What’s recently happened?
The Chesterton High School (CHS) Dance Team competed at the Solo Ensemble State Championship earlier this month. This particular event was the last item on the team’s agenda for this season, and to say the team performed well would be an understatement.
Multiple dancers were recognized for their excellent performances at the championship. A small ensemble of Suzanne Adent, Lana Glazer, Zoe Komp, and Georgia Peterson earned the title of State Champions, and Amelia Kelly, Suzanne Adent, and Lana Glazer were named solo State qualifiers.
“Ending this season with so many successes felt amazing. We accomplished so many goals this year and were able to see our hard work being rewarded at the state level. This year was extra special being my last year competing with the team. It was a great way to close my final chapter of being on the Chesterton Dance Team. I couldn’t be more proud of our performances this year,” Kelly said.
With multiple State titles, individual successes, and national recognition at the National Dance Alliance Championship in Orlando, Florida, the CHS Dance Team has concluded the 2024-2025 season with a fantastic ending.
What’s coming up?
Spring is just starting to begin, and so is baseball season at CHS. The Varsity Boys Baseball Team began practicing earlier this month in preparation for the season.
Last year, the team performed exceptionally well compared to previous years. John Bogner, the former Highland High School baseball coach, moved for the opportunity to coach at Chesterton and had big plans for the team. His coaching methods proved to be successful after the team won its first Sectional title since the spring of 2018 with an overall record of 22-7.
“This year, we have to avoid complacency and keep working hard. We have a lot of new faces in the dugout, and they will have to perform right away,” Bogner said.
The boys of CHS Baseball opened its season with a scrimmage at Kankakee Valley High School on March 29. Games will continue for the rest of the school year and into early summer depending on the success of the team. Be sure to check out the team and support the boys throughout their season at their games.
Staff spotlight:
George Fox is a special education teacher at CHS. He currently teaches Integrated Chemistry and Physics (ICP) and Algebra to his students. Fox has been teaching at CHS for 25 years now, but has been involved in the classroom since 1997. He’s spent time working as a teaching assistant or substitute teacher.
Teaching wasn’t always Fox’s plan. Initially, he was interested in business and attended Northern Illinois University to get his degree, but he soon realized it wasn’t for him. Fox moved back home and attended Triton College where he received his associate’s degree in communications. After receiving his associate’s degree, he returned to Northern Illinois to finish school and get his bachelor’s degree.
“I was always substitute teaching to make some extra money. I enjoyed it and kept getting calls back from the special education departments. That’s when I figured it was maybe something I could be good at,” Fox said.
Fox’s hardworking mother may have inspired his interest in special education. His mother always found a way to advocate for her other son, Ted, who has special needs. With limited options for special education in the 1970s, Fox saw firsthand how challenging it can be for students to get their needs met.
“My mom is a great mom, and a very hard worker. I think sometimes her patience with my brother taught me how to have patience and understanding for my students,” Fox said.
Outside of school, Fox can be found spending time with his wife and kids and participating in many outdoor activities.
“I enjoy hiking, golfing, biking, just being outside in nature. Anything that takes you outside after being stuck inside all day is a lot of fun,” Fox said.
This year, Fox is being recognized for his hard work in the Duneland School Corporation. He is a 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist. In April, a committee will interview the finalists and select one teacher to be the winner. This high recognition is a reflection of Fox and his excellent skills as both a Duneland teacher and as a person.
Student spotlight:
Gabrielle Dunlap is a senior at CHS. She has been a member of Duneland schools her whole life, starting at the elementary schools and making her way up to the high school. Throughout her high school career, Dunlap has been preparing for her future. Dunlap has taken a business class each year at CHS, which is just a stepping stone for her life after high school.
“In the future, I hope to become a marketing manager because I love that it allows for creativity in the business world,” Dunlap said.
This fall, Dunlap will be attending Northwestern University to study communications. She plans to major in communications, minor in business institutions, and receive the Integrated Marketing Communications Certification.
Outside of school, Dunlap keeps a busy schedule managing sports, jobs, internships, and extracurriculars.
“I am a cheerleader, the founder and president of the marketing club, the president of the Gold Standard Club, the treasurer of Business Professionals of America, and a senator for Student Government. I am also a member of the Red Cross Club, AP Mentorship Program, and National Honor Society at CHS,” Dunlap said.
Dunlap currently works two jobs. She is a prom consultant at Paris House of Bridal and a server at Bubbles Ice Cream Parlor, both in Michigan City. She is also a member of the CHS internship program with Anton Insurance to learn about the insurance industry. The Trojan Learning Center is where she helps with marketing endeavors.
Dunlap’s hard work and triumphs will not go unnoticed as they have already gotten her into Northwestern University, an outstanding achievement on its own. She is looking forward to all that will come with this next chapter of her life, especially the freedom and opportunities that will arrive with being a college student.
“The best part of college is the freedom to grow—academically, personally, and socially—while exploring new opportunities and shaping my future,” Dunlap said.
