GreatNews.Life Student Voices: CPHS students celebrate school spirit at Homecoming and look ahead to National Journalism Convention

What’s recently happened?

Crown Point High School (CPHS) celebrated its annual Homecoming on October 4, bringing students together for a night filled with school spirit, fun, and memories. The event marked one of the most anticipated nights of the fall season, drawing crowds of students ready to show off their Bulldog pride.

The evening kicked off with the traditional Homecoming game where students, families, and alumni packed the stands to cheer on the Bulldogs. The energy in the stadium remained high throughout the night with the student section leading chants, the band performing classic tunes, and the cheerleaders keeping the crowd engaged.

Following the game, the Homecoming dance gave students the chance to celebrate together in style. From taking pictures to dancing with friends, the night was filled with excitement and laughter.

“My favorite part about Homecoming was seeing all my friends, taking pictures and getting ready,” said Senior Samantha Uren.

The 2025 Homecoming gave the students a chance to connect and create lasting memories. As the fall season continues, CPHS students carry that same energy and Bulldog spirit into the rest of the year.

What’s coming up?

The CPHS Journalism Department is preparing for an exciting trip this November to the National Journalism Education Association (JEA/NSPA) convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Students are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn, grow, and gain new experiences in the field of journalism.

Junior Aubria Harris is looking forward to the educational benefits this trip will bring. 

“I’m very excited to experience my first nationals and to learn new things in journalism,” Harris said.

The convention will feature workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities with other student journalists and professionals from across the country. Students plan to bring back insights and skills to enhance their school publications and take their reporting to the next level.

With travel plans underway and schedules full of sessions, the CPHS journalism students are ready to make the most of this national experience. The trip promises to be a valuable opportunity for learning, inspiration, and collaboration.

Staff spotlight:

As a math teacher and Girls Volleyball co-coach, Anna Kaniewski has a lot to balance. Handling both her students and athletes may seem like a challenge, but for Kaniewski it’s a privilege.

“I love to see all my students and athletes grow and change throughout the year,” Kaniewski said. “Especially with teaching a sophomore class, I see them change the most.”

Kaniewski finds many ways to set herself and her students up for success each year. When it comes to coaching, she’s learned to manage both roles effectively.

“The fall sports season is our shortest athletic season,” Kaniewski said. “I’m able to balance both teaching and coaching because while school starts out slow, volleyball speeds up.”

Even with a busy schedule, Kaniewski recognizes the importance of finding time to relax and recharge.

“My favorite thing to do when I’m not working is probably to just go home, watch a movie, and relax on my couch,” Kaniewski said. “I usually put on a comedy or something I don’t need to pay much attention to.”

Kaniewski’s teaching philosophy reflects her passion for learning and growth for herself and her students.

“My motto for teaching is to always stay curious. If you’re not curious, how can you open your mind to new things?” Kaniewski said.

Through her years of teaching and coaching, Kaniewski has found balance by supporting her students and herself.

“I just try to support my kids and make sure they’re growing. I want them to stay kind and always be curious,” Kaniewski said.

Her dedication to her students, both in the classroom and on the court, highlights her commitment to helping them grow while maintaining her own sense of balance and curiosity.

Student spotlight:

Over fall break, Senior Isabella “Izzy” Valenzuela had the chance to experience something both relaxing and meaningful – a trip to Puerto Rico that connected her with her family and cultural roots.

“My family and I went to Puerto Rico as a fall break trip, but it was also something my dad had promised me for my 18th birthday,” Valenzuela said. “Fall break just made the most sense to go.”

While the trip served as a birthday celebration, Valenzuela said her favorite part was the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sights.

“We did a lot of sightseeing,” Valenzuela said. “Just being able to be in the culture and see the beautiful scenery of Puerto Rico was amazing.”

For Valenzuela, the experience also deepened her appreciation for the diversity within Hispanic cultures.

“Every Hispanic culture has its own uniqueness to it,” Valenzuela said. “That’s what I love about being Hispanic, because I can see all the different cultures. Puerto Rico has such a beautiful national rainforest park, and it was amazing to see that in person.”

In addition to exploring the island, Valenzuela valued the time she spent with her family, especially the chance to bond with her stepmom’s relatives who live there.

“The most memorable part of the trip was being able to spend time with my dad, my stepmom, and her entire family,” she said.

The trip also gave her some cherished one-on-one time with her dad after her stepmom left early.

“My dad and I went to see the bioluminescent lake in Puerto Rico,” Valenzuela said. “It was so fun and beautiful.” 

From connecting with family to embracing her heritage, Valenzuela’s trip to Puerto Rico became more than just a fall break getaway. It was an unforgettable experience filled with culture, beauty, and memories.