Summa Cum Laude

12th grade: Christian (CJ) Allen, Valparaiso; Stephanie Alvarez, Chicago; Devon Carlson, Michigan City; Lena Carlson, Michiana Shores; John Lake, LaPorte; Shubhra Murarka, LaPorte; Alana Murray, Michigan City; Jingxin Xu, China

11th grade: Laima Augustaitis, New Buffalo, MI; Mary Catherine (Katie) Brown, Lakeside, MI; Margaret (Daisy) Costello, Chesterton; Lauren Dekker, LaPorte; Alexa Hicks, LaPorte; Seung-Jin (Jenny) Lee, Korea; Jiayuan (Nicholas) Liu, China; Lucas Tang, Portage; Andrew Yarger, South Bend

10th grade: Kelly Barr, LaPorte; Indré (Ruth) Hirt, LaPorte; Claire Jaffee, Michiana Shores; Jian (Penfie) Jiao, China; George Koehm, LaPorte; Emet Murillo, LaPorte; Neal Patel, Chesterton; Heather Rosenblum, LaPorte; Taylor Schaetzle, Michigan City; Isabella Schuster, LaPorte; Caroline Spikner, Benton Harbor, MI; Ida Vanderboegh, Michigan City; Marina Walinski, Rolling Prairie; Thomas Yemc, Long Beach

9th grade: Allison Coffeen, LaPorte; Conner Correira, Granger; Lydia Costello, Chesterton; Johanna Guentert, South Bend; Brittany Hicks, LaPorte; Ana Kleihege, LaPorte

Magna Cum Laude

12th grade: Matej Buovac, Croatia; Rapheal Davis, Fort Wayne; Despina Diveris, Valparaiso; Brooke Gardner, Portage; Margo Gaza, New Buffalo, MI; Kaleefah Henry, Canada; Jin-uk (Tim) Heo, Korea; Ava Karaitis, Union Pier, MI; Lincoln Kavinsky, Oak Park, IL; Emma Keiley, Rolling Prairie; William Kesling, LaPorte; Rebecca Kilcoyne, LaPorte; Ho Sang (Bruce) Lee, Korea; Anulé (Joy) Ndukwu, Chesterton; Saman Sardari, Iran; McKenna Sklut, Chesterton; Rebecca Stueck, Michigan City; Brian Tonino, River Forest, IL; Corwyn Zalcberg, Grand Beach, MI

11th grade: Brett Barnard, Michigan City; Dan Giancaspro, Union Pier, MI; Jenny Gronemeyer, Michigan City; Dai-Lin (Ivan) Hsieh, Taiwan; Xu Hao (Sammy) Huang, China; Jacquelyn Jacobs, New Carlisle; Madison Kemper, New Buffalo, MI; Kathryn Knight, Beverly Shores; Hyun-Jong (Danny) Lee, Korea; Mollie Levin, Portage; Haoyan (Rocky) Li, China; Sydney Locklear, LaPorte; Ashley Neil, LaPorte; Madison Newbanks, Michigan City; Neathie Patel, Chesterton; Dustin Price, LaPorte; Brian Roberts, Michigan City; Michael Spaeth, LaPorte

10th grade: Richard Cains, Michigan City; Justin Dekker, LaPorte; Cassidy Dye, LaPorte; Katarina McGuckin, Long Beach; Courtney Meyer, Michigan City; Daniel Mockaitis, Michigan City; Anna (Maggie) Murdoch, Glenview, IL

9th grade: Emily Beach, South Bend; Madison Bratton, New Carlisle; Lucas Conner, Michigan City; Madeline Fulton, South Bend; Livia Gazzolo, Harbert, MI; Daniel Goodman, LaPorte; Christopher Hohman, Rolling Prairie; Samuel Kamyszew, Chicago; Ian Miner, Ada, MI; Angela Mofield, LaPorte; Ikeadi Ndukwu, Chesterton; Sylvia Ogar, LaPorte; Noah Wennekes, Michigan City; Rowan Whalen, LaPorte; Yiqian (Michael) Wu, China; Jae Won (Eric) Yoo, Korea

