What’s recently happened?
On April 8, Chesterton High School (CHS) students had the opportunity to view a solar eclipse during their fourth block classes. For students who turned in permission slips to watch this astronomical event, classes were paused for the viewing. Students and staff members were given glasses to observe the eclipse from the parking lots. As students participated in this momentous occasion, the speakers blared the 1983 hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler.
“Seeing this year’s solar eclipse was interesting. I saw the last solar eclipse in 2017 and was in the line of totality. Being in the line of totality was awesome, and seeing it now is awesome too since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Sophomore Antonio Unpingco said.
While many could view the eclipse from CHS, others took this opportunity to travel to the path of totality, which stretched from Mexico, through the United States (U.S.), and up into Canada.
“I went down to Indianapolis this weekend to view the total eclipse. A solar eclipse is when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun and then the moon blocks out the sunlight,” Earth and Space Science Teacher Stephanie Nichols said.
Those who have been fortunate enough to experience a solar eclipse in the line of totality strongly urge others, should they have the opportunity to, to view it in a place where the sky becomes completely dark.
“Once I took off my glasses, the eclipse was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It looked like a black sun and white streamers moving from the moon – it was the sun’s corona,” Nichols said.
Whether you traveled for the eclipse, or viewed it locally, being able to witness this incredible occasion is sure to live on in people’s memories forever.
What’s coming up?
CHS’s Prom Committee is diligently working to create a wonderful Prom night for juniors and seniors.
“We have a sophomore class Prom Committee, and those students decide the decorations and the theme. They decided on ‘Happily Ever After’ as a fairytale-inspired idea,” Prom Coordinator Jennifer Jendrzejczyk said.
Students have put forth their efforts to create a custom carriage for Prom attendees to sit in as well as a book for students to sign. The goal of having a book filled with student’s signatures is that the book will be archived and brought out for reunions so students can remember their magical night.
“Our team has collaborated to execute a well-thought-out dance. As for our committee, we have been meeting up on a regular basis before school to prepare and plan for Prom. We have utilized our differentiating backgrounds to make "Happily Ever After 2024" a lifelong memory for all participants,” Sophomore Student Government Senator Devin Throw said.
Staff spotlight:
Christine Bullock is a sincerely loved teacher in the Duneland community because of her endearing passion for helping students and teaching. Bullock has taught within Duneland School Corporation for 24 years and has recently transferred to CHS from Chesterton Middle School (CMS). Bullock currently teaches Freshman Geography and Senior Government, but has previously taught World History, social studies, Economics, and U.S. History.
One aspect Bullock loves about having taught at both CMS and CHS is that she has had the opportunity to see former students.
“I like to see the growth in students, especially when I teach in middle school and I see the kids in high school. You see such a change in maturity. I get to know their families and their siblings,” Bullock said.
Having majored in history, political science, and education, Bullock graduated from Ball State University and also earned her master’s degree from Valparaiso University. With teaching students about cultures and history, Bullock enjoys inviting former students to talk in her classes about their exposure to different places.
“Kids come in and talk about living in the Middle East, whether it be kids who are Jewish or Islamic, who experience different opportunities where they’ve traveled and they come back and present. I love that, and I think kids will listen more to kids their age or a little older,” Bullock said.
Besides teaching, Bullock is greatly involved with CHS through her work outside the classroom. She helps with the Football Boosters and aids with fundraising, Save Promise Club, the Advisory Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, and also spends her time assisting during track events.
Bullock, who was inspired by her teachers, has also inspired many through her efforts in the community.
“I had great teachers in high school that made me want to be a teacher, and I really enjoyed the content, helping kids learn, and having something different every day,” Bullock said.
Student spotlight:
Sophomore Mara Huneryager is a charitable and compassionate individual. In her free time, Huneryager loves reading, volunteering, participating in local theatre and Show Choir. She is a dedicated student who is involved in a variety of clubs.
“I’m currently in Show Choir and I’m in the Sandpipers, which is the mixed Show Choir. I'm also a part of Student Government and the liaison for the sophomore class, and I’m a member of the Prom Committee,” Huneryager said.
Theatre plays a large role in her life. Having done theatre and dance from a young age, Huneryager explained that she always wants the art to be a part of her life. Since coming to high school, she hasn’t participated in many local events, but she has previously done shows at the Memorial Opera House and Footlight Players. She is currently a mentor for the Memorial Opera House’s Penguin Project chapter, where children with special needs are able to pursue theatre.
Additionally, she is also passionate about psychology. She has plans to double major in theater arts and psychology at her dream school, Northwestern University.
“My favorite class is advanced placement (AP) Psychology because I enjoy learning about how different people think and the different mental illnesses and issues there are throughout the world,” Huneryager said.
Huneryager is incredibly committed to activities important to her, and her dedication is commendable.
“With Student Government and the Prom Committee, it’s really important for me to be a part of these groups because I can see my impact on the school. I can make better changes, I can help create things that will make other people happy or feel like they are getting more out of their schoolwork,” Huneryager said.