Evie Yeaney - La Porte Community School Corporation

Paquette receives Lilly Foundation grant

Amber Paquette, agriculture teacher at La Porte High School, received the 2024 Indiana Agricultural Education Classroom Enhancement Grant from the Lilly Foundation in March.

Paquette is a dedicated teacher and FFA advisor, which requires spending countless hours of time outside of school hours working and aiding students to build leadership skills.

With this grant, Paquette’s Advanced Animal Science class now has the opportunity to take a course through Washington State University. This provides these students with the Junior Preventative Health Certification, which will aid them in getting started in the veterinary field. Through this course, students will learn about veterinary preventative health. This includes topics such as zoonotic disease, spaying and neutering, dental anatomy and care, and end-of-life care.

Students will leave the program with a rich understanding about how to ensure the health of animals they may work with in the future and also their pets back at home. Three of Paquette’s students will be working toward their Animal Science Capstone while being able to have this opportunity.

“I am thrilled that my students will have the chance to obtain the Junior Preventative Health Certification from Washington State University. I believe this opportunity will benefit their development as individuals and students in the field of animal science,” Paquette said.

Paquette applied two weeks before the deadline and worked intensively on her application. She did not believe she would be selected but gave it a shot anyway. The effort paid off.

Paquette was filled with joy when she heard she was selected. There is much to do before the end of the year in order to create this opportunity for the students. Paquette must quickly begin working on the modules to be completely prepared for the upcoming school year. Paquette has to present her grant plans to multiple agricultural education teachers at the IAAE conference winter workshop in December.

“I am extremely grateful for the help and support that I received from everyone around me. I want to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Davenport, Mrs. Goss, and my fiance for answering all of my questions throughout the application process,” Paquette said.

Key Club members lead change

La Porte High School Key Club has been changing the community one day at a time.

According to its website, Key Club is a student-led, high school organization. Its members make the world a better place through service. In doing so, they grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead, summoning the courage to engage, and developing the heart to serve.

There are about 40 LPHS members, and around 20 who are extremely active. It runs on a club officer system that consists of Alejandra Anguiano, Viridiana Flores, Morgan Elertson, Ryker Russel, and Katelyn Peterson.

“When we are out there volunteering and seeing how happy it makes others who we are helping, it's just a great experience and it’s something that everyone needs to do in their life is give their time it others,” Aidan Ignatuk, junior, said.

Key Club is heavily involved in the La Porte community. They have done multiple park and street clean-ups as well as helping out the LP street department get holiday decorations prepared for display. Additionally, they have held activities for daycare children, and participated in activities with people in nursing homes. The club has also attended workshops with other schools.

Key Club is sponsored by English teacher Jamie Vincent who has been making a difference since high school.

“I began doing community service in high school in Girls Reserve as a way to feel more connected in life and then fell out of it after high school. Once I became a teacher and was asked by another teacher to help lead her community service group, I had forgotten how great it feels to help others and it brought me back to myself,” Vincent said.

Key Club at LPHS began in 2016 and has been in full bloom ever since, leaving the community a better place and the members better people. Future plans for Key Club include making a bottle cap mural pathway outside of Fort La Play Porte at Kesling Park. They also plan on starting a project making kits for people who are less fortunate.

Any student can join Key Club at any time through the year. Speak to Ms. Vincent in H.13 with any questions. Joining Key Club will help Slicers develop strong leadership skills and a higher appreciation for the community.

“It’s never too late to start adding value to the world through community service,” Vincent said.

Ultimate New Years playlist

2024 is in motion and there is no better way to get motivated to mark off those resolutions than having the perfect soundtrack that will bring you joy and good vibes. In this article, I will give you 10 powerful songs for you to play through this new year and beyond.

“Feather” by Sabrina Carpenter

This pop hit is an upbeat pop tune that represents breaking free from something that once brought you down. There is no better way to start off your year than without negativity around you. Sabrina Carpenter’s pop-princess vocals are enough to get you dancing around your room.

