#1StudentNWI: Musicals and Students Giving Back at Valpo High School

#1StudentNWI: Musicals and Students Giving Back at Valpo High School

GUYS AND DOLLS!
As most Valparaiso students know, theater has a large aspect of talent at our school. Recently, The Drama Club put on a play called, “Guys and Dolls.” The play was one to remember to say the least. Seeing some of my own friends, as well as students that I see around the hallways, take part in something they’re passionate about was really enjoyable for me.

The play is set in the 50's and is about gambling, sinners, and relationships and the cast did an incredible job of pulling it all together. Cast members, including Michael Radford, Eric Evory, Deveon Williams, Kathryn Jankowski, Matthew Klemm, Anna Perdicologos, Garet Paul, Kris Bluhm, Mikey Nieto, Dylan Nguyen, Kait Sarver, Ryan Miles, Ollie Grcich, Lily Quint, Dennis Murray, and Michael Kelly.

The play could not have ran as smoothly as it did without the help of the production staff including Molly Vass, Bryce Shaffer, Linda Schonbachler, Kathryn Cichocki, Gianni Pupillo, Owen Abner, Damien Hansen, Raylin Shoemaker, Katrin Terry, Veronica Mockus, Grace Ahrendt, Mary Horn, Madeline Whitaker, Katie Kirk, Jenna Miller, Katelyn Schoenling, Jilly Rafalski, Adrienne Lineback, Madeline Cromer, Alexis Kotcamp, Jorie Miller, Nick Mockus, Amy Rappa, Josh Rappa, Emma Schlottman, Lucas Schrader, and Seth Stevenson.

An excellent round of applause goes to the VHS Drama Club for presenting a successful show. I can’t wait to see more presentations to come!

Stay up to date with all that’s happening with VHS Drama Club on Twitter (@valpodramaclub) and on Facebook at Valparaiso High School Drama Club.

VALPO STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP!
Every year, Valparaiso High School students are prompted with a need for help from Don Quijote and Housing Opportunities. Don Quijote, a local restaurant here in Downtown Valparaiso holds an annual Homeless Benefit in hopes of raising money to donate to help the goal at Housing Opportunities: working to find a home for families in need throughout Northwest Indiana. The event features an all-you-can-eat buffet as well as a raffle, silent auction, and live Spanish music entertainment.

Last year, the fundraiser was able to raise more than $42,000. Believe it or not, this is true. And to think that some of this help came from students here at the high school is inspiring. Being able to get involved in an opportunity like this is one you’ll never forget because of how rewarding it is to know that you contributed to helping somebody find a home. I am excited to be a part of the fundraiser this year by helping to sell tickets for the event.

I would love to see you there! Tickets are $35 per person. Along with your purchase of the ticket, you will receive a $15 gift certificate to Don Quijote Restaurant. Please contact me via email (peytonmahlmann@gmail.com ) or stop by Don Quijote ( 119 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 ) if you are interested. All are welcome!

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: KELLY SNOEYINK
Considering the amount of teachers that bring such a positive light to Valpo students each day, picking just one of them to shine the spotlight on was quite the challenge. However, considering the kindness that Mrs. Snoeyink brings to her students, this was not too tough of a decision.

Snoeyink, a Biology I and AP Biology II teacher here at the high school, was both my teacher for freshman year, and junior year biology. She is also a student council sponsor. She is easily my favorite teacher for how relatable and generous she is. If you were to ask any student at the high school enrolled in AP Bio II, they would without a doubt tell you how difficult, yet educating it is. Nonetheless, having Mrs. Snoeyink as my teacher for this class has made learning that much better.

When asked what she enjoys about teaching students, Snoeyink says,

“Being around high school students all day keeps me energized, distracts me from anything negative going on outside of my room, and they make me laugh constantly. It is hard to be tired or bored when you spend your day with teenagers. I love teaching because my students are always discussing new fun ways to think about our class topics or life in general. On top of all of that, I have the chance to interact with 150 new personalities every year which forces me to grow as a person as I learn what type of interaction is best for each student. There is never a dull moment in a school classroom!”

Outside of school, Mrs. Snoeyink has two daughters, Georgia and Nora. Her husband, Matt Snoeyink, is also a teacher here at the high school, teaching German and English. Together, they share an unbreakable bond, and all the students recognize them as the “cutest teacher couple”. It is known to most students that each year, Mr. and Mrs. Snoeyink take a conjoin yearbook picture. Their pose changes every year, never failing to humor the student body!

Thank you, Mrs. Snoeyink for all that you do for not only me but so many students at Valparaiso High School. You are much appreciated!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS PEASE
Chris Pease, a Junior at Valparaiso High school, has made such an impact on those around him that I couldn’t leave it unrecognized. Chris and myself have been friends for the past 10 years and he has taught me so much just about everyday situations. He always tells me to, “treat each and every day as if it’s your last,” and to, “never forget to tell your friends how much they mean to you.”

Being a good example of what it means to be the best version of yourself, Chris has involved himself in numerous extracurricular activities that have helped him meet new people and take part in numerous activities that he may never had the pleasure of doing if it weren't for the atmosphere here at the high school. Pease has played the violin since he was 7 years old, and has paved the road towards a successful two journeys to ISSMA state finals the past two years. Since music is one of his passions and granted he has a strong talent, he joined the Northwest Indiana Youth Symphony and has been a part of that for a year.

Outside of orchestra, Chris’ time at the high school the past three years has been spent participating in football, track and field, Team Lead, Natural Helpers, Latin Club, and UNICEF. Specifically, Chris, like most students, favor Natural Helpers as one of their most memorable times for it brought them the joy of learning things they never knew about people they’ve never known.

Thanks for being you, Chris!