On Friday August 23, Chesterton High School (CHS) will proudly become the first school in Porter County to receive a heart safe school designation from Project ADAM. The school has completed the designation and will be awarded on Friday, August 23 at 9:50 a.m. at the CHS Main Office.
Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) is a nationally recognized program dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in schools. Named in honor of Adam Lemel, a high school student who tragically lost his life to SCA, the initiative focuses on raising awareness, training staff, and providing schools with necessary tools to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.
Chesterton High School Nurse Brittany Smith first learned of this initiative while pursuing resources for school nurses. This program was also discussed at the Indiana School Nurse Conference attended by CHS Nurse Marie Kirchner. Together, they confirmed the impact implementing this program would mean for Duneland School Corporation. After sharing information with school officials at the high school and at the district level, it was decided that it would be beneficial to integrate this program at the school.
The Heart Safe School designation not only enhances the safety of Chesterton High School but also sets a standard for other schools in the region. By prioritizing the health and safety of its community, Chesterton High School exemplifies leadership and dedication to creating a secure learning environment.
Principal Brent Martinson expressed his excitement regarding the school’s achievement, "As the principal of Chesterton High School, I am incredibly proud that we will be the first Heart Safe School in Porter County through the Project ADAM initiative. This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. By meeting the rigorous standards set by Project ADAM, we have taken proactive steps to safeguard our school environment, equipping our campus with the necessary tools and training to respond effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency. This milestone is not just an achievement; it is a promise to our community that we will continue to prioritize the well-being of everyone who walks through our doors.”
There are plans to expand the Project ADAM program throughout the entire Duneland School Corporation district over the next two years.