Cum Laude

12th grade: Aaron Emmanuel, Canada; Regina Hurt, LaPorte; Jacqueline Lange, LaPorte; Marta Llor, Chicago; Randell Mashak, LaPorte; Jordan Ransone, Long Beach; Boyang Teng, China; Paul Uminski, Long Beach; Trevor Wennekes, Michigan City; Zachary Wisniewski, LaPorte

11th grade: Pascal Arteaga, Chesterton; Matthew Babcock, Michigan City; Todd (TJ) Coffeen, LaPorte; Jacqueline Davis, Rolling Prairie; Mallory Dumelle, Beverly Shores; Morgan Grimm, Rolling Prairie; Xinwei (Chris) Guo, China; Danielle Ivanovich, Chesterton; Matthew Jelinek, Flossmoor, IL; Morgan Kniola, Three Oaks, MI; Sarah (Irina) Kovach, New Carlisle; Haley Luck, LaPorte; Lisamarie Nappier, Chicago; Nicole Newell, Schererville; Broderick Yekel, Griffith

10th grade: Connor Anthony, Glenview, IL; Brian Caplice, Michigan City; Xiaoning (Cherry) Chen, China; Eryn Dietz, Michigan City; Cormac Gahan, South Haven, MI; Katherine Goble, Naperville, IL; Elise Jaffee, Michiana Shores; Jae Won Kwak, Korea; Patrick Lake, LaPorte; Alexandra Newton, Evergreen Park, IL; Shaun Perez, Valparaiso; Ian Scholl, LaPorte; Abigail Smith, Richland, MI

9th grade: Sara Jania, North Judson; Natalie Newell, Schererville; Bradley Nygren, Michigan City; Anmol Sahi, Schererville; Samuel Sturtevant, Plymouth; Ka’Ron Wilson, Chicago

The Gail Walker Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of former board member Gail Walker, who died in 2008. The Leona Bruno Scholarship was created in memory of the first manager of Members Advantage Credit Union.

Scholarships will be given to candidates who demonstrate scholastic achievement, personal integrity, and who are involved in their community. For more information and to download applications, visit www.macuonline.org. Applications will also be available at the credit union’s Michigan City and Portage locations.

Applications will not be accepted via e-mail; they must be mailed in or dropped off. All walk-in applications must be received by March 31 and all mail-in applications must be postmarked by March 31.

Topics include:

– The importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle during pregnancy

– How to achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain

– The danger of food-borne illness and tips to protect yourself during pregnancy

– The best methods for feeding the baby

– The consequences of smoking, drinking and drugs during pregnancy

The Have a Healthy Baby program is a research-based curriculum taught by trained, caring educators across Indiana. In LaPorte County, Purdue Extension Educator Allison Goshorn and Program Assistant Jody Kutch will deliver nutrition education to bring about lifestyle changes promoting a healthy pregnancy.

The program will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:

– The Bridge, Michigan City, on Tuesdays, Feb. 28 and March 6, from 3 to 5 p.m.

– State Street Community Church, LaPorte, on Tuesdays, March 13 and 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Registration is required. For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/momstogether, e-mail agoshorn@purdue.edu or call 219-324-9407.

The public is invited to this free concert. The program will include:

– LaPorte High School Wind Ensemble, Mickey Stisher, conductor: “Sun Dance” by Frank Ticheli, “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre, “American Civil War Fantasy” by Jerry Bilik

– LaPorte High School Symphonic Band, Charles Steck, conductor: “Four Episodes for Band” by John Morrissey, “Be Thou My Vision” by Larry Clark

– LaPorte High School Concert Band, Charles Steck and Mickey Stisher, conductors: “All Glory Told” by James Swearingen, “Rhythm Machine” by Timothy Broege, “On the Edge of the Sword” by David Shaffer

READ LaPorte County Inc. is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2012 with special events, the first of which is a program — “What is Dyslexia?” — on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Formed in May 1987, READ was originally named LaPorte Literacy Coalition, but in 2003 changed its name. Since its beginnings, READ’s mission has been to increase reading, math and English skills in the community. Tutors receive training to teach these skills to children as well as adults. It is a nonprofit organization and offers free services.

