GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Hobart is bringing the exciting energy and spirit

What’s recently happened?

With homecoming and school-year festivities in the air, the School City of Hobart is bringing the energy. Currently, the Hobart Brickies Varsity Football team has a 4-1 record, showing a strong start to the season with many more games ahead. The next home football game will take place during Homecoming week on September 26. The Brickies will be going against the Lowell Red Devils at Don Howell Field.

For each home and away football game, Yohan’s Army, Hobart High School’s Student Spirit Club, organizes student section themes. Recent themes include neon, frat, and white-out, which the Brickies had the opportunity to vote on. For each game, Yohan’s Army coordinates spirit-wear and a social media presence for Brickies to compete in the Indiana Student Section of the Week. With a total of three wins, Yohan’s Army is currently in the lead while competing with other Northwest Indiana high schools.

On September 20, the Pride of Hobart Marching Band attended the Hanover Central Marching Festival along with numerous schools in Northwest Indiana. They played their show “That Crazy Feeling,” winning them a gold medal with visual distinction. Performances included “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen, “Something” by The Beatles, and “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé.

What’s coming up?

From September 22-26, Hobart High School will be celebrating homecoming. Hobart Brickie Cheerleaders have decorated downtown Hobart with colorful window designs. They have also incorporated different businesses downtown for the upcoming Homecoming parade on September 22, allowing residents to pass out candy, enjoy live music, and interact with local businesses. With bright pictures and encouraging messages, hoping for a Brickie win against the Red Devils, downtown Hobart is ready for what’s to come in this exciting week. 

This year’s Homecoming theme is Enchanted Forest, and different classes will compete for spirit points as they decorate themed locker bays and colorful floats for the upcoming week.

Also on September 22, Hobart’s Business Professionals of America Club will be hosting their annual Powder Puff game between the Class of 2027 and the Class of 2026. On September 26, the Hobart Brickie Football team will be competing against the Lowell Red Devils. On September 27, Hobart High School’s Student Council will be putting on the Homecoming 2025 dance in the Great Hall.

With many energetic activities planned for the week, students will also be dressed for the part. Yohan’s Army has coordinated a week of Homecoming spirit days, featuring dress-up themes such as wig day and color wars. There will also be opportunities for classes to win points and compete with each other in fun competitions during the Homecoming Pep Rally. This includes tug of war, swollen soccer, pizza balance, cart race, and volleyball.

Staff spotlight:

Valentine Torres has been an integral part of the School City of Hobart since 2014. She currently serves as a business teacher, career liaison, president of the Hobart Educational Foundation, and Chair of the Business Department at Hobart High School. During her time at Hobart, she has received her master’s degree, allowing her to teach dual-credit courses in business to help Hobart High School students succeed. 

“My current vision centers on growing our business program so that every student leaves with more than just a diploma; they leave with certifications, associate degrees, and confidence to thrive in today’s world of work,” she said.

Torres is also proud to be an advisor for the Readiness Project, a hands-on initiative that runs from late April through the middle of May. For Hobart High School students, it tackles real-world skills that they do not always teach in the classroom.

“The students in my club, Business Professionals of America, are giving students authentic, actionable advice, growth strategies, and practical tools to launch their success after high school,” she said.

For Torres, this year’s back-to-school energy has been electric. Students are energized, excited, and ready to dive in, especially after a strong showing from programs like the Readiness Project, which has built momentum and confidence heading into the year. 

“The halls buzz with purpose, and there’s an unmistakable enthusiasm in the air as our students set ambitious goals and chart paths toward them. As a teacher and mom, I am able to enjoy many perks,” she said.

Torres is a firm believer in the advice: “Make a plan and go for it.” Just as she shifted from the corporate world to teaching, she recognized the power in planning. 

“Whether you want to rewrite your career, learn something new, or start a passion project, it all begins with a plan—just like drawing a business plan—but for your life. Don’t wait. Start defining your vision and then move toward it boldly,” she said.

In her free time, Torres pours energy into her personal brand, ValuTime Solutions, which is dedicated to helping individuals sharpen essential skills like time management, organization, career placement, and advancement. She works with people on practical details that make a big difference, such as resumes and interview practice. Through this work, she has had the privilege of engaging in a multitude of speaking opportunities, including presenting at the 2024 Professional Women’s Conference hosted by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association.

In her downtime, one can find her in the kitchen. She is a huge fan of the Food Network, and she loves playing her own version of “Chopped” at home. In her kitchen, cooking is always paired with music—inevitably leading to a little dance break—which is her way of recharging, creating, and having fun.

“Life is your business—plan it, pursue it,” she said.

Student spotlight:

Gabriela Pulido is a current junior at Hobart High School who is always staying busy. Being a longtime resident of Hobart and a student in the School City of Hobart, she has many community aspects she admires. Lately, she has been leading bake sales at Brickie football games to fundraise for Prom 2025, a venture that has been successful and given her an opportunity to showcase her creativity. 

“My favorite parts of Hobart are the creative minds working hard to make everyone feel welcomed and valued, as well as the tons of opportunities given to us high school students to do great things. Everyone I have met are amazing people who show me exactly what I can achieve if I put my mind to it,” she said.

Pulido considers Hobart to be a community full of the most hardworking, passionate, and dedicated people she has ever met. For Pulido, she is always participating in Hobart activities, supporting fundraisers and events, and helping out when she can. In Hobart High School’s Student Council, she serves as the Junior Class President, leaving her with the important responsibility of helping the Class of 2027 plan Prom 2026 for Hobart High School.

“Student Council has been the best way for me to get out there and support my community, and I cannot imagine what my life would look like without it,” she said.