Senior Spotlight: Lacey Montgomery

NEWS 2

News 3

FEATURES 4

REVIEWS 5

Opinion 6

Sports 7

Calendar 8

Issue Four Friday, May 18, 2012 thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com

From the Air Force to

VCA

Page 7

Sorci: A Success

Page 6

voice.

Destination: Uptown

Café Page 5

Inside

See “Remodel” on page 2

Victory plans remodel

thevictory

Being a senior at Victory Christian Academy (VCA) can be a stimulating experience for a student, and senior Lacey Mont-gomery’s thoughts are no

See “Montgomery” on page 4

exception to that. At eight-een years old, she feels that being at Victory Christian Academy (VCA) has been an amazing experience for her.

“I feel that being at

CONTENTS

Senior Lacey Montgomery and fellow seniors Katie

Fiebelkorn and Claire Abner

PHOTO PROVIDED

By Logan Garnes Copy Editor

PHOTO BY MATTHEW STEFANSKI

The installation of a new roof is the preliminary stage of the remodeling project.

Due to an increase in an enroll-ment and the need for updated facilities, the administration of Victory Christian Academy (VCA) recently planned a re-model in anticipation of the 2012-2013 school year. The plans include the possi-ble additions of a wet and dry science lab, three classrooms and a large

By Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

media center.

As enrollment has increased, so has the need for updated facilities. Sci-ence classes have always had to conduct labs in the kitchen or art room, the two available rooms with water sources. As a result of the remodel, students will be able to have more space to perform

Continued from page 1

thevictoryvoice

Remodel

page2

experiments. “There will be more room for students to have individual teaching as well as room to conduct science labs and research,” said Ad-ministrator Joyce Folk. Chapel services will be relocated to the newly-renovated gymnasium to accommodate the growing student body. The school will purchase sound equipment and noise panels to allow for proper acoustics in the gym. Students will sit on the bleachers while the current chapel will be reduced in size by only allowing the room for under 100 people. The new chapel will still host The Dwelling Place as well as drama, band and choir performances. There are also plans in store to add three additional large class-rooms which will accommodate the fourth, fifth and sixth-grade classes. The seventh and eighth-grade classes

will move upstairs to the current ele-mentary classrooms. The main hall-way will only have high school class-rooms. VCA also plans to add a park-ing lot which would increase the amount of available parking spots from 80 to 140. The parking lot plans are contingent on the sale of land adjacent to the current parking lot. The cur-rent area of parking parallel to the main entrance will be made an ex-tended drop off area which will allow for easier traffic flow during the drop-off and pick-up times. The relocation of the main offices will allow for easier access for delivery people and visitors. “We are going to look more professional at the door. The secretary will be greeting, and there will be more designated are-as such as a nurses station, copy room and conference room,” said Folk. The main office will also con-tain a waiting area for visitors as well as offices for other staff members. The administration plans to hire a full-time medical professional which will be available to asses student’s health needs throughout the day. The Administration plans on the cost of the remodel being approxi-mately $350,000. However, the school is still taking bids on a general contractor for the project. Plans for a fall banquet to raise money for the remodel are also in the works. “We want to have a fall banquet with a speaker to draw at-tendance. Then hopefully our desig-nated needs will be donated,” said Folk. Although the advanced facili-

ties will increase greatly, there will be no extra increase in tuition. Tuition will continue to increase at the aver-age yearly rate, but will not increase as a result of the remodel. At the beginning of May, con-struction began to take off the old roof and replace it with a new one. The new roof is going to be installed be-fore the remodel. The remodeled facilities are not only to enhance the educational experience for current students, but are also to make VCA appeal to pro-spective students. Current students also see great benefits of the possible remodel. “I think that having a bigger library would be very beneficial for people who like to read,” said sophomore Destiny Vargas. The remodel allows for a sig-nificant increase in enrollment and offer a high-quality Christian educa-tion, in up-to-date facilities to stu-dents. “We will be able to offer Christian education to more students by being able to have more students at VCA,” said Folk. The remodel will hopefully highlight VCA in the community. “Anytime you have a new facility it is going to track attention. When pro-spective families enter the building they will come right into the office and a waiting room. The first impres-sion is going to be a lot better,“ which is very important, said Assistant Prin-cipal Derek Chirch. The administration also plans on keeping the community updated with the remodel. “Once the bank financing is approved and once we pick a contractor, we will probably do a press release and post progress on the new website,” said Chirch.