This year READ’s 39 tutors are assisting 113 students. With the cooperation of LaPorte Community Schools, in 2012 a new program has been developed: Students from LaPorte High School are tutoring Hailmann and Lincoln elementary school students.

Feb. 4 — “What is Dyslexia?”

On Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the LaPorte County Public Library’s large meeting room, the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana will present this program.

Most people think dyslexia has something to do with seeing letters upside down and reading backwards. But that is not what it is. And 15-20 percent of our population has dyslexia.

Find out what dyslexia really is at this program. An expert from the Dyslexia Institute, located in Indianapolis, will lead an informative time for parents, teachers and anyone interested in finding out how this inherited learning difference affects not only reading, but the whole lives of the people who have it, as well as their loved ones. Information on diagnosing dyslexia and helping those diagnosed will be included.

There is no charge. Registration by e-mailing mhedge8@comcast.net is requested.

This event is sponsored by READ LaPorte County Inc. through a grant from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County.

March 31 — tutor training session

On Saturday, March 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the library, a READ LaPorte County tutor training session will be held.

April 25 — Business After Hours

On Wednesday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., READ will join Business After Hours with the LaPorte Chamber of Commerce.

April 28 — tutor training session

On Saturday, April 28, another tutor training will be held at the library.

Other events

This winter, a literacy activity will be held at Boston Middle School. In the fall a Scrabble tournament will be held.

The public is encouraged to get involved in these activities. To be a tutor or to seek tutoring, contact director Mary Hedge of the LaPorte County Public Library at mhedge8@comcast.net.

READ LaPorte County events are funded by grants from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte Foundation Inc.

Gold medal solo winners: 8th graders Emily Albano, Abigail Hooton, Annabelle Andrisko, Madison Michael, and 7th grader Alex Reynolds.

Other gold medal soloists were 8th graders Allison Pinter, Aylin Cornejo, Sonia Robinson, Jaden Vervynckt, Emily Rowe, and Emily McCoole; 7th graders Caitlyn Demlein, Kelsey Moore, Emily Glassman, Emma Hunt, and Hailey Orosz; and 6th graders Emma Goldenstern, Kelsey Burnett, Autumn Smith, Allysa DeGroote, and Destiny Schimmel.

Silver medal solo winners: 7th graders Olivia Williams, Zoe Auskalnis, Zeena Rodgers, Chelsea VanLue, and Ashley Holbrook; and 6th graders Emily Jenks and Abigail Doorn.

Bronze medal solo winners: 6th graders Clara Hooton and Shelby Garwick.

Gold medal ensemble winners: Moore ensemble (Emily Glassman, Caitlyn Demlein, Alexandria Reynolds and Kelsey Moore); Reynolds ensemble (Emma Hunt, Caitlyn Demlein, Alexandria Reynolds and Tess Trent); Chlebowski ensemble (Emily Glassman, Caitlyn Demlein, Olivia Williams, Sarah Chlebowski, Zinaida Cleveland, and Chloe Greenboam); Hunt ensemble (Tess Trent, Emma Hunt, Ashley Ward, Zinaida Cleveland, Chloe Greenboam, Emily Wieczorek, Kelsey Moore, Jaclyn Kosinski, Jade Stickler, Zoe Auskalnis, Jill Nalepinski, and Kelsey Martinez); Saylor ensemble (Madison Michael, Rachel Saylor, Abigail Hooton, Megan Flora, Mariah Fain, Jaden Vervynckt, Dalena Haddock, Emily Albano, Ashley Elm, Taylor Pritchard); Burnette ensemble (Jackie Schascheck, Abigail Doorn, Destiny Schimmel, Garrett Eggers, Jade Pollard, Kelsey Burnette, Alan Krieg, and Tyler Pritchard).