“Good Days” by SZA

This melancholic, ethereal bop captures finding light in the darkness and pursuing inner peace. SZA explains the difficulties of looking forward to the future with a hopeful mindset. This song’s uplifting message is perfect to bring with you into the new year.

“Confident” Demi Lovato

This pop-rock semi-throwback discusses self-empowerment and confidence despite other people's opinions. Lovato repeats the question, “What’s wrong with being confident?” and the answer to that is nothing! Being confident in yourself is one of the most important things to have when focusing on completing goals.

“Flowers” Miley Cyrus

An anthem to independence is the perfect thing for this playlist, and this song is just that. This song goes in-depth about how someone does not need anyone else but themselves to achieve fulfilled happiness. Buying yourself flowers symbolizes giving yourself attention and love that isn't needed from others. Not only does this track have a great message, but it will most definitely get you on your feet as well.

“Bejeweled” by Taylor Swift

Likewise to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, this tune is an ode to knowing personal worth. Swift discusses how although feeling unappreciated by someone, she can still make “The whole place shimmer” and find confidence in that feeling. This song sounds like putting that one outfit on and feeling like you again. That is the energy a new year needs.

“Successful” by Ariana Grande

This funky pop tune goes in depth about personal growth and success. Grande recognizes her success and hypes herself and other girls up in this song. This song expresses how refreshing it can be to feel content and successful all on your own, even at a young age, and just how fun it can be.

“Brave” Sara Bareilles

This upbeat pop song encourages others to speak up for themselves. Bareilles sings about inner strength and facing fears. According to this song, words can be a bigger weapon than almost any other action; you just have to put your heart into using them and to not be afraid to stick up for what’s right. Listening to this song inspires you to be your fullest, most authentic self. Honesty, as well as willpower, are very important traits to bring with you when starting fresh.

“I AM WOMAN” Emmy Meli

This is a very powerful pop song that explores womanhood and its beauty. Meli sings “If I have to, I can face anythingI am strong (strong)I am invincible (invincible)I am woman”This affirmation is immensely empowering which makes this a great song to bring with you into 2024. “The Man” by Taylor Swift is another similar song to this as they both discuss the pressure and hard work it takes to be respected.

“Part Of Me” Katy Perry

This pop-rock song has a prominent 2012 vibe to it, so of course it's a bop. You'll want to get up and dance around when you listen. The message behind this song is that although someone hurt you, you still have yourself and they can never take that away from you no matter what. Every playlist needs a good breakup song that reminds you of your worth.

“New Year’s Day” Taylor Swift

This piano ballad sets apart from the other songs on this playlist, as it's slow-paced. Swift creates great metaphors to explain staying with someone even when times get rough. “New Year’s Day” is about the morning after the overly romanticized midnight kisses and parties and who is there to help clean up the mess made. It is important to be brave and strong enough to make it through hard times whether that's with a lover, friend, or life in general.

A new year offers a clean slate, and an upbeat playlist can be exactly what you need to motivate yourself to complete all the goals and resolutions.

Pitts debuts Poetry Night

Students and LPHS staff read original poems at a packed Books and Whimsy on November 17th.

Approximately 10 students bravely walked to the podium and spoke their specially crafted words. They recited their history, admirations, and experiences to a welcoming room of around 70 people. “Reading my poem gave me a rush of relief. All aspects of stress just melted away,” sophomore Evan Sittig said.

Students were not the only ones who braved the podium. Although business teacher Joseph Ruiz, who was greatly inspired by the student poets, was feeling a little under the weather, he performed his original written music to his students and community members.

“I've been making music forever, and most students at LPHS have no idea that it's something I do, so it's really nice to share it here and there. If I'm lucky, someone will look up my links (at linktr.ee/RhymerEducator) and listen to my recordings. And even if they don't, it's what I love to do, and it's what makes me happy, so I always have to keep going, even if it's only for me,” Ruiz said.