FILE PHOTO

Administrator Joyce Folk

The current elementary classrooms will be relocated to the first level.

Remodel Simplified.

-relocation of the main offices -addition of three classrooms -addition of a media center -addition of a wet-dry science lab

The NATO hype: is it worth it?

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The Victory Voice is the official student-produced news publication of Victory Christian Academy. The mission of The Victory Voice is to report school news to the high school reader in an accurate, truthful manner, to educate the reader on the information pre-sented, and to provide a school forum for open discussion. The opinions expressed in The Victory Voice are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily the opinions of the students, staff and administration of Victory Christian Academy. The Victory Voice is a member of the Indiana High School Press Association. Please visit us online at thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com Contact us: vcavoice@gmail.com

Staff

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Stefanski Managing Editor Sam Weiler News Editor Samuel Brown Copy Editor Logan Garnes Design Editor Lisi Dudash Staff Reporters Ellen Cooper Michelle Parr Photographers Nikki Geer Stephanie Gordon Adviser Mr. A. Jones The Victory Voice is looking for 2012-2013 staff members. Please inquire with Samantha Weiler.

thevictoryvoice

Students show appreciation

By Samuel Brown News Editor

The week of April 23 was desig-nated Teacher Appreciation Week at Victo-ry Christian Academy (VCA) to thank fac-ulty and staff members for their hard work. Teachers often play more in-depth roles than just “teachers.” The level of affection, counseling, and encouragement that goes on behind the scenes is sincere and affects student’s every day. “The teachers at VCA are fantastic and sincerely care about the

needs of the students, so much so that they will go out of their of own way to help student out,” stated sophomore Destiny Vargas. Teacher Appreciation Week of-fered students an opportunity to give gifts of thanks to the teachers that are preparing them for the real world. From cookies and popcorn to chocolates, apples and light desserts, the students did their best to give back. On Thursday the teachers and admin-istrative staff were treated to an all-inclusive breakfast buffet to commemorate a successful year of teaching and education. “I loved the breakfast. It was a great way to start the day off. I think every-body likes to feel appreciated every now and again. Don’t you?” said teacher Rick Jones. The entire week was a great success which gave the staff the thanks they de-served.

Letter from the editor By Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

On May 20 and 21, parts of down-town Chicago will be filled with thousands of protestors, police officers and foreign heads of state. The high-profile events on these days will bring money and fame to the Windy City. Foreign head states of North At-lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mem-ber countries are meeting at the McCor-mick Place. NATO is an alliance of 28

countries. The core principle of NATO is “an attack on one member is an attack on all.” The city of Chicago is limiting street access and making security a top-priority. Many businesses are closing early and the train systems are modifying rail service during the days of the Summit. This poses one question: is the Summit worth all of the work and precautions? I think it is worth it to have the Summit in Chicago. The Summit brings much popularity to the wonderful city. There will be many international media members and protestors in the general vi-cinity. I think the downside of the summit is that many people that work in the city are being asked to stay at home because of secu-rity precautions. There are expected to be many angry protestors and possible bomb threats. I plan on going downtown during the Summit. Call me crazy if you may, but I find international politics intriguing and am interested in current events. I feel as if this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people such as myself.

Students interact with Mr. Jones.

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

VCA has taught me so much not only academically, but also spiritual-ly,” she said, “I think that being in an environment where the connec-tion to God is so close that you feel the presence around you constantly is such an uplifting experience. Be-ing around like-minded students and

faculty is such a privilege.”

Upon graduation at VCA, Montgomery plans to continue her studies at Ivy Technical Community College. “I want to knock out some of my general classes. I am also thinking about going into nursing as a profession. I am very inspired by my mother because she was a nurse. I like the idea of it.”

Montgomery loves helping people and sees nursing at her next open door in life. “I think that being at VCA has also let me explore more options of leading a good Christian life and being able to pursue all my passions in life,” said Montgomery, “I will always know that I have Him directing my life into the future.”

thevictoryvoice page4

Continued from page 1

Maddie Parker’s

last will and

testament

Maddie is a senior and the Class of 2012 Salutatorian at Victory Christian Academy.

PHOTO PROVIDED

PHOTO BY KODY LINDGREN

Montgomery

Senior Lacey Montgomery

Destination: Uptown

Arts & Entertainment thevictoryvoice page5

By Ellen Cooper Staff Reporter

School is over, but home is the last place you want to go. The library is boring, and Starbucks is overrated. What is there to do? Up-town Café in Valparaiso is the fix.

