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s n o i t a l u t a r g Con graduates! Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
June 2020
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Table of Contents
8
11
Outdoor Living, 6 RubyThroated Hummingbirds Senior Academics, 7 National Honor Society, 8 Middlebury Parks Department, 9 Class President Speech, 10 Scholar Athlete, 11 Emily Mack
15
19
20
Northridge Jag Program, 13 Life Skills Seniors,15 Senior Picture Collage, 16-17 Band Nominations, 19 Northridge Theater Program says goodbye to eleven extremely talented seniors this year, 20-21 Senior Athletics, 22
Contributors:
27
Northridge Athletes, 24-25 The Lost Season Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, 26 Artistic Seniors, 27 The last few weeks have been like no other we’ve been through in Elkhart County. Along with a photo collage.
June’s Cover: Class of 2020 Senior Wyatt Simmons, riding on a family tractor.
Publisher:
William Connelly
Editor:
Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
ADVERTISING: Scott Faust
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cori Vilardo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Carla Gull, Ellen Augustine, Wilson Wang and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher,
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Russ Draper, Carus Shaffer, Carrie Norris and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Advertise with us Share your message with every home and business within the Middlebury School Corporation. We mail the magazine to homes and businesses throughout the Middlebury School District and publish it online. Your ad can reach each home for as low as 1.5¢ per address. Design is free with purchase of your ad. Our Account Managers are here to help, just give us a call at 574-825-9112.
Advertising deadline for the July issue is June 10. inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 3
Community Calendar Graphic Designer’s Note Being part of the inMiddlebury MagazIne team has given me many pleasant memories to cherish as I move on to my next adventure in life. It has been an honor to help bring inspiration and joy to the Middlebury Community.
June
Magdalena “Maggie” Franke will be the new graphic designer for inMiddlebury Magazine. She is a creative, wonderful young woman.
Weekly Mon: Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Tues: Euchre, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. WED: Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Fri: Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m.
Monthly American Legion Dinners 5 -7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Grilled Smoked Pork Chops by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: Tacos and More by Auxiliary 4th Friday: Sandwich Baskets by SAL 5th Friday: Lasagna dinner by Boy Scout Troop 7 Last Saturday: Steak Grill – Call 825-5121 for more info 1st & 3rd Mondays: Town Council Meetings at Town Hall – 6 p.m. 1ST & 3rd Wednesdays: Middlebury Men’s Club Meetings at the American Legion – 7 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays: Middlebury Lions Club - 7 p.m., American Legion Hall
What’s Happening Online
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4 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Best wishes, Cori Vilardo Editor’s Note In light of current affairs and all the milestones and memories missed out on by our 2020 graduating class, I felt dedicating this entire June issue to our Seniors was one small gesture we could make. I am so thankful to all of the teachers, parents and students who helped me scramble to fill these pages with as many of their faces and stories that we could gather. Our community is, as always, so proud of our students and the great things they do and will do with the rest of their lives. I know it’s been hard, but be glad if you are healthy and well and remember that this too shall pass. I hope everyone enjoys reading about this fantastic group of students in the following pages. - Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Milestones Birthay Wishes
6/9
Happy Birthday JJ! Love Dad and the gang
Happy 70th Birthday Dad! Love you, Katie, James, Grace & Logan
6/20 Austin Taylor, 15
Jaydon Yoder, 10
6/13 Robert Fiedler, 70
6/21 Carsyn Zentz, 14
6/16 Braylon Yoder, 14
6/22 Tenille Wogoman, 12
6/19 Sam Knox, 12
6/30 Coleman Foley
Anniversary Wishes 6/11 Roger & Cheri Bontrager, 43 years 6/15 Jim & Dea May, 50 years 6/17 Dick and Jolinda Zook, 60 years 60 years...That’s a looooong time... It’s been a sweet journey!
Happy Birthday Bray! Love your Big Middlebury Family!
Happy Birthday Sammy Boi! We love you!
Happy 15th Birthday Austin!
Happiest of Birthdays to our oldest son Carsyn! We love you so very much! Mom, Dad and your siblings too!
