GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Spring brings new events to Morgan Township High School

What’s recently happened?

Students at Morgan Township High School (MTHS) have been musically involved in the local community this March.

On March 12, the MTHS choir had its spring concert. That night, the seventh grade choir began the concert, followed by a mixed eighth grade and high school choir. The performance concluded with all of the choir students coming together to perform one final song.

“This most recent choir concert was centered around finding hope through music. Many attendees felt a different air surrounding their connection to the kids and the songs performed,” said Laila Barker, choir member. “Our new teacher is phenomenally personable, and our old teacher made her return which has been so fun, too! I will always stick with the choir for my friends and my love for music.”

On March 14, the MTHS band had its annual Notes and Nelson’s fundraiser. The MTHS band partnered with Nelson’s Catering, and people who attended the fundraiser were able to dine in and watch the band perform. At the fundraiser, middle and high school band students performed jazz pieces they had been working on.

“The band fundraiser had a great turnout, and the band members performed exceptionally well,” said Steve Casarez, student co-host.

Key Club also had a fundraiser on March 14 with its annual Pancake Breakfast. The funds gathered from the breakfast went to the local Valparaiso Kiwanis Club, which donates the money to various organizations that serve people in need.

What’s coming up?

April will be busy for students at MTHS. Various events will take place as spring begins.

On April 18, juniors and seniors at MTHS will be having prom at Duneland Falls. At the venue, food will be provided, and the event will last from 7-10 p.m. Before prom, the Grand March will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the MTHS gymnasium.

On April 21, the MTHS Academic Super Bowl team will head to Wheeler High School for the Regional meet. At the meet, the Social Studies team will go first, followed by the Math, English, Science, and Fine Arts teams in that order. The meet will start at 4:30 p.m. and will run until around 9 p.m.

“I’m hoping we’re able to make it to the State competition this year,” said Jenna Abbring, Social Studies team member. “Since we did well in our previous meets, I have high hopes for our team and school.”

On April 24, the MTHS Drama Club will have its fifth annual red carpet awards ceremony in the high school cafeteria. The event will last from 7-8 p.m., and both high school and middle school students will be recognized.

“I’m sad to be leaving Drama Club, but I’m excited to spend one last time with the Drama Club for the awards ceremony,” said Senior Lucia Hensley.

Staff spotlight:

Jae Tomak is a math teacher at MTHS, and she teaches Algebra I and II. Tomak has taught for 15 years, 12 of which were at MTHS.

“I became a teacher because I always loved learning and tutoring in math,” Tomak said. “I was very involved in National Junior Honor Society and Honor Society (NHS) during middle school and high school. There, I did a lot of volunteer tutoring and the love grew from there.”

Tomak’s favorite part about MTHS is the community, and she admires the support system for the teachers and the students.

“If I had to pick one thing, I would say my favorite part about teaching is the lasting effects we have on the students as teachers,” Tomak said. “Even students you think hate school or aren’t interactive, you can see them in public down the road and sometimes they will come up to you and share how much you meant to them during school.”

Tomak is this year’s graduation sponsor, and she also is a prom co-sponsor, alongside Art Teacher Shelby Braun. She also spends her time with her family, whether it be outdoors or at school, and she is excited to teach at the same school her kids go to.

“I love Spirit Week. I try to participate as much as I can because the students always have a big smile on their faces with whatever I come up with. Also, our end-of-the-year dodgeball tournament is so entertaining,” Tomak said.

Student spotlight:

Mathew Symer is a senior at MTHS. He is an officer for Key Club and a member of Student Council, NHS, DECA, the Boys Baseball team, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“Some of my greatest achievements would include being in the Top 10 of my graduating class, being a senior captain of the baseball team, and being on the Distinguished Honor Roll all four years of high school,” Symer said.

Symer plans to attend Purdue University to study kinesiology, and he plans on being either a physical therapist or an occupational therapist. He hopes to own a gym one day so he can share his passion for fitness with others.

“My favorite classes have been AP Biology and AP Government and Politics,” Symer said. “I really enjoyed having Science Teacher David Atwood and History Teacher Kevin Krieger as teachers; they make class fun and engaging.”

In his free time, Symer enjoys fishing and watching motorcycle racing with his dad. He also enjoys cheering on his friends at basketball games.

“My favorite thing about MTHS is the relationships I have been able to make during my time here,” Symer said. “I’ve known my classmates for pretty much my whole life, and it’s been pretty cool to grow up with them and see them develop as people.”