Benjamin Pitts, English teacher at LPHS, was the orchestrator of the event and he was extremely proud of how the night went. The arts have always been an immense part of his life, and he wants to spread the connection they bring alive around La Porte. Pitts was inspired and filled with gratitude to see his students share their heart's words. He was grateful for the community members who showed up to support the young local poets.

“Sometimes, I get homesick. In Phoenix, every first Friday of the month all the artists take over downtown and set up poetry readings, make music, and paint. I really miss that sometimes, so I wanted to create something here that made me think of home and highlighted the amazing writing I get to read every week. Additionally, I believe communities like ours thrive where art is nourished, and I like to think that poetry is the purest form of expression especially when it spills out onto the streets like ours did,” Pitts said.

Books and Whimsy was the perfect place to hold this poetry night. Though it was a tight squeeze with the amount of people that showed up, the environment was relaxed and inviting.

This night was full of newfound braveries and warmth overall. La Porte can expect the next poetry night to be sometime in February at Books and Whimsy once again, featuring sonnets and music with a local poet/author who remains anonymous until further notice. Make sure to keep eyes and ears open for more information.

Natural Resources plants tulips and daffodils

By: Evie Yeaney

La Porte High School’s Natural Resources class enjoyed the fresh air while planting red tulip and daffodil bulbs around the school grounds that will sprout up around May 2024.

Todd Hutson, engineering teacher at La Porte High School, donated a box of 100 flower bulbs to Amber Paquette’s Natural Resources class. Hutson has an agricultural background that motivated him to donate to the Natural Resources class.

“I had some leftover bulbs this fall, and I thought who would put these bulbs to good use. Then I gazed at my old FFA jacket in the garage, and I remembered the FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve. I thought the LaPorte Ag classes would know what to do with these bulbs,” Huston said.

Paquette is a dedicated agriculture teacher and spends time as an active FFA advisor at LPHS.

“I love teaching future generations about essential aspects of agriculture they weren’t aware of before. We get to go outside and plant bulbs, and we get to come inside and make a topographic map of a cookie the next day,” Paquette said.

Paquette and her class were thrilled to receive the bulbs to plant outside around the school.

“We are so grateful to Mr. Huston for donating the bulbs to our class. Mr. Hutson is a past FFA member and knows about the various opportunities there are in agriculture. He is always more than happy to help provide for those opportunities.” Paquette said.

Paquette’s students enjoyed planting these bulbs around La Porte High School grounds. Planting these tulip and daffodil bulbs gave them a chance to put real-world application to what they have learned in the classroom so far this semester.

“I really enjoy these types of hands-on activities the Ag department has us do. I have always had an interest in plants and I thoroughly enjoyed planting bulbs around the school,” sophomore Paige Bannwart said.

Hutson is patiently waiting to see how his donation sprouts after the cold winter months. Keep an eye out this upcoming spring for the beautiful tulips and daffodils around LPHS.

Taylor Swift: The Era's Tour Concert Film review

By: Evie Yeaney

Bejeweled outfits and beaded bracelets have taken over football stadiums, and are now filling theaters across the world with Taylor Swift’s The Era's Tour Concert Film.

Swift is a singer, songwriter, and businesswoman who has taken the world by storm since 2006 when her debut album Taylor Swift was released when she was just 16. She is now one of the number one artists across the globe through Spotify streams, record sales, and weeks being #1 on the charts.

Swift is the biggest influence I look up to as a high school girl. Swift has been part of my life since I was born. Fearless and Red spun from CDs in my sister's room as we played pretend with Barbies. In 2017 Swift released Reputation. I was given the Target Exclusive magazine and CD for Christmas that year, which was my “Swiftie awakening.”

While the Eras Tour was shining like a mirrorball at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, the concert was being filmed for The Era's Tour Concert Film. Fans watched cameras scatter across the stages while Swift danced and sang her story.

Those who lost “The Great War” (not getting tickets to Swift's Era’s Tour) now have this great opportunity to dress up and sing along in the comfort of their nearest theater!

