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GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Tri-Township celebrates the end of the year

GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Tri-Township celebrates the end of the year

What’s recently happened?

As the school year winds down, Tri-Township High School remains a hub of activity, excitement, and achievement. From major athletic wins to national recognition in academics, students are closing out the semester with a powerful sense of pride and momentum.

Tri-Township is celebrating a standout performance in track and field. Senior Chayse Boomfield made a major impact at the recent Porter County Conference (PCC) track meet by taking first place in both the long jump and the high jump. With a long jump of 17 feet and four inches and a high jump of five feet and six inches, Boomfield delivered a strong showing and helped lead the team with two key victories. His accomplishments speak to the dedication and athletic talent that Tri-Township athletes continue to display throughout the year.

Students have also been making strides in the classroom and beyond. Tri-Township Robotics Team 46390T has qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. After a season filled with designing, coding, and refining their robot, the team is preparing to represent the school against some of the best student teams from across the country. This is a significant accomplishment that reflects hard work and teamwork throughout the year. As they get ready for the trip to Dallas, the entire school community stands behind them with support and pride.

Adding to the excitement of the season, Tri-Township celebrated a memorable Prom on Saturday, May 3. Family and friends gathered at the Tiger Den to watch this year's Grand March, where students were formally introduced in front of a supportive crowd. Following the introductions, Prom Royalty was announced. This year's Prom Princess Emma Armentia, Prom Prince Cody Vernich, Prom Queen Sparkle Oliver, and Prom King Lucas Kaiser were all announced. After the Grand March, students headed to The Shed at Guse’s Christmas Tree Farm for an evening under the theme “Let the Good Times Roll.” The night featured a dinner catered by Pesto’s and was followed by hours of dancing and celebration.

That same sense of involvement and connection was visible earlier during a district-wide Enrichment Day. High school students partnered with elementary students in a variety of hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and build friendships. Sessions included painting kindness rocks, crafting gifts for Mother's Day, and learning basic karate techniques. The day was filled with energy and smiles. Older students took on leadership roles, guiding younger ones through each rotation. It was a refreshing break from routine that brought together different parts of the school community in a meaningful way.

What’s coming up?

Looking ahead, there are a few significant events that everyone is looking forward to. 

One major event that has students and families buzzing is the upcoming basketball game on Tuesday, June 17. The Lady Tigers will take on Rising Sun High School at 1 p.m. in a special summer matchup. What makes this game even more exciting is the opportunity to attend a professional WNBA contest later that evening between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun.

This unique doubleheader offers fans the chance to support their local team and witness high-level professional play all in one day. Tickets are currently on sale, but the deadline to purchase is Friday, May 16 by 11:59 p.m. After that time, no additional tickets will be sold online, so families are encouraged to plan ahead to be part of the action.

Graduation is set for Friday, May 30, and will be held in the LaCrosse Tiger Den. This milestone event will celebrate the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2025. The High School Academic Awards Night will take place on Tuesday, May 14, at the Wanatah School Gymnasium. This event will honor the academic achievements of students across all grades and is a time for the community to come together in recognition of the students’ dedication and excellence.

On Wednesday, May 29, Tri-Township seniors will take part in a meaningful tradition that marks the end of their high school journey: the graduation walk-through. Dressed in their caps and gowns, the seniors will walk the hallways of the elementary, middle, and high school buildings one final time.

As they pass through the familiar halls, students and staff line the corridors, clapping and cheering in celebration. For the seniors, the walk will be both a celebration of how far they’ve come and a reflection of the memories made over the years.

The walk-through is more than just a farewell—it's a moment of connection between the past and the future, honoring the achievements of the graduating class while inspiring the next generation of Tri-Township students. As the seniors make their way through the halls of their educational journey, it’s clear that their legacy will leave a lasting mark.

Staff spotlight:

Theresa McArdle wears many hats at Tri-Township, and it’s clear that her impact is felt across every corner of the building. As the administrative assistant, she handles a wide range of responsibilities—managing social media, organizing newsletters, maintaining the school website and sign, arranging substitute teacher coverage, and serving as secretary to both Superintendent Dr. Pamela Moore and Athletic Director Rick Snodgrass. She describes her daily routine as doing a little bit of everything, maintaining flexibility and commitment throughout the school.

McArdle has been part of the Tri-Township team for 12 years, having started her role in 2012. Over that time, she’s seen many changes—not just in the physical structure of the building, but in the academic environment as well. As a former student herself, with roots at Wanatah Elementary and LaCrosse High School, she brings a unique perspective to her work.

“I am proud to be a Tiger because I love to watch the kids grow and change over the years,” McArdle said.

Her connection to the students and school community goes beyond paperwork and logistics; it’s rooted in a genuine care for the people who walk the halls each day.

Outside of work, McArdle enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves reading, working outdoors, and traveling—finding balance and joy in both quiet moments and new adventures.

McArdle is also a proud mother of two. Her son, Keegan, is 21 and currently a senior at Purdue University, while her younger son, Colin, is 19 and works in the Sprinkler Fitters Union.

With her steady presence, adaptability, and deep commitment to the Tri-Township community, Theresa McArdle continues to be a vital part of what makes the school such a special place to learn and grow.

Student spotlight:

Tri-Township Junior Lupita Osornio is a proud example of what it means to be a well-rounded student and leader. Whether she’s competing on the basketball court or contributing her time to school and community organizations, Osornio is committed to making a difference.

“I play sports because I love how it brings a community together,” she said. “Especially with being in a small school, we are able to unite all ages in one gym to support all our student athletes.”

Her dedication to teamwork and school spirit shines through not only in athletics, but also in her involvement across a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Osornio participates in Student Council, Leo's Club, Prom Committee, Kankakee Valley REMC Junior Board of Directors, Leadership La Porte County, Spanish Club, and the National Honor Society. Among these clubs, she believes that Leo’s Club is one of the most meaningful for her.

“As a school, we are able to collaborate with people outside of our community to make a difference,” she said.

In the classroom, Osornio’s passion continues. Her favorite class is accounting, and she credits Spanish Teacher McDonnell as her favorite teacher. After high school, she plans to major in accounting and human resources and can’t wait to see what path she takes in her career.

Osornio will also take on an exciting new role in the 2025–2026 school year as the student reporter for Tri-Township through GreatNews.Life. In this position, she’ll help share the stories and accomplishments of her peers, continuing her commitment to leadership and connection within the school and broader community.

Being a Tiger is about more than just school spirit for Osornio. It’s about having an identity that she wants to carry with her for the rest of her life.

“I have grown up in this school. I was once the little kid who admired the high schoolers, and I strive to do that now for the younger students,” she said. “I have not only made lifelong friendships, but have experienced an abundance of support from the school community.”