What’s recently happened?
The La Porte High School (LPHS) Robotics Team recently had an impressive performance at the Purdue University West Lafayette (PWL) robotics competition on Saturday, March 21.
The team was tasked with building an automated coral reef robot using balls resembling algae and PVC pipes. Despite their impressive performance, they unfortunately did not qualify for the State competition. However, LPHS Robotics Sponsor and Teacher Miles Fettinger expressed his pride in the team’s dedication and achievements.
“This is probably the best robotics team,” Fettinger said. “The team dedicated countless hours after school and on weekends to tackle this challenge, utilizing their teamwork skills and stepping out of their comfort zones to achieve something remarkable.”
Under Fettinger's leadership, the robotics team competed two years ago in the national FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas. They placed 33rd in their division.
“Although it wasn’t our best showing, competing in the world championship taught the team that hard work and endurance can lead to incredible opportunities in their everyday lives,” Fettinger said.
While the competition season has wrapped up, the robotics team is far from finished. They are committed to enhancing their coral reef robotic system in preparation for the Boiler Battles at PWL this fall. Their efforts will include improving their showcase through marketing, fundraising, wiring, and artwork.
“I am excited to help the incoming freshmen learn how to code the robots next year,” LPHS Sophomore Gavin Chastain said. “It takes a whole team effort to succeed, and I can’t wait for them to compete next school year.”
Anyone interested in joining the robotics team can visit the LPHS Library or email mfettinger@lpcsc.k12.in.us for more information.
What’s coming up?
It's that time of year again, as prom is just around the corner. The LPHS Junior Class Officers are excited to host the annual La Porte Civic Auditorium celebration on Saturday, May 3, from 7-10 p.m.
This year's theme is “Under the Aurora,” inspired by the Northern Lights. Students will have the opportunity to show off their dance moves on the floor, walk down a red carpet in their best outfits, and enjoy s'mores stations.
"The officers have been diligently preparing for this year’s prom, dedicating countless hours to organizing the festivities and contacting local businesses for sponsorship. We couldn’t do it without them,” LPHS Junior Class Sponsor and Art Teacher Marybeth Lebo said.
Juniors and seniors can attend the prom, while sophomores may attend only if invited by a junior or senior. Freshmen are not allowed to attend. Additionally, students must be in good academic and behavioral standing to participate.
Admission forms will be available in the main office for $40, with a $5 increase each week leading up to prom. For more information, please email mlebo@lpcsc.k12.in.us.
Staff spotlight:
Beloved LPHS Construction and Trades Teacher Kirt Lawson peacefully passed away in La Porte on March 27, 2025.
Lawson was a cornerstone of the Slicer community for over thirty years and was recognized as a compassionate and dedicated educator who continually empowered students to succeed.
He transformed the lives of many students by teaching them with a hands-on approach to using power tools, equipping them with essential life skills for the real world. His classes contributed to the construction of 24 homes in the La Porte area and various significant community projects, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship.
Beyond the classroom, Lawson was committed to a lifetime of service. He led the Fishing Club, mentored students in the Buddy Program, and coached wrestling at middle and high school levels. Additionally, he organized visits from Kona Ice at the beginning of the last school year, allowing students to enjoy delicious shaved ice.
Lawson received multiple awards for his contributions to LPHS and the community, including the La Porte Community School Corporation Secondary Teacher of the Year honor two years ago.
He is survived by his wife, Terri, their two children, and four grandchildren. After Lawson's funeral, the family organized a drive-through procession in the LPHS parking lot, allowing students and staff to pay their respects and honor the beloved Slicer and educator who changed the lives of many.
Student spotlight:
LPHS Senior Caroline Wildfang has been awarded the prestigious National ROTC Army Scholarship as a three-year advanced designee. This scholarship covers her full tuition and books, helping her achieve the dream of enlisting as a cadet in the military.
Wildfang will attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she plans to double major in political science and mathematics while completing her cadet requirements. During cadet week in her freshman year, she will learn how to navigate life as a cadet and understand her various obligations while serving.
“At Virginia Tech, the freshman year is divided into three phases: Red Phase, Blue Phase, and White Phase. Each phase focuses on different requirements and skill sets that cadets need to learn and adapt to,” Wildfang said. “In my junior year, I will attend a four-to-five week course known as the Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC), which assesses cadets' leadership abilities and determines their future potential within the military, possibly in military intelligence.”
Wildfang’s journey has not always been easy. Initially, she aspired to enter healthcare, but after a change of heart, she chose to pursue mathematics instead. Encouraged by her father, she embraced the path of ROTC and service.
"I soon realized that getting involved in ROTC and the military isn’t just an opportunity for tuition support; it’s a chance to be part of something greater than myself. It allows me to learn how to serve and lead our country and ultimately embodies the principle of 'service above self,' which is fundamental to my moral values," Wildfang said.
Wildfang is both an honor student and an athlete at LPHS. She is enrolled in 11 AP courses: Seminar, Physics, United States History, Chemistry, Language and Composition, Psychology, Spanish, Research, Calculus BC, Biology, and Literature and Composition.
“I define my hard work as discipline and consistency. Without hard work, I wouldn’t be where I am today, nor would I possess the attributes I have. Hard work is essential to my expression of life. It has shaped my mindset and morality, two essential qualities I need for success in my future military career and continued education,” Wildfang said.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Wildfang is involved in various extracurricular activities, including Key Club, Interact Club, Girls Reserves, Student Council, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, and the Academic Super Bowl, where she serves as the Math Team Captain and is a member of the English Team. She is also active in cross country and distance track.
While Wildfang’s journey at LPHS is coming to a close, her commitment to service is just beginning thanks to the American Dream.
“I was raised by a tenacious blue-collar worker and a knowledge-hungry librarian, instilling in me the values of the American Dream — the belief that hard work can lead to accomplishment,” Wildfang said. “I see the American Dream as a concept built on determination and dedication, two core military principles. Without my parents and their teachings about the American Dream, I wouldn’t have the morals and ambition I have today.”
