PHOTO BY MATTHEW STEFANSKI

By Michelle Parr Staff Reporter

It is time for the unveiling of the 2012 Vic-tory Christian Academy (VCA) softball team! The whole team is ready for another season of playing,

showing Christ on the field

UNLEASHING THE UNTOUCHABLE PRIDE and support from the stu-dents and fans. The softball team has fresh new players and a new assistant coach to get them ready for what lies ahead.

CONTENTS

LOCAL NEWS 2

News 3

NEWS 4

FEATURES 5

Opinion 6

Sports 7

Calendar 8

Issue Two Friday, March 23, 2012 thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com

Where will you spend eternity?

Page 7

Campus Life

comes to Valpo Page 3

THE VICTORY VOICE

See “Pride” on page 7

Meet a warrior for

Christ Page 5

Inside

See “Yo Amazing” on page 2 See “Candy” on page 2

By Samantha Weiler Managing Editor You are invited to a brand new candy store and you don’t even need a gold-en ticket to get in. Co-owner Jack Hines looked around Valparaiso one day and real-ized that there was not much for kids. Thus Valparaiso’s first candy store, Sticky Fingers Candy Company was born. Drive through downtown Valparai-so, past the courthouse and beyond the new Central Park Plaza. There at 54 Lafayette St. stands Sticky Fingers Candy Shop which has been bursting with a myriad of candy, pop-corn and fudge since its grand opening on Feb. 1.

A NEW FROZEN TREAT FOR THE REGION

STICKY FINGERS COMES TO TOWN

PHOTOS BY NIKKI GEER

Varsity softball coach Mrs. Parr

PHOTO BY MICHELLE PARR

Sticky Fingers is currently the only candy store in Valparaiso.

Yo Amazing has been a hit throughout the community since opening in early 2012.

By Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

Among the strawberries, animal crackers and sprinkles is one of modern day America’s newest fads: frozen yogurt. Fro-zen yogurt franchises have sprung up throughout the United States in the past two years. Unlike most franchises, Yo Amazing, the first frozen yogurt shop in Northwest Indiana, was founded by two people from “The Region.” After traveling much throughout the United States, Courtney Crozier, Val-paraiso native and former contestant on Sea-son 11 of “The Biggest Loser,” noticed the need for a frozen yogurt shop in Valparaiso.

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 2

CANDY

YO AMAZING Continued from page 1

Victory Christian Academy’s (VCA) life management class stopped by the store recently. Students were pleased with the variety of choices and

the friendliness of the staff mem-bers.

“As soon as I walked in, eve-ryone was eager to help me find what I wanted,” said junior Miranda Drakos.

Other students were not only happy with the prompt service, but also enjoyed he atmosphere.

“The workers were amiable and pleasant, and they treated their customers with patience. Added to the friendly atmosphere was a pletho-ra of delicious goodies,” said junior Luke Schrader.

The place was pretty color-ful,” said junior Rhyan Pawlicki, “and you could get samples of any candy you wanted.” Sticky Fingers also featured a movie playing in the store, which was used to entertain customers. “The

movie made me feel like I was at home,” said Drakos. Students such as Pawlicki especially enjoyed tasting the toffee. “It was like a burst of coffee in my mouth with a chocolate-ness to it,” said Pawlicki. Sticky Fingers management says, during the upcoming summer, they will feature snow cones and pop-corn machines outside in order to lure customers from the nearby Central Park Plaza. Many local people are happy that there is finally a candy store in Valparaiso. “I had a blast at Sticky Fin-gers and I will definitely go there again,” said Drakos. For more information about Sticky Fingers, reach them at (219) 510-5824, or visit them online at www.stickyfingerscandycompany.com

Crozier then recruited the owner of Dairy Dip in Portage, Kevin Coppinger to join her in the new business venture. She then approached boyfriend and current Co-General Manager, Alex Respess with the idea. “I grew up in Georgia where we have these (frozen yogurt) places everywhere. I was sur-prised there was not one around here. Plus, when Crozier sets her mind to something, she makes sure it gets done," said Respess. Similar to franchises, Yo Amazing utilizes the self-serve frozen yogurt concept. However, Yo Amazing

is different because Crozier makes sure calorie counts and nutritional infor-mation of every soft serve flavor is post-ed. "We have it all posted, so there are no questions. If you're in front of it (frozen yogurt), you have to be con-scious about it. Moderation is key," said Crozier. Yo Amazing features a variety