The moment you walk into Uptown, you feel completely at home. From the cozy couches, to the quaint tables, Uptown is the place to relax. The top-notch customer service also adds to the relaxing vibe.

Just because Uptown invites you to feel right at home, don’t think that the food will be like momma used to make; except for the soups, which are made fresh daily by VCA parent, owner Shannon Rodgers. For the rest of the menu, there is a variety of sand-wiches, a few salads (Including home-made pasta salads and potato salads), baked goods and even a couple types of pizza. One special item on the menu is gelato: the Italian version of ice cream. On any given day, Uptown has several different flavors of gelato

that you can try in a dish or in a shake. Although the food menu is small, the items on it are well-made and very satisfying for a snack or light meal.

The drink menu however, is quite extensive. There are multiple coffee and tea options that range from simple to unique. One of the more interesting features of Uptown’s drink menu is the option to add “bubbles”, or small orbs full of a flavor of your choice. These bubbles can be added to both tea and smoothies. The drink options don’t stop there. Uptown also serves your run of the mill soda and a recent addition, Ublee soda. Ublee soda (pronounced with a silent “B”) is hand-made and comes in a variety of tasty flavors. These flavors are all but average, with interesting combos like strawberry shrub and mint-lime.

In addition to good food and a cozy atmosphere, Uptown hosts local artists from time to time. In the past Uptown has seen popular local bands such as The Urbanites. More recent-ly, Uptown has hosted been some less-er known artists and an open-mic night.

Uptown isn’t just for the ever-busy student or even the music con-noisseur; it is also very kid-friendly. There is a pile of games in the back just to keep the kids entertained, and a section of the menu dedicated to keep-ing them full. The only major down-side to Uptown is the parking. Due to the downtown location of Uptown, parking can be sparse.

As a whole, Uptown is a good café where you can study, hang out or even take your kids to lunch. The co-

zy atmosphere, interesting food and drink items at Uptown Cafe add up to a new but nice option in Valparaiso.

Uptown Café

PHOTOS BY NIKKI GEER

Uptown Café has a variety of soups and sandwiches as well as

hot and cold drinks.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Price range: $1.50-$8

Specialties: Homemade soup, scones, salad dressings, and hand-crafted sodas

Hours: Monday-Friday 7a.m.-

10p.m. Saturday: 8am-10pm Sunday 8am-8pm

1400 E Lincolnway Valparaiso, IN 46383

(219)-246-2526

Uptown Café offers numerous flavors that can be added to hot

or cold drinks.

your

Sorci: A Success

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and in no way shape or form reflect the image or mission of Victory Christian Academy.

thevictoryvoice page6

voice entertained be

Sudoku.

Expand Your Knowledge

Did you know that only one student graduated from VCA in 2007?

Did you know that Mrs. Kellogg recently delivered a healthy baby girl, Maya, on

May 3, 2012?

Did you know that Mr. Stombaugh used to work at the Juvenile Detention

Center ?

By Ellen Cooper Staff Reporter

It’s easy to flip open the Bible, rifle through the pages, and think, “Hmm, what’chya got for me today, Je-sus?” It’s easy to keep the focus centered on us. However, on Wednesday May 16 Tony Sorci, Pastoral Assistant at Bethel Church in Crown Point, presented us with a refresh-ing alternative. When Sorci asked “What’s the Bible about?”, students fumbled around, arriving at the typical Sunday school answer of “Jesus.”

Sorci took the focus off of us and put it onto God. With genuine care, Sorci led the students of Victory Chris-tian Academy (VCA) through the Bible and showed us that the Bible isn’t all about us. Sorci pointed out passages that showed that the Bible is however, about God and love. He not only has for His Son, but for us too.

The message was so refreshing that some students even said it was one of the very best sermons this year. Stu-dents were very glad to see that Sorci was an approachable guy who dawned a plain shirt, horn-rimmed glasses, and sleeves of tattoos. In addition, students enjoyed that Sorci read directly from the Bible, and kept the main focus on God. Overall, VCA was generally ecstatic with Sorci’s message that brought new life to the normal chapel service.

