4January 2012Hi Times Issue 4 Vol. 103

La Porte High School graduates

Photo providedTony Schutz poses with customers Jamie Foxx (above) and Fla-vor Flav (below).

LP grad shines as Las Vegas chefBy Brittany ZarazeeStaff Writer

Some people have that dream job when they’re a kid- a fire-fighter, a teacher, a veterinar-ian- but as they grow up and make it to the real world, those ideas change. For Tony Schutz, a LPHS graduate of 1993, that was not the case. Throughout high school, Schutz was just the average man. While overall, he was not involved in many extracurricular activities, he did find focus and a work ethic in the Boys Swimming and Diving Team. Tony excelled on the one meter boards from his freshman year on, with school records in diving that have only been broken by his brother and a current LaPorte diver. While Tony chuckled and as-serted that his diving success had nothing to do with his ca-reer success, one must wonder whether the required precision and attention to detail has not somehow affected his prowess in the kitchen at America’s top restaurants. “The first job I ever really had was in a restaurant,” said Schutz, “that’s all I’ve really done.” After graduating high school, Schutz went to Purdue North Central to study engineering, but eventually acquired his de-gree in business. During this time, Schutz was still working at Roskoe’s, formerly located in LaPorte. His boss at Roskoe’s, Larry Headley, current owner of Por-tofino Grill in LaPorte, noticed Schutz’s enthusiasm for cooking and told him about the culinary school he had attended years back. The talk with Headley drove Schutz to apply for, and eventually, attend The Culinary Institute of America in New York, a world-class culinary school referred to as the “CIA” by true culinary aficionados. When asked who his biggest inspiration to become a chef was, Schutz said, “Umm, prob-ably Larry Headley. He was the one that told me about the culi-nary school. He graduated from the same school.” As the CIA was truly a renowned culinary institution, their place-ment services were quite effec-tive, and as such, Schutz was offered an opportunity at a fine Chicago eatery named, MK. “I worked at a restaurant in Chicago called MK Restaurant,” said Schutz. “I worked there for about four or five years, and the owner, Michael Kornick, helped

me truly appreciate the real world of fine dining.” After four years of putting his culinary education to work, Schutz became more and more comfortable working with the business and service aspects of high end food. This experi-ence obviously paid off, because Schutz’s boss and mentor at MK was involved in several business ventures nationwide, including a steakhouse in Las Vegas at the then newly constructed Palms hotel and Casino. The manage-ment of the foodservice at the Palms realized that with Mr. Kornich’s recommendation, Mr. Schutz could provide real world experience and the culinary cre-dentials to dazzle guests at the Vegas hot spot. Schutz accepted the promotion and was a major contributor to the “N9NE” Steakhouse, earning the honor of one of “America’s Best Restaurants” by Gourmet magazine. As N9NE matured, and the Palms Casino became more renowned due to publicity drawn from shows such as “Real World: Las Vegas”, “Celebrity Poker Showdown” and others, the Palms management drew up plans for a second tower, with even more gourmet din-ing options. With the success

of Schutz’s earlier endeavors, he was an obvious choice to assist in the development of Nove’ or Nine, in Italian, and he leapt at the chance to spearhead another venue working with familiar management and production staff. “I guess I have stayed with this company for longer than many in the culinary field, but this is different. I get to look forward to a new challenge every day, and I really love my job,” said Schutz. Schutz claims that he is in the back preparing mouth-watering Italian food almost as often as he is freely roaming about the res-taurant, explaining the features to Britney Spears’ entourage, Gene Simmons from KISS, or even Dan Diedrich, “the coolest guy alive.” It may be strange to some to think that cooking fries in a town of 20,000 can lead to a career taking care of the likes of professional athletes, Oscar-Award winning actors and pow-erful politicians, but the right attitude and dedication to one’s craft has enabled this Midwest boy to do just that. The part-time work that Schutz picked up with Headley during his ado-lescent years is now the root of the rewarding job that he has today.

