With the end of the 2014-2015 school year quickly approaching, Chesterton High School’s seniors are counting down the days until they turn in their calculus and economics textbooks in exchange for that maroon and gold gown and their diploma. Many of them are eager to start the next phase of their life, but some are finding themselves sad to finally see the finish line.
“I never imagined the last four years would go by that fast,” explains senior Matthew Nedved. “I always thought people were exaggerating when they said things like that.”
According to Abigail Curdes, the last four years couldn’t have gone by quicker.
“I’ve had senioritis since freshman year,” she says with a laugh. “I was beyond ecstatic to graduate midterm.”
Despite graduating early, Curdes -- and many others -- will walk with their peers at June 4th’s commencement ceremony.
Regardless of students’ differing views, everyone can agree that they are excited about the future. Chesterton’s seniors are all noteworthily idiosyncratic, which is a trait that separates CHS from other schools.
While some students are choosing to go right into the trades post-graduation, others are taking some time off and travelling; some are staying local and going to Purdue North Central, Indiana University Northwest, or Valparaiso University; plenty have chosen novelties such as Indiana University and Ball State University as their college of choice; and others have been accepted to Ivy League schools or various out-of-state colleges.
Even with differing goals and ambitions, it is inevitable that these students are ready to succeed. While June 4th is just weeks away, there are still habits and mechanisms to get through before hearing the opening riff of Pomp and Circumstance.
Typical end-of-the-year festivities include Senior Awards Night, Senior Banquet, and, of course, prom. Until a few years ago, Chesterton High School’s prom has been held on school grounds. Last year’s was held off-campus at the Orak Shrine Temple in Michigan City, whereas this year’s was located at Duneland Falls in Burns Harbor.
“It’s so much fun having prom off-campus,” says junior Liberty Eiden. “It just makes the whole night seem more special. Instead of renting a car or limo and having it drop you off in front of the school, like any other day, you get to ride in style and pull up to this really luxurious building with all your friends.”
This year’s junior/senior prom was themed “Stardust Romance” and took place Saturday, May 2, from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The ballots were counted and tallied up around 9:00, and the prom court was crowned shortly thereafter. The title of prince and princess was awarded to juniors Gavin Putchaven and Molly Wilson, and the title of king and queen was awarded to seniors Sawyer Hallas and Josie Tolin.
In lieu with prom, the CHS student government did something they had never done in previous years: they raised money for a new DJ. This feat was entirely student-run. With the help of various faculty members and enthused juniors and seniors, the student government was able to raise over $600 in just a few weeks.
“This was an incredible thing to accomplish,” says director Jennifer Jendrzejczyk. “I’m so proud of the kids for working this hard, singlehandedly, to meet their goal.”
Student council representative Alex Genetski states: “This couldn’t have been done without the help of the student body. The fundraiser was a massive, massive success, and the DJ we hired was a big hit at prom.”
“The fact that this was entirely student-based really makes it special,” continues Genetski. “Everyone in student government feels really good about themselves for being able to make something like this happen in such a short amount of time.”
Another end-of-year tradition is the spring musical. This year’s performance was a dazzling production of The Addams Family, featuring Diva Bridegroom as Morticia, Lyle Reyes as Pugsly, Taylor Troop as Wednesday, Anna Reyes as Grandma, Sean Puent as Gomez, Jake Merryman as Lurch, and Tanner Fowler as Uncle Fester. The show takes audience members through the journey of Wednesday Addams’ first love and the effect that it has on both her and her boyfriend’s parents.
“This show is entirely different from what we’ve done in the past,” says stage director Kristin Morris. “Typically, we are used to putting on family-friendly shows [like Seussical: The Musical, for instance], and Addams Family doesn’t fit that quota. This is more comedic, dark, and definitely based off more PG-13 material.”
Despite this change, the cast and crew agree that a shift in genres was “fun and well-needed”.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed Seussical and all the kids shows we’ve done, Addams Family has to be my favorite,” says Taylor Troop. “It’s been so fun playing a darker character than I’m used to.”
“The Addams Family, the musical itself is really fun. It’s just so much fun to sing and act, and it’s really zany and all that good stuff,” Puent said. “But what I think is best about it is getting to bond with the cast and have a second family. During musical season, we all tend to live backstage. We eat, sleep, and breathe Addams Family."