Dick & Jolinda Zook
Have a celebration in July? Let us know by June 10.
inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 5
OUTDOOR LIVING
Ruby Throated
Hummingbirds Male hummingbird, Photo by Carus Shaffer
The ruby throated hummingbird is an anticipated sight each year as backyard enthusiasts put out sugar water to attract these energetic birds. Here are a few facts about this engaging visitor: • Adult males have the ruby throat, while both male and female have green shimmery backs. They do not form a lasting bond after mating, but rather live more solitary lives. • Ruby throated hummingbirds are some of the smallest of their class. They are only 3-3.5 inches long and weigh 0.11 ounces. • With 940 feathers, these hummingbirds have fewer feathers than any other bird. • Hummers can fly 25 miles per hour in normal flight and 40 miles per hour in courtship dives. • Hummingbirds can remarkably “hover”! They beat their wings so quickly—53 beats per second! This increases to 200 beats per second during courtship.
• Ruby throated hummingbirds can stop instantly. They easily change direction moving up, down, backwards, or side to side. • Hummingbirds cannot hop or walk, due to their extremely short legs. They might shuffle a bit while perched. • Due to the small size, hummingbirds are often confused for large flying insects. • Eggs are the size of a navy bean— tiny eggs for tiny birds! • The nest of a hummingbird can be the size of a quarter, made of dandelion down, lichen, and spider webs so that it can stretch as the babies grow. I often see hummingbirds taking spider webs from my office window for nest building. • These hummingbirds generally sip nectar with their long beaks; however, they also catch insects in flight and pluck them from spider webs. Gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and spiders are popular proteins.
• Attract these nectar lovers to your space through a special hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water (1/4 c. sugar to 1 c. water), changing the water before it gets cloudy. You can also plant red or orange tubular flowers. Impatiens and jewelweed often attract hummingbirds in our yard. • Ruby throated hummingbirds are in our area from early May through early October—watch them while you can! • Ruby throated hummingbirds are doing well, making a steady increase in numbers since 1996. • Hummingbirds can be found in forest edges, meadows, orchards, and backyards. • Krider’s World Garden and Defries Gardens are great places to observe hummingbirds locally. You might have them in your backyard as well! Hope you are able to see these flying wonders in your space soon!
Find out more about hummingbirds at: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird/ Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and podcasts as “Loose Parts Nature Play”. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area. 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Senior Academics Caelyn Ayres
Caelyn Ayres is the daughter of Ben and Crystal Ayres. Caelyn says, “My favorite thing about Northridge is the opportunities that I’ve been given to participate on the dance team and in softball; also the friendships that I’ve been able to make.” She has been a part of the IB diploma program, National Honor Society, student council, Northridge Raider Dance Team, softball team, and prom committee. Outside of school she has been involved with Faith UMC youth group, and Assistant Instructor at CK Dance Studio. She has achieved a number of awards including IHSDTA Academic All-State, 2019 North Regional Dance Champions for Hip Hop, 2020 North Regional Dance Champions for Hip Hop and Jazz, 2020 Outstanding Upperclassman (Dance), 2020 Mental Attitude Award (Dance). After high school she will be attending Butler University to study mathematics. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) “We survived the food fight that was started by the senior class in 2017, my freshman year, and look where we are now.” - Caelyn Ayres Jenna Nethercutt
Jenna Nethercutt is the daughter of Bruce and Deb Nethercutt. She has enjoyed participating in sports throughout her 17 years in Middlebury – from Little League soccer and club swimming to high school swim and track. She has also been a part of the Junior Optimist Club, German Honor Society, NHS Girls Swim Team, and NHS Track and Field Team. Outside of school Jenna is a part of River Oaks Community Church, Northridge Area Swimming Association (involvement as club member along with regular volunteerism activities such as helping with swim lessons, Middlebury Walks for a Cure, and the Middlebury Food Pantry). She was also a lifeguard for Middlebury Community Schools and the City of Goshen. After graduating she will be continuing her education at IUPUI, where she will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. She has also committed to swim for the Jaguars. Some of her other achievements and awards include High Honor Roll from 2016-present and Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association All-State Award 2019 Second Team, Northern Lakes Conference Girls Swimming All Conference in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, All-American Girls Swimming in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, Academic All American in 2020, First Team All-State in 2018 and Second Team All-State in 2019, Crystal Valley Exchange Club Athlete of the Month in Spring 2019, and Varsity Swimming Most Improved 2018-2019. Favorite Quote: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” -Fredrich Nietzsche