Former LPHS student experiences successBy Hannah DemchakStaff Writer Some people say that something good always comes out of some-thing bad. In Dave Lewis’s case, this was very true. Lewis graduated from LaPorte High School in 1987. He played baseball, volleyball and tennis. “High school was good. I had a great time. My best advice is just don’t let a few rotten apples ruin your experience there be-cause they are the ones that don’t amount to much in the future. Be-lieve me, I see the ones out in the world today and think, ‘You made fun of me? Wow’,”said Lewis. Two years after Lewis graduated high school, he was in a tragic motorcycle accident that paralyzed him from the waist down. Even though this was a major turning point in his life, this did not stop him from pursuing his goals. “Steps I took were: finish high school, college, and finding my niche as a person with a disability,” said Lewis. He went to college at Purdue University. After spending a lot of time considering what would be best for him, Lewis realized that there were many others in the position he was in. There are other people out there who cannot walk nor do normal, everyday activities because of life-changing instances, such as paralysis. In 1995, he graduated from Purdue, and in the same year he opened The Wheelchair Shop. After his accident, many people were coming to Lewis with needs. “Career- wise, I think I found my niche,” said Lewis. He is currently the President of The Wheelchair Shop, and he takes care of garbage and everything in between that. He is the sales and office manager the majority of the time. Lewis has been working at the wheelchair shop for 18 years. Lewis still does not know what he wants to do in his life. He be-lieves that there is still so much more he’d like to accomplish. “I make a good living and I give people their independence back, such as getting up the stairs to go to bed if they can’t walk and driv-ing if they are paralyzed and can’t move their feet. Making them mo-bile again, whether it’s a wheelchair or scooter, just mainly letting them be a part of society again or at least in their mind,” said Lewis.

Photo provided

Flame fighter followsaspirations after LPHSBy Courtney WestEditor-in-Chief

La Porte has fashioned many intelligent students from their classrooms, many of which have gone on to lead successful ca-reers. LPHS graduate, Doug Biernacki, went on to become a firefighter, risking his life in order to serve his community. Biernacki graduated in 1996 and his time at the high school was enjoyable. “I made friends that I still hang out with today. I had a lot of fun with the sports I was a part of and a few of the teachers weren’t too bad either,” recalls Biernacki. After his final days at LPHS, he began toconsider his plans for his future. Ultimately, Biernacki’s twin brother Jim influenced his career choice more than anyone else. Becoming a firefighter is a long process. Just like in any other job, one must first turn in an application. After the application is ac-cepted, then a physical agility test and a written test must be passed. The scores from these two tests are averaged together, and based on the results, the candidate could be placed on a hiring list. This hiring list lasts two years before expiring. If the list expires, then the tests must be completed once again. If within the two years the fire department has to replace someone or someone retires, then they will look at their hiring list and con-tact whoever is next in line. If the candidate chooses to accept the job, they must then pass a psychological exam and a second physical exam, as well. After completing this process, Biernacki was hired on to the La Porte Fire Station. Biernacki’s occupation entitles him to numerous responsibilities, some of which are completed on a daily basis and others only on an emergency basis. “I respond to medical emergencies and fire emergencies, as well as car accidents and natural gas leaks to name a few of the things I do at my job,” said Biernacki. In order to be able to complete these tasks, he must also under-stand the gear he uses. “To do these things, I am required to drive the fire truck and have a working knowledge of the medical equipment and hand tools that we carry on our trucks,” said Biernacki. Life as a firefighter is unsuspecting, risky and is not the job for everyone. However, it is extremely rewarding. “It wasn’t until I actually experienced the life of a firefighter that I knew this was the only job for me,” said Biernacki. It is important to choose a career that will provide happiness and satisfaction. Occupational dreams may morph from the time stu-dents leave the hallways of LPHS. However, following that dream is crucial. “If you know what you want to do, then stick to it. If it’s really what you want to do, it will make you happy. Being happy with what you do will make everything else in your life that much better. If you’re not sure about what you want to do in the future, that’s okay too, but it’s important to stay on a positive path that will lead to good things in the future,” suggests Biernacki.