When the lights dimmed, the classic theater environment was transformed into a magical, musical experience. Normal theater etiquette flew out of the doors the moment Swift started singing on the big bright screen. Typical theater practices consist of staying quiet, seated, and off of phones, but this is not the case for this film.

As Swift was in a cloak and dress, she began dancing around the stage with a witchy presence. She began to sing “Marjorie,” a song dedicated to her grandmother. At that moment, I could feel everyone in the room flush over with so many emotions. Everybody there had someone they thought of as she sang about loss and grief.

“Shake It Off” was another dominant segment in the movie. That song made everyone dance and wiggle around in their seats in style to the beat of the drums. “Shake It Off” is a classic song by Swift that gives me confidence and the urge to dance around. The whole theater sang and watched Swift shake it off on the big screen.

Swift included a special segment on each date of her tour where she sang Surprise Songs, which consisted of songs that weren't on the original setlist. She sings two songs, one playing an acoustic guitar and another sitting gracefully at a floral piano. The Surprise Songs sung by Swift in So-Fi Stadium for The Era's Tour Concert Film were “Our Song,” acoustic version, and “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” (YOYOK) piano version.

“YOYOK” was such a pronounced choice to play for the movie because of the meaning behind the lyrics and how close “Swifties” (Swift's fans) relate it to their relationship with the singer/songwriter. Swift repeats “You’re on your own, kid. You always have been” throughout the song, and this resonates with me as an example of how when I feel alone, Swift’s music is always there through all waves of my life.

Swift also sings “I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this, I hosted parties and starved my body,” and this shows how much she has given of herself to be where she stands today.

The final key lyrics are at the end of the song. “'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned. Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, Take the moment and taste it. You've got no reason to be afraid” This is extremely important because it expresses how with each page of life Swift is there for me, as well as her other fans, and reminds me that losses aren't always a bad thing.

Making friendship bracelets and trading them with other Swifties has been a prominent part of attending Swift's Eras Tour, the film, and other Swift-related events. Before attending the movie, I sat with my sisters with Swift's music playing and strung tiny beads and letters for a few hours. While singing along and saying “pass me the scissors” at least 13 times, I was filled with a sense of child-like happiness.

According to AMC Theaters, the movie brought in $92.8 million in ticket sales over its three-day debut period. This made it the fifth biggest opening of any theatrical release this year.

Swift took to the red carpet in a stunning blue floral dress on the opening night of the movie. She posed with fans and signed vinyls and papers with her blonde hair tied up and her classic red lipstick on. Swift then visited many theaters and surprised fans.

Unfortunately, the movie will be out of theaters as of January 2024. Swift has the movie viewing for 13 weeks, which is incredibly smart. What can I say? She's a mastermind.

The Era's Tour Concert Film is expected to be on streaming services after the Eras Tour comes to a wrap. As of right now, that is late 2024.

Being a Swiftie under my sister's influence has been such a fulfilling experience and seeing this movie with her and my future sister-in-law was one of the greatest memories of 2023. If you get the chance to see this movie, see it with someone you love.

“Hold on to the memories they will hold on to you.”

French Club: c’est magnifique

Fromage, croissants, and fondue, oh my! La Porte High School’s French Club has been meeting monthly since the beginning of the school year to enjoy a French snack, game, and a welcoming environment while being advised by Madame Cathy Korell.

French Club usually meets during the school day in SRT. Members sign in and then grab a snack. The club officers lead it all. Those officers are President Chris Santoyo, Vice Presidents Molly Menne and Ethan Wilmsen, Secretary Fiona Campbell, Treasurer Chloe Szumanski, and social media manager Evie Yeaney.

“My favorite part of French Club is being able to get together and do fun French activities while learning more about the culture. I love being an officer to French Club because it is a great leadership experience, and I really enjoy building relationships with the members of the club,” Menne said.

French Club members welcome students of all kinds. Students do not have to be actively taking French class to be involved. Korell encourages students to join if they have an interest in French culture overall.

“My favorite thing is seeing the kids from different classes making friends with the rest of the club members and having fun enjoying French food and games,” Korell said.