of flavors such as Pistachio, Red Velvet Cake and Very Berry Sorbet. "So far, our biggest hit has been cake batter," said Crozier. The flavor of the month for March is Cool Mint, which coincides with the seasonal changes. Customers are allowed to mix and match flavors and choose any top-pings to put on their yogurt. After cus-tomers choose the yogurt, they move to the topping bar then the cash register, where they pay for their yogurt based on its weight. Yo Amazing exhibits a vibrant, engaging 21st century atmosphere. The new hangout spot, located in the Val-paraiso Marketplace, features couches as well as multiple tables for customers to

relax and enjoy their creations. The reception of Yo Amazing has been extremely positive so far. Stu-dents at Victory Christian Academy as well as many people throughout the area were pleased with their experiences at Yo Amazing. Senior Evan Longhi said, “Yo Amazing is definitely amazing.” Cro-zier and Respess were surprised by the quick positive reputation of Yo Amazing in the community. Yo Amazing does not cater to a specific age group, but caters to every-one. “There is something for everyone and that’s the coolest thing about it,” said Crozier.

PHOTOS BY NIKKI GEER

PHOTOS BY NIKKI GEER

Continued from page 1

Yo Amazing features a topping bar filled with a variety of fruits and candies.

A team member at Yo Amazing offers sample cups to customers.

Sticky Fingers Candy Company fea-tures a variety of chocolates, nuts and sour candy.

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 3

CAMPUS LIFE COMES TO VALPARAISO

Where do you find in-sane games, embarrassing con-tests, heart-to-heart conversa-tions and the Word of God? You find all of these things and much more at Campus Life.

Campus Life is run by Youth for Christ, an organization that seeks to lead non-believers to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Youth for Christ has been a staple of the Northwest Indiana community for over 20 years, but Valparaiso has never had a lasting Campus Life program. That's where Katie Barnes comes in.

Barnes, who grew up going to Campus Life in Portage, was greatly influenced by her ex-periences there. "It (Campus

Soon after Barnes moved

home, she planned an event to encourage local teenagers to at-tend Valparaiso Campus Life. On Feb. 10, 2012, the kick-off of Campus Life took place at BridgePoint Church. The dance consisted of fun activities such as a photo-op area, basketball, raf-fles, contests and of course, danc-ing. With approximately 50 teen-agers in attendance, Barnes con-sidered Campus Life’s first event to be a huge success.

Campus Life will official-ly start on Monday nights this fall. However, Barnes hopes to host another Campus Life event for high schoolers in the early summer of 2012.

Contact: vcavoice@gmail.com

Would you like your business to be featured here? Advertise in The Victory Voice for an affordable price.

$60 for the three remaining issues $25 per issue

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATE STULTS Local teenagers came out to have a great time

and worship Christ at the first Valparaiso Campus Life event.

By Ellen Cooper Staff Reporter

Life) impacted me significantly," says Barnes, "because I had a di-rector who cared deeply for me, challenged me to live for Christ and encouraged me when I need-ed help."

After graduating from Taylor University, Barnes moved back home to Valparaiso where she noticed the need for Campus Life. There was an existing mid-dle school Campus Life, but Barnes thought that Valparaiso high schoolers could also benefit from Campus Life. Barnes, along with other Christians in the area, started discussing the possibility of start-ing a long-lasting Campus Life in Valparaiso. Barnes’s goal for Val-paraiso Campus Life is to "help move students closer to Christ and get them connected to a local church."

Campus Life M (middle school) meets every Thursday night from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at BridgePoint Church in down-town Valparaiso.

THE VICTORY VOICE

BREAKFAST CATERS TO STUDENTS AND FATHERS

climb. Then, how was China in-vaded three times during the first hundred years it stood? The sneaky invaders had it easy—they bribed the gatekeepers and walked right into China. The builders spent so much time making sure the Wall was strong—and neglected to build up the strength of those holding the keys. This was the example Rick Jones used in his devotional at February's “All Pro Dads Break-fast,” the first of these monthly events. The premise of these breakfasts is simple—get as many dads, granddads, big brothers, un-cles, coaches and mentors possible to Victory Christian Academy

(VCA) at 7:00 a.m. in the morn-ing. Then, give them free food, an opportunity to spend quality time with the student who brought them and a short message about how important they are, as gate-keepers in these students' lives. Mark your calendars for April 24 and May 29. Boys and girls from both VCA campuses may invite an influential man in their life to the North Campus at 7:00 a.m. for food, fellowship and encouragement. To learn more about All Pro Dads and the big-picture plan for these breakfasts, feel free to contact Derek Chirch at derekchirch@comcast.net or visit www.allprodads.com

PAGE 4

STEFANSKI RATED AMONG TOP IN THE STATE

PHOTO BY SAMUEL BROWN

Matthew Stefanski, Editor-in-Chief of The Victory Voice, was ranked as one of the top 10 student journalists by the Indiana High School Press Association (IHSPA). Among numerous appli-cants for Student Journalist of the Year, senior Stefanski was chosen as a finalist.