Graduate becomes State RepresentativeBy William LottStaff Writer

When someone thinks of the 80’s, they might think of big hair, ridiculous love ballads and outrageous outfits. Considering this, it is hard to imagine that a man of s uch tranquility, Tom Dermody, graduated in the 80s. Tom Dermody, Indiana State Representative of State House, graduated from La Porte High School in 1984. As many would assume, he was not a crazy 1980’s rager; in fact, he was the typical teenager growing up in small town La Porte, stressed with keeping up his grades and excelling in extra curricular ac-tivities. Mr. Tom Dermody will be be-ginning his sixth year as State Representative for Indiana, which is a pretty big accom-plishment. To be a State Representative one has to be forthright, strong-willed, confident and driven. It requires someone who can con-sider the good of the state and the people in it. Dermody says, “Growing up I had a strong family and we al-ways made sure to give back to

the community. We were al-ways driven to help the com-munity.” Dermody did not get the job easily, however. It took him years of experience and hard work to finally get the chance to become Indiana’s State Representative, which he jumped at. “I started as a school board member at La Porte, and I wanted to see how well I could give back. Then the opportunity arose to run for state representative”, said Dermody. With all of his success, one might forget that Dermody was once a normal high school stu-dent at LPHS. He says of his experience, “Fan-tastic. I loved it. I had the op-portunity to play three sports, I met my future wife there; I’m very fortunate to have gone to LaPorte.” Perhaps his work ethic got him to where he is today; yet, he says his father inspired him. “I think just in terms of giving back and making a difference, my father [inspired me],” said Dermody.

Tom has success in other as-pects of life other than being a State Representative. He has a wife and two kids, and he still shoots hoops in his off time. Tom Dermody worked hard to get where he is today, and has succeeded at many things in life. It is still his number one priority to make a difference and inspire others. “Do something to make a dif-ference and be willing to put the work in to make that difference,” said Dermody.

Photo provided

Photo provided

Doug Biernacki poses as a senior in the La Porte High School yearbook.

Hi Times Issue 4 Vol. 103January 20125

Student Spotlight

By Kelsie LongStaff Writer

What is your dream job?

“Well, actually, I have two dream jobs-Either construction or video game design-er. I love doing hard work and playing vid-eo games. I’m also a

good artist.” – Garrett Leone,

sophomore

follow dreams and find career successFrom the hallways of LPHS to the fields of Major League BaseballBy Abby FeikesManaging Editor

Every baseball player has dreams of being in the Major Leagues, but for La Porte gradu-ate Chris Bootcheck this is an everyday real-ity. In the 14 years since his graduation, he has worked hard to accomplish his spot as a pitcher in the MLB. After graduating from La Porte, Bootcheck attended Auburn University. “I decided to go to Auburn based on the opportunity to excel in the classroom and the opportunity to play against some of the south eastern’s best baseball players,” said Bootcheck. Bootcheck originally signed with the Ana-heim Angels to make his major league debut in 2003. He then played for the Pittsburgh Pirates before relocating to South Korea to play in the Major League. In Korea, he playedfor Yokohama Baystars and Lotte Giants. More recently, Bootcheck signed with the Detroit Tigers on December 11, 2011. Bootcheck admits that La Porte High School has a lot to do with where he is today and helped lead him there. “The event in my life that is, without question, the biggest reason that has led me to where I am today is the decision to transfer to La Porte High School upon moving homes during my junior year of high school. The things from La Porte that helped me become a baseball player were the high and demanding expectations that were instilled in each player throughout the program, not only from Coach Schreiber, but from the community as well,” said Bootcheck. He has found inspiration in his father who has helped him through the hardships and who has cel-ebrated with him through the victories. “My father inspired me to become who I am today. In my eyes growing up, and still to this day, he has always given me sound advice. He taught me the values of friends and family, and most importantly he taught me, not only with words but with his actions, the meaning of hard work, dedication, making sacrifices, and the rewards that it can bring,” said Bootcheck. Bootcheck was offered the opportunity to join the Major Leagues right after high school, but he did not sign till his junior year of college. Drafting occurs when each of the 30 team picks a player who is eligible to be drafted. Bootcheck was thrown into the same pool as some of the most talented players in the country and was fortunate enough to be drafted. “I guess I have to say that the opportunity presented itself by playing well, working hard and carrying on with all of the things that were instilled in me while in the slicer program. Outside of those things I had very little choice or knowledge of where or when or who would draft me,” said Bootcheck. Although being a professional baseball player seems like a glamorous job of playing a sport you love for a job Bootcheck expresses the realities of it not being a lifelong career. “Literally planning your life one year at a time, realizing that no matter how badly you want to play forever, you can’t: someday it all comes to an end whether you are ready or not,” said Bootcheck. Another challenge Bootcheck has faced while being in the Major Leagues is missing out on everyday life. Playing through holidays and far away from home have been struggles Bootcheck has had to live through while playing. Bootcheck explains how he has missed events such as: birthdays, baptisms, weddings, child births and family hardships while playing professionally. “ Even though baseball has it’s challenges, I often times have to remind myself of the upside, the privi-leges and rewards that it has, and also remind myself that no matter how much I love this game, that someday it will be over and I won’t plan on missing a thing!” said Bootcheck.

