Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. McGuire
Mrs. McGuire has only been at LPHS for two years now, but she is already working to make an impact in her student’s lives.
McGuire went to college at Illinois State University for her undergraduate degree and Aurora University for her Masters degree, but her love for English and literature started long before she went to college.
She has been teaching for nine years and, like most, she had multiple teachers in her time of being a student who made an impact on her and drove her to become a teacher herself.
“I think teachers could always point back to someone who has influenced them or some teacher that pushed them in a positive way, and I definitely had a long line of those teachers who were great allies for me,” McGuire said.
For McGuire, it seemed like English was really the only way for her to go after high school; she felt that it was almost inevitable that she become a teacher. Not only was she following her heart, but she also wanted to give her students a chance to fall in love with English and literature the way she did.
“I really connected to the content of English, and I loved writing and reading; my English classes began to feel like second homes. It was a home I never wanted to leave, so I thought the best solution would then be just to create one of my own,” McGuire said.
Not only does she spend time in the classroom teaching her students, but outside of the classroom she is working just as hard. LPHS is glad to have such a dedicated and fun-loving teacher in its halls.
Student Spotlight: David Knouse
For senior David Knouse, music has been a huge part of his life since he can remember. He was introduced to the trumpet when he was three or four and has since been playing it for nearly seven years now.
Knouse is in Wind Ensemble and every other extra band LPHS offers: Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band. He was the drum major in marching band, so he played a huge leadership role. He conducted the band during each performance, and did everything he could to encourage and support the other band members. He also participates in Solo and Ensemble and plays his trumpet in Orchestra concerts when they need him.
“Being a member of band means that I have a group of people who I put my trust in and are like family. Being in band has made me the person I am today. Being a member of band means that I always have somewhere where I will belong,” Knouse said.
Anyone who knows him knows that his education and music are incredibly important to him. He will be graduating this year and wants to study at Indiana Wesleyan or Anderson University.
“I plan on pursuing a career in music education in college. I would eventually like to be the head band director at a high school with a successful music department,” Knouse said.
While being so busy with music, Knouse manages to also be a member of National Honor Society as well. When he’s not studying or at band practice, he enjoys reading. LPHS and the whole band program congratulates Knouse on all his hard work this year.
“Ask Any Girl” Makes an Appearance at LPHS
The cast and crew of the LPHS Theatre Program work diligently each season to produce exceptional plays that the whole school and town can enjoy.
This fall, the cast and crew performed the play “Ask Any Girl,” a romantic comedy that was set in New York City during the 1940’s. This play was a big hit throughout the school, and the cast thoroughly enjoys every time they step out on stage.
“[The play] gives people the opportunity to do what they love in the arts without any restrictions, and they can have the opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary and special,” Alex Gushrowski, senior member of the theatre program, said.
The cast and crew had worked on the play since the middle of August, which was shortly after the school year began. They would dedicate many hours a week to prepare for the play, and it definitely paid off. Being a part of this program has changed many students lives, and they give all of their effort every performance.
“The entire cast consisted of amazing, talented individuals, and they all put 110% effort into making this a great show,” Gushrowski said.
While the spring play is still up in the air due to construction that will be taking place in the auditorium, the cast will work diligently to still produce a play. Keep a lookout for dates, times, and the announcement of what play is chosen. LPHS appreciates all the hard work that the theatre program puts into its plays.
LPHS Marching Band Represents The Lion’s Club
The LPHS Marching Band has been turning heads for many years with their dedication and multiple victories under their belt.
With the recommendation of the local Lions Club, the marching band was given an application to fill out to represent Indiana in the Lions International parade in downtown Chicago. Because of their background and the former success they have had, they were accepted to be a part of the parade on July 1, 2017. After the second place finish at state, this is a great way to ease the pain they felt after losing to a very good Zionsville band at state.
“Getting this opportunity means that even though we did not win state, we are still a great band. We are lucky to be recognized for our hard work,” Kristen Luce, percussionist, said.
The LPHS marching band has been in the top four at their class state finals for the past four seasons, and they also won a state championship in 2014. These accomplishments put them in a great place when they were applying for the opportunity to perform in Chicago. They will be diligently preparing for this moment that they will remember forever.
“We are very honored to have been accepted to represent Indiana in the Lions International Parade. Performing down State Street in the Loop of Chicago will be a memory our band members will never forget,” Mr. Stisher, band director, said.
Keep an eye out for more information on the performance this summer. LPHS congratulates all marching band members on this huge achievement.