News- Future of Chesterton Program
Founded in 2007, the Future of Chesterton Program is a partnership between the town of Chesterton and a select group of Chesterton High School students. This school year is the first year this program will be a part of a new Honors Advanced Business class. In previous years, the program was handled through Honors Economics and Government classes. Through this partnership the students and the town have, the students develop and research a particular project the town has given them. This process allows the students to gain: real-life economic insight, incentives for living and working in Chesterton long-term, and a hands-on learning experience. This year’s project involves the students having to come up with a plan for creating a potential arts district in Chesterton. The students will have to research the pros and cons of the implementation of this district, and whether those effects uphold Chesterton’s 2010 Comprehensive Plan.
Teacher Shoutout- Ian MacLaverty
Business teacher Ian MacLaverty teaches the Future of Chesterton program this year.
“We used to have the Future of Chesterton program here a couple years ago,” MacLaverty said. “It was something [Chesterton High School] wanted to rejuvenate, and because I was in the business side of things and doing careers and college classes, it seemed to fit. When they wanted to bring the program back, they asked me if I would consider teaching it, and I said I would.”
MacLaverty says he is looking forward to working with the town and the students to create a successful plan.
“I think [this year’s project] is fantastic,” MacLaverty said. “The possibility of creating an arts district in Chesterton is a great idea; it is something that is part of the comprehensive plan of the town of Chesterton. Hopefully, we will have a successful outcome where the town of Chesterton accepts the proposal and it gets put into the 2016 comprehensive plan. That way we can move forward implementing the creation of an arts district in Chesterton, over the next few years and into the future and beyond.”
MacLaverty teaches many classes, in addition to the Future of Chesterton Program. In all of his classes he has one concept he tries to implement.
“The one thing I always stress,” MacLaverty said, “is that [my students] learn life skills. Anything that they are learning here in class that they can take with them out into the workforce or just life in general- that’s my number one goal.”
Student Shoutout- Alec Emmons
Senior Alec Emmons has his own online business, ‘Lovalore,’ which he promotes through his social media accounts.
“I started [my business] in eighth grade,” Emmons said. “I actually started doing Twitter for fun and grew a few accounts, and about a year after freshman year I found out I could actually make money on it.”
Emmons sells various popular accessories on his website such as bracelets and watches.
“I sell on my website Lokai bracelets, or Earth and Water bracelets as I call them on my website,” Emmons said. “I also sell these elephant watches which are pretty cool and girly so they appeal to a lot of girls. Also, I will be releasing some new products in the fall. ”
Although Emmons’ business is strictly online, he uses his social media accounts to gain customers and support.
“I don’t have any stores or anything; you could buy it in the hallway if you see me,” Emmons said, “but my website is where I have all my products. I actually have been getting into some other social media accounts, such as Instagram. I just continue to update, post and tweet on all my accounts daily and they grow followers every day. Sometimes I’ll even sell and trade accounts for some good money, and good profit.”
Upcoming- Steinway Recital
The Urschel family recently donated a Steinway & Sons grand piano to the Music Department at Chesterton High School. In honor of this donation, music education director Tom Schnabel held auditions for students interested in playing on this piano in a recital. The recital will be held on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
“The donation of the Steinway is simply an amazing thing,” Schnabel said. “Our old concert grand piano was in the beginning stages of falling apart, so the timing of this donation could not have been any more ideal. On top of that, it’s a Steinway. Steinways have been and are still an elite instrument. This one is 21 years old but still in mint condition. A new one costs about $130,000. This donation is simply amazing.”
Schnabel’s advice for students wishing to pursue piano is to work hard and listen to other pianists’ music as well.
“Aspiring musicians must have a dream, a goal and must be hard workers who can persevere,” Schnabel said. “Musicians should be going to concerts and recitals to hear other players as well as listening to recordings all of the time.”