GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Sharpened pencils and fresh starts in Merrillville

What’s recently happened?

School is back in session for students in the Merrillville Community School Corporation (MCSC), and it is a big year for the graduating class of 2026 at Merrillville High School (MHS) as the 100th graduating class in school history. This year, the students at MHS have a lot to look forward to with homecoming, pep rallies, dodgeball games, student versus staff basketball games, and more.

“I feel that now that I’m a senior, there’s a sigh of relief, but still there’s things that have to get done. I’m feeling very focused going into this school year leading up to graduation,” Senior Nylan Maclin said. “The thing I’m most excited for this school year is my volleyball season in the spring. I’m excited to make new friends, see what the season holds for us, and to just play the sport I love.”

The MCSC is home to amazing faculty that is dedicated to guiding, challenging, and inspiring students. Through their teaching and support, they shape young people into confident, well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the next stages of their lives with a great education, resilience, and character. Merrillville is a community that takes pride in harboring growth and providing students with excellent academic opportunities, while also having a strong support system that promotes leadership and lifelong success.

“Merrillville has shaped me into the person I am today by just always believing in me. The administration, staff, coaches, friends, and family – they’ve always had hope for me and the goals for me to graduate and succeed in everything that I do. They remind me that success is within reach as long as I stay focused and determined. I’ve always felt a sense of belonging, surrounded by people that push me to be my best, and I couldn’t thank them enough for that.” Maclin said.

Coming back to school can always be tricky with getting back into the swing of things after a long break. It’s important to have a routine that is efficient and allows you to accomplish everything you need to do each day.

By sticking to a daily plan, you set yourself up to get all the things you need done in a timely manner. Whether it’s completing assignments, preparing for tests, participating in sports or clubs, or simply recharging, these habits early on can make the transition back to school much smoother and set a positive tone for the rest of the year.

“I handle the transition going from summer to school, by planning ahead and being prepared. Going into the school year unprepared and just not ready to focus, can throw you off for the first couple weeks and even the whole year if you let it, so I always make sure I’m prepared weeks before, and ready to be focused, and knowing what I’m getting myself into before the year starts.” Maclin said.

What’s coming up?

MHS Varsity football will be taking on the Andrean High School 59ers for the “Battle of Broadway” on Friday, August 22. This is a big game for the Pirates, as it kicks off the start of the football season.

“I feel really good about the game. We have a great offensive and defensive scheme ready for Andrean. As long as we trust each other and the coaches, we will leave with the win.” said Michael Hill, starting quarterback.

The Pirates are counting on this rivalry win, as they have beat the Niners the past seven years in a row. It is crucial that they stick together and maintain their power, not only to uphold their legacy but also to demonstrate their dominance once again. The pressure is high with fans and alumni expecting a win from MHS, but the team knows their skill and dedication to the sport will be the deciding factors.

“The plan is to take what the defense gives us and run the ball effectively against their defensive line. Running the ball against them will be good because our O-Line is very dominant and will out work their D-Line every play.” Hill said. “I have been watching a lot of film and talking to Coach Josh Sabinas to get ready for the game. Mentally I have been going to my sports therapist just to make sure I am in the right mindset to lead the team and bring us to a win.”

Team chemistry is a key component of securing a win each Friday night for the Pirates. Hill knows just how to get his team in the right mindset to perform at their best. He emphasizes trust and communication, ensuring that every player understands their role and feels confident in executing it.

Through rigorous practices, motivational talks, and leading by example, Hill pushes to create a team where players encourage each other to improve while also lifting each other up in moments of struggle.

“I like to give them encouraging work such as reminding them to keep their head and giving short speeches to the team, especially the offensive side of the ball. Before we get out there on the field, I hit everyone’s helmet to make sure they are locked in and to show them some love. We have faced many challenges this summer with playing great teams such as East St. Louis and Brownsburg. I didn’t have to say anything to them. They were just locked in because we all had one common goal, which is to go 1-0 each week all the way until State.” Hill said.

A win against the Niners could set the tone for the rest of their season, uplifting the team’s confidence and solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse.

Community member spotlight:

Symone Denwood has lived in Merrillville her whole life. She would stay with her grandparents in Chicago due to doing her schooling in the city, but Merrillville has always been her true home.

The Merrillville community is well-known for its commitment to supporting the people who call it home. From local businesses that welcome visitors every time they visit to neighbors who step up in times of need, the unity is what drives this community to become closer. The dedication to support isn’t just a tradition, but it’s a defining characteristic of Merrillville that Denwood has a strong appreciation for.

“I always appreciated how supportive the people within my complex community are. From my neighbors, to the people that work at Walgreens or Stracks around the corner from my house, people always look out for others and continue to do so.” Denwood said.

Along with unwavering support from the community, Denwood finds other aspects of the community that she loves as well.

“My mom and I love walking my dogs over by Hidden Lake. We always go to Miller Beach. One of my favorite places, that unfortunately isn’t here anymore, was the Star Plaza Theatre, where I did the majority of my performances and saw other amazing dance concerts.” Denwood said.

Denwood’s performances refer to her home dance studio, the Indiana Ballet Theatre (IBT), which is a cornerstone of artistic expression in the Region that is home to many dance styles like modern contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and musical theatre.

For Denwood, IBT has been a great part of shaping who she is as a dancer and performer. The studio’s devotion to both technical skill and expressive performance ensures that every showcase, recital, and production reflects the hard work and passion of its dancers and instructors alike.

“IBT has been my home away from home since I was 7 years old. Coming to IBT made me realize how hungry I was to dance. I even went to a performing arts high school and college, earning my BFA in Dance and Choreography. IBT set the foundation for every dream I had and currently have in my career.” Denwood said.