IN Norwin Spring 2025 | Seite 23

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

A Knight Back in the Castle Article by Olivia Choby

Annually, Norwin High School Student Council hosts the Senior Citizens Dinner, which is an event available to all Norwin residents over the age of 55 and includes a dinner, raffle basket giveaway, and performances from the Show Choir and Orchestra. This year marked its 35th anniversary with a theme of“ A Knight Back in the Castle,” and the leaders of the event wanted the attendees to experience a time of reconnection at their alma mater or family member’ s school. With generous donations from various businesses in the Norwin community, the NHS Student Council chairs and co-chairs were able to make it a“ Knight Back in the Castle” for all of our guests to enjoy.

This event makes a great impact on the senior citizens that attend every year, and many of the members working at the event had conversations with people about the amount of years they have been coming. The event begins with a greeting from members of the council, including an opportunity to see the raffle baskets available and a chance to take that selfie to commemorate the day. Guests are led into

the auditorium for introductions, a prayer, and the singing of the National Anthem by Norwin’ s own Julia Choby.

Escorted by members of Norwin’ s JROTC, guests are seated in the beautifully transformed Norwin Cafeteria. There, they are served a salad, a warm turkey dinner, and a delicious ice cream and peach cobbler— all prepared by our wonderful food service staff. This year, the NHS Pennon Yearbook staff hosted a display showcasing old

The photo features NHS Student Council Officers, from left to right, Julia Choby, Eva Martina, Preston Montag, and Addyson Granny

yearbooks and printed banners where guests might even be able to find themselves. Mrs. Hufnagel, advisor to both Student Council and Pennon Yearbook, said,“ We wanted to add a touch of the personal to the event and lean into our theme a bit for anyone who wanted a chance to enjoy the nostalgia that comes from being back home in the castle.” Once they have good conversations with old and maybe even new friends, the senior citizens make their way back into the auditorium once more for a performance. This year included the Norwin’ s Show Choir performing four of the songs from their new spring list, and the Norwin Select Orchestra performing more relative songs for the audience afterwards. Lastly, co-chair Eva Martina called the names of the lucky raffle basket winners as members of council delivered them. As attendees departed with full stomachs, satisfied ears, joyful hearts, and likely tired legs, council members handed out carnations as a parting gift. The true significance of this event was beautifully captured when one guest shared with a council member that he had graduated from Norwin in 1957 and had been attending for 30 years, adding,“ I wouldn’ t miss it for the world.”

This is one of the most beautiful and important events that the Norwin Student Council does for the community. The sponsors, performers, council members, and volunteers feel a deep sense of pride and commitment for our senior citizens and look forward to continuing this timeless tradition. orwin

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Sunset Valley Elementary Launches 4th Grade Career Jobs Program

Hands-on experience empowers students with real-world skills and a fun approach to workplace responsibility.

Beginning this year, Sunset Valley Elementary School introduced the 4th Grade Career Jobs Program, designed to provide students with the chance to explore real-world responsibilities while developing valuable life skills in a fun and nurturing environment. This voluntary program, which takes place once every six-day cycle, allows students to experience various job roles within the school, including positions like Librarian, Artist, Teacher, Secretary and News Reporter.

The program launched in the fall with an introductory lesson to educate students about the wide range of job opportunities available. Following this lesson, students applied and

participated in interviews for their desired roles. This exercise not only offered a taste of real-world interview experiences but also allowed students to hone their communication skills in a fun way.

After completing the interviews, students were assigned to their respective jobs, where they will earn“ career cash” as a reward for their hard work. This“ career cash” can be spent at the guidance office store, adding an element of excitement and motivation to their roles.

The Sunset Valley Career Jobs Program has been an engaging and enriching experience, equipping our 4th grade students with essential skills for their futures. Recently, the program’ s News and Design team were on the job, capturing moments from the OLWEUS – Anti Bullying You’ ve Got a Friend Assembly. The initiative promises to leave a lasting impact on all participants.

Homecoming Proceeds

Each year, the Class Officers from Norwin High School’ s Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior classes organize and host the Homecoming Carnival before the Homecoming Game. The proceeds from the carnival are donated to support worthy causes within the district. This year, the Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 used their funds to support both Norwin in Action and the Norwin Rotary as Flaming Hot Sponsors for the“ Chili Cookoff and Wing Thing” event on March 6, 2025, in Irwin. The event benefits the Backpack Project, which provides Norwin students with backpacks filled with food to take home over the weekend during the school year.

Pictured above are Garrett Henning, Senior Class Vice President, and Mackenzie Wray, Senior Class Social Media Correspondent, presenting the Norwin Rotary with a $ 500 sponsorship check

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