Silver medal ensemble winners: Padgett ensemble (Autumn Smith, Emily Jenks, Clara Hooton and Sadie Padgett); Gozzola ensemble (Hailey Orosz, Ashley Holbrook, Melissa Gozzola and Zeena Rodgers); Elm ensemble (Sydnee Lekarczyk, Allison Pinter, Ashley Elm and Taylor Pritchard); Greenboam ensemble (Zoe Auskalnis, Chloe Greenboam, Zinaida Cleveland, Chelsea VanLue, James Cochran, and Caleb Hutchens); Turczynski ensemble (Kayla Brown, Annabelle Andrisko, Morgan Wagner, Kodi Kelley, Mariah Fain, Danielle Turczynski, Caitlyn Witkamp, and Karina Reith; Amaya ensemble (Aylin Cornejo, Emily Rowe, Morgan Wagner, Jaden Vervynckt, Danielle Turczynski, Caitlyn Witkamp, Taylor Gumulauski, Dalena Haddock, Marlon Amaya, Benjamin Pallo, Chace Good, Desmond Sparkman, and Zach Kronewitter-Nelson.

The Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Fund was established to receive, invest and dispense funds to provide college scholarships to qualified students who are committed to pursuing an education and career in the law enforcement field.

To qualify for one of these scholarships, the applicant must be an Indiana resident, be a current member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association or a dependent child or grandchild of a current member of the association, attend an Indiana college or university, major in a law enforcement field, and enroll as a full-time student (12 hours).

Applications needed to apply for the scholarships are available from high school counselors, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office or by writing to the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, 147 E. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204-3608. Applications must be completed and received by the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association on or before April 1.

College Goal Sunday is a 23-year-old statewide program that provides free financial aid information and assistance to all Indiana students seeking admission to any Indiana college, university or technical institution. At 40 College Goal Sunday sites in 33 cities and towns throughout Indiana, students and their parents will get the help they need in understanding and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

College Goal Sunday presents an ideal opportunity for students and parents to meet with financial aid professionals. PNC financial aid staff will be on hand to help those who want to complete the FAFSA. College-bound students and parents are asked to bring copies of their completed 2011 federal tax forms, W-2s and other income and benefits information. Students and parents should apply for their U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) at www.pin.ed.gov before coming to the event.

FAFSA forms, required by educational institutions nationwide, must be received by the federal processor by March 10, 2012, for Indiana residents to be eligible for state aid.

The FAFSA is also required for consideration for federally sponsored financial aid, including student loans and grants and is a prerequisite for many scholarships.

During February, students and their families can call the Learn More Resource Center helpline at 800-992-2076 to have their questions answered by financial aid professionals. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education supports the Helpline.

Twenty-first Century Scholars are encouraged to attend College Goal Sunday to receive help in completing the FAFSA and other paperwork necessary to receive their Twenty-first Century scholarships.

For more information, contact the PNC Financial Aid Office at 219-785-5200, ext. 5493, or finaid@pnc.edu.

Photo and info by Mike Kellems

(Click on photo to enlarge)

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, Slicer cross country standout Mitch Hubner signed his National Letter of Intent to run for IUPUI in Indianapolis. Mitch, who achieved second place in the state this past season, intends to carry his winning ways to the Jaguars in Indy next fall. Pictured with Mitch are his mother Jane and dad Jeff, and (standing) Slicer Track Coach Bob James (left) and Slicer Cross Country Coach Time Beres.

Principal’s Honor Roll

6th grade

Behnke Elise, Bensz Tyler, Cannon Zachary, Cornett Blake, Dowty Madelyn, Ferrara Christian, Foster Audrey, Gasaway Adam, Gillen Sarah, Harris Zoya, Hunter Hayden, Kaminski Lauren, Koethe Sam, Leal Jacqueline, Leon Cesar, Manering Adam, Mathias Noah, Nelson Anna, Nirenberg Briana, Ogle Rylee, Oman Kaelyn, Parsons Kaitlyn, Pavy Gracelyn, Payne Hannah, Peo Kayla, Perry Trevor, Pletcher Taylor, Rompa Skylar, Schuster Bethany, Schuster Hannah, Siefker Grace, Sobecki Daniel, Waldschmidt Kaitlyn, Wilmsen Emily, Wolf Talya.

7th grade

Ake Samantha, Aragon Natalie, Bellen Brandon, Bello Riley, Daisy Skylor, Decker Zachary, Dessart Ryan, Eyrick Bethany, Fletcher Tara, Hatfield Daniel, Kmiec Danielle, Lindquist Courtney, Lipscomb Victoria, Llewellyn Macy, Martin Timothy, Mulligan Alyssa, Pickford Catharine, Plank Andrew, Pope Thomas, Quinn Rowena, Riehle Peyton, Sirugo Sofia, Tague Kristina, Vasilarakos Loucas, West Olivia.

