Chesterton High School Alumni Association announces Hall of Fame 2025 recipients

The Chesterton High School (CHS) Alumni Association announces the recipients of the 2025 CHS Alumni Association Hall of Fame (HOF) award. The recipients will be recognized and presented with plaques by the CHS Alumni Association members on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the 7 p.m. CHS Boys Varsity Basketball home game against LaPorte between the first and second quarter.

The 2025 Alumni Association Hall of Famerecipientsare:

Jack Campbell – Teacher

Retired teacher Jack Campbell’s nominator shared that Jack was a passionate teacher and coach giving his “everything” to students at the beginning of their elementary school years through adulthood.  Jack Campbell’s impact on the Duneland community has changed lives for generations.  

Fotini Pahos – School Staff Member

Fotini Pahos, retired Chesterton High School Instructional Aide served at the school from 1989-2012 with strength and humor every day. She built relationships with the students and staff with her friendly smile, kind personality, and compassion that let you know you could come to her for anything, and she would always listen. She was a shining example of commitment to Duneland Schools and to the students, wrote her nominator.  

Jeff Van Drie – Administrator

Jeff Van Drie, retired Chesterton High School Principal was a leader who placed the needs of students, staff, and families first, supporting every stakeholder in an approachable, caring, and supportive way.  His nominator shared one of Jeff’s guiding philosophies was that “we need to meet kids where they are and help them reach their maximum potential.”  This belief shaped his actions and leadership; modeling every day what it means to lead with heart and integrity.

Katie Thomas- Alumnus

Katie Thomas, Class of 2016, is a role model and community advocate, shared her nominator.  A CHS Alum, current Duneland Teacher and Assistant Girls Soccer Coach, Katie supports her students and players by showing them what hard work looks like, holding them accountable to high standards, and bringing joy to everything she touches. She exemplifies sportsmanship, ethics, positivity, and excellence as a student and as an adult with honor and respect mentoring students and adults to be successful in all their endeavors.