CHS Celebrates 125 Years
The year 1890 saw Chesterton High School’s first graduating class, Hanna Whitcomb and May Wilber, walk across the gymnasium and receive their diplomas. Now, in the 124 years following, over 20,000 individuals have graduated from the school.
“It is fitting that we mark the celebration of this year’s graduating class at Chesterton High School by celebrating a legacy of quality education in our community,” stated Jeff Van Drie, Principal at Chesterton High School.
An aerial photo of Chesterton High School’s student body was taken to commemorate this feat, as well as a brief interview with the oldest living graduate, Ann Hokanson, from the Class of 1930.
“If you tell anybody you graduated from Chesterton High School,” Hokanson says, “They will know you come from the best of the best. I am very proud to be a Chesterton graduate.”
COOL THINGS
Meanwhile, Duneland Schools Superintendent David Pruis congratulated CHS seniors Abby Burke and Alisha Dziarski for being named National Merit Scholar winners. Dziarski was one of 40 students in the state to achieve the Academic All-Star award for academic accomplishments and service to the communities they live in. Burke is set to attend Harvard University and study law come August, while Dziarski is to attend Yale University and study molecular biology and research.
Alisha Dziarski was also awarded an Academic All-Star at the Academic All-Star Awards ceremony in Indianapolis in April. Dziarski was one of only 40 students in the entire state to be named an Academic All-Star. The award is given to students based on their "efforts in the classroom, as well as their leadership and extracurricular and community involvement".
Pruis also lauded the Chesterton Boys Volleyball team, which took the championship win in the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association tournament two weeks ago. Senior Kai Cromwell was named most valuable player in the tournament for the second consecutive year.
Board member Kristen Kroeger noted that this was the second year in a row the team has won the championship.
The CHS Baseball team also took home its first IHSAA sectional championship win for the first time since 2004, Pruis said.
“These students’ accomplishments should not be overlooked by parents, teachers, or coaches,” states Pruis. “We are blessed here in Duneland to work with some of the best and on behalf of all of Duneland, we want to say that we are proud of you.”
POETRY JAMZ
Thursday, May 21 introduced the library’s first ever Book Swap and Poetry Jam. Student’s brought in books they’d already read or no longer wanted in exchange for books brought in by other students. They then gathered for a non-competitive poetry reading. Students read original poems and poems published by other authors.
“We’re always looking to find new, creative ways for students to express themselves,” CHS librarian Janna Carney says. “The poetry jam, along with the [creative] writing club here at school, has allowed for student writers and authors to share their art with others and get feedback.”
CLASS OF 2016
End-of-the-year celebrations are not just limited to the senior class. Although the Class of 2015 is excited to vacate the halls once school ends, the junior class is excited to occupy the space once held by these graduating seniors. After years of waiting, the Class of 2016 will begin its final year before college.
In order to help build excitement for next year, students were looking forward to choosing a locker near their friends, having more freedom around the school, and having more unimpeded class schedules.
“I was able to choose a locker near many of my close friends,” Sarah Lowe stated. “This will help make senior year feel more special, and also help reinstate the fact that we’re almost done.”
Juniors are also looking forward to picking less-restrictive classes than in previous years.
“I am excited to take only one semester of math,” Jacob Carney said. “Due to the fact that I am taking just one semester of math, I can take an elective that I actually enjoy, such as photography.”
“I enjoy the options I have for English classes,” Jenna Miller added. “Instead of having only one option, like in the past, I am able to have a more provocative decision in my education and take Novels and Advanced Composition, as opposed to a standard year-long English 12 course.”
“Next year, I have a greater ability to focus on my classes and choices more than I ever have,” Dylan Grubbs concluded. “Because we are able to have a say in our classes, it allows for us to make more adult decisions and to be treated like such.”
In addition, some students are excited to attend vocational, either for the first or second year.
“I like being able to leave early during the school day; I also enjoy making new friends from the other high schools in the area, who also wish to focus on a medical career,” Evans said. “It helps make the day seem a lot less monotonous, and it encourages you to meet new people.”
“I am going to begin my second year of vocational which helps me learn more about what I want to do in the future: for me, that is being a mechanic,” junior Henry Huyser added. “It is helpful to get real-life experience and outside of a traditional school setting.”
Most, if not all, juniors are looking forward to finally leaving high school.
“I am grateful it will all be over soon,” Katherine Merritt said. “Although I’ve really valued these past few years, I cannot wait to begin my life outside of Chesterton and outside of high school. CHS has been a great stepping stone and foundation, and I am really excited to see what else is coming my way.”
