GreatNews.Life Student Voices: One game brings all the students together at Lowell High School

What’s Happened?

On March 11, Lowell High School featured the Special Olympics basketball team playing its 11th annual game in The Pit against Lake Central High School’s Special Olympics team. The event remains a strong tradition that brings together students, staff, families, and community members in support of the athletes. Earlier that day, Lowell High School held a pep rally during advisory featuring games, the fight song, and speeches that built excitement for the night ahead.

The gym was packed with fans cheering for both teams, creating an energetic and supportive atmosphere. Every play was celebrated, showing the strong sense of unity within the community. At halftime, staff members took on members of the older Special Olympics team, adding entertainment with impressive shots and plays.

By the end of the night, the focus was on sportsmanship, smiles, and shared experiences, as players and fans came together to celebrate an event that continues to highlight inclusion and community spirit.

What’s Happening?

Lowell High School’s spring sports season is now underway, bringing excitement as teams prepare for competition. This season includes track and field, baseball, softball, and Girls’ Tennis. The track team has already started strong, competing in its first meet at Purdue University’s Lambert Fieldhouse and gaining early experience.

Baseball will open its season at home against Lake Central on March 31 at 4:30 p.m., while softball will also face Lake Central on April 6 at 4:30 p.m. Girls’ Tennis begins with a home match against Whiting High School on April 4 at 10 a.m. All home events will take place at Lowell’s newer athletic facilities, which continue to provide an improved experience for both athletes and fans. With competitive matchups ahead, the season is expected to be an exciting one.

Staff Spotlight:

Since August 2020, Ryan Skinner has become a well-known and valued staff member at Lowell High School, growing from a part-time employee into a full-time role as student services secretary. She plays a key role in keeping daily operations organized and supporting students, staff, and families.

“I serve as the student services secretary. My role has evolved over time, and each day brings something different. I truly enjoy clerical work, organization, and staying busy. I thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, which makes working in a high school a perfect fit. I take pride in helping students, staff, and families while keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes,” Skinner said.

She says her favorite part of working at the school is building relationships with students and watching them grow.

“My favorite part of working at the high school is the opportunity to interact with so many incredible students. Watching them grow from freshmen into confident seniors is truly special and something I never take for granted,” Skinner said.

She also values the unique experience of having her son at the school during his senior year.

“Having my son, Brody, as a senior while working here makes the experience even more meaningful. He is the second of my three boys that I’ve had the privilege of watching grow up in this building. I always remind myself to wear the right hat at the right time — the ‘mom’ hat and the ‘work’ hat — but getting to see my sons and their friends, who I often call my ‘bonus kiddos,’ every day has been such a blessing. It truly fills my heart,” she said.

She is also involved as the sponsor of the Sunshine Club, which focuses on inclusion and community service.

“Another part of my experience at LHS that I am incredibly proud of is being the sponsor of the Sunshine Club. This club was founded by one of the most inspiring young women I’ve ever known, Brooke Bretzinger, and was created to promote inclusion, kindness, and support through community service. The students involved are dedicated to making a difference not only within our school but throughout the community. Watching their compassion, leadership, and willingness to help others has been incredibly rewarding. Being a part of this group has been a truly humbling and meaningful experience,” Skinner said.

Student Spotlight:

Junior Brooke Bretzinger is heavily involved at Lowell High School. She has been balancing multiple roles including Special Olympics coach, children’s grief facilitator, cadet teacher at Lowell Intermediate School, peer mentor, National Honor Society leadership team member, and founder of her own organization, “Blessings by Brooke,” which creates cards and birthday boxes for those in need.

Through her work with the Special Olympics, she has made a strong impact on athletes and the school community.

“I have coached Special Olympics middle and high school basketball since January of 2024, and all ages of cornhole since June of 2024. My favorite part of coaching the Special Olympics is seeing how excited the athletes get about scoring or seeing the crowd in the stands and when each player scores for the first time. Each athlete is so unique, and it’s really fun to get to learn more about them and celebrate their accomplishments,” Bretzinger said.

She also founded the Sunshine Club to spread positivity and support students.

“There is an extreme mental health crisis happening right now. I feel that everyone could use a bit more ‘sunshine’ in their lives. Lowell didn’t have anything like this yet, so it was really exciting to create this club from the ground up,” she said.

Through the club, she has helped create strong connections and meaningful projects within the school and community.

“My favorite part of the Sunshine Club is seeing our members come together and lift up our school and community. Sunshine Club has created so many new friendships, and we all lift each other up,” Bretzinger said.

“My favorite Sunshine Club project so far has been creating sunshine bags for any student struggling with their mental health to remind them that we are cheering them on and here to support them, as well as celebrating kindness through outreach efforts,” she said.