What recently happened?
La Porte High School (LPHS), on November 9, hosted its annual Fall Ball, "Let’s Glow Crazy," where students enjoyed an enchanting evening of music and dancing.
The event featured a snack table with cookies and punch, a photo booth experience, and an impressive archway of golden balloons to make guests feel like they were walking the red carpet. Glow sticks were handed out to add a touch of magic as a DJ played live music.
“The Fall Ball has been a wonderful tradition at LPHS for many years,” Student Council Advisor Angela Lowry said. “I even attended the Fall Ball as a student, and it remains one of my fondest memories from high school.”
The Student Council dedicated weeks to coordinating the ball, which included securing the use of the cafeteria, hiring the DJ, purchasing decorations and snacks, and transforming the cafeteria into a beautifully decorated venue. After the event, they also took down all the decorations.
“Everyone has worked hard to make this event magical,” Lowry said. “I love the planning, but seeing all the students dressed up and having fun is the highlight of the evening.”
The Student Council will continue organizing various events throughout the school year, including a staff vs. student basketball game, the Riley Dance Marathon, Spirit Weeks, and other fundraisers.
For more information, please email alowry@lpcsc.k12.in.us.
What’s coming up?
LPHS Slicer Performing Arts Theatre is excited to present its fall play, “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” in December at the LPHS Performing Arts Center.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors 60 and older. Showtimes are at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. A preview performance for the cast's families is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.
This production is a radio adaptation of the beloved 1946 Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life,” which portrays the challenges faced by George Bailey at Christmas time.
The students have been diligently preparing since mid-October, spending countless hours rehearsing their lines, blocking scenes, and getting ready for preview night.
"My favorite part is watching everyone become more comfortable in their roles," Stage Manager Ryker Russell said. "The beginning of the show can be a bit rocky due to absences and other complications, but as we get closer to performance day, the set is built, we know our lines, and our confidence grows. It’s exciting to showcase our talents."
All proceeds from the show will benefit the La Porte Music Club, which will support the upcoming spring production of “Mean Girls.”
Please email shanson@lpcsc.k12.in.us for more information.
Staff spotlight:
Math Teacher Dan Olson creates an interactive learning environment by combining humor with practical mathematical applications, making concepts relatable and engaging to students.
Olson has been shaping minds at LPHS for 31 years. He teaches AP Calculus AB and BC, Honors Geometry, and on-level geometry, and previously taught precalculus and statistics.
“I teach with a lot of humor, and some students might say it's excessive,” Olson said. “However, I want to make math enjoyable, and integrating humor into the curriculum helps students retain the material more easily.”
Olson incorporates songs into his math lessons to help students remember formulas. For example, he parodies "Conga" by Gloria Estefan, incorporating his own lyrics of “cosine, cosine, sine, sine” to help students memorize the cosine subtraction formula. He uses the opening of "Whip It" by Devo to emphasize moving numbers to the front of equations. These methods are effective, as students often hum the tunes during tests.
“Math is inherently a challenging subject, so having breaks during difficult times helps me perform better, and it allows Olson to see me as more human and provides me with advice,” Senior Michael St. Arnaud said.
Olson is committed to helping students grasp the material, reviewing test problems, and offering various opportunities for extra credit, helping students pass the class.
“When a student is struggling, I prefer to sit down one-on-one and approach the material from a different perspective,” he said. “I have had former students in their 40’s come up to me in town and tell me they’ve never forgotten the songs and laughter from my class.”
Olson attended Purdue University-West Lafayette where he initially majored in aerospace engineering. However, during his junior year, a summer opportunity changed the course of his life.
“That summer, I tutored my mom in math for her college degree,” he said. “I enjoyed it so much that I decided to change my major to mathematics, and the rest is history.”
Olson continues to inspire his students with humor and the building blocks of success, one problem at a time.
Student spotlight:
Sophomore Camryn Ruiz is making waves and climbing the charts with her debut original song, “i’m tryin’,’” released under the name Camryn Alexah on streaming platforms in late October.
The song features a unique blend of dance-pop and indie rock, showcasing influences from notable artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.
Ruiz carefully crafted the composition and lyrics, reflecting on her experiences of heartbreak and emotion. The result is an engaging song that navigates the complexities of love and loss.
“The inspiration behind the song is something I started dealing with over the summer and am still experiencing now,” Ruiz said. “It's about many things, such as being away from the person you want to be with, but also feeling like you can't be with them due to other people's opinions and actions – feeling like the whole world is against you.”
Writing this song was challenging for Ruiz as she grappled with writer’s block. However, after achieving a clear headspace and engaging in mindful reflection, she created a melody that became an original song.
“Though I've written many songs, none I've liked enough to put out,” she said. “Usually, when I have big feelings about a certain situation, I find a melody that inspires and motivates me, and I write to it. I then ask for input from others, such as my parents, to get their opinions and ensure it makes sense.”
Growing up in a musical family benefited Ruiz, as she had access to the essential equipment and tools needed to produce her songs. Rather than working in a recording studio, she used her father's equipment to record her music and employed software apps to apply effects and edits. She then sent the tracks to others for additional editing.
“I was very hesitant about releasing it because I was worried about how others would react, but I did it and am very grateful for the love and support from my family and friends,” she said.
It may only be her first song, but Ruiz is eager to continue writing original music and developing ideas for future albums and performances. For now, she enjoys performing in Treble Choral, Advanced Choir, and Show Choir, as well as acting in school plays with her friends.
“I've met my absolute closest friends by performing in choir and theater,” she said. “We all tend to have lots in common. Even relationships I've had since performing in middle school have stayed with me throughout high school.”
Ruiz undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of her and will continue to sing and spread positivity, one note at a time.
“Music can give people something to relate to,” she said. “I love it when I'm listening to a song, and the lyrics describe something I'm feeling I didn't know how to put into words. Music can connect us more with our emotions, but it also gives us a tool to help us get through them.”
“i’m tryin’” is available to stream on YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify under Camryn Alexah. To follow her and stay updated on future performances and song releases, follow @CamrynAlexahMusic on Instagram and TikTok.
