GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Michigan City High School celebrates school spirit and service

What’s recently happened?

Michigan City High School (MCHS) welcomed the month of October with its annual, exciting homecoming celebrations. Homecoming took place on October 9, with a week of celebrations leading up to the big day.

Students at MCHS kicked off Homecoming festivities with Spirit Week. From “Bob Day” to “Adam Sandler Day,” spirit week encouraged students to show off their creativity and express their school spirit.

On Homecoming day, students wore their class colors and gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate the yearly Homecoming Pep Rally. They united to support the boys’ football team and to help compete for their class to have a chance at winning the spirit stick.

Later that night, the football team faced the La Porte Slicers at Ames Field in Michigan City. Students, families, and community members gathered together in the stands to show support.

During halftime, Homecoming candidates walked across the field to proudly represent the club they were running for. Homecoming Queen, Gabriella Patino, won the crown for Helping Hands. Homecoming King, Anthony Hood, secured the crown for the Steering Committee. The halftime break also featured seniors at MCHS winning the spirit stick in recognition of their enthusiasm and class participation.

At the end, students ended the night with the Homecoming dance held in the Michigan City High School cafeteria. Many students celebrated by enjoying music and dancing with friends. The engagement through the student body and the Michigan City community tied the week-long event up neatly.

Later, on October 27, MCHS inducted 23 new members into the National Honor Society. President Seidet Segura and the chapter’s Advisor Krissy Freitag led the night to induct the committed members into the chapter. With the help of Historian Daunte Jones, he gave an overview of what the National Honor Society is and the history behind its development.

In addition, Vice President, Emmanuel Sanchez, and Secretary, Batoul Achy, welcomed guest speakers to share speeches on the four pillars of the society: Veronica Barnes on Scholarship, Lucille Murphy on Service, Thomas Chatfield on Character, and Gabriella Patino on Leadership. These members shared their personal experience related to pillars and encouraged new members to embody these values.

What’s coming up?

MCHS is eager to kick off winter sports: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming, Boys Wrestling, Girls Wrestling, and Gymnastics. Continuing on from last season, Cheerleading is here to stay for the cold months ahead.

Students are looking forward to competing and making the most out of every opportunity.

The Drama Club at MCHS is excited to host its first musical of the year. Inviting everyone to the Michigan City Auditorium, members are excited to showcase the musical, “The Prom: School Edition.” The cast will take to the stage to celebrate self acceptance and friendships. Production will take place on November 13, 14, and 15.

Staff spotlight:

Through her passion for education and an undeniable love for France, Catherine Lafrance, also known as “madame” by her students, is a proud advocate for language learning.

At MCHS, Lafrance serves as the French teacher, teaching courses from levels one to four, and is the head of the world language department. Outside of teaching, her involvement at MCHS extends beyond teaching, as she sponsors the school’s French Club and the French National Honor Society.

“My mom was also a teacher, and I just knew I always wanted to become one as well, but I didn’t know I wanted to study French until I was 12,” Lafrance said.

If there’s one shared advice she could give to any student, it is to try. Lafrance has encountered students who realize French isn’t for them, and students who are enrolled in it all four years of their high school journey. Knowing this, she is passionate about each individual student and encourages them to discover the richness of a new language and culture.

There is no denying that Lafrance loves France, and after all, her last name speaks for itself. In her youth, she lived abroad in Paris before returning to the United States to teach. During her time in Paris, she developed admiration for the country’s culture and way of life.

“I love the fact that the French people walk everywhere, and even the small cities are walkable,” Lafrance said. “It allows you to be able to sit and talk with your friends while enjoying food, a meal is an event in France.”

Now, she motivates students to explore opportunities abroad just like she did. In the summer of 2023, she and students at MCHS traveled to Paris to experience the rich culture. Even if it isn’t French, Lafrance is always eager to support students who are interested in studying another language.

Student spotlight:

For senior Emmanuel Sanchez, staying involved and embracing every opportunity that comes his way has shaped him to become the driven individual he is today.

Sanchez spends every spring at MCHS playing for the Varsity Boys’ Volleyball team. It is a team sport he commits himself to, and he approaches it with dedication and passion, every single time. He got involved during his freshman year and has been a team leader ever since. 

“I first joined freshman year, but I knew I wanted to play in eighth grade when I found out it was the Boys Volleyball Team’s first year playing ever at the high school,” Sanchez said.

Through his hard work and consistency, he has established a record of success. In his sophomore year, he was recognized for his strong defense as a libero. He had 410 digs, making him No. 1 in the state. In addition, he has been awarded the sportsmanship award at the MCHS Sports Award by his volleyball coach. 

Currently, he’s positioned as an outside hitter. He loves the fact that he’s always active in the game and takes on a variety of roles on the court. His overall passion and love for the sport is what keeps him motivated to continue. 

Beyond the volleyball court, Sanchez is a science enthusiast. His interest stems from curiosity about understanding the principles of fundamentals components that shape everyday life. He enjoys exploring the study of matter and its interactions. 

This year, Sanchez is enrolled in AP Chemistry, a senior year favorite of his. He appreciates the hands-on aspects of laboratory experiments and how practical it is. Despite its rigor, he welcomes the challenge as he views the class as an opportunity to strengthen his knowledge.

“I like the teacher a lot,” Sanchez said. “What keeps me going is how fast paced it is, I like a fast paced class.”

After graduation, Sanchez plans to further his education at Purdue University and major in chemistry and minor in forensic science. He aspires to become a forensic scientist and wants to work with the chemistry and laboratory involved.