GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Griffith goes to Vegas, and students show off skills in the May spotlight

What’s recently happened?

On April 24, Griffith students took a gamble on a night of fun when they attended prom, enjoying the theme of “Casino Night.” Everyone dressed up in their Friday best and hit the dance floor with friends and partners.

“It was definitely better than I expected,” said senior Victor Scortino. “I had a lot of fun, especially being with my friends.”

Juniors Asher Harris and Makayla De la Osa won Prom King and Queen.

“I’m happy for Asher,” said junior Mason Salazar. “He deserved it. He does a ton with the school, and everyone likes him, too.”

Everyone is ecstatic about how prom weekend went, with many students going to eat, going on dates, or even just spending time with friends.

Along with prom, Griffith held their annual Powderpuff Volleyball game, which is the junior boys versus the senior boys in a best-of-three-set volleyball match.

The juniors came out victorious, winning the first two sets with final tallies of seven to 25 and 23 to 25.

The seniors only won the third set, but they played hard and gave it their best shot.

“I definitely thought we would win, but not as easily as we actually did,” said Junior Coach Miriam Velez.

One thing is for sure; the upcoming juniors may want to watch out, as the next-year seniors will be back and more than ready.

What’s coming up?

For the second straight year, students around the middle and high school will be displaying and showing off their talents at the Student Showcase on May 13.

Last year was a hit, with more than 600 community members seeing what the students at Griffith could do with the skills they have learned in the classroom.

“I’m hoping for as much success as last year,” said principal Jon Chance. “If we can replicate it, it will be great for everyone.”

Following directly after the showcase night will be Awards and Recognition Night, where students get awards like academic letters and scholarships to seniors.

“Awards night is to recognize the students who go above and beyond for the things they do at GHS,” said counselor Michelle Udchitz.

Scholarships, certificates, and individual subject awards are handed out, and it is an exciting time for students and their families.

Griffith High School also has AP testing on the way, and students are anxiously awaiting their tests.

“I’m nervous, but also kind of excited because it will be a challenge for me,” said Jack Gaham.

These tests will provide a challenge like almost no other, as they give college credit for those who do well enough, which is even more reason to try your absolute best on them.

Staff Spotlight:

Among the staff here at Griffith is Renee Whelan. She is the new photography teacher for both high school and middle school.

Photography has been a class for a long time, but in the past, the school couldn’t find anyone to teach it. This year, it belongs to Whelan.

“It’s an opportunity for kids who are interested in photography to really learn about it and practice,” said Whelan. “We’re still trying to figure out the best way to go through it and what the whole situation is.”

Teaching both middle and high school is a challenge for any teacher, but for Whelan, it’s similar.

“Having high schoolers in seventh period is almost like having middle schoolers,” said Whelan. “I really enjoy the high schoolers, I can do more with them, and I wish we could do even more.”

Along with being the photography teacher, Whelan is also the sponsor of the P7 club at Griffith.

“P7 is a Bible study after-school group that’s about different topics that all relate to the bible,” said Whelan.

P7 has been a group for a couple of years, bouncing around teachers.

“Everyone in it tries to make a difference in the school community,” said Whelan. “They’re always praying for people with things that maybe aren’t going so well, and just try to help.”

Whelan is especially happy to be at Griffith, with the school being more together than at her past schools.

“You have more of a sense of community, and a small, hometown feel,” said Whelan. “Everyone, I feel, is connected in some sort of way, and it makes everything just that much more personal.”

Student Spotlight:

As the editor-in-chief of the Griffith High School Yearbook staff, you must be a skilled photographer. Nobody doubts that Peyton Conner is the perfect choice for the job.

Conner is the photo editor for Panther Press, along with being the editor in chief for the yearbook, and she is also a professional in the photography industry with her business “Flicks by Peyton.”

“Originally, I started taking pictures in middle school for the yearbook in seventh grade,” said Conner. “I’ve been taking pictures for about five years now.”

Conner has photographed a plethora of events, using many different types of cameras.

“I had gotten just a small camera a year before I started yearbook, and yearbook was the first time I had ever used it,” said Conner.

Now, she uses all sorts of equipment to take pictures, and even mentors some of the younger yearbook photographers on their ability to take pictures.

“Honestly, I really show them the basics and then let them go,” said Conner. “If they want to know more, then I show them or help them with some little problems.”

At Griffith, everyone knows who to go to if they need pictures or if they ever need help with a camera.