Tippecanoe Valley: Giving Back

               Throughout the past, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation has given back to the community tremendously.  But in the 2013-2014 school year, Valley has helped out in several projects, such as cleaning up damage from November’s tornadoes, having a fundraiser for a family after the loss of a loved one, and participating in a toy drive.  All of the schools have helped the surrounding community in many ways; whether a cake raffle or a community service day, Valley’s students know what it means to serve the community.

               As mentioned in a previous post, November tornadoes destroyed several farms within the community, leaving a mess of debris behind.  But, with the help of students from Mrs. Paxton’s agriculture classes and community members, the destruction was cleaned up within a matter of hours.  Without their help, it would have taken much longer for the affected families to repair buildings and pick up debris.

               Also, near the end of 2013, a Tippecanoe Valley student lost a family member after a tragic accident.  In order to help the family, one of the student’s friends, sophomore Monica Hatfield, set up a fundraiser with Home Economics teacher Mrs. Deb Zawlocki.  For one school day, students could pay $1 to wear a hat, and $5 for both pajamas and a hat.  The money went to the student’s family.  When asked how it felt to help out a friend, Hatfield said, “It feels amazing to know I’m helping someone.  Especially when it’s for a friend who needs me.”

               Finally, Tippecanoe Valley High School students participated in a toy drive.  All toys were donated to two local charities, Toys for Tots and Helping Hands.  The week-long toy drive brought in more than 500 toys, with the winning classroom donating approximately 200 toys for kids around the community. 

               So, even though Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation might be just people growing up around cornfields and in small towns, it by far has one of the greatest communities around. 

New Class: Political Studies-Part Two

               Seniors in the Political Studies class at Tippecanoe Valley High have entered their second semester of YEA.  During the first part of the class, students came up with an idea for a unique business, and began working on business plans.  The businesses range from children’s educational games to new devices for every-day items such as lockers and automobiles.  Now, with a scholarship and a trip to Florida on the line, the students are wrapping up business plans and venturing out to create their businesses/services.

               Even though Political Studies consists of Government, Economics, and English, the students meet with their YEA! leaders and mentors every Tuesday.  Several community members have dedicated their time and knowledge to helping the students with their business projects.  They give advice on the business plans and suggest ideas for developing the companies.  Senior Cyndi Stamberger, a student in the Political Studies, appreciates the mentors’ help, saying that “they have a lot of life experience and they know what they’re talking about.” 

               Many of the students in Mr. Jeff Shriver’s and Mrs. Melanie’s Mason Political Studies class have great ideas, but only one group will be declared the winner.  The prize: a trip to Florida and a chance to earn a college scholarship.  “I’d really love to win and go to Florida!” Stamberger said.  “I am working with Alicia Carnes, and we are creating a bra with a pocket in it.  It is more convenient for women since most of the outfits we [women] wear don’t have pockets.”  Even though both Carnes and Stamberger are confident in their business, they have both learned that “bras are really difficult to work with.” 

               All in all, the Political Studies class has progressed smoothly with their business plans/projects.  A winner of the project will be announced in May, and the victorious group will present their business plan in Florida.  A final update on this story will be released after the winner’s trip.