R iley Checkley
Riley Checkley is the daughter of Brad and Amy Checkley and has lived in Middlebury her whole life. Riley says, “I had a lot of great teachers at Northridge that were very supportive and entertaining. I had a close group of friends that I loved hanging out with in and out of school and we enjoyed going to each other’s competitions.” While at NHS she participated in soccer, lacrosse, the Creative Writing Society (founder), Raiders for Christ, and completed the full International Baccalaureate program. Outside of school, she was a small group leader for middle school girls at Waypoint Community Church. She was also a part of the worship team, attended high school youth group, had an internship at her church, was a member of the student leadership team at Waypoint, and took piano lessons for nine years. Riley will be attending Hope College in Holland, Mich., and plans to study neuroscience and kinesiology. Favorite Quote: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing” -Benjamin Franklin inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 7
This year Northridge High School will be graduating 49 students who were a part of the National Honor Society, recognizing them for their outstanding contributions to their community through service hours and to their school through sponsored activities. Collectively, these members have accumulated 2,433.75 hours of community service, working for organizations both inside and outside school. Activities include both short-term events like helping with the many 5K runs, elementary fundraising events, trivia nights, and blood drives, and longer term activities such as church mission trips and praise team participation, tutoring students throughout the year, teachers’ assistants in the classroom, and special projects requested by staff members. Seniors standouts for this year include Ashley Brewster, Braedyn O’Dell, and Ethan Kercher. Each of these students accumulated 75+ service hours across at least seven different organizations. Ashley Brewster was the organizer for several events this year, including two blood drives and a blanket drive for terminally ill patients in hospitals. Braedyn O’Dell shared her time and talents with her church, Northridge Middle School Mathcounts, and organized the All for Abbi 5K run last year. Ethan Kercher dedicated his time to many choral and theater events even when he wasn’t performing. In addition, he worked for the Middlebury Police Department and was a major contributor to the Caps for Benches campaign at Northridge. With 100 service hours between 16 different organizations, Wilson Wang is definitely a standout senior in this group. If there was any activity he could get involved with, he was there. Wilson helped coordinate homecoming events between honor society and student council, ND concession between student council and theater troupe, was a dance captain for Northern Lights, assisted with the middle school musical, helped organize the Christmas semi-formal, and 8 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
the list goes on. For his outstanding work and leadership, Wilson is receiving the Northridge National Honor Society Scholarship this year. He plans to attend the University of Chicago in the fall. And none of this would be possible if we didn’t have outstanding officers to lead the group. A big thank you and congratulations to Erin Mahaffa, president; Braedyn O’Dell, vice president; Alison Bache, secretary; and Ethan Kercher, treasurer.
So you think you know our parks and trails? Adult Cooper’s Hawk
Photo by Glenda Lem
mon Thompson
What’s Happening in the Parks from your Middlebury Park Board
Fledgling Cooper’s Hawks, about 7 weeks old.
Photo by Jessie Kreider
Cooper’s Hawk If you’re observant, you can find a lot of great stuff in our parks, right in town. For example, we have a pair of Cooper’s hawks that are nesting in one of our parks. The nest was more obvious last month before the leaves came out, but you might still see a large stick nest, typically 27 inches in diameter, 6-7 inches high, 25-50 feet above the ground. They lay 2-6 eggs which incubate for 30-36 days and the young birds remain in the nest for 27-34 days. Cooper’s hawks’ numbers have remained stable since 1966 and they are not considered endangered.
Toadstool Restoration
The giant toadstool has been refurbished. The canvas on the underside was replaced in May. The toadstools were part of the Krider Chicago World’s Fair exhibit, as was the windmill. You can read about them in A Walk Through Krider World’s Fair Garden, available through Amazon.