French Club does many activities throughout the year. In May, the members and students in French classes play a French game called pétanque. The objective of the game is to score points by having boules (heavy metal spheres) closer to the target than the opponent after all boules have been thrown. They also have tricycle races usually around November, but they haven’t done them that time this year and may do it in March.

French Club's goal this year is to include students and to enjoy the culture. There is an Instagram page to keep members updated on meeting dates and locations–@lphsfrenchclub

Photo Club telling stories through pictures

LPHS Photography Club members are experimenting behind the lens.Every Thursday after school, Photo Club members meet in room F.10.

There they share their photos, widen their skills, and form a bond of friendship with one another. During meetings, they submit the photo they captured, and it is displayed on the board for the members to see and discuss. Also, at each meeting, they discuss what topic/theme their pictures will be for the next week. Some picture themes they have already captured are back to school, food, and recreating album covers of their choice. They are looking forward to doing portraits, landscapes, as well as abstracts.

Jason Turner, art teacher, is the advisor of Photography Club at LPHS. Turner co-plans with club president Evie Yeaney. He attended college at Purdue University and enjoys all mediums of art. Turner follows this passion at LPHS and encourages students to expand their horizons as well as express their emotions through art.

“This year I would like to watch students grow as they learn new techniques and expand upon their knowledge of the medium,” Turner said.

The Photography Club is looking forward to growing its club throughout the next few years. In the near future, they plan on going on club trips that involve photography as well as visiting locations they can capture. The group also has guest speakers throughout the year to share their artistry and advice.

Photo Club is open at any time of the year. Turner has made it easy for students of all interests to be involved. Meetings are short and held after school until 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

“Anyone interested in expanding upon their skills or just simply being able to discuss with like-minded students about their interest in photography would benefit from joining,” Turner said.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Turner in his room (F.10). There is an Instagram page to keep students updated and to share their work- @lphsphotographyclub.

Influential Women of LP County: Kristy Hahn

By: Evie Yeaney

The La Porte community is filled with influential women who strive to lead by example. Their passion, drive, and expertise leave a lasting impact wherever they go and on whomever they come in contact with.

Kristy Hahn is one of those women. Hahn is the Coordinator of Volunteer Services at Northwest Health, and she sits on the board for Leadership La Porte County, La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, and the Deserving Children’s Roof Sit. This year she also has helped with the Bolt for the Heart run with the Play for Jake Foundation.

Servant leadership is incredibly important to Hahn. She believes that it doesn’t take much to make a difference, and she loves doing it.

“Servant leadership is important to me because I truly love helping people. You don’t have to have a lot of money or even a lot of time in order to help others. It could be as simple as leaving your quarter in your cart at Aldi for the next person or serving meals at the local homeless shelter. I think leading by example is super important, especially as a mom. I want my son to see how important it is to serve others and help where you can. I try to teach the importance of empathy and compassion towards other human beings,” Hahn said.

When she is not volunteering, she can be found working for her business: One Drop at a Thyme. One Drop of a Thyme makes and sells hexagonal wooden shelves and was launched in 2020. Hahn does not have a storefront for her business, but she has a website. Hahn also attends many vendor events throughout the year.

“It has been a really fun experience, and I could not do it without my husband's help,” Hahn said.

Hahn is a loving mother and wife. She is married to Andrew Hahn, who is captain at the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. Together they have a seven-year-old son named Duncan.

“My son and my husband are definitely my number one priority,” Hahn said.

As she is very family-oriented, she makes sure she has time for her family despite her busy schedule.

“I guess one of the challenges with being a mom and having such a busy schedule is occasionally missing things and relying on help from others. I make sure to not overbook myself or commit to things that would cause me to be absent in their life, and I always make it to the important stuff. I am super lucky that my husband doesn’t mind doing all the things on days when I am running from here to there. Keeping an organized shared calendar is key.” Hahn said.

Hahn is also a proud resident of the La Porte community, and she is determined to give back to a community that has given her so much.

