What has happened recently
Merrillville celebrated its first National Night Out when community members came together on August 2, 2022. The event was held at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center and promoted a welcoming environment for the community to meet the members of the forces of order. The event was tailgate style with games, music and bounce houses for the kids as a fun way to enjoy the summer festivities.
As summer comes to a close, Merrillville Community School Corporation (MCSC) quickly prepares for the school year. For students attending MCSC during the 2022-2023 school year, Verification of Information (VIO) forms were sent on August 1, 2022. The VIO forms are correct and verify any information about the ‘student that must be updated from the previous school year.
MCSC also had changes involving free and reduced lunches after the 2021-2022 school year. Lunch prices will now return following the COVID-19 price change. Parents and guardians can fill out free/reduced lunch forms for the 2022-2023 school year and will be notified if their household qualifies.
Merrillville High School (MHS) held freshman orientation for the incoming class of ’26. The orientation was from August 9 to 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Chromebooks were given to students who attended orientation, but will also be given out on the first day if students were unable to pick up theirs.
Next:
MHS students attending the 2022-2023 school year will receive their schedule around August 14, 2022. Schedule adjustments will be made until the first day of school on August 17. If students have not received their schedule, locker or classroom number by August 17, 2022, they should notify their guidance counselor and resolve the issues.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors should expect to receive their Chromebooks on August 18th and 19th, along with photo IDs. All information will also be in each student’s Skyward.
On August 12, 2022, seniors have the option to paint their parking spaces for the upcoming school year. Seniors have to pay $15, but that includes painting, food and parking. The event is from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parking passes must be obtained by going to the Services Office with proof of registration, insurance and a valid driver’s license.
MCSC is hosting an Immunization Night on September 1st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at MHS. Registration is available on the MHS website for interested students. The MCSC vaccination deadline is September 19, 2022.
Reference point for community members
Debra Givens has taken the saying “never give up” and held it close to her heart. Givens has handled many paths in the healthcare field. Although it may not have been his initial path, he was successful in it and worked at several healthcare companies.
“I believe that my career success was built on the strong foundations I received from my mentors who took me by the hand and poured me in,” Givens said. “I was fortunate to have had the instruction, guidelines, constructive criticism, and corrections I needed to catapult me to who I am today. There were characteristics that could not be taught but were innate in me. I often refer to them as to gifts: the gift of compassion, the gift of caring, the gift of humility, the gift of serving others, the gift of generosity… These are added factors that have contributed to the success I have experienced in my career.”
During the pandemic, Givens decided to publish a book to share her story and inspire others because they are capable of more than they think.
“My book titled ‘Why Not You’ is a journey of some of my life experiences, circumstances, situations and opportunities that allowed me to see myself differently than where I was,” Givens said. “It gives an idea of how my career path was chosen for me and not chosen by me. It clearly explained how the path that started as a disappointment turned into a life, turned into a love, and ended it’s my passion.”
She hopes this book will help others realize their potential.
“My book will affect others in multiple ways,” Givens said. “It will make you never underestimate how sometimes the disruption of what you originally thought or planned can affect positive results that you never saw coming. It will make one have the spirit of ‘never give up’ to achieve goals or dreams that you have. In other words, have a “Just Do It” mentality. It also allows you to reflect on the life lessons that have been beneficial in your life’s journey in order to reach your potential and maintain what you believe you are. the success”.
Givens believes that healthcare is more than a job, it is a passion that requires love.
“Check your heart and rate your compassion and care meter,” Givens said. “Health care is just that, bringing the health of a person who needs what you have to help them to a healthier place through the care, patience and compassion you provide. The industry has changed a lot, but the “one thing that will never change is that people don’t care how much you know; they want to know how much you care.”
Givens shares her final advice and ways she’s helping the next generation of nurses
“I think it’s important to always have a mindset to give back in any way that’s beneficial to the next person that’s inspiring to be where you are,” Givens said. “I have had the fantastic opportunity to invest in others by awarding scholarships to senior students who have chosen to further their education in the healthcare sector.”
“I have also helped several inspiring nurses pass their NCLEX exam,” Givens continued. “I continue to work with students to pass exams, mentor several who are completing courses, and have had the incredible privilege of training others while actively working in the profession. I am grateful for so many things, but ultimately, how God chose me to help others in the most vulnerable way in times of need.”
To contact Givens about NCLEX exam help or other guidance through nursing contact: Dgivensrn@gmail.com
