What’s recently happened?
Spring Break was very memorable for four students - Junior Taylor Riley, Junior Hannah Lewis, Junior Christian McGuire, and Junior Benjamin Lee.
These students, as well as their Spanish teacher Esmeralda Guzman, traveled to Costa Rica for eight days. During these days, they were able to learn and be surrounded by local culture.
“This trip was an opportunity for my students to gain the type of culture from Costa Rica, to appreciate nature, and to observe the way that other countries' resources are compared to ours. Also, most definitely, practice Spanish and learn more of what they know,” Guzman said.
Students also had the opportunity to visit a coffee plantation, hike and kayak at Arenal Volcano, go horseback riding, participate in a crocodile safari, work at a local wildlife research center for a day, spend time at the beach, and attend a traditionally holy week procession evening in San Jose.
To be able to attend, students needed to have acceptable attendance and academic standing. Additionally, immunizations, passports, and travel identification were required.
To be able to help pay for expenses, students sold candy bars around the school.
Guzman hopes to be able to travel through Explorica to South America or Spain in the future.
What’s coming up?
“Reflections” magazine will soon be accepting submissions. Students can submit poetry, short stories, artwork, and or photography. Starting April 15, students will have until April 22 to get their entries in. Submissions can be turned in to English Teacher Brenda Cooper in room J.15 or emailed to bcooper@lpcsc.k12.in.us.
The creative writing class votes every year to determine the theme, and the 2024 “Reflections” theme resonates with the pressures of meeting deadlines coupled with the mystery of the night.
“Reflections” has been going on since the 1970s and was started because teachers wanted to showcase diverse and unique takes on writing.
“There are several reasons students should submit their work to ‘Reflections.’ It’s a great way for students to get published and recognized for their writing or artwork. We have so many gifted writers here at La Porte High School, the magazine is just one more avenue to recognize their talents and to show the rest of the community what our students are capable of,” Cooper said.
The official magazine will be published at the end of the school year.
Staff spotlight:
English Teacher Benjamin Pitts is making a long-lasting impression on his students.
Pitts attended Arizona State university for his bachelors degree and American College of Education for his masters. Currently, Pitts teaches ninth grade Honors English and AP Seminar.
He structures his coursework around subjects that impact them and will affect their lives. He pushes for his students to have a say in what they read and write about.
Pitts became a teacher to make a difference in other’s lives. He loves showing up everyday to see his students.
“Teaching young people to become better readers and writers has given me a sense of purpose in my life; I haven't worked a day in 12 years,” Pitts said.
Pitts struggled in school, so being able to help others has had a positive impact on his life. Teaching has allowed Pitts to be a present husband and father while allowing time for him to pursue his passion for literature and writing.
“I am proud of myself for finishing college and getting my poetry and articles published. As a kid who really struggled in school, I am proud of my academic achievements as well as my publications,” Pitts said.
Though teaching is one of his favorite places, his happy place is the dining room table with his three girls. When he isn’t spending time with his family, Pitts practices daily meditation and enjoys writing, reading, cooking, gardening, and swinging kettlebells.
Student spotlight:
Senior Nicole Lin is on to great things after high school. Lin is an active member in Key Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honors Society, and Interact Club.
Lin has committed to Indiana University Bloomington for the Kelley School of Business. She instantly fell in love with the campus and environment when she visited.
“Going into business will make me a better consumer and teach me how the market works so I can help create successful campaigns that can positively influence others,” Lin said.
Lin is excited to embark on this next step of her life because she will be able to meet new people and have the opportunity to experience the college experience.
Being a first generation student, Lin’s culture plays a very important part of who she is.
“It’s made me a very hard working and independent person that works hard for what I want to achieve,” Lin said.
Lin loves traveling and visited China last year. This summer, she will be going to her favorite city - New York City. If Lin could go anywhere in the world she would visit South Korea. She loves Korean food, culture, and entertainment.
“New York City is probably my favorite city because I love the ‘city that never sleeps’ vibe and everyone just kind of doing their own thing,” Lin said.
In her free time, Lin loves reading, watching movies and tv shows, hanging with friends, and shopping. Additionally, Lin loves a good night in relaxing without judgment.