Over this last Spring Break, the Band and Colorguard programs had the opportunity to travel down to Orlando, Florida, to march in a parade at Disney World! The parade was at the iconic Magic Kingdom Resort. They started at the base of Main Street, arched around the castle, and finished in Adventureland. They played a medley of classic Disney songs, including "Mickey Mouse March," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,"  and "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." Visitors and Homestead supporters alike watched and marveled at the parade. In addition to the opportunity to march at Disney, participants were able to enjoy a day at each park. In order, they went to Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and then Hollywood Studios. Colorguard Senior Lexi Waltman said her favorite park was Magic Kingdom because of the ride Tron and the park's breathtaking "atmosphere." Senior drumline member, Landon Paul says it was hard "to fit in all of the rides" they wanted, especially when the parade took up some time.

The Indiana Classical Conference (ICC) Teacher of the Year award is a recognition given to teachers who dedicate their time to expand student's knowledge of Latin and Classical Studies. Throughout her 20 year tenure at Homestead High School, Ellen Waite has consistently demonstrated her exceptional ability to motivate and inspire her students. Her dedication to creating a positive and engaging learning environment has resulted in remarkable academic achievements among her students with life-long connections.  One of her advanced Latin students was scared of feeling like an outcast as a Latin V student amongst Latin IV students, but Magistra Waite "was able to break that ice" and make her "feel included" by mashing her course with the Latin IV course. Another student noted how "Mrs. Waite gets to know every one of her students," which makes for lessons "filled with laughter and jokes." M

In addition to her teaching excellence, Magistra Waite has also made significant contributions to the school community. She has served as a mentor to new teachers who speak glowingly of her today and who have advocated for her to receive this award. She has championed the Indiana Junior Classical Conference. Her unwavering dedication and positive attitude have made her a role model for her colleagues and students alike. Congratulaitons Magistra Waite!

Art teacher Sam Welch has been awarded Homestead's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Welch has the ability to show students new to art that they are capable of great things. He believes in every student at all levels which creates a positive learning environment. His class work engages students in a variety of ways; he has individual art conferences with students, asks thought-provoking questions, and has students critique other artists' work. Outside of teaching, Mr. Welch makes and sells his ceramic pieces. People buy them from across the entire state, setting a great example for kids set on creating art professionally. 

Senior Ripley Merritt has taken various art classes with Mr. Welch for 2 years and is currently taking advanced ceramics. She says that "his positivity and welcoming environment motivate" her to put in her best effort. Furthermore, Ripley says how his passion "has made a forever impact" on her, through his love for ceramics and life in general. Students say that their favorite activity in his class is doing the wheel-thrown stacked pot. Overall, students are appreciative of Mr. Welch's compassion, which makes him worthy of Homestead's 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year!