Stefanski was one of the 5 out of 10 finalists from Northwest Indiana who were recognized at the IHSPA First Amendment Sym-posium on Wednesday March 7.

Stefanski, the son of for-mer Times columnist Mary Stefan-ski, has been interested in journal-ism since the young age of ten. He has job shadowed at numerous television stations throughout the country and is as currently writing a book, “How to Live with an Au-tistic Kid: A Sibling’s Guide.” He is the brother of Daniel Stefanski, author of “How to Talk to an Au-tistic Kid.”

Stefanski had a dream to institute a student-produced news publication and eventually suc-ceeded by obtaining administration approval and funding in 2011. He

initiated journalism classes at the school as well as recruited a publi-cation staff of nine students.

Stefanski is the upcoming 2012 Valedictorian at Victory Christian Academy and currently manages the staff of The Victory Voice, the student-produced news publication, which has been a huge success throughout the community surrounding Victory. Stefanski has attended the High School Journalism Institute (HSJI) at Indiana University and is one of the first “super veterans” at HSJI. He has received multiple awards for his work at the institute and plans on pursuing a career in journalism.

By Samantha Weiler Managing Editor

The Great Wall of China: too long to go around, too strong to knock down and too tall to

Mark your calendars for breakfast on April 24 and

May 29.

Stefanski holds his certificate at the First Amendment Symposium.

Press Release By Contributing Staff Members

PHOTO COURTESY OF VCA ATHLETICS

PLAYING FOR CHRIST

THE VICTORY VOICE PAGE 5

Features The Victory Voice is the official student-produced news publication of Victory Christian Academy. The mission of The Victory Voice is to report school news to the high school reader in an accurate, truthful manner, to educate the reader on the information present-ed, and to provide a school forum for open discussion. The opinions expressed in The Victory Voice are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily the opinions of the students, staff and administration of Victory Chris-tian Academy. The Victory Voice is a member of the Indiana High School Press Association. Please visit us online at thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com Contact us: vcavoice@gmail.com

Staff Editor-in-Chief Matthew Stefanski Managing Editor Sam Weiler News Editor Samuel Brown Copy Editor Logan Garnes Design Editor Lisi Dudash Staff Reporters Ellen Cooper Michelle Parr Photographers Nikki Geer Stephanie Gordon Adviser Mr. A. Jones Job Openings The Victory Voice is currently look-ing for a webmaster and staff reporters. Please inquire at vcavoice@gmail.com if interested.

THE VICTORY VOICE

PHOTO BY ELLEN COOPER

By Samuel Brown News Editor

According to Webster’s Dic-tionary, courage is defined as “the men-tal or moral stamina to face trouble or fear.” Being placed in a new school and trying out to be part of a basketball team for the first time definitely required courage. For 6-foot-2-inch sophomore Ben Jumche, it was just another oppor-tunity to glorify God. “I figured that basketball would be a great ministry to form relationships with other Christian athletes and share biblical fellowship with them,” said Jum-che. “My inspiration to try out for the basketball team came from my personal savior, Jesus Christ.” Jumche hopes to form a close network of Christian ath-letes to encourage each other in their walks with Christ as well as their actual game play on the court.

Jumche had never played on an official sports team prior to going out for the Victory Christian Academy (VCA) Lions basketball team. Regard-less of his background, Jumche made the decision to try out for the basketball team to not only learn the dynamics of the game, but to also glorify Jesus Christ. Before the beginning of the bas-ketball season, Jumche set goals in order to push himself. “I really wanted to learn the basic fundamentals and become well

Sophomore Ben Jumche plans on growing in his walk with Christ.

versed in game play situations so I could help out my teammates whenev-er they needed me,” said Jumche. He tackled his goals throughout the season and learned much more about basket-ball as a result. Jumche’s love of the game is apparent on and off the court. He works hard to be a solid team player by encouraging fans and teammates to have pride in the basketball team. “I just want fans to come out and watch us Lions strive to be the best we can be,” said Jumche. He also describes the unique quality that basketball players have op-posed to other athletes. “It’s patience. Being patient enough to learn the game and to know your teammates is what it’s all about.” In addition to his role as a bas-ketball player, Jumche is also working toward obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in his local troop. He also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. According to fellow teammate senior Evan Longhi, Jumche “is one of the easiest players to get along with.” For many students at VCA, Jumche is a young man that is easy to work with and is a person that can be entrusted to get any task done right. Jumche plans on working hard during the off season as well as growing in his personal walk in Christ. “Without Christ, there would be no basketball for me,” said Jumche. Jumche is a great example of placing God as the top priority in his life and is an encouragement to fellow Christians around him. Jumche doesn’t play basketball for himself, he plays for Christ.