How many do we operate? Congratulations if you said “9” – can you name them all? Have you visited them all? If you’re new to town or just need a refresher, following is a list of our properties. They are maintained for your benefit and enjoyment by the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department. Please visit them often and help keep them clean. For more information on each one, go to www. middleburyin.com and click on Parks and Trails. Krider World’s Fair Garden Park: formal gardens, statues, Dutch windmill, gazebo, swing arbor. Riverbend Park: pavilion, trails, pond, Little Elkhart River, playground, volleyball courts, site of Summer Fun program and Riverfest. Olde Mill Park: trail, fishing. Memorial Park: gazebo, cannons, band shell, site of the summer and fall festivals. East Park: next to the library, includes a playground and pavilion. Troyer Park: in the Deer Run neighborhood, has picnic tables, benches and a playground. Pumpkinvine Trail: The section from US 20 to the Dairy Queen is maintained by our parks department. Wayne Street Trail: connects the Pumpkinvine Trail to Northridge High School, Northridge Middle School, Heritage Intermediate School, and Orchard View Elementary School. Ridge Run Trail: connects with the Pumpkinvine Trail and Wayne Street Trail to form a 5K loop through the Essenhaus campus. THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY
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inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 9
Northridge Class President
Wilson Wang eing Class President is a weird thing. On one hand, there is the responsibility and influence that comes
10 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
with the position; however, by the same power of influence comes the constant monitoring of my actions. The achievements come with great praise, but just as with any other position held to a high regard, the mistakes are magnified as well. One of the things I have learned over the past four years is to not dwell on the mistakes, but to learn from them. I have interacted with hundreds of people over the past few years, and I have learned many different lessons both through achievements and mistakes. It truly is a humbling thing, and I am grateful for each and every experience. Aside from being the Class President, I am also a member of the Leadership Council for the Raider Freshman Mentoring program, a candidate for the International Baccalaureate diploma, and a Student Director for the choral programs among other activities. With each of these various activities comes a different leadership role, and maintaining adaptability has been key to my success in high school. Influence in high school is a strong and challenging thing to work through, because a lot of the time it can feel like we really do
not much influence over our peers. But through the years, I have learned that more influence comes not just through the words of leaders and role models, but more importantly through their actions. As a result, I became more aware of my actions at all times, and aimed to always set the right example. I am a believer that we are shaped by the people we encounter at the various stages of our lives. So I thank every person who I have ever held an encounter with: thank you for pushing me to be better, to work harder, to strive for the next level. I also hope that I have held a positive impact on the people in which I have encountered. Times of struggle like the present are inevitable, but they are also what make the good times that much better. One of my favorite quotes is: “Every day is not a good day, but there is something good in every day.” As we work through these difficult times, I hope that everyone can find the good things in their lives. I have so much love and gratitude for this community, and I can not wait to see the things that everyone goes on to accomplish! With love, Wilson Wang
N o r t h r i dg e H i gh S ch o o l
Scholar Athlete Of the Month Photo by Russ Draper
Emily Mack Northridge High School Senior Emily Mack is the daughter of Phil and Sharon Mack. She has played golf and tennis all four of her years at NHS. She is an International Baccalaureate Diploma student, member of National Honor Society, on the student council, Middlebury Youth Council, and the Raider Freshman Mentor Program. Her favorite part about playing sports at NHS are the bonds that she was able to develop with all of the wonderful ladies on the tennis and golf team. She loves spending time with a whole new group of girls who support each other not only actively, but personally. Outside of school she loves to play tennis, spend time with her friends, and spend time at church. This fall she will be attending Purdue University to study industrial design. She also hopes to play tennis intramurals, meet new people, and develop lifelong relationships, along with the ones she has formed at Northridge.
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Northridge
JAG Program As the 2019-2020 school year comes to an end so does my 4th school year at Northridge High School teaching the JAG Program. My students are not your average students and I am not your average teacher. My students, or my kids as I call them, have faced some of the hardest obstacles imaginable in their four years of high school and before from the deaths of close family members and friends, to home environments that make doing schoolwork a challenge, to needing to work part-time jobs, to struggling to understand the content being taught, to not being able to pass ISTEP, and many, many more. Each of them now faces many new obstacles caused by the current situation our nation has found itself in.
As they struggle to hold onto their goal of graduating this school year while still facing their struggles, I have seen so many of them step up and complete tasks they have never done before, which shows me that despite everything they are still learning and growing. This assures me that they will reach their goals, become stronger because of these obstacles, and be able to express gratitude for all they have been given which is the making of a very strong foundation for some amazing adults. Even though I will always refer to my Class of 2020 as my kids, I can’t wait to see them become the spectacular men and women that I know they will be. I am beyond proud of the Class of 2020 and each of them will always hold a special place in my heart.
-Tawna Lau
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inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 13
Serving Our Community
WIFI available from Parking Lot Many Favorite Programs now Online
Summer Reading Club Starts June 1 & ends July 18 Sign-up on homepage for a variety of online programs for Kids,Teens & Adults
Community Shred Day Sat. June 6, bring up to 2 banker boxes (15” x 12” x 10”) to shred for FREE in the library parking lot. Additional boxes can be shredded for a donation.
