#1StudentNWI: Spreading love this February at Chesterton High School

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With the season of love upon us, Chesterton High School (CHS) has taken to celebrating Valentine’s Day with Sour Punch Straws donated by local company Sour Punch. The Student Government prepared notes to pass out alongside the treats during each lunch period for every student.

In March, CHS students will be participating in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) with students from the Schyren Gymnasium. The German students will arrive before spring break and will stay for about three weeks. This exchange allows students to experience daily life in a different country, as well as an unfamiliar school system and seeks to deepen the relationship between both countries.

“I’m very excited to be able to take part in this program to not only leave the country for the first time but to make new friends and experience a culture I’m not really used to,” Junior Destiny Williams-Najzer said.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the exchange was postponed for four years.

“I am very excited for this year’s exchange. We found our footing again after the pandemic, but I’m happy to be developing our program’s momentum again. It’s back to being a regular activity that students and their families can look forward to,” German Teacher Justin Martinson said.

The students also have the opportunity to spend time together hiking at the Dunes, bowling, and exploring Chicago while learning more about each other and each other’s cultures.

“Another highlight of their visit is Bavarian Evening. On this night, the Germans cook traditional foods from their state in Germany, Bavaria, then share the history and culture of their region after dinner,” German Teacher Cary Knauff said.

CHS warmly awaits the exchange’s genesis.

Staff spotlight

After retiring from the military, Dr. Blake Soller has decided to come and teach at his former high school.

“I graduated from CHS and joined the military at 18. I retired after 21 years and did so many different things in the military. For 20 years, I was a military work dog trainer, and then the last four years I worked for NCIS doing program evaluations. That’s what led me to my doctorate; I enjoy evaluating and seeing the result of what people are learning,” Soller said.

Junior Gwen Lester is not only a person who is always willing to lend a helping hand, but someone who also brightens the hallways with her infectious smile.

As someone who loves drawing, Lester enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Art History, which happens to be her favorite class this year. Lester enjoys the structure of class, and although it remains the same, her teacher Adam Schultz incorporates fun into his lectures, which helps students’ artistic passions flourish.

“I love AP Art History with Mr. Schultz! He is one of my favorite teachers, and that class is my most enjoyable by far,” Lester said.

Besides her enthusiasm for art, Lester is also a member of the Family Theater Productions at CHS. Currently, she is preparing for the upcoming performances of “Puss ‘n Boots A Tale of Tail: A Comedy” where she acts as one of the narrator’s cats.

“Family Theater is the best thing to have happened to me in my high school career. As an actor with a special role off-stage to support my cast and crew I am in love with the community we have fostered over the years,” Lester said.

Lester also participates in CHS’s Pokémon Club where she can hang out with others each week.

“I helped my friend start Pokémon Club so the organization will always hold a special place in my heart, as Pokémon is such an intense interest of mine, and being able to share that with others is so exciting every Monday,” Lester said.

Throughout high school, Lester is most proud of being the new cast morale for the Family Theater Production, exploring her abilities in photography, and being chosen for the Natural Helpers Retreat.

In theater, a senior bequeaths the responsibilities of cast morale to a student they see fit. The role of cast morale is similar to glue- the student encourages others, runs vocal warm-ups, and hypes up the group.

“I am the predominant supporter of everyone, and my goal is to get my cast and crew to the best place they can be in preparation for our show dates,” Lester said.

Lester is a sincere and bubbly student who motivates others with her personality.