GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Riley Celebrates Talent, Tradition, and Triumph

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The Riley High School Drama Club put on the production of In the Forest of the Night, a dystopian story about 13 young students who all wake up from the same dream. This dream sends the students to a forest where they must each draw a random number to decide their fate. One student will be sacrificed; it’s just a matter of who.

The cast consisted of 13 actors and eight dancers, who portrayed birch trees moving throughout the forest. Meghan Bread directed the show alongside Mallory Ehrhart, assistant director and sound and lighting manager, and Chloe Misner, choreographer. The rehearsal process began at the end of October, and they have all worked extremely hard to perfect their show.

The performance was held December 4-5 in the Riley High School Auditorium. Many students and staff members attended in support of the Drama Club. Junior Cady Bango shared, “The cast and crew have been amazing throughout the entire process, and I’m so grateful for this piece.” The show gave an eerie feeling, keeping the audience engaged and wanting more.

On December 6, the cast and crew traveled to Hobart High School for a regional competition. This was the first time Riley High School had ever taken a show to a competition.

They performed for three judges, alongside the other five teams competing. They placed second, advancing onto the state competition, which will be held in January at Avon High school. Senior Babacar Thiam expressed that he was extremely proud.

“I felt relieved that we were really good enough to move on,” he said.

The community of Riley High School is exceptionally proud of the history their Drama Club has made.

What’s coming up?

Riley High School’s winter homecoming will take place on January 30. Each class decorates a floor throughout the building based on one big theme. The students take hallway decorating very seriously. Last year, the Class of 2027 took home the trophy for their representation of Egypt.

This year’s overall theme is Disney princesses, and planning has officially begun. The class representatives will continue to work even while winter break is in effect. The community is eager to see the decorated school, and they’re just as excited for the basketball game and all its festivities.

The Boys’ Basketball team will take on the New Prairie Cougars after beating them 82-27 last year. The team is ready to bring the Wildcats to a homecoming victory.

As the second semester begins on January 5, students look forward to spreading the school spirit for winter homecoming.

Staff spotlight:

Lisa Knappenberger is a world history teacher at Riley High School who teaches both Advanced Placement and regular world history classes. Over the past 18 years at Riley, Knappenberger has inspired countless students to live up to their fullest potential. She is passionate and persistent when it comes to helping her students prepare for their futures.

Many students find her class challenging, but they often realize later that the preparation she provides makes a lasting impact. In fact, students frequently say they miss her class because of how much it helped them grow academically and personally.

“I work predominantly with freshmen,” Knappenberger said. “They have no clue what happens when we’re not successful in high school.” 

Due to this, she works incredibly hard to push students toward graduating and setting themselves up for success.

She enjoyed her own high school experience, which inspired her to pursue teaching. Knappenberger earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Mary’s College and later worked in restaurant management. During that time, she formed strong bonds with many adolescents who shared horror stories about their educational experiences. Hearing those stories motivated her to return to education and help students succeed.

Knappenberger chose to teach history because of the many opportunities she had to experience it firsthand. Her parents exposed her to the world at a young age, and her father’s military career required the family to move often. One of her most impactful experiences was living in England for four years during high school. These experiences helped shape her into a well-rounded individual and educator.

“I hope the kids realize that I really have their best interests. I really want them to be successful,” she said.

Knappenberger challenges her students because she believes in the future they can achieve. Her pride in Riley High School runs deep, so much so that she sent her own son to Riley and would confidently recommend the school to others.

Outside the classroom, Knappenberger is heavily involved in the school community. She helps with athletic study tables to support student-athletes, runs the parent Facebook page to address families’ questions and concerns, and assists in planning events such as Back-to-School Night and Freshman Orientation.

Knappenberger has been a tremendous asset to Riley High School. She has taught and influenced countless students and has played a significant role in their success. 

“I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else except Riley,” she said. 

Student spotlight:

Emma Ring is a senior at Riley High School who is dedicated to her education and the connections she has made throughout her high school career. She is a devoted varsity cheerleader for both the football and basketball seasons. Outside of sports, she is the vice president of the Student Council, a member of the Class Cabinet, the Riley Magnet Ambassadors Program, and the Riley Student Athletic Advisory Committee. 

Ring is an intelligent, hard-working, creative student who manages to stay well-ranked in her class. Though introverted, she values her friendships and the relationships she has within the Riley community.

“My favorite part about coming to school every day is seeing my friends. During senior year, I’ve made it a priority to spend as much time with them since we won’t be able to see each other every day next year,” Ring said.

Ring is very close to her family. She has an older brother and sister, along with a twin sister. She looks up to each one of them and their successes.

“I’m inspired by my sister, who has faced so much adversity throughout her life, but always keeps a positive outlook on life. She’s the strongest person I know, and I’ll always aspire to be more like her.” Ring said.

After high school, Ring wants to attend Indiana University and major in marketing. She has wanted to go to IU since she was in third grade. She enjoys her engineering and ceramics classes because they’re more hands-on, and she has a lot of friends in those classes.

Time has flown by, and though it is nerve-racking, Ring is ready to tackle all the challenges in her next chapter. She is hopeful and excited to see where she will end up in the future.