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14 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Life Skills Seniors
Cody Edlund Cody Edlund is the son of James Edlund and Jennifer Templeton. He moved here from Jimtown when he was 16 years old and has enjoyed his years at Northridge. Cody loves the teachers and the bus drivers that work with him daily. His favorite para in the classroom was Sarah Snyder and he loved to do his schoolwork with her. He really enjoyed morning meetings. He loved cleaning in the classroom as well. His favorite activities are going to listen to the choir practice, going swimming on Fridays, and he really enjoyed going to LoveWay to see the horses. He also likes the Valentine dance held at the middle school. Cody goes to physical and occupational therapy after school on Tuesdays. He loves his occupational therapist Katie Peat, and his physical therapist Kelly Lawall from The Therapy Playce. On Mondays he has music therapy with music therapist Katy Harris. He loves it when she comes to the house to play all kinds of music with him. In his free time he loves to listen to music. Doesn’t matter what kind of music it is as long as it has a rhythm. He also likes to hang out with his little sisters, Jessica and Elizabeth. He is planning on going to a young adult program
and attending summer camp after high school. He is also working on moving into an assisted living home so he can have more independence. What Cody will miss most about attending school at Northridge is “absolutely everything.”
Ashleigh Woltman A s h l e i g h Woltman is the daughter of Jessica Lett and Tim Woltman. She moved here from Holland, Mich., when she was four years old. Anyone who knows Ashleigh knows what a social butterfly she is and how loved by all of her peers and teachers she has been during her years in Middlebury schools. Her favorite thing about attending Northridge High School is her teachers and the staff. She likes Middlebury because it’s a small town. She loves being able to go for a walk and running into people she knows. Lunchtime with her friends has always been a highlight of her school day as she goes from table to table saying hello. Anything with her friends makes Ashleigh smile from ear to ear and football games have always been a particularly fun thing for her in the fall. She has taken part in competitive cheer (Indiana Ultimate Wings) for the last three years. She will continue with young adult program, and would like to get involved with ADEC. As she approaches graduation, Ashleigh dearly misses seeing her friends every day as well as the teachers and staff who have been so invested in her life.
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Northridge Band Nominations Patricia Copeland
Patricia Copeland, known as “Tricia” to her friends and loved ones, is the daughter of Matt and Becky Copeland. She has participated in the Northridge Raider Band since first starting flute in the 6th grade. Tricia loves everything about band, from the kind and helpful words of the directors to the friendships she has made at band camp to the beautiful music she has been a part of playing. She has also been a part of pep band and monster jazz band and earned two “gold” ratings on state level ISSMA flute solos. In addition she has participated in the theatre program, debate club, National Honor Society, and English Academic Superbowl team. Outside of school she is very involved in her church and has participated in community theater. Tricia will be pursuing a degree in elementary education from Bethel University. “Band has really shaped who I am as a person and I strongly encourage anyone who is considering it to join” she said.
“Patricia Copeland is a great senior musician, student, and person. I appreciate her positive attitude and excellent musical ability” -Brad Zook
Caleb Norris
Carrie and Todd Norris are the proud parents of Caleb Norris. Caleb has participated in the Raider Marching Band on saxophone as well as the oboe in concert band throughout the school year. Caleb and his family moved here from Jefferson, Ind., when he was three years old. Caleb states that he “absolutely loves the togetherness and the community marching band gives to high school.” Caleb has also been a part of both theater and choir (both show and concert) as well as plays for his church’s worship band and this past year he taught piano lessons to fellow students. He also received the Outstanding Musician award every year with Northridge Band. Caleb says, “I was allowed to participate in the Northridge band program even while I was home-schooled from 6th-9th grade, which made it much easier to switch to public school my sophomore year.” He will be attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., to pursue commercial music. Favorite quote: “If music be the food of love, play on” -Shakespeare “Caleb Norris is a talented senior who is involved in many parts of our music program and plays multiple instruments in our band program.” -Brad Zook
inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 19
Northridge loses Ethan and he goes on to bigger and better things, he will always be in the thoughts – and prayers – of his directors. IUSB is Ethan’s choice for college. As an active member of the stage and theater troupe, he will be receiving the Northridge Theater Scholarship this year.
Caleb Norris
The Northridge Theater Program says goodbye to 11 extremely talented seniors this year. The directors have watched most of these students grow and mature from their elementary years as they started in the “Kids Take the Stage” summer program. The memories the directors have will never be forgotten.
