What's Recently Happened:
March 31, 2022 was an exciting day for La Porte High School (LPHS) as a staff versus student basketball game took place in the main gym. Spectators were charged a three dollar entry fee to raise money for Riley's Children's Hospital.
Different staff members including Assistant Principal Corbin Slater, Teacher Jeffrey DeMass and Teacher Jeremy Ruff all participated. Some students that played were Ella Dubbs, Bella Schreeg, Isaac Chezem, Spencer Noveroske, and Evan Cizewski.
A few rules were set in place regarding the game. Number one: there must be a girl player on the court at all times to make things fair. Number two: You must have fun in order to participate.
This was an opportunity for students and teachers alike to be able to be informal and have fun outside of the classroom. Lots of players were thrown for a new loop because it was co-ed and all had different abilities, but by the end of the game, both staff and students were laughing and creating memories.
“It was very fun because it was the most entertaining, hilarious, informal game I have ever played in. Having that much fun definitely makes the experience much more enjoyable. I actually don’t think that I could stop laughing except near the end. How serious the teachers were actually trying to win compared to the students having a blast was probably the best to watch,” Dubbs said.
A competitive wave struck both teams but the staff came out victorious. Students still feel as though they won because of all of the funds and support they were able to raise.
Another recent development is the painting on the wall of H hallway at LPHS. The painting includes the words "be kind" in both letters and American Sign Language (ASL) and encourages inclusion and kindness. Equality is something that LPHS is very passionate about. The school wants to make sure that all students and faculty feel accepted and worthy.
Key Club and the LPHS ASL class partnered together to create this beautiful message. Jaime Vincent sketched it out and students came together to paint it. Though it only took a few hours to make, it will have an impact forever. Key Club members wanted to create a message that would reach all people, not just a certain group. The message “Be Kind” did just that.
What's Coming Up:
"Shrek the Musical" is coming to La Porte! There will be three performances taking place on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 21 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m. This is the first musical that LPHS has put on in three years. COVID-19 has put performances in the past on hold, so they are hoping to bring something that everyone will enjoy.
There are over 30 students in the cast as well as many working backstage in lighting, sound, costumes, and props. Faculty members are helping out by working as the director, musical director, choreographer, orchestra pit director, and scenic and lighting designer.
Auditions were held in early March to decide the cast and musicians. Thomas Coe is the vocal director and will be teaching all of the actors the songs. Some songs that will be performed are “Big Bright Beautiful World," “The Story of My Life,” “Holiday for Duloc,” “This is How a Dream Comes True,” “Ballad of Farquaad,” and “Freak Flag.”
The inspiration behind this idea was that Shrek is known for having many characters as well as a lively, upbeat show. All of the costumes were designed by a cast member’s mother. “I’m looking forward to seeing the show performed by such a large chunk of our student body,” Coe said.
Staff Spotlight:
Teacher Sarah Deshone is the staff spotlight for April. Deshone is more than just a teacher. She coaches the LaPorte girls varsity basketballteam at LPHS.
Her love for basketball dates back to her college years. She went to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where she played basketball for four years at the Division II level. She was also a student assistant her fifth year. Not only did she play in college, but she played professionally overseas in Denmark. The team name was the Lemvig Baskets. Deshone helped lead the team to their win in single elimination for the first time in history.
Though Deshone teaches Physical Education for LPHS, she hasn’t always taught that. She taught mathematics and Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) at Mishawaka.
“My favorite part about teaching is working with students and helping them learn about the benefits of lifelong fitness,” Deshone said.
Deshone never thought she would end up becoming a teacher. She had aspirations of becoming a nurse, but realized shortly into college that coaching and teaching was where her heart was at.
In her free time, Deshone can be found hanging out with family, being on the water, playing sports/working out, or at her favorite restaurant, Hacienda. Two fun facts about Deshone are that she played clarinet from fifth grade until senior year of high school, and if she could have any superpower it would be flying.
Student Spotlight:
Senior Christopher Price has been standing out in the LPHS crowd. He is involved in many clubs and sports including Science Olympiad, Academic Super Bowl, German Club, Chess Club, National Honor Society, and Track. His main events are the 4x400 meters and the 400 meter dash.
His speed has allowed him to run varsity since his freshman year and through the years he has worked up to become La Porte’s main 400 meter runner.
Price excels in academics and plans to attend the main campus of Purdue University with a double major in computer science and mathematics.
Though he is majorly talented in school, he is additionally talented in music. Price can play six instruments with confidence but has experience playing 12.
“I have always been interested in music to an extent, however, I have taken much more interest in it ever since I’ve been in high school. I would say my interest in music initially stemmed from me being in the lcso children’s choir from 2011 until 2018, but ever since I began experimenting with composition in 2018, my interest in music erupted” Price said.
Price plays cello for the LPHS symphony orchestra as well as for the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. He recently has gotten accepted into the apprenticeship program and is able to attend rehearsals and performances.
“Playing with a group of professional musicians I feel has greatly improved my own ability through immersion,” Price said.
Price also has composed music for the LPHS symphony orchestra and they are working on the piece to perform at their next concert. In his free time Price loves to hike, go boulder climbing, rock climbing, practice playing new instruments, or just chat with his friends.