Home»Features»Student Voices»GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Tri-Township High School celebrating achievements, school spirit, and what’s ahead

GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Tri-Township High School celebrating achievements, school spirit, and what’s ahead

GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Tri-Township High School celebrating achievements, school spirit, and what’s ahead

What’s recently happened?

At Tri-Township High School (TTHS), the Tiny Tigers lit up the Tiger Den with their electrifying “Glow Era” cheer performance during the Junior Varsity halftime show. After a week of dedicated practice, the young cheerleaders took the floor with confidence, showcasing their hard-earned skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd.  

With stands packed full of proud families and friends, the atmosphere was electric. The Tiny Tigers cheered, jumped, and tumbled with boundless energy. Their excitement was contagious, proving that their hard work and preparation had paid off.  

Beyond the performance, this camp provided young athletes with the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing in the iconic Tiger Den. It was the first taste of teamwork, spirit, and the joy of cheerleading for many.

Coaches Michelle Peretti and Penny Brown, along with the high school and middle school cheerleaders who assisted throughout the week, couldn’t be prouder of the Tiny Tigers. Their Glow Era showcase was a shining success, leaving everyone excited for the bright future ahead for these young athletes.  

The Tri-Township Dance and Cheerleading teams brought their A-game to the annual PCC Spirit Competition at South Central, an event filled with energy, excitement, and fierce competition. Despite a delayed start, the teams delivered outstanding performances in their respective categories.  

The cheerleading team competed in the Game Day Performance category, impressing the crowd with a high-energy routine that emphasized synchronization, enthusiasm, and technical execution. 

The dance team took on the Traditional Dance category, treating the judges with a polished and expressive routine that showcased their precision and artistry.  

In addition to the team performances, Tri-Township cheerleaders Caloe Peretti and Jewlee Pryor competed in the highly competitive Jump Off, demonstrating their agility, flexibility, and technique.  

After weeks of rigorous preparation, the TTHS teams left it all on the mat. The competition was a thrilling experience for both athletes and spectators with the commitment and excellence that define Tri-Township cheer and dance.  

Tri-Township High School honored its senior athletes on February 15. The players were recognized for their accomplishments during a special Senior Night celebration in the Tiger Den.

Seniors Recognized:

  • Boys’ Basketball: Kade Koselke, Dillon Stewart, and Chayse Bloomfield  
  • Cheerleading: Caloe Peretti, Grace Benedetti, and Taylor Tarter  
  • Dance: Kennedy Cox and Grace Benedetti  

Each senior was presented with heartfelt acknowledgments from coaches, teammates, and family members. As part of the celebration, senior parents had the chance to take a free throw or three-pointer for a chance to win sectional tickets, adding a fun and memorable touch to the evening.  

The event served as a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of these student-athletes. Senior night is a culmination of their high school careers and the legacy they will leave on the Tiger Den. 

Tri-Township Schools is celebrating an outstanding musical achievement as student Rain Skidmore earned a gold rating at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Solo & Ensemble competition for her exceptional vocal solo performance.  

With dedication, passion, and countless hours of practice, Skidmore took the stage to show the judges her vocal talent and artistry. Her success not only highlights her hard work, but also showcases the excellence of the Tri-Township Music Department.  

Earning a gold rating at the state level is no small feat. Skidmore’s achievement reflects the high standards of musicianship she upholds. Tri-Township is proud of her success and looks forward to seeing her continued growth in the world of music!  

What’s coming up?  

Excitement is building at Tri-Township as several upcoming events are highlighting the hard work and dedication of students across various programs. One of the biggest achievements comes from the school’s robotics program, which is making history by sending five teams to the state competition. 

Under the guidance of Coach Joseph Clifford, these students have devoted countless hours to perfecting their designs and problem-solving skills. He’s confident in their abilities as they prepare to compete on a larger stage.

“I know that they are going to go far in the world of robotics!” Clifford said.