Wilson Wang
When Nicole first started choreographing and blocking the dances for “Newsies,” she checked the cast list and then went through each formation and put the number 10 toward the front and center of every major dance number. Wilson Wang was number 10. She really tried to move everyone around and get everyone “seen,” but she knew so many of these dance numbers were going to rely on the “heavy hitters” up front. From the guy who said, “I’m just doing troupe so it looks good on my college application,” and “Asians can’t act,” Wilson certainly failed his standards in this show. Everyone added so much to each and every scene, but the dance numbers just wouldn’t have been quite as good if he hadn’t been in them. Wilson restores faith in humanity. As directors, we have no doubt Wilson will do something phenomenal in business and be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company in the future, but he will always be remembered as Romeo in “Newsies.” Wilson will be attending the University of Chicago in the fall. 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Conner Schroeder The directors always suspected Conner would do something great in theater. So in 2027 both directors are planning to travel to NYC to see Conner on Broadway. That gives him four years of college and three years to make it on the Broadway stage. Nicole and Augi expect front row seats to whatever Conner is performing. He is an outstanding performer, and there is no doubt he will “Seize the Day.” Conner has been admitted to Millikin University, a performing arts school, in the fall. Ethan Kercher The amount of things that could be shared about Ethan! He started as an 8-year-old in “Kids Take the Stage.” That’s 10 years of theater in the Northridge program. Ethan is without a doubt one of the most versatile actors Northridge has ever had the privilege of working with and the directors are so very thankful for getting to watch him grow on the stage. There are a million and one memories that could be shared, but one of the alltime favorites was the gambling scene in “Guys and Dolls.” A sixth grader, and in the scene where the gambling party is broken up by police, Ethan literally ran into the middle of the stage, grabbed someone by the collar and yelled at the top of his lungs, “PRAY FOR ME!” And as
As directors, the absolute favorite part of any and every show is the “light bulb moment” where something clicks with an actor/actress and they realize something about their character and how best to portray it. Caleb was having a tough time in the scene where he was supposed to yell at Annabelle. Caleb is nowhere near a yeller, and he said he had never remembered seeing his dad yell at his mom like that. The more it was discussed, the more something clicked. Caleb did know someone that he could channel for that role. And it hurt. The pride felt by the directors at regionals as Caleb nailed that role is beyond words. Because it wasn’t easy, he leaned into it and pushed himself and made a statement. If Caleb attacks his future difficulties as he attacked that role, success is sure to follow. It might hurt, and it might be hard, but it will be so very, very worth it on the other side. Caleb will be attending Belmont University in the fall. Caine Urban There are kids who come into the Northridge program as sixth graders. There are kids who come into the program later on and slide in under the radar. And then there are kids who come in, voice blaring, feet stomping, and just kill the stage. That’s what Caine did with Chef Louis in “Beauty and The Beast.” We still are not entirely convinced that he even WANTED to audition for this show, but somewhere between his sister being Belle and his mom sewing 18,000 seagull costumes, it just sort of happened. And it was a good thing it did! The first time the song “Les Poissons” was rehearsed, Caine turned to the directors and said, “Well, this should be interesting considering I can’t sing!” Caine’s comedic timing was absolutely perfect for this role and no one could do it any better. Caine will be leaving for the U.S. Navy’s boot camp this summer. Emma Brabender To say that she nailed the part of Medda is a gross understatement. Emma completely embodied that character from the get go....and her vocals were absolutely phenomenal! When she first auditioned for “Back to the 80s,” she, Nick and Mason were pulled into the work room by Augi’s class to have them read scenes because out of everyone
who auditioned they were the only ones that had never been seen to act before. After Assistant Director Nicole had Emma read for her she walked back into Augi’s room and Augi asked how Emma did. “Wonderful. She should be in troupe,” was Nicole’s response. Emma is such a beautiful person inside and out and is going to do wonderful things in this world! Matthew
Vollmer
THIS PHOTO. This will forever be a pivotal moment in Northridge Theater for me. No scene, no show, no actor has broken my heart the way Matthew did in this scene. I watched you perform this scene DOZENS of times and you broke me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And for those who didn’t see it I can’t even describe it. You completely lost yourself in this scene and it showed. Augi and I talked at length when we were casting this show about which actor we should cast as Peter because the ending of the show was really placed on his shoulders. Oh my lanta, did we make the right choice! To see the way you have grown as an actor these past four years has been astounding, and I can’t wait to see where your passion takes you in the future! Abigael Click Abigael Click has lived in Middlebury her entire life. She loves living in a town that allows her to be so close to her friends both relationally and geographically. She was heavily involved in choir at NHS. She was in Starlights and Northern Lights for three years. “The choir department really shaped who I am and helped me find a passion,” Abigael says. “I am definitely going to miss it, but I can’t wait to watch some of my best friends perform next year!” She was also involved with the drama department for all four years, and her favorite production was “Newsies!” She was also involved in the National Honor Society, Raider Freshman Mentoring, and Student Council. She will be attending Purdue University in the fall, majoring in brain and behavioral sciences. She will also be in the Honors College Program. “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”― Vincent van Gogh
Tyler Madlem
The drama directors’ favorite memory of Tyler is at state in 2019. He had bronchitis and Jeff had to stand on stage for literally like, 10 minutes, frozen in place, not moving and not saying anything. Tyler couldn’t go 30 seconds without coughing. Directors pulled him aside as they were getting set to go on and said, “Tyler, just say your monologue and then walk off. That way you don’t have to stand stock still without coughing.” Tyler looked at them for a moment and then said, “That’s not what the script says.” Then he went out on stage and performed that scene the best they had ever seen him do it. Then he stood, frozen in place, not moving, not coughing, for 10 minutes. “I had no words. And sitting here, remembering that, I have tears running down my face just thinking about what Tim did for that role,” Nicole Deckert says. “In all honesty, we were a little afraid putting a ‘newbie’ in such a pivotal role. But our whole theme last year was to challenge you all, so we thought we would take a chance. I am so extremely glad you joined our program and am going to extremely miss your smile and ‘excessive foot tapping’ come next year.”