2 6

5 7 9 4

9 1

9 1 2 6

7 8

4 9 8 1

7 3 4

6 8 4 2 3

9 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE CARLSON

Sorci and sophomore Jacob Barczak PHOTO PROVIDED

From the Bronx, to the Air Force, to VCA?

thevictoryvoice page7

Sports

By Samantha Weiler Managing Editor

"Until the day she went to try out for the team, Marisol Parr had never even touched a softball. But, if you’ve ever met Parr, head softball coach and high school math teacher at Victory Christian Academy (VCA), you’d know that she’s always up for a good challenge. Born and raised in the Bronx borough of New York City, Parr played every sport she could—basketball and gymnastics at school; pickup games of baseball with the neighbor kids. “It was a controversial thing, because I always played better than my brothers,” Parr chuckled. In seventh-grade, she took a special progress class that let her skip eighth-grade. At the end of the course, everyone in the class got to apply for a scholarship at Andover High School in Massachusetts, “but none of us really thought anything of it,” Parr said. Of all the students in the class, Parr was the only one granted a scholarship. Figuring it was the best chance she had, Parr moved into A Better Chance (ABC) House, where she lived with a group of other boarding students. “I was very driven, very fo-cused, as a kid,” Parr said, “I guess you

could call me a dreamer, but I made goals and worked for those goals. A lot of stuff came to me naturally, and I worked to be the best. I don’t like to give up.” During her sophomore year, Parr decided to try out for the softball team at Andover. “I’d never even picked up a softball before, but I figured—I can play some baseball!!” And, true to Parr form, she made the team, even though“it was very unlikely for a sophomore, espe-cially one who had never played softball before, to make the team.” After playing junior varsity soft-ball her sophomore year, Parr went on to play varsity her junior year, and, by the time she was a senior, she was captain. Because of her determination and impe-tus, the team quickly dubbed her “General.”

“My school was good at sports,” Parr said, “and they had high excellence in academics.” Students from her class received sorts of scholarships, and most of them got into whatever college they wanted. “We studied together, helped each other, we all did well. Parr contin-ued her try-something-new-streak by seeking admission at the Air Force Acade-my after graduation in 1985. Parr ex-plained the main reason the Air Force intrigued her was because “it was some-thing no one else ever did.” After all, women had only been granted attendance the Air Force Academy five years before Parr enrolled.

"When I was at the academy, and specifically because it was a military academy, I was in an environment where everything you do is geared toward ex-cellence," Parr said. Her streak of seek-ing excellence in everything has not slowed, a husband, two children, several states, and a black belt later.

At church one morning in 2009, Joyce Folk approached Parr to teach a Pre-Calculus course at VCA. It doesn’t make

sense that Marisol Parr would teach math in Indiana, but she agreed, and, “only by God’s will. There’s no way I could have ever planned to teach here. I've had so many different experiences; the only way all of those could lead me here must be the will of God that I serve Him by help-ing students. And it’s reciprocal, because I learn a lot from my students.”

Her goal to motivate students as a teacher has more than spilled over into her role as a softball coach. "First of all, I want the girls to learn that they are valua-ble, and what they do is valuable. Se-cond, the skills that come from working as a team, and lastly, the pride they re-ceive from accomplishing together."

With a resume like that, many students wonder why she sticks around. “Honestly, it’s fun to be with the stu-dents,” Parr explained, and said that get-ting to watch the students play sports and “grow in whatever it is they like—that’s what keeps me going. So yeah, it’s fun,” Parr added, “even though I teach a subject nobody likes.” Parr said that she loves sports because of the competition. "It's a chance to test myself. And that's what's so great about team sports—it’s not about you; you have to work with other people."

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMIE CARLSON

Parr and her husband Kevin with their daughter Michelle.

Coach Parr and her “Untouchable Pride” celebrate after a win

against Covenant Christian School.

May 2012

What will you miss most about the class of 2012? Answer this question on thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com or vcavoice@gmail.com and your

quote may be published in the next issue of The Victory Voice.

“Like” The Victory Voice thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29 30 1 2 3 4 5

6

7 8 Missions

Team-1:45pm

9 10 11

12 BB@Kouts

JV - 9:00am

SB@ Grace Kankakee-10:00am

13 14 SB@ Trinity

Kankakee-4:30pm

15 BB vs.

Granger-4:30pm SB vs. Gary West Side-4:3opm

16 17 BB@Bowman-4:30pm

18 5-6th

grade Spring Musical-6:30pm

19 BB@SSCC

Tourney-11:30am, 7:00pm

20 21 Winter/

Spring Sports Program-6:30pm

22 23 24

Kindergarten Graduation-6:30pm

25 Field Day 26

27 28 NO

SCHOOL

Memorial Day

29 30 31

Last day of school-Full day

1

Class of 2012

Graduation—6:30pm

2

BB=Baseball, SB=Softball

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