Valparaiso High School (VHS) concluded its first quarter on October 9, with students preparing to take the Pre-SAT (PSAT) after a four-day fall break. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are scheduled to take the PSAT in their homerooms on October 14, the first morning back from break. Meanwhile, the school recently held its annual homecoming celebration, recognized students for National Merit achievements, and continues to host a variety of fall sports and performing arts events.
Seniors, who have already completed the SAT, will have the option to engage in community service, job shadowing, or college visits on PSAT day. Sophomore Cal Kellog expressed excitement for the upcoming PSAT, noting a desire to improve a specific score. Earlier, the school recognized three National Merit Semifinalists: Glori Liu, Alexander Sachse, and Jennifer Wang. Eight students were also distinguished as Commended Scholars based on their PSAT and SAT scores: Ava Bosman, Jonas Bozickovic, David Casteel, Lena Gibson, Hayden Manoski, Nolan Pagel, Nuala Small-Swihart, and Elizabeth Szevery. The first quarter's end on October 9 marked the finalization of first-quarter grades, with semester-long classes reaching their halfway point.
The annual homecoming dance, themed “A Night in Rio,” took place on September 26 in the VHS cafeteria from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., marking the school's first dance of the year. The preceding week featured a spirit week, including college and career day in honor of College Go week, neon day, superheroes v. princesses day, class color day, and a green out on Friday. The homecoming football game on September 25 followed a parade down Campbell Street. During halftime, seniors Bryce Rafferty and Diana Cespedes were revealed as homecoming king and queen, respectively. The senior court included Will Marshall, Jordan Stocky, Brayden Waters, Brody Wheeler, Lyla Adams, Sophia Carlson, Lilly Crane, Ainslee McGinty, and Sophia Swigon. Senior Lilly Crane described the week as "really fun and busy," noting the opportunity to bond with fellow court members.
Fall sports schedules are active as seasons conclude. Girls’ Varsity Volleyball will compete at sectionals on October 15, with regional competition scheduled for October 24, the same day as regional games for Girls’ and Boys’ Cross Country. Varsity football will host a home game against Lake Central on the Friday after October 15, with sectionals set for 7 p.m. on October 30.
The VHS Choirs will present their annual fall concert, Fall Fantasia, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium on Tuesday, October 21. All VHS Choirs, including Viking Ayres, Viking Voices, Viking Tones, Concert Choir, and Varsity Singers, are slated to perform. The Concert Choir will also perform at Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection on November 7 at 3 p.m. Additionally, the VHS Symphony will visit Valparaiso University on October 28 to perform with the university’s symphony at 7 p.m. Freshman Josh Garcia expressed anticipation for Fall Fantasia, describing it as "going to be a great concert."
Science teacher Marcus Jones, who has taught for 19 years at VHS, maintains a large red beta fish named Chester in his classroom, a birthday gift from a former student. Jones, a Valparaiso native, attended Purdue University, where he ran track. His career path shifted from sports science interests to teaching after college, leading him to return to Valparaiso after working in Colorado. Jones also serves as an assistant track coach, viewing it as a unique way to engage with students outside the classroom. This year, he teaches zoology and biology, though chemistry, which he has taught for many years, remains his favorite subject due to its concepts. He appreciates zoology for its hands-on aspects and observes student growth in biology. Jones acknowledges the challenges of teaching diverse students, stating, "meeting kids where they are at" is the most important part of his job. Despite the difficulties, he affirms teaching is "fun."
Junior Klara Theil offers a unique international perspective as one of Valparaiso High School’s foreign exchange students this academic year. Hailing from Braunschweig, Germany, a city approximately seven times the size of Valparaiso, Theil is experiencing Valparaiso for the first semester. She noted the kindness of the people and the unique shopping options here, which differ from Germany. Theil expressed a desire for more public transportation options, as she cannot drive and relies on her host family or friends for rides. Beyond exploring local shops, she frequents the gym and socializes with new friends. Theil highlighted significant differences between VHS and her German school, noting VHS's larger size, broader range of classes, sports, and clubs. She also observed stricter security rules at VHS, and that phones are permitted in her German school. Despite these contrasts, Theil indicated her enjoyment of living in Valparaiso, describing it as "so beautiful," with "the best" people she has met. She sought a foreign exchange program to experience a new culture and observe life on a different continent.