flourish in the future, because if your determination and work ethic in high school is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before you’re running for office someday. You have my vote if you ever do.” -Nicole Deckert
Madeline Hershberger
“One of my favorite memories of you is dress week of ‘Little Mermaid.’ You had been sick for two days straight, came right to rehearsal from a doctor’s appointment, and then found out you couldn’t rehearse since you hadn’t been at school. You were literally in tears. That’s when I knew you were a theater kid. You have a quiet strength on stage. You have held a number of my favorite roles on the Northridge stage, but I don’t think any other role captured your elegance and grace the way Kate Keller did. Watching you grow through your characterization of this part was just incredible. Sometimes being a mom is really hard, because you have to let your kids get hurt so that they can grow. You literally showed that struggle in your facial expressions in this show every time Abigail had a run-in with Kelly. It was absolutely breathtaking.” -Nicole Deckert
Ashley Brewster
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SENIOR Athletics Jadan Bourne
Jadan Bourne is the son of Jon and Desirae Bourne. He and his family moved to Middlebury from Sioux Falls, S.D., in June 2019. Jadan says, “Although I have not been at Northridge long I have met many new people and connected with some great friends and the donuts here are unmatched.” Before moving to Middlebury he served as student council president at his previous school. He was also a part of the Heath Occupational Students of America, traveling to Dallas, Texas, to participate in the international leadership conference. This year he was a running back and linebacker for Northridge Varsity Football and would have played catcher and outfield for Northridge Varsity Baseball. Jadan has lettered in four sports and is proud of the many athletic and academic awards he has received throughout his high school career. He will be attending Purdue in the fall to pursue a degree in health sciences pre-professional in hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. “Life is peculiar, a strange and beautiful miracle” -Jadan Bourne
John Wier
John Wier is the son of Jason and Sheri Weir. He enjoys time with friends and participated with travel baseball. Outside of school he has worked at Essenhaus and is involved with his youth group at Clinton Frame Church. John has received a merit scholarship from Purdue University and plans to attend in the fall to pursue a degree in data science.
22 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Davis Enfield
Davis Enfield is the son of Chris and Patti Enfield. He moved to Middlebury 12 years ago to begin Kindergarten. He loves playing baseball with his friends and has participated on the NHS Baseball Team as well as travel baseball. Davis plans on attending Marian University in Indianapolis in the fall to play baseball and study business.
Sonya Monahan
Sonya Monahan is the daughter of Jason and Sarah Coblentz. She moved to Middlebury when she was three years old and loves the size and all of the beautiful things to see around town. She played soccer for Middlebury and Northridge for 10 years. Outside of school she has participated in mission trips to Nashville, Tenn., and Conway, S.C. Sonya will be going to Indiana University South Bend to get Bachelor of Science and nursing degrees and later hopes to become a certified nurse midwife to help women have a healthy pregnancy and to assure that they have a healthy baby.
Lily Fenner
Lily Fenner is the daughter of Jim and Carrie Fenner and will be graduating from Northridge High School a year early this year. She has spent her entire life in Middlebury and enjoys participating on the NHS Soccer Team. Lily also participates in a travel soccer team and works as a gymnastics coach. She plans on attending Indiana University South Bend in the fall and will be majoring in psychology to become a psychologist.