Tri-Township’s Health Careers students are preparing for their next big step in the medical field. Caloe Peretti and Taylor Tarter, both part of the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education’s Health Careers 2 program, will be attending the 2025 Spring Leadership Conference for HOSA — Future Health Professionals. 

To support their journey, HOSA will be hosting a fundraiser at Raising Cane’s in Michigan City on Friday, March 14. The fundraiser will run from 4-9 p.m. During this event, 15% of net sales will be donated to HOSA when customers mention the fundraiser at checkout. These funds will help Tri-Township’s future healthcare professionals take advantage of leadership and competition opportunities that will enhance their skills and career prospects.

The transition from winter to spring athletics is in full swing, with student-athletes gearing up for the upcoming season. Tri-Township teams will take to the fields and tracks to compete in softball, baseball, boys’ and girls’ track and field, and boys’ golf. 

With months of training ahead, athletes are eager to push their limits and represent their school with pride. The coming weeks promise to be filled with achievement, growth, and school spirit as the students take on exciting new challenges.

Staff spotlight: 

Taylor Bowman has been a part of Tri-Township Schools since 2015. She spent seven years in the resource room with Katie Wright before transitioning into her current role as social worker and attendance officer in 2023. She serves as a vital link between students, families, and the school system, ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive.  

“I love being able to work one-on-one with students and really get to know them,” Bowman said. “Sometimes, all a student needs is someone to listen and remind them they’re not alone.”  

Bowman meets with students individually and in small groups, providing social-emotional learning opportunities that help them develop essential life skills both in and out of the classroom. She is the liaison for the McKinney-Vento program to assist unhoused students and plays a crucial role in monitoring student attendance. By identifying patterns of chronic absenteeism, she works closely with families and staff to find solutions that keep students engaged in their education.  

A lifelong resident of Wanatah, Bowman is deeply committed to her community. She manages the Comfort Closet and oversees the local Paw Pantry, a mini free pantry accessible 24/7 to provide non-perishable food items and hygiene products to those in need. 

“The Paw Pantry is something that I’m really proud of,” Bowman said. “Food insecurity is a real issue, and if we can make a difference, even in a small way, it’s worth it.”  

Outside of work, Bowman enjoys spending time with her cat, Ralphie, and indulging in her love for crafting, shopping, and watching wrestling. She met her husband in 2018, before they got married in 2022. Her husband, who hauls aggregates for Morris Motor Services, also lends a hand around the school whenever he can.  

For Bowman, being a Tiger means having the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students and families. 

“Tri-Township is special because we’re not just a school. We’re a family. I see firsthand how much a loving, caring environment can impact a child’s life. I’m grateful to be part of a team that puts students first.”  Bowman said. 

Student spotlight: 

Tri-Township High School senior Taylor Tarter is proving that balance is key. She juggles academics, sports, and leadership roles while preparing for an exciting career in medical marketing.  

A dedicated student-athlete, Tarter is actively involved in cheerleading and managing the baseball team. Sports are more than just competition for her. She believes they’re about building friendships and making lasting memories.  

Beyond athletics, Tarter plays a significant leadership role in her school community. As senior class vice president and student council secretary, she helps shape some of the senior year activities.

“Being the senior class vice president is especially meaningful because I get to plan our class trip and graduation. I love stepping up and making sure my voice is heard,” Tarter said.  

Her favorite teacher is Preston Anderson for his humor and deep knowledge of government and economics. She also has a passion for physics, especially after building her own rocket named Big Bertha.  

Although attending a small school has its challenges, Tarter sees it as an opportunity for growth.  

“Tri-Township has taught me to not care about what other people think,” Tarter said.

After graduation, Tarter will be attending Purdue University Northwest to study communications in medical marketing, with the goal of becoming a medical sales representative.  

“I’m great at remembering medical knowledge, but I’m not into the hands-on side of nursing or being a doctor. This career lets me blend my skills with my interests,” Tarter said.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her journey, Taylor leaves behind a legacy of leadership, hard work, and school spirit. There’s no doubt she’ll continue to shine in all she pursues!