specially selected to spend two weeks at Notre Dame University studying a specialty subject of their choosing. The students went through a rigorous application process, and attended (or are still currently attending) a session in either June or July.
Still, the summer is far from over.
What’s coming up?
On July 14, 15, and 16, Centerstage Youth Theatre Company, in cooperation with MCHS’s Drama Club, will be presenting “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”
“Going to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a great opportunity to support your community and support children going into the arts. It’s rare to see such a big production put on at no cost to the cast,” Sophia Barczak, a rising senior and member of MCHS’s Thespian Society and the production’s stage crew, said.
Everyone working with the group prides themselves on the growth shown throughout the process. With kids ages as wide-ranging as 7 to 14, work can be difficult to focus on, but the kids pulled through.
“These kids have worked hard and put on a performance beyond anyone’s expectations of what they could do. I’m very proud of how awesome the show looks,” Gresham said.
As the summer comes to a close, the annual Back to School Rally is nearing as well. On July 29, the school system is hosting this special event to supply MCHS students with the things they need for the upcoming school year.
“Each year we serve more than 2,000 students and their families. Free backpacks filled with supplies, free food, entertainment, community organizations with info and giveaways, fun activities, and more. This year, we will also have free school vaccines available thanks to Franciscan Health,” Betsy Kohn, MCAS’s director of communications, said.
With 74% of MCHS students considered economically disadvantaged, according to “US News and World Report,” a huge focus of this event is to provide for the community without judgment or question.
“We are so blessed to have this kind of collaboration in our community – it's a fun event and provides much-needed supplies and services to our students to make sure everyone has what they need and is excited to come back to school,” Kohn said.
Community member spotlight:
A passionate and hard working woman, Kohn’s efforts can be seen across a wide array of community and school events.
“I am responsible for a lot of things. Some of my responsibilities include media relations, community relations, our mass communications platforms, our websites, special events, social media, crisis communications, marketing, and more. I also handle a lot of other duties as assigned. I am passionate about spreading the positives about MCAS,” Kohn said.
Kohn’s involvement in her lakeside community is unsurprising after considering her roots.
“I grew up near Erie, Pennsylvania, which is also a city by the lake, and Michigan City felt like home as soon as I arrived here in 1997. I love our city's diversity and culture, and I love the lake,” Kohn said.
Kohn’s involvement in her community runs deep. To most from MCAS or Michigan City as a whole, her position as Director of Communications is a defining trait for good reason; she is deeply passionate about the school system and its future.
“Last school year, we came together as a community to develop a Strategic Plan for the next five years for Michigan City Area Schools. I am excited that this work is now complete, and we are about to launch it in late July or early August. We are going to be digging in to work on initiatives that bring the pillars of that plan to fruition. The plan is very student-centered which I am really excited about,” Kohn said.
It should be noted, however, that Kohn’s deeply rooted involvement in the community goes beyond the school system.
“I am a member of the Board of Directors for the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and for the Salvation Army of Michigan City,” Kohn said.
She champions these two groups, deeply emphasizing their importance in the community.
“These two organizations are doing amazing work in our community. The Salvation Army is providing crucial services, and I am really excited about their Pathway of Hope program, which helps clients end the cycle of poverty. I am also a strong advocate of the arts – Lubeznik is such an important organization that engages our community in making art and enriches the lives of all in our community,” Kohn said.
All the same, Kohn has a deep love for the local school system that is evident to anyone who meets her. She is frequently attending a plethora of MCAS events, though she will admit she has a few favorites.
“There are so many great events, including athletic events, graduation, the MCHS distinction banquet, Better World Day, musicals and plays, and our annual retirement, or Wall of Fame dinner. ‘One City One Sound’ is the absolute highlight of my school year. I am a music lover and musician, and I love seeing and hearing our music students at every level, and I love that a huge crowd comes to support them at the holidays,” Kohn said.
Overall, Kohn is a passionate, diligent, and dedicated woman who’s impacts on the community are widespread.