Rhent Addis
Rhent Addis is the son of Rick and Jennifer Addis. He began schooling in Middlebury after attending private school until 6th grade. His favorite part of living in Middlebury is Friday nights in the fall. Rhent has participated in Northridge football, wrestling and track, is an IB Diploma candidate, played alto saxophone in the band for two years as an underclassmen, and participated on the student council. He is an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. His awards and achievements include starting or saw action in 23 football games for the Raider Offensive Line over his three-year varsity career and was a captain his senior year, 2019 NLC Conference Wrestling Champion at 285 pounds, 2020 Semi-State Qualifier, placed 6th out of 32 in the 285 pound weight class at the state renowned Al Smith Classic, and was two-time First Team Academic All-State, was part of four NLC conference championship squads, three sectional championship squads, and two regional championship squads, and helped the Raiders to an undefeated record for the 2019-2020 season. He plans to attend Drake University and will play football and major in political science with plans on attending law school. Favorite Quote: “Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past – let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” - John F. Kennedy. “Space travel and exploration has always fascinated me, especially with the rise of private companies like SpaceX. It always amazes me how far we’ve come in the last century or so within the various STEM fields in general, and I’m excited to see what the future holds considering the human race’s potential.” -Rhent Addis
Summer Equipment Showcase Auction
Construction - Heavy Equipment - Tools At Absolute Auction
5000LB Cat Forklift
July 1st at 10:00 AM
Sellers: Various Consignors
Bright Star Auction Center: 11751 CR 12 Middlebury Indiana
Directions: One mile north of Middlebury to corner of CR 12.
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N orthr i d g e A thl e t e S The
Lost Season
photo by Russ Draper
Let’s Celebrate our town reopening! 1. CONTACT US ~ Let us know what day you are opening and your new hours. Email us at carmencarpenter@middleburyinchamber.com with this information. 2. WE’LL STOP BY ~ We will bring a big red bow for you to display on your entrance to let the community know you are OPEN FOR BUSINESS! 3. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER ~ Send us a photo from your opening day and we will share on Facebook and Instagram.
Chamber Chat
SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, June 30
18th Annual Chamber Golf Classic Meadow Valley Golf Club 57600 SR 13, Middlebury, IN 46540
We’re Back Let’s Chat Coffee at 8:30 a.m. • Seating is limited due to Social Distancing, Reservations Required, 574-825-4300. Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center 210 S. Main St., Middlebury 26 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
Friday, August 14
11:30 a.m. Lunch • 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ends July 31
Artistic Seniors Lahna Wilson Lahna Wilson is the daughter of Tim and Tiffany Wilson. SHe and her family moved here from Colorado when she was 14 years old. Kristen O’Dell nominated her as an outstanding art student. Lahna says her favorite part about art class is, “when I get see creations that I picture in my head come to life, whether it is with clay, paints, or jewelry materials.” Outside of school she is involved with her youth group, dance as a part of the Northridge Raider Dance Team and work. After high school she plans on going to college at BYU in Idaho and I will major in Biology working towards her BA in Radiologic Technology. Favorite quote: “Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.” by Winnie the Pooh
Kyah Troyer Kyah Troyer is the daughter of Towana and Nathan Troyer. Kristen O’Dell nominated her as a senior with outstanding artistic vision and execution. While Kyah enjoys working in a variety of mediums, lately she has been focusing on ink and watercolor. She has lived in the Middlebury area for as long as she can remember, moving here from White Pigeon when she was two. Her favorite thing about art class, aside from just getting to make art, is the relationships she has made with other students and the teachers. This year she was in IB Art, and it was by far her favorite class. It was a small class of just girls and they all got very close with each other and Miss O’Dell. “I’ll cherish the memories we made together in that class forever,” says Kyah. She also played the flute in Marching Band for all four years of high school and has a lot of hobbies she likes to work on outside of school, including writing and music. She is currently working on learning a couple of different instruments. She is taking a gap year next year to work and save for college, and after that I’d like to go to art school and major in Illustration. “My favorite award that I’ve gotten is the Robert and Mary Boyer Youth Art Award from the Midwest Museum of American Art Youth Art Show. I received that award my freshman and senior year, and it’s important to me because both times the artwork that was awarded marked a shift in my style from realism to illustration. I’ve fallen in love with illustration and it’s what I want to pursue in my artistic career,” Kyah shared. “Without honesty, art is dead.” - Jon Foreman. «This quote resonates with me as I have shifted to creating art that is important to me, rather than creating art to gain the praise of others.» Kyah Troyer inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020 27
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28 inMiddlebury Magazine | June 2020
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