October Student Culture

The Marching Band competed in the ISSMA Scholastic State Preliminaries over fall break.. Though the performance was the same as previous competitions, there is something different about the atmosphere at preliminaries. The air is anxious yet excited because everyone in the class can make it to the state championship since there is no limit on the number of competitors. For the Indian Creek Marching Braves, it was for sure one of the best performances of the season, and they won the right to perform at the state competition!

On October 23rd, they arrived at the state competition on a mission. After an outstanding performance, they placed fourth in their class out of thirteen other schools. This achievement breaks two prior school records. Not only is this the highest the school has ever placed, but the band received the highest score in school history! Congratulations, Marching Braves!

In September, I had the opportunity to sit down with Señora Gunderson and discuss her transition to life at Indian Creek.

How was your first month at IC?

My first month at IC has been fantastico. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the students and staff here. I felt immediately welcomed into the IC family and have been feeling more and more at home here each day.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

The first thing I always do when I get home ... is take my dogs on a long walk... around 2 to 4 [miles] each day. I also enjoy running, visiting coffee shops, reading, kayaking, line dancing, riding my Peloton, doing Pilaties, listening to Taylor Swift, and watching The Bachelor.

How did your pre-Covid life compare to now?

My life doesn’t look too different right now than it did pre-Covid. I’d say the biggest change is to my social life. I haven’t been traveling like I used to … and I have also tried to be smart about the events I attend so I don’t risk bringing anything home to my family. I have missed traveling the most out of all activities. I had plans in March of 2020 to go back to Spain ... and then travel to London and Paris after that. I’m looking forward to being able to travel like that again!

Why did you choose to become a Spanish teacher?

I went to college knowing I wanted to study Spanish. I studied abroad in high school, [and] in college I tutored my whole dorm in Spanish... I didn’t want to be a teacher at this point, but it turned out I was good at it. To be honest, I realize teaching really chose me.

Below are some pictures of one of Señora's dogs, Rowan. If you want to see more pictures of her beautiful pooches, check them out on Instagram! @empire.of.setters

The Colorwalk, hosted on October 2nd, was a vibrant fundraising event! The walk was hosted by the high school music department in order to raise money to fund the program. Mrs. Gunderson, one of the high school’s Spanish teachers, attended the event with her adorable dog Rowan (pictured above and below). When asked about her experience, Gunderson exclaimed, “Rowan and I had so much fun!” The walk extended around the school and had multiple color bomb stations. The walk started at 9:00 a.m. and lasted roughly 2 hours. Mrs. Swopes, the high school choir director, said it was a ton of fun and everyone had a great time. They had approximately 50 participants and raised over $1000 for the music department! What a great fundraising opportunity!