GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Growth, Grit, and Community at Crown Point High School

What’s recently happened?

Both the JV and varsity dance teams recently advanced to nationals, marking a major achievement for the program. The varsity team made history by advancing straight to the finals for their pom performance, a milestone that highlighted the team’s energy and preparation.

Junior Tyler Eberhart believes the atmosphere on the floor made the experience unforgettable.

“My favorite thing about pom was just the energy when we were performing, and we made history by making it straight to the finals, so it was a really fun experience,” Eberhart said. “For kicks, we did the Crazy Hair and Makeup, and everyone just went all out and gave it everything they had.”

The teams’ success at nationals reflects months of hard work, creativity, and commitment, making this season one to remember for dancers and supporters alike.

What’s coming up?

On Thursday, March 5, all junior students will take the SAT during the school day as part of Indiana’s statewide testing requirement. The juniors should arrive prepared and on time, as testing will take place throughout the school day.

While students are testing, ninth and 10th grade students will take the spring PSAT, and seniors will have an e-Learning day.

The state of Indiana requires that the SAT score taken during the school day be included on every student’s high school transcript, making this an important testing date for juniors.

Additional information about the SAT and what to expect on test day can be found through school-provided resources.

Staff spotlight:

Spanish teacher Donovan McKiddy has been teaching at the high school for three years and currently teaches three different levels of Spanish. Inside his classroom, McKiddy balances teaching language skills with creating an environment where students feel safe and supported.

“My main responsibility is to create a safe environment where my students can feel like they can be their authentic selves,” McKiddy said. “After that, I teach them Spanish, vocabulary, how to speak, how to read, how to write, and how to listen.”

McKiddy emphasizes positivity in his classroom, especially when students are learning a new language and may feel nervous about making mistakes.

“I try to exude positivity and help students feel that, even if they’re making mistakes, they’re still communicating, and that it’s more important to make progress than to be perfect,” McKiddy said.

Beyond the classroom, McKiddy values the professional culture and shared purpose among the staff at Crown Point High School (CPHS). He appreciates working alongside educators who are committed to student success.

“My favorite part of working at Crown Point is that I’ve never been around a staff that’s been more professionally focused on teaching the kids and doing the very best job that they can do as teachers,” McKiddy said. “The relationships I’m able to build with the students and create a little community, and maybe even learn a Spanish word or two along the way.”

This year has also brought adjustments, particularly with the block schedule. Coming from a school with a traditional daily schedule, McKiddy is still adapting to the changing class order and longer periods.

“My main challenge is that I came from a school where for twelve years we had a traditional schedule, so I’m still battling with what day it is, how long the period is, and which period it is,” he said. “I have it posted on the wall, and I glance at it several thousand times a day. I wish we were traditional every day because I want to see my students every day.”

Outside of school, McKiddy dedicates most of his time to his family. He and his wife, who is also a teacher, are raising two children, a senior and a freshman in high school.

“When I am not here, I am parenting,” McKiddy said. “I try to be the best dad and husband that I can be.”

Overall, McKiddy prioritizes creating a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to grow. By balancing teaching, family life, and meaningful relationships with students, he continues to make a positive impact on the school community.

Student Spotlight:

Senior Bailey Finnerty has spent all four years of her high school career dancing on the national stage. After joining the CPHS dance team her freshman year, Finnerty has competed at nationals every season since.

Competing at nationals for the final time this year brought a mix of emotions.

“It was kind of bittersweet for me since it was my last nationals,” Finnerty said. “I was just so excited to be in that competitive setting with my team one last time and putting it all out on the floor.”

Throughout her time on the team, Finnerty has been part of an incredibly successful program.

“We have won nationals all four years I’ve been on the team,” she said. “We’ve won the past three years in kick, and then we got third place in pom this year, which was really good for us.”

Although nationals have been a constant each year, Finnerty said no two seasons have felt the same.

“I just feel like the whole team aspect is so different,” she said. “Every year, it is a whole different team, and navigating a new team is eye-opening. There is a lot of change in a good way that comes with having a new team.”

Despite years of success, one moment stands out above all the rest.

“I would probably say winning nationals my freshman year is my favorite memory from dance,” Finnerty said. “That was the first time Crown Point has ever won, and being a part of that was really cool. After that, it was about trying to keep that title throughout the years.”

As she looks ahead to college, Finnerty plans to keep dancing in her life while focusing on her future career goals.

“In college, I’m not going to join a dance team, but I’m planning to join a club team so that I can continue to dance, and I hope to be a coach one day,” she said. “I also want to major in business and go to cosmetology school so that I can open my own hair salon.”

While her time competing at nationals with CPHS has come to an end, Finnerty’s passion for dance and drive for success will continue to shape her next chapter.