“I love La Porte because we have such a sense of community. There are so many kind and caring people here. There is always something in the works to make La Porte a better place, and I love that I am sometimes a small part of that,” Hahn said.

Hahn is a former Jaycee member and enjoys the 4th of July in La Porte.

“La Porte has the best 4th of July parade. Did you know La Porte is the state capital for the day?... I have always loved our parade, and when I was a Jaycee member, I got to help as a parade starter, which is something I still get to do now. There is nothing better than Lincolnway lined with thousands of people so early in the morning,” Hahn explained.

Every woman who leads looks up to someone else in some way. Hahn doesn’t just have one.

“I have a group of women who I have watched and followed their lead over the years right here in La Porte County. They are the ones I always thank for paving my way, and anyone who is out doing the most good and for the right reasons is an influence to me,” Hahn described.

Despite not seeing herself as a leader, Hahn is a beacon to look up to. She values teamwork and getting things done. She is a powerful influence on girls and women of all ages.

“The advice I would give to young girls is to do what is right for you. It’s easy to compare ourselves to other girls and try to keep up with all the trends and fit into this mold society thinks we should be. Don’t do that. Embrace who you are and what you stand for. When you stop caring about what other people think of you or try so hard to be someone you are not, life really begins. Of course, it took me many years to learn this, and it may be hard, but always be you! The right people will love you for exactly who you are,” Hahn expressed.

Hahn has also conveyed that she is honored and surprised that she was chosen to be interviewed for this article, as she doesn’t do what she does for recognition.

The La Porte community is fortunate to have an influential woman like Hahn. Her passion, drive, and expertise leave a lasting impact and sparkle wherever she goes and whomever she comes in contact with.

FFA begins the year shining blue and gold

By: Evie Yeaney

La Porte High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter is already shining blue and gold this school year as they began with a packed schedule.

According to the National FFA Organization website, FFA is a national organization that provides leadership opportunities, strengthens skills, builds confidence, and overall changes lives. Although the name itself is Future Farmers of America, students don’t have to aspire to be a farmer one day to sign up. To be a member, no agricultural background is necessary at all, just a willingness to learn and grow.

“Who needs to live on a farm? There are lots of different competitions/events that have nothing to do with animals, trees, or bugs. There are public speaking opportunities, essays, chapter meetings, and much more,” Amber Paquette, FFA co-advisor and agriculture teacher at LPHS, said.

The members have already had their calendars packed full of events and competitions.

On June 21st, La Porte’s FFA chapter visited Purdue West Lafayette and joined the sea of blue jackets for the Indiana State convention. There Layke Banwart was recognized for a 2nd place gold ranking in Specialty Crop Proficiency and three members–Zoey Parret-Hock, Jackson Wainscott, and Mason Neulieb–received their Hooiser degrees (the highest degree). Keynote speakers and now previous state officers gave encouraging, impactful speeches as well.

The start of the 2023-2024 school year started with full calendars and a goal to achieve greatness in all that they do. Between the first meeting, fundraising with a corn roast, and competitions, members have been incredibly busy.

All while classes were just getting started for the year, the La Porte team of soil judgers met before and after school to study and practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All this hard work paid off at the La Porte County Soils Invitational at Heston Steam Museum on September 14th. Lyla Banwart earned a first place individual, and Cassey Brault followed close behind with a third place individual. Ella Spencer took fourth place individual, and Paige Banwart took fifth place individual. Along with the individual success, La Porte’s teams dug deep into their talents and scored high. Team “Black” placed first, team “White” placed second, and team “Orange” placed third. La Porte FFA has a team of eight members who will advance to the area soils competition on September 29th.

LP FFA has much yet ahead of them as the packed schedule and fun has just started for their chapter.

“I am looking forward to seeing all the FFA members grow and get better at the events and contests we participate in,” Jestine Davenport, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, said.

LPHS is becoming a leader locally among the FFA programs.

Hock is not only Chapter President but a district officer as well. These positions come with great responsibility, and she sets a great example for other members.

