What’s recently happened?
Note: Basketball photos taken by Reese McKenzie
The Chesterton High School (CHS) Varsity Football team officially concluded its season after falling to the Valparaiso High School Vikings earlier this month on November 8. The Trojans fought for the Sectional Championship title to the end, but unfortunately, were defeated. Once football season ends, Trojan sports fans turn their attention to a different sport: basketball.
The CHS Varsity Girls Basketball team held its first practice in late October. The team hosted two scrimmages on October 30 and November 2 in preparation for the season. The Girls’ season officially started on November 7 during a game against the Highland High School Trojans. The game resulted in a CHS Trojans victory with a score of 59-24. Since their first game, the girls have been working hard to reign victorious against their competitors and the team currently has a record of 5-1.
The CHS Varsity Boys Basketball team is still in its early stages of preparation for the upcoming season. The team held its annual home scrimmage game on November 16. The first 65 students got free basketball shirts and players signed posters for Trojan fans before the game. The basketball team participated in a second scrimmage at Munster High School on November 23 to prepare for the season's first official game. On November 30, the Trojans will face the Elkhart High School Lions at home for the first time this year. Show up to the CHS Main Gym at 6:30 p.m. to watch the matchup.
“Our team has prepared for the season by working hard together, being connected, and trying to get better every single day. I have very high thoughts of our team and I am happy and confident with the guys I am playing with this year,” said CHS Junior and Shooting Guard Jaylon Watts.
What’s coming up?
On December 6, 7, and 8, the CHS Music Department will hold its 52nd Annual Madrigal Dinners.
The show, set in the Renaissance era, gives the music department the opportunity to perform several traditional Christmas songs to a large audience while dressed in elaborate costumes on a stage in the CHS cafeteria.
The exclusive event includes a candlelit English feast in the cafeteria, decorated as a medieval dining hall for audience members, with beautiful performances from talented CHS students. The Madrigal Dinners are a community event that brings the town together to celebrate the holiday season in a stunning fashion.
“Madrigal is one of my favorite events we put together as a show choir. From the beautiful hall we set up, to the singing, to the great costumes, it’s all stunning. I am so excited to do my third Madrigal this year with all my friends alongside me,” said CHS Junior Ava Cunningham.
CHS students work incredibly hard to create a magical experience for guests to see. Tickets to see the show are currently still being sold for all performances. Performance dates and times include December 6 at 7 p.m., December 7 at 4 p.m., and December 8 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. To purchase tickets for Madrigal, use the following link: https://cur8.com/18609/project/79475
Staff spotlight:
Patrick Ward started his teaching career in 2002 at Ben Davis High School and has been a teacher in the Duneland School Corporation since 2005. He is a passionate math teacher and is currently teaching College Algebra Honors, AP Pre-Calculus, and Algebra 2 to CHS students.
Initially, becoming a teacher was not the primary plan for Ward. He attended college at Butler University and studied Pre-Law, Actuarial, and Secondary Education, but after he first started teaching, he knew he found his place. He and his wife, both looking for teaching jobs, found their desired positions in the Duneland district and have been here ever since.
Along with being a math teacher, Ward also dedicates lots of time to coaching his students as well.
“I have coached for a long time. I have coached or helped coach a sport since 2002 and this is the first year I am not coaching,” said Ward.
Since 2002, Ward has held the positions of the Head Swimming Coach at Ben Davis High School, Assistant Swim Coach at CHS, and both Assistant and Head Golf Coach at CHS. Ward has also helped students prepare for standardized tests by leading the PSAT/SAT/ACT club since 2015.
Outside of coaching and sponsoring, Ward spends his time supporting and watching his students in their events and activities.
“I take a lot of pride in getting to know my students and their hobbies. Students are more than just the grade on the paper, and I take pride in getting to know them,” Ward said.
Ward takes pride in his family and the community and tries to give back in any way he can. Ward’s hard work and dedication to students, families, and the community do not go unnoticed. This year, Ward was named Secondary Teacher of the Year, and rightfully so. Ward is the perfect candidate to be awarded this highly regarded title and his actions and commitment to his job reflect that.
Student spotlight:
Boe RM is a current junior at CHS but decided to graduate early to get a head start on her future. In addition to working hard to finish high school over a year early, Boe keeps a busy schedule as a home-based nail artist and a part-time worker at Target. When she has free time, Boe enjoys painting, traveling, working with kids, and spending time with her family.
Boe initially began her nail business in May 2024, but business really picked up in August and September, when she was fully booked with clients wanting to get their nails done for the Homecoming dance. She shows off her talented work and books customers on her business Instagram page called Klawed by Boe.
“My grandmother bought me everything to start my business which gave me hope. My first customers (Olivia & Ellie) trusted me with their hearts and convinced me to make an Instagram. After a couple of clients, I was losing hope until I got fully booked out for Homecoming,” Boe said.
Boe’s goal for her nail business is to support herself through college and save up money for her true dream of owning a daycare someday. She has always enjoyed the idea of being a business owner and loves working with children.
“I was a gymnastics coach for special needs children and adults aged 2-18, and I also have siblings with disabilities. I plan on opening a daycare with quality service for low-income families in the future,” said Boe.
After high school graduation, Boe plans to move to Virginia with her biggest inspiration, her girlfriend, and attend the University of Mary Washington. Here, she will study early childhood development and special education while also minoring in business.
Until graduation, Boe will continue taking on clients and providing top-notch service to all her customers. To see her amazing work, book an appointment, or get more information about the business, visit her Instagram page at the link here.