GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Presents from Chesterton this Giving Season

What’s recently happened?

As many have already labeled it to be the greatest musical in Chesterton High School (CHS) history, “Into The Woods” was a spectacular experience for both the performers and their audience. The story, which follows several fairytale characters through a woodland adventure to fulfill their greatest wishes, was directed for CHS by Kristin Morris, head of all things choir. The performing arts department is known for its talented members and roaring successes. Their November production of “Into The Woods” showcased every fantastic aspect of the program. 

For sophomore Talan Lipka, the ever-present Mysterious Man of “Into The Woods,” participating in the musical was one of the best decisions a music-oriented CHS student could make.

“Performing is very fun, and learning music is too. It’s also nice being with my best friends,” said Lipka. “Joining the theatre was a very good experience.” 

It takes a village to put on a great production, and there is not a group of more capable performers than those of CHS. The community, which always enjoys a CHS production, could not stop raving about this one. 

“It has a very strong message, but it also has comedy,” said Lipka. “The message is that no one is alone, and people make mistakes, but there are ways to find your way and come back from those mistakes.”

Hilarity coupled with depth took viewers on a lively rollercoaster with the complex characters of “Into The Woods,” portrayed by the astonishingly talented and hardworking people who gave a performance that CHS will reminisce about for years to come. 

What’s coming up?

On January 7, CHS Girls Gymnastics has its first official meet of the season against the LaPorte Slicers. Coach Christy Dzierba notes that her seven phenomenal gymnasts have improved immensely since last season, and their hopes of making it to state are looking very achievable. With Dzierba’s zeal and a team of strong, dedicated athletes, no goal is too formidable.

“Every meet I want them to do better. I want them to score better, I want them to add a new skill every week, and I want them to continue to grow and improve,” said Dzierba. 

The Northwest Indiana (NWI) high school gymnastics circuit is wildly competitive. Making it to state is quite the feat, and its one that CHS does frequently. Since her freshman year, Junior Sammie Boster has been one of the most notable Trojans at state. Last year, Boster was undefeated the entire season, winning state for beam. This season, she plans to win it all.

“Each year, I learn something new going down to state, so I’m hoping to take everything I’ve learned from the past two years and put it into this season,” said Boster.

Boster represents the values of the entire team, which prioritizes steady improvement, stamina, and camaraderie to ensure victory. 

“You practice how you compete,” said Boster.

Home meets take place at Bailly Elementary School in Chesterton, where everyone is welcome to come witness one of CHS’s most impressive organizations at work. Although the team encourages itself, additional enthusiasm builds the athletes’ confidence.

“Everyone is welcome to come and watch it, and see how well they perform,” said Dzierba.

The 2026 Girls Gymnastics season is bound to be dazzling. Be sure to follow these athletes on their triumphant journey.

Staff Spotlight:

Natalie Kaczmarski, affectionately known as Miss Kacz, is a CHS math teacher and Student Government sponsor. She is renowned for her bright teaching skills, energetic personality, and viral parodies on her TikTok. Her latest was on the first day of school to Drake’s “Nokia,” with which she introduced students to their new favorite class. This year and last year’s remix of Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy,” have millions of views.

These raps exemplify Kaczmarski’s care for her students and her ability to engage and excite them.

“It’s about connecting with the kids and showing them you’re a normal person,” she said. “You don’t just live and breathe school; you listen to songs on the radio, you have a personal life, and you walk your dog. Talking about those things gets the kids to open up.” 

Comfortable students are those who are able to be educated, and Kaczmarski’s learn exceptionally well, even in rigorous courses. Her love and understanding of teenagers makes her teaching skills highly effective.

“They care, they try, and you see them really improve in math, but also as people. That’s really what school is about,” said Kaczmarsk.

Through eight years as a teacher, Kaczmarski has made a lifetime of impact on students, those who took her classes and those who were not so lucky. Whether it’s in math class, student government, in the hallways, or on her TikTok, Miss Kacz is appreciated by all. 

Student Spotlight: 

Senior Mila Beale is one of CHS’s most creative students. Her talents are known across NWI through Beale Pottery, her family’s ceramics business in Westville. She is a jack of all artistic trades, from Modern oil paintings to Contemporary watercolors, but her expertise lies in ceramics. 

“I spend half the school day in ceramics,” said Beale. “I like that you can create functional items.”

Her parents both harbor lifelong passions for all things creative, especially pottery, which Beale inherited. Nevertheless, she carves her own path.

“I plan to go to Herron at IU Indianapolis and pursue a career in visual communications and marketing,” she said.

A successful artistic career is the dream for Beale. She wants to showcase her natural skills. Beale has participated in the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts and played a significant role in Beale Pottery, the business that brought fine arts to a small town. Her artistry is her life, a passion that stems from many places. Beale is most appreciative of her inner circle.

“My parents are my biggest inspiration,” said Beale. “I love the people around me and nature. I try to lean into nostalgia for a lot of different things that I do.” 

Beale reaches into the past, present, and future through creation. She strives to cultivate work that is truly unique. Her confidence, free spirit, and authenticity will help her be the best artist she can be and represent Northwest Indiana in a positive light.