“Some challenges I face with being both District Northern Vice President and Chapter President are finding the time for both leadership roles, balancing all of the FFA activities, and representing FFA at a district and chapter level,” Hock said.

District Kickoff will take place at South Central on September 21st where alongside the other district officers, Hock will talk to members from the whole district and lead with poise.

National Convention is also approaching quickly. 12 members have been selected to attend the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, where members come from all over the nation in a sea of blue jackets to come together to learn more about FFA and its opportunities.

“I am looking most forward to National Convention in Indianapolis in November.” Ruth Stoner said. Stoner is studying agriculture education at Purdue West Lafayette and is a student teacher here at La Porte High School.

Far down the road in February is National FFA week and members come up with a spirit week to put a spotlight on what they care about to their whole school. Last year, they held a “Bring Your Tractor To School Day” where students as well as FFA members drove their tractors to school and parked them in the student parking lot.

These are only a small handful of the accomplishments and opportunities within the La Porte FFA chapter this year. To get involved or for more information, contact Davenport or Paquette at LPHS or an FFA member.

Epple ushers in new era

By: Evie Yeaney

The “Epple Era” is officially underway at La Porte High School, as the former Slicer standout has now taken over as head coach of the football program.

Summer vacation was no break for Austin Epple and his team. From evening to early morning practices, camps, and lifting in the Slicer weight room, the team grew individually and together under the summer heat.

“Summer was a grind for all of us. We found our identity at Trine Camp, we came together and we have been all gas no breaks ever since!” Epple said.

After all the training during the summer months, the Slicers were ready for Friday night games under the lights.

The Friday Night Lights beamed exceptionally bright during La Porte’s opening showdown against New Prairie on August 18th. It was a close game for the Slicers, but they prevailed 21-18, topping a team that was in the State finals last year. It was the Sicers' first win against the Cougars in six years, bringing the Milk Jug home. This electrifying win was even more meaningful to the Slicers and the community as a whole because it was Play for Jake Night.

“I was without words. To win that game, in that way, at our place, honoring Jake West was the greatest Slicer Football memory I have to date. I will never forget that night or this team because of it,” Epple says.

The team was ecstatic to have won this game as well. Julie West and her family shined bright on the field in Jake's honor that night.

“I will never forget how I felt when Coach Epple shared with me what they wanted to do for Jake and his legacy. I felt this rush of warmth and gratitude. Sometimes I can’t put into words how I feel. Walking out on the field with my daughter Courtney, my family, and Jake’s teammates and classmates took me back to the night we all lit lanterns into the sky for Jake almost 10 years ago… Being a part of La Porte Football has brought me a lot of joy… When they called me in for the picture after their victory I could feel Jake among us and those are the moments I cherish because he touched so many in his life and now in his death. I am so very proud to be his mother,” West said.

On August 25th, La Porte lost against Lowell 26-7 and then again on September 1st against Valparaiso 49-0. Despite these losses, Slicer Football has much time on the field ahead of them.

“My hope for the season is that each of our kids gain a renewed sense of love for the game, confidence in themselves, and personal growth to take with them into next year, and into the rest of their lives,” Epple said.

Epple isn’t only an inspirational football coach, he is also the School Resource Officer for LPHS. Each day he is tasked with keeping students and staff safe so they can learn comfortably at the high school and four elementary schools. Both jobs are time-consuming for Epple, and trying to balance all with his personal life is tasking.

“It is a daily battle. In my office, I have a poster that says W.I.N. - What's Important Now. I look at that poster daily as a reminder to myself to prioritize the things that need to be done immediately, place on hold the things that can wait, and ground myself among the things that cannot be changed. La Porte Football has a saying, “Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove the unacceptable.” I try to balance my work, personal, and coaching life in the same way,” Epple says.

The Slicers hope to turn the tide as they take on Lake Central at home. The final home games of the season will be against Michigan City on October 6th (Homecoming) and Portage on October 13th.

With Epple leading the team, the Slicers are sure to have a memorable end to the season.