Hi Times602 F Street, LaPorte, IN 46350Issue 2, Volume 104 November 2012

Ariana Thompson’s big dream

By Carly Kwiecien Staff Writer Sophomore Ariana Thompson auditioned for American Idol back in the summer, about a month before school started. The auditions were held at The United Center, in Chicago, IL. While she was there, Thompson sang her heart out in front of three judges, and maintained to stay calm in the midst of all the chaos and anxiety throughout the building. Singing has always been a passion of hers since she began talking. She has watched American Idol since it first premiered back in the summer of 2002, and she has always wanted to try out. Her mother, brother and boyfriend went with her to the audition to support her. Thompson waited in anticipation for her chance to showcase her singing talent to the judges. Even though pulses were racing and palms were sweating, it was finally Thompson’s turn to make a lasting impression on the judges. She sang “Turn Me On” by Norah Jones. Thompson then got a “yes” from each of the three judges, which advanced her to the next round. “I felt so accomplished to have made it through the first round. I felt blessed to be a part of the American Idol experience,” Thompson said. For the second round, Thompson sang “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. Her Idol experience fell short when she was eliminated. “I think I didn’t get through with it because it was too big of a song for me,” Thompson said. “I think I’ll audition the year that I graduate, so I don’t have to worry about school.” The American Idol experience taught Thompson just how competitive and cut throat the music industry can be, but she is still determined to follow through with her dreams. Thompson said, “I learned that if you have a dream, to never give up on that. Dream big, and make it happen! If it doesn’t happen right then, never stop believing in yourself, and never give up, no matter

how difficult that concept may be to grasp.”

Photo by Hannah Demchak

Sophomore Ariana Thompson who auditioned for American Idol over the summer.

By William LottManaging Editor

The FYI School Club has kicked off its inaugural year and is doing more than motivating students to just get “involved in school.” FYI, which stands for “Finding Yourself In (school)” is a new club offered at LPHS, sponsored by English teacher Miss Saoud. The club was createdand founded by Erin Clark, a senior at LaPorte High School. Clark said, “I wanted to help others discover themselves through various, fun activities.” The Finding Yourself in (School) Club is a club open to any student, regardless of class year, GPA, age, or interests. Over the summer, Clark thought of this concept and realized there was a need for a club that all students could be a part of. Clark said, “I realized how many people were like me: afraid to try new things on their own, or in fear to do it because of mean people.” Club sponsor Miss Saoud, said, “We encourage all students in a variety of pursuits. All students are welcome here and if they find a new interest, that’s a bonus.” For students involved, they’re finding there is a feeling of acceptance in the group. Sophomore Griselda Montanez said, “It shows that anyone can feel accepted and that we can have fun without doing bad things.” The club participates in a number of activities. So far, they have written positive

Finding yourself: FYI Club inspires students to express themselves

messages in sidewalk chalk and even walked in the South Bend Breast Cancer Walk. Miss Saoud, along with the rest of the club members, hope the club will help students find a positive place to indulge in fun activities and participate with other students. Saoud said, “For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the acts of kindness among all of the students regardless of grade, interests and disabilities.” One of the club’s main purposes is to encourage students to be themselves. Clark said, “I would say [to those finding it difficult to be themselves] find something you love to do whether anyone supports you or not; be creative, spontaneous and kind. Friends and supporters will follow.” The club meets on Wednesdays after school until 3:30 pm.

Graduating earlylows them to graduate after the second trimester of their senior year. This means that the stu-dent can graduate in February. In order to be eligible for early graduation, a student must meet the requirements of the Core 40 diploma.“You need to have all of your credits and make sure you have

e v e r y t h i n g done your se-nior year,” said Marisa Meyers, a senior set to graduate after the first trimes-ter. In addition to graduating early, some stu-dents can even take half days their senior year. Half days

allow a student to leave school after third hour and go to work for the rest of the day. If there is any interest in graduating early or half days, ask a counselor when it is time to schedule for the following year. “I recommend trying to gradu-ate early if you want more time to do other stuff. If you’re a so-cial butterfly and are going to be lazy when you leave, I suggest you stay,” said Serina Fleming, .senior who is graduating early.

“I recommend trying to graduate early if you want more time to do other stuff. If you’re a social butterfly and are going to be lazy when

you leave, I suggest you stay.”

~ Serina Fleming

By Josh ArndtStaff Writer

From the time students step through the door on their first day of high school, the count-down to graduation starts. By senior year, senioritis sets in and most students are ready to pack up and move on to college. There are many reasons for a student to graduate early. The reasons can range from actually go-ing to col-lege early, or maybe even getting a job to start sav-ing money. There are two options when it comes to getting your diploma early. A student can choose the fall waiver or the spring waiver. The fall waiver requires a stu-dent to have all 48 of his or her credits by the end of the first trimester their senior year. This means that a student can gradu-ate from high school in Novem-ber, and possibly begin college early. The spring waiver gives the student a little more time and al-

Fall Ball Highlights

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Fall Play Preparations

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Sports, Sports, Sports

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7-8

Photo by Will Maesch

Erin Clark is the founder of the new school club FYI: Finding Yourself In (School).

Marching Band completes an outstanding seasonBy Carly KwiecienStaff Writer

The Marching Band received a Silver Division Rating and moved on to Semi-State on Saturday, October 13, at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Region-al Contest. This competition was held at Lafayette Jefferson High School. The band mem-bers were filled with joy when their name was announced that they had advanced to Semi-State. “When they called our band for a Silver Division Rating, I was honestly really quite dis-appointed. Many of us felt that we had a good show, but over-all, it was not our best. How-ever, I am thankful that we are able to get second chance at Semi-State,” said sophomore Julia Jongkind. Mr. Stisher, the band direc-tor, said he was very happy when the band knew they were advancing to the next round, because the Marching Band has not received a silver rating since the first year he taught here. Marching Band has helped band members grow closer

to people that share common hobbies, and changed their experiences during their high school career. Junior Kendra Job said, “I have gotten so close to my sec-tion. We are like one big fam-ily of brothers and sisters. We are always there for each other when sad, angry, happy, frus-trated, or confused. I think ev-ery season the band gets a little closer. It’s like one giant fam-ily. The older kids go to college and the new kids are born into the family. We fight, but at the end we love each other.” Along with gaining new friends, band members have also been exposed to new ex-periences and have created many memories together. “I have no idea where I would be without this Marching Band program. It has taught me so much about working hard to achieve my goals, stay-ing organized, and managing my time efficiently. But most of all, it has granted me one of the greatest honors anyone could ever have, and that is the chance to be a Drum Ma-jor. I am so thankful for all of the lessons I have learned about being a leader and how

to push the band members’ to-wards doing their best. I have absolutely loved being such a role model in so many people’s lives and can only hope that I have taught them to do some-thing and helped them along the way. I will definitely nev-er forget what this band has given to me, and deep down, I will always be a Drum Major to the Marching Band,” said senior Hailey Sprouse. The Marching Band has been preparing for their competi-tion at ISSMA since late June at band camp. Despite their best efforts, on October 27, the Marching Band season ended. “Getting to Semi-State was a big step. We got nineteenth out of twentieth. Most bands we competed against had about one hundred more band members than us. We were all very proud we made it this far. Going onto the field, we were all very excited yet calm and collected. We gave it our all, and had fun. Overall, it was a solid show. Although we did not advance to State, neither did nine other bands. This was definitely an experience I will never forget,” said Jongkind.