Photo providedChris Bootcheck poses with his father after a game.

Animation Development Exec for Cartoon Network reflects on LPHSBy Nicky Mazur Ads Staff

Action! For the last nine years, Katie Krentz, a 1998 graduate of LPHS, has been living and breathing television in Los An-geles, California. As an Anima-tion Development Executive for Cartoon Network, Katie tells her truly inspirational story of how she came to be where she is today. Having always loved singing, painting, drawing and enter-taining, a creative path was one she has been on since she was little. Her niche for storytelling and listening to others’ stories has never left her side. “And now I get to help people tell their stories that reach mil-lions of people in their homes daily,” said Krentz. Being highly involved in her high school career, Krentz’s ex-perience at LaPorte High School was one she’ll never forget. “From volleyball to basketball to tennis to Student Council, Spanish Club, GR, National Honors Society, you name it, I tried it,” said Krentz. Krentz’s college courses sealed the deal for her when it came to putting the pieces together on what she wanted to do in life. Going back even farther, Katie points out a specific class that had a great influence on her path for success. “I took TV Production classes in high school to fulfill a re-quirement and I loved it. Mr. Schreiber was an awesome teacher, who really let us be creative and try things,” said Krentz. In high school, Krentz went from wanting to be an archi-tect to a doctor to a business-

woman, so she choose to attend Indiana University and major in business. It became clear to Krentz right away that business wasn’t going to be enough for her. Krentz enrolled in Telecom and Fine Arts classes to fill that creative void. During her time there, she started directing and producing for a sketch comedy TV show like SNL that aired on the local PBS station in Bloom-ington. Hooked, Krentz packed her bags, hopped in her car and drove West for Los Angeles. At first she worked for free as an intern and production assistant on jobs and landed a job as a production assistant on a show for Fox called Oliver Beene. It was a crash course in televi-sion production, entertainment industry and LA in general for Krentz. She would drive 500+ miles a week to do “runs” for people on the show. From there, she got a job at Family Guy then at 20th Century Fox, and now Krentz is enjoying listening to pitches, developing ideas, read-ing scripts and meeting artists,

writers and directors, in hopes that she’ll find the next great animated television show for Cartoon Network. Working in entertainment, Krentz is constantly meeting celebrities. “The list is too long to men-tion. I met Lady Gaga last month when she was recording a voice for The Simpsons. She was so nice and took the time to talk to everyone in the room, a class act. The big thing I’ve learned is that celebrities are just like us. They all were awkward teenag-ers at one point, too,” said the insightful Krentz. Moving mountains with her numerous accomplishments, Krentz reaches out to inspire LPHS students. “Finally, I guess I’ll just say that if you’re a teenager with a dream to do something outside of LaPorte, go for it. No one is stopping you, and the oppor-tunities out there are endless. I moved to LA with no job and little money. With hard work, determination, and a lot of cre-ativity, I did it,” said Krentz.

Photo provided

Katie Krentz laughs while playimg a carnival game.

If you had the op-portunity, at what company would you

intern?

“I would intern at Sev-enteen magazine. As a reader, the cover real-ly attracts me. It talks about topics that relate to teenagers. I enjoy

writing articles.”–Kassandra Marquez,

senior

What is more im-portant to you- making a large amount of money or loving what

you do?

“Doing something I love. I would rath-er do something I enjoy than work-ing and hating my

job.”– Trinity King,

junior

Would you rather be your own boss or work for a celeb-

rity?

“Being my own boss and doing my own thing. I like being indepen-dent and I wouldn’t have to take anyone’s orders but mine.”– Nancy Sandoval,

sophomore

As a freshman, how do you plan to pre-pare yourself for your future job?

“Taking college prep classes and develop-ing good communica-

tion skills.”– Sam Doig, freshman