YourVoice

Philippians 2:10-11 reads, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Re-gardless of what religion, phi-losophy or moral code a man lives by, he cannot escape this final appointment with his Maker. At the final proclama-tion of God’s glory, two dis-tinct groups of man will be present. One group will demonstrate pure and holy reverence to their King. The other assortment of people will kneel to their mighty Creator who they rejected while on Earth. In today’s society, the lines separating Christianity from the immorality of the world have resulted in a state of secular muck. Those who live a sinful lifestyle while claiming to be a believer in Christ deceive themselves into believing that they have the promise of eternal life. Those who claim to have repented, but continue to live in sin are not part of God’s Celestial Kingdom. There is no such thing as a backslidden Christian. There is only the saved and the lost. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not

inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither fornica-tors, nor idolaters’, nor adulter-ers, nor effeminate, nor homosex-uals, nor thieves nor the covetous nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the king-dom of God,” states 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. One should not take sin lightly, for sin separates man from God and man can only receive salvation through Biblical repent-ance. True repentance is the total transformation of an individual’s life from being a slave of sin to being a servant of Jesus Christ.

Repentance is a lifestyle change, not a simple “I’m sorry” to God Almighty. Only those who repent their sins and call upon the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Lord of all are willing to take part in sharing everlasting life with Christ.

Those who do not repent will spend eternity separated from Christ in the Lake of Fire. “And then I will declare to them; I nev-er knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness,” states Matthew 7:23.

When all of mankind is displayed before the Lord, what group will you be kneeling with? Will you be with the saints and servants of Christ who repented all of their sins while on earth or will you be with the ones who rejected Christ for the fulfillment of their own worldly desires? Where will you spend eternity?

THE VICTORY VOICE

IN THE END By Sam Brown News Editor

Indiana House Bill 1169, “removes the require-ment that an activity must be unlawful for a student to be suspended or expelled for engaging in activity on or off school grounds, if (1) the activity may reasonably be considered to be an interfer-ence with school purposes or an educational function; or (2) the student’s removal is necessary to restore order or protect persons on school property.” Throughout the United States, students en-gage in acts such as cyberbul-lying and cheating outside of school. Indiana House Bill 1169 aims to punish students in school for their actions outside of school. In serious circumstances, I agree that students that commit unlaw-ful acts outside of school should be punished according-ly. However, I do not believe in every instance it is up to the administration to take action for acts commit-ted outside of school. We are fortunate to have a great ad-ministration here at Victory Christian Academy (VCA) that would only get involved in discipline outside of school if absolutely necessary. I believe that stu-dents should use their best judgment and adhere to their

Christian standards when making decisions. Students should not engage in behav-iors outside of school that forces administrators to get involved. Fortunately, I am not particularly concerned with House Bill 1169 affect-ing us at VCA. I believe our administrators greatly respect the opinions of us students. However, I am mainly concerned with what behavior school administra-tors, in general, deem “unlawful.” For instance, House Bill 1169 might give administrators the power to restrict free speech and the power of student journalists. As long as the administrators do not approve of the behav-ior, they can punish the stu-dents. Personally, I believe this violates First Amendment rights in restricting free speech. At the end of Febru-ary, a commission to study House Bill 1169 was created. This means that the Legisla-ture is going to think over the bill and then decide if it will be passed. This recent decision marks a step toward the dis-missal of House Bill 1169. However, if House Bill 1169 is passed, what would admin-istrators deem “unlawful” behavior?

PAGE 6

The opinions expressed in these articles are solely those of the writer and in no way shape or form reflect the image or mission of Victory Christian Academy.

By Matthew Stefanski Editor-in-Chief

Violation of First Amendment rights?

Where will you spend eternity?

sportssportssports PAGE 7 THE VICTORY VOICE

sports notes

as a team and as friends. We will use our minds and abilities that God gave us. Whatever we do, we will please God. Our Untouchable Pride sticks together!”