8th grade

Ake Jonathon, Cornett Casey, Ewing Brookelle, Gillen Megan, Gnaedinger Anika, Haislet Westin, Loeffler Danika, McDermott Danielle, Nelson Kyra, Otwinowski Matthew, Richardson Emily, Riley Megan, Sprouse Layni, Willoughby Nicholas.

Honor Roll

6th grade

Anglin Laura, Aquino Brandon, Arnett Braiden, Askegaard Nathan, Beck Ian, Belgara Violeta, Bello Reid, Bierl Cassandra, Blinco Makayla, Burns Jonathan, Colston Tayla, Cooper Jacob, Dolezal Eden, Dusza Justin, Fairchild Haley, Feikes Andrew, Ferrell John, Flowers Nichole, Garcia Juan, Garrett Nicole, Garwood Jake, Goodrich Morgan, Gunter Bethany, Haines Mark, Hatfield Joseph, Hay Colin, Hill Shawn, Huss Megan, Iliff Ian, Kasper Arika, Kelsey Anastasia, Kidwell Linda, Kirkpatrick Kyle, Kopf Aqua, Kulbacki Alexander, Kutch Justic, Lazarz Jonah, Leslie Sidney, Levendowski Thomas, Lilly Lea, Lilly Rachel, Loeffler Nathan, Loeffler Paige, Lorenz Nolan, Martinez Luis, Menke Samantha, Mumaw Bailey, Naughton Riley, Nespo Drayson, Osowski Emily, Osowski Jayme, Owens Benjamin, Payton Rebecca, Penziol Rylee, Pletcher Audrey, Pointon Meghan, Povlock Austin, Prast Autumn, Riley Brendan, Robbins Drew, Robinson Cole, Salisbury Ashton, Scott Bailey, Sherrod Marshawn, Stacy Patsy, Stanton Karleigh, Steele Michael, Temores Isaac, Tharpe Linda, Thomas James, Torres Blake, Tubbs Audrey, Walsh Danielle, Wilson Isaiah, Worthey Amethyst, Zila Abigail.

7th grade

Batten Bianca, Bedwell Seth, Black Jarrett, Braman Savannah, Bulger Sarah, Cole Jacob, Cooper Scott, Domogola Zachary, Duarte Monica, Ebert Allyce, Francis Caroline, Gamez Bianca, Gits Michaela, Harmon Kylie, Henry Ross, Housman Haley, Huber Summer, Kegebein Taylor, Keith Kody, Kintzele Kurt, Koethe Dominique, Krcilek Sarah, Ksiezyc Ania, Lindborg Kyle, Link, II John, Martinez Alexis, Mitchell Kayla, Murphy Anne, Olling Ashley, Pinson Carly, Pranckus Amanda, Puckett Carter, Riley Alex, Ruiz Celia, Sensing Haley, Spartz Andrew, Sullivan Marissa, Torres, Meredith, Turner Ian, Wyse Brett, Yussum Stephen, Zavala Esmeralda, Zygmuntowski Sarah.

8th grade

Anderson Kennedie, Blank Nicholas, Bublitz Caleb, Downs Emma, Dubbs Madison, Dudek Ian, Eason Mara, Eskridge Eric, Ferrara,III Thomas, Goodwin Alexandria, Hardee Kayla, Hartke Chasity, Jerkovic Nicolas, Karagory David, Kasuri Ashley, Kincaid D’aria, Kubik Kyleigh, Lane Zakary, Losey Destinee, Martin Paige, Miller Justin, Naughton Taylor, Oscarson Bret, Oscarson Kyle, Payton Tyler, Rhoda Tayler, Sales Carrigan, Searle Elizabeth, Shaffer Spenser, Sharp Mariah, Smith DeAnna, Tanber Colton, Tobar Jacob, Vaughn Abigail, Vaughn Savannah, Vazquez Jamilexy, Walker Tyler, Wilmsen Matthew, Workman Mikayla, Wright Rachel, Yandek Caleb, Zarantonello Alexia.