GreatNews.Life Student Voices: CPHS kicks off the new year

What’s recently happened?

Crown Point High School (CPHS) students attended Turnabout, themed A Night in Paris. The event transformed the venue with elegant décor, music, and a Paris-inspired atmosphere as students gathered to celebrate the dance.

For many seniors, the night marked a special milestone. Samantha Uren shared her experience attending the event.

“It was fun because it was my first time going but also because it’s my senior year. I got to go with all my best friends, and it was new,” Uren said.

Turnabout gave students the opportunity to dress up, spend time with friends, and create lasting memories. With music, decorations, and a lively crowd, the dance provided a memorable experience for attendees as the school year continues.

What’s coming up?

The Mock Trial team is preparing for its upcoming competition, which will take place on February 21. The event gives students the opportunity to put their legal knowledge and teamwork skills to the test while competing against other schools.

As the competition approaches, team members are focused on practice and preparation. Alyssa Torres shared what she is most looking forward to this year.

“I’m most looking forward to being able to compete again and potentially make it to State,” Torres said. “Last year, my team didn’t make it to State, so this year I hope we work hard enough to be able to compete against more teams.”

With weeks of preparation underway, the Mock Trial team is entering the competition with determination and optimism as they aim to advance further than in previous years.

Staff spotlight:

Science Teacher Mindy Pearson plays a dynamic role at CPHS, serving not only as an educator but also as the science department chair and an instructional coach. Known for her positive energy and leadership, Pearson brings the same dedication she shows on the field into her classroom.

“My favorite part of working here is interacting with my students and having the opportunity to inspire them. They often inspire me as well,” Pearson said.

Beyond academics, Pearson is deeply involved in the Crown Point community. She coaches two soccer teams, a baseball team, and spends much of her time volunteering through the Lake of Four Seasons soccer and baseball boards.

“I’m at the fields almost every night of the week, typically,” Pearson said. “I’m also on the Lake of Four Seasons soccer board and the baseball board, so I spend a lot of time volunteering all around.”

In the classroom, Pearson emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world connections through engaging lab activities.

“Students engage in a lot of lab opportunities, and I try to make real-life connections with those lab opportunities,” Pearson said. “For example, in forensics, they get to analyze their own fingerprints and compare them to their peers. Right now, we’re looking at hair where they get to analyze their own hair.”

Pearson joined CPHS in 2014 after teaching in Illinois and relocating to Indiana with her husband. Since then, she has found joy and fulfillment in her work.

“It’s been a lot of fun working here,” Pearson said.

While balancing her roles as a teacher, coach, department chair, wife, and mother, Pearson remains focused on creating a positive and productive environment for her students. Through her commitment to education, leadership, and community involvement, Pearson continues to make a lasting impact at CPHS.

Student spotlight:

Since 11th grade, Ava Valdez (12) has transitioned from being homeschooled to attending CPHS, a change that opened the door to new opportunities and personal growth. During her time at CPHS, Valdez has explored several extracurricular activities that helped her discover her passions and build confidence.

Being involved in theatre and choir played a major role in shaping Valdez’s experience.

“Being in theatre and choir has given me a direction in life,” Valdez said. “When I first started doing the behind-the-scenes technical work for theatre, that’s when I discovered my passion. Choir helped me open up and be more confident in myself.”

The transition from homeschooling to a traditional school environment came with challenges. Adjusting to longer school days and a more structured schedule required time and patience.

“Switching was really a huge cultural shift,” Valdez said. “Instantly transitioning to a more-than-8-hour workday, rather than enjoying free time at home, was definitely new for me. While it was challenging, the structure here makes me feel more organized and comfortable.”

Despite the adjustment, Valdez values her homeschooling experience, especially the close bond it created with her family.

“The best part of being homeschooled was definitely being close to my family all the time,” Valdez said. “My mom was really good at teaching because she could be hard when she needed to be but also patient and understanding.”

Looking ahead, Valdez plans to continue pursuing her passion for the arts after graduation. Indiana University Bloomington is her top choice due to its strong art programs and campus facilities. Reflecting on her journey, Valdez offers advice to her younger self.

“I would tell my younger self that it will all be okay,” Valdez said. “I felt that there was no light at the end of the tunnel, but there was one, and things did get better.”

Through her experiences in both homeschooling and Crown Point High School, Valdez has grown personally and creatively, using each chapter of her life to shape her future goals and aspirations.