The new players of the Un-touchable Pride are pumped for the season, thanks to the coaches and players that have welcomed them into the pack.

“It’s great to have all the coaches, Coach Parr, Coach Huber and Coach Thomae. They are there for us and they teach us everything. The players who were in softball last year are really accepting and en-couraging. I feel accepted on to the team,” says new player freshman Grace Linden.

Freshman Gabby Carlson also feels as an important part of the Untouchable Pride. “I like being able to play a new sport. The coaches teach us really well. The players from last year are very welcoming,” says Carlson. The Untouchable Pride is ready with skill, heart and muscle to make a lasting impact on the field this year. Their first home game is on April 3 against Hammond Acade-my at 4:30 p.m. It’s time to support the Pride!

The VCA softball team started in 2010 under the leadership of high school science teacher Mrs. Lynne Jordan and her husband Mr. Daniel Jordan. In 2011, softball was passed on to high school math teach-er Mrs. Marisol Parr and her assis-tants, Mrs. Megan Huber and Miss Nicole Roetker. The 2011 coaches led the team to more wins than in the initial season. The softball team dubbed themselves the Awe and Shock of the Pride and truly united as a team. Now the time has come for the 2012 Pride to “show their claws.” It is the year of the Untouch-able Pride and the team is excited to start their season with a new assis-tant coach, new players and lots of heart.

Coach Michelle Thomae is the new assistant coach of the Un-touchable Pride. She played softball

Pride

for many years and is excited to as-sist Coach Parr in leading the Pride this season.

The team also has added many new players to bring even more to the plate. They have gained many students from VCA, as well as two experienced homeschooled players, 10th-grader Esther and eighth-grader Arianna Guess.

“I wanted to try something new. I think high school is a time to try new things. Softball is fun and exciting to play!” says new player freshman Debby Key.

Coach Parr is pumping up the girls and the whole school for the upcoming softball season. “I’m excit-ed about those who are returning and all the new players we have gained,” said Parr.

New and returning players alike are eager to see what’s going to happen next. Last year’s captain jun-ior Ellen Cooper is excited about what the team can accomplish. “We have a few new girls and they bring a lot of new talent. That’s exactly what we need!” said Cooper.

Returning player sophomore Hannah Parker feels that the Pride will become better this year because of the close bond and the team’s ulti-mate mission: to glorify God. “I feel that we are going to grow stronger

The first softball game is at 4:30 p.m. on April 2 at VCA. VCA vs. HAST

The first baseball game is at 4:30 p.m. on April 2 at HAST. VCA@HAST

The VCA baseball team faces West Side High School at Railcats Stadium at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE PARR

Softball players freshman Debby Key and junior Ellen Cooper

Softball players freshmen Gabby Carlson and Molly Cooper

Continued from page 1

April 2012

THE VICTORY VOICE

Expand Your Knowledge Did you know that Mrs. Jordan is a published author?

Did you know that Mr. Chirch attended four different colleges?

Did you know that Mrs. Parr played rugby while attending the Air Force Academy?

PAGE 8

“Like” The Victory Voice thevictoryvoice.wordpress.com

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 School

resumes from spring break

3 BB@HAST -

4:30pm SBvs. HAST-4:30pm

4 Lord of Your

Mind Men’s Bible Study-7:00am

5BB@ LEHS-

4:30pm

SB@ Gary West Side –4:30pm

6 Good Friday

NO SCHOOL

7

8 Easter

9 10 Missions

Team - 1:45pm SB@ Kouts JV-4:00pm BB@LEHS-4:30pm

11 Lord of Your

Mind Men’s Bible Study-7:00am

Awards Chapel @ 8:05am

12 BB@ Ham-

mond Baptist-4:30pm

13 Fun Fair @

South Campus-5:00pm

14 BBvs.PCS

SB@Bowman-10:00am

15 16 SAT Testing

17 SAT Testing

Archery Club BBvs. CCHS– 4:30pm SB@CCHS-4:30pm

18 Lord of Your

Mind Men’s Bible Study-7:00am

19 SAT Testing 20SAT Testing

1-8 grade 21BB@Railcats

Stadium vs. West Side Gary—1:00pm SB@KTA-10:00am

22 23 Staff

Appreciation Week

24 Archery Club BB@GBS-4:30pm SBvs. South Cen-tral-4:30pm

25 Lord of Your

Mind Men’s Bible Study-7:00am

26 27 Staff Lunch-

eon 28 BB@

Bowman-10:00am SB@ LaCrosse

29 30

BB=Baseball, SB=Softball