#1StudentNWI: Chesterton Wraps Up the Year

#1StudentNWI: Chesterton Wraps Up the Year

What’s going on: Spring Play, Nationals

This past weekend, the Chesterton High School Theatre Dept. put on their performance of “The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood.” Opening night was Friday, April 20 and the show began at 7 pm. The auditorium was packed with young and old alike, ready to watch the show. There was a 7 pm performance on Saturday April 21 as well as a 2 pm matinee on Sunday April 22. The show was directed by instructional aide Dakota McCoy, assisted by student director senior Alexis Hoover, CMS math teacher Rob Yong with sound, and Kevin Murray on lighting. Attendees were treated to a delightful, dramatic, and humorous retelling of the Robin Hood story, full of physical comedy as well as a creative telling of a beloved classic.

Also this past weekend, both Chesterton High School Show Choirs went to the Fame National Finals competition in Waukegan, Illinois. This was the second trip for the co-ed singing group, the Sandpipers, and the first trip for the all female Drifters. In order to be selected for Fame Nationals, the groups needed to qualify in various events throughout the season, which usually requires placing and receiving grand championships throughout the rest of the season. The Sandpipers were first runners up, and Drifters swept their division, taking home the grand champion title. The Business, the backup band, also took home the award for best band.

What’s Coming Up: Prom, Senior Picnic, Senior Banquet

1Student-Chesterton-May-2018-02It’s the end of the spring semester, which means it’s time for all the fun senior activities. On Saturday, May 5, the Chesterton High School juniors and seniors will attend their prom. The theme this year is “A Night of Elegance,” and the dance will include dinner at Duneland Falls. The Grand March will be held in the Chesterton High School Field House this year, with doors opening at 4 pm and the march starting at 5 pm.

The next big event on the senior agenda is the senior picnic held for them and their families. The picnic will be held at Dogwood Park from 12-3 on Saturday, May 12. There will be food, softball, bean bag tosses, spikeball competitions, volleyball matches, and a DJ. Seniors attending are encouraged to bring a side to share, and the whole event is hosted by Chesterton High School Student Government.

Finally, the biggest night before graduation is the Chesterton Senior Banquet. The banquet will be held at Allure on the Lake on Thursday, May 24 from 6 to 10 pm. This is the seniors’ last hoorah before graduation on May 31, and the last day of school on May 25. At the banquet, seniors will receive honors and their superlatives.

Student Spotlight: Nicole Bilyak

1Student-Chesterton-May-2018-03Every year, CHS participates in One Book, One School as a way to bond the students. Junior Nicole Bilyak has been a part of the program for a while now, and is completely in love with it. This year, The book is Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

“Our library media specialist Mrs. Wilt got a grant last year and she gave anyone who wanted them four books that were a sneak peek to the list for One Book, One School,” Bilyak explained. “We read all four over the summer and at the beginning of this school year, we voted on the book.”

Bilyak was drawn to the fantastical nature of the book.

“It had that Game of Thrones vibe to it, it had a fantasy element to it, and I really like those books,” Bilyak said.

Being a part of One Book, One School has helped Bilyak in a variety of ways. She originally joined because she loves to read and loves to get involved with the library, but has been affected by the program in other aspects of her life.

“This organization has helped me mature,” Bilyak stated, “and it really got me out of my comfort zone and get to know people who have the same passion as me, which is reading.”

Student Spotlight: Giselle Hood

1Student-Chesterton-May-2018-04Ever since she was five years old, sophomore Giselle Hood has wanted to go to the University of California, so finding out that USC had a summer creative writing program felt like the perfect opportunity. She applied, waited with crossed fingers, and found out that she was accepted just recently. The application process was similar to that of college applications.

“I had to write an essay 300-500 words answering various questions such as why I want to attend and what I hope to gain from the experience,” Hood said. “I also had to send in my transcripts and get a letter of recommendation from one of my teachers.”

The summer creative writing program is a four week long course at the university.

“You stay in the campus dorms, have classes Monday to Friday, and enjoy free time on the weekend,” Hood explained. “It counts towards actual college credit as well. Overall, it will help teach me how to handle the intense workload as well as give me a unique perspective on the campus and independence in general.”

Hood went all in on the program because of her love for creative writing as well as her love for California itself.

“I’m so excited to meet other people with different and similar interests from around the world,” Hood said. “I’m also looking forward to staying in California away from my parents for a month, because who doesn’t want that kind of freedom?”