Produced by students of Krueger Middle School. Everyone has a story.
Krueger’s Sigler does duty with humor
By Morgan Powenski
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – He may joke a lot, but Bill Sigler is serious about teaching.
Sigler, a seventh grade social studies teacher at Krueger Middle School, filled in as a science teacher when there was an open position this semester.
He did this even though he hadn’t been a science teacher before.
“It just had to be done, so I did it,” Sigler said.
KMS eighth grade girls basketball team unites for undefeated season
By Andrea Roberts and Sean Triemstra
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – The 2022-23 Krueger eighth grade girls basketball team had a perfect season.
The Wolves went 15-0, with several wins coming by blowouts. The girls and the coaches all did their part to cement their undefeated record.
“Everyone’s a family,” team member Gabby Patino said.
Krueger’s Dopka inspires students and staff
By Morgan Powenski
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Nikki Dopka is tough enough to pull a semi, and is strong enough to motivate a whole generation.
Dopka, 43, is an eighth grade math teacher at Krueger Middle School. She also once pulled a semi as a physical training challenge.
When she pulled the semi truck, she first thought it was going to be hard. It was hard, but when she did it she got a lot of confidence.
“I talk about that with my students to let them know all things are possible,” Dopka said.
KMS’ Jenny Jones helping the school student by student
By Andrea Roberts and Sean Triemstra
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – “Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.”
– Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Those words define the mindset of Jenny Jones. She works at Krueger Middle School as a computer science teacher.
“She is a really good person,” Krueger eighth grader Stefany Lopez said. “She understands kids.”
Krueger alumnus Johnzo West enjoying national success as musician
By Andrea Roberts
Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES – Johnzo West’s time at Krueger Middle School changed his life forever.
West, a nationally famous musician, went through Krueger Middle School in seventh grade. He was in an environmental group, and starred in a musical which helped spark his interest in performing.
“I will never forget being in that musical,” West said. “I’ve always wanted to sing and act since then.”
MCAS teacher/coach Colin Yarnelle impacts youth through dedication
By Batoul Achy
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Many people sit and watch the world go by, while Colin Yarnelle stands up to make a change.
Yarnelle, 32, is the defensive backs coach for the Michigan City High School football team, and is a computer science teacher at Krueger Middle School.
He’s motivated by God, love and curiosity to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I do what I do because I love life,” Yarnelle said. “Waking up everyday is not an, ‘Oh no, here we go another day again.’ Everyday I wake up I’m like, ‘Oh, I wonder what’s gonna happen today.’”
Krueger, Barker volleyball developing promising athletes
By Iyanna Adkins
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – Krueger volleyball coach Mandy Ketcham is making a huge impact on Michigan City.
She and Barker Middle School volleyball coach Daisy Lee have done their part to re-energize the middle school programs.
At the moment, Ketcham coaches the eighth graders at Krueger. Ketcham graduated from Michigan City High School in 2005, and played volleyball for the school all four years.
“(Other MCAS coaches and I) want to start building the program back up to how it was when we were playing,” Ketcham said. “And, we’re just trying to work together, and we know middle school is where it all really begins.”
Krueger’s Samelson to retire after a brilliant career
By Jackie Ramirez and Jasmine Ford
Staff writers
MICHIGAN CITY – What a career it has been for Leslie Samelson.
Samelson is retiring after teaching science at Krueger Middle School for 29 years.
She has played many different roles in Michigan City, including coaching cross country, gymnastics and running the robotics club.
It’s all a part of her desire to use her talents to make the world a better place.
“The most rewarding thing in the world is to give up one’s stuff, because that’s the ultimate joy in giving someone a skill that they’ll use the rest of their life,” Samelson said. “Teaching them confidence that they can do things that they never thought they (could) do.”
Michigan City’s Walker raised by, gives back to hometown
By Brikiera Franklin
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – The common saying is that it takes a village to raise a child.
For Will Walker, that was definitely the case. Walker was raised by parents, teachers and coaches who taught him good values, especially the importance of education.
“My parents would say it took a community to raise me,” Walker said.
Krueger’s Ackerson finds joy, food supply in fishing and nature
By Jasmine Ford
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN CITY – In today’s world, it’s more and more uncommon to find people who provide food for themselves.
Erica Ackerson is one of those people.
Ackerson, a health and physical education teacher at Krueger Middle School, is a fisher who provides food for herself and her family. She also teaches other people about health and how to get their own food supply.
“It requires time and has required me to learn new skills along the way, but there is also something very satisfying about being able to provide,” Ackerson said.