The Chesterton High School Alumni Association is a group of former CHS students that work to enhance and support Duneland School Corporation scholarships and education. The Association provides a form of recognition to staff and graduates, and they have proceeded to do so by placing three retirees into the Hall of Fame (Becky Dunbar, James Cavallo, and Garry Nallenweg).
Back in 2019 the Alumni Association came into being. The purpose of the organization is to help make the educational processes better in the school corporation, as well as creating more opportunities for scholarships of graduating seniors. The goal was to enhance the Duneland School Corporation by creating a powerful community. The goal was to do this through programs, by enforcing a positive, meaningful engagement, and providing volunteer opportunities.
The Alumni association is a way to benefit those who have graduated by creating a supportive community. The nominations shine light on people’s services and accomplishments. The recipients of the “Hall of Fame” are then recognized in December or January at a CHS Home basketball game where they’re presented with a person award and the name of the recipient is placed on a perpetual plaque at CHS.
People have until Wednesday, October 11 at 3 p.m. to nominate by using this online link online nominations, or there’s a pdf (link) that must be filled out before the deadline and can be submitted to [email protected], mailed to the CHS Alumni Association, PO Box 1063, Chesterton, IN 46304, or dropped off at the Duneland Administration Center, 601 W Morgan Avenue, Chesterton. The nominated person must be an Alumnus, Teacher, Administrator, and/or Support Staff and is based on Excellence, Leadership, Respect, Exceptional Contributions, Citizenship, Giving Back, Collaboration, Courageous Acts, Advocacy qualities.
Each year the Alumni Association holds fundraisers. Such as, the pancake breakfast at The Original George’s Gyros Spot, which supports scholarships for CHS seniors. And it is with these fundraisers and through membership drive events that the Association encourages membership and participation.
People should know that the “Hall of Fame” is that the association takes pleasure in taking in new members, especially the graduating seniors year round, while influencing the participation of younger members.
“The Association advertised the nomination process in the spring of 2020 and planned to have a banquet in May to honor the first recipients. Due to COVID-19, this was not feasible. So we announced the recipients and gave them plaques individually. Due to the continuation of the epidemic, the group moved the nomination period to the fall and awarded the recipients in December of 2022 at a CHS home basketball game,” explained Bridget Martinson.
The Alumni Association is off to a great start, but needs community members to continue to help their efforts so they can see the changes they want to bring. So send in some nominations today!
