What’s recently happened?
This month, Chesterton High School’s (CHS) junior and senior classes gathered at Duneland Falls Banquet Center to celebrate Prom. This year’s Prom created a whimsical atmosphere with a “Happily Ever After” theme.
Seniors Nick Christian and Alejandra Sierazy were crowned Prom King and Queen.
“I was so surprised to be crowned Prom Queen. I didn’t think it would be me, and I was really happy and excited. It was such a great way to cap off senior year,” Senior Alejandra Sierazy said.
The venue was elegantly decorated with candles at each table, and rhinestone drapes hanging from the ceiling. Within the span of a few songs, students were jumping, singing, and dancing with all their might.
To add to the night’s memorability, students were encouraged to sign a book crafted by CHS’s shop classes as a souvenir for future class reunions. Students also were able to sit in a customized carriage to pose for photos, building up the dreamy ambience.
Although Prom is not every high schooler’s cup of tea, the site was abundant with students’ smiles as they experienced their magical evening.
What’s coming up?
Each May, seniors prepare to bid adieu to a monumental chapter in their lives as they ready themselves for life after high school. Naturally, this month fills soon-to-be graduates with anxiety, dread, and anticipation for what’s to come.
“I’m really excited to graduate because I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life where I’m going to be able to explore the limitless possibilities of my potential,” Senior Grae Stockhausen said.
Graduation is a nerve-racking time, as many students plan to move away from home for the first time to seek a higher education.
“Obviously I’m excited to go to college, but I’m also going to miss seeing the people I’ve become friends with over the last four years. I see my friends every day and now I’m just not going to see them anymore,” Senior Brody Mehling said.
Nevertheless, the senior class will find their way and continue their diligence, whether they decide to pursue college or embark on an alternative path.
Staff spotlight:
Patrick Ward has been recognized as Duneland School Corporation Secondary Teacher of the Year. Ward can always be seen engaging and aiding students with their homework and questions. He is a devoted teacher whom students depend upon and is a valuable member of the Chesterton community.
Ward began teaching at the Duneland Alternative Learning Center where he worked with students ranging from grades seven to 12 until he came to CHS about 16 years ago. Before teaching at CHS, he taught mathematics at Ben Davis Jr. High School for three years. Ward currently teaches Algebra II, College Algebra Honors, and College Algebra Gifted and Talented.
“I am the head golf coach along with being in charge of the PSAT/SAT/ACT club. For the PSAT club I try to prepare practice tests, prepare strategies for the areas, and just try and make them feel confident about taking the test,” Ward said.
Prior to beginning his career, Ward attended Butler University where he studied mathematics and education and was a dedicated swimmer.
“I love helping students, I love the staff that I work with, and I love the community that I work in. Honestly, if I didn't have the support of the community and my staff, this job would be very difficult to do. I am glad that I have coached and done so many extracurriculars over the years because I have been able to experience that support,” Ward said.
Outside of school, Ward loves to spend time with his wife and their three children. When he can, he enjoys getting outside and doing anything related to athletics and looks forward to traveling during the summers.
“I have worked for a long time and it is nice to be recognized for the work that I have done for the Duneland community for the last 19 years. Again the support I have gotten from the staff and community has been amazing over that stretch of time. The school always puts forth an amazing list of teachers for the award every year, and this year is no different. Everyone on the list is an amazing, hard-working teacher, and I am proud to be a colleague with them,” Ward said.
Student spotlight:
Senior Sylvia Coslov will be walking the graduation stage in roughly two weeks. After graduation, she will coach a U10 Girls Lacrosse team during her summer break, with plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.
“I will be majoring in environmental studies because as a kid I was always spending lots and lots of time outdoors. Camping, bonfires, and days at the beach were all a big part of my life growing up. That definitely sparked my love for the outdoors and I knew I wanted to do something with that passion,” Coslov said.
Coslov recognized her inclination to work with nature, but her interests have shifted over time. Originally, she had wanted to become a veterinarian, a marine biologist, and then settled on an environmental lawyer, as her sights became set on safeguarding the environment.
In her free time, Coslov loves to hang out at the beach, have outdoor movie nights, and spend quality time with loved ones around a bonfire.
“My favorite high school memory would be when my friends and I could just mess around, have fun, and laugh inside or outside of school,” Coslov said.
Coslov has been an avid member in CHS’s Show Choir, Lacrosse team, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Club Earth.
Besides her extracurricular activities, Coslov has also put forth a great effort in her internship at Shirley Heinze Land Trust, a nonprofit land trust located in Valparaiso which works to protect Northwest Indiana’s natural landscape.
“I have worked on a few different projects, but the main two include writing educational briefs and Nature in the Arts. The briefs I have written will soon be on Shirley Heinze's website for the public to read and learn from. Nature in the Arts contains a few activities held at different Shirley Heinze locations that include live music, food, and mainly, art projects. I have been able to help plan some of this year's Nature in the Arts events,” Coslov said.
Coslov’s love for the environment and desire to conserve it is an admirable effort, and with her strong ethics, will inspire many others to do the same.