A Successful and Well-attended “Gear Up and Discover Chesterton” Event!

Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s held its “Gear Up and Discover Chesterton” event on Monday, June 27, 2022. Over 65 current students and parents along with 19 prospective students and parents attended. Prospective students were as young as 5th grade revealing a healthy pipeline of students in the Academy’s future.

The goal of the event was two-fold. First, to get current students and parents geared up for the next academic year. Second, for prospective students and parents to discover Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s.

The self-paced evening included 8 information tables, including Fine Arts, School Spiritwear, Uniforms/Exchange, RaiseRight Fundraising, Volunteer Program, Club Sports/School Clubs Sign Up and Summer Reading Book Exchange/Bus Information.  

Prospective parents and students were able to meet with Headmaster, Mr. Andrew Pudysz and ask any questions about the school. He helped them to understand the benefits of a rigorous classical education and how the school would benefit their student. “It was wonderful to see our returning students and parents, and equally exciting to see all those we may have in the future.”, said Mr. Pudysz. “ The common theme in all my conversations with parents, both current and prospective, is their desire for an authentic orthodox Catholic education that challenges the "status quo" of our secular society and carries with it an invitation to become an intentional discipline of Jesus Christ.”  

The new College and Academic Counselor, Mrs. Prigge, provided information and answered questions about her role at the school. She displayed Student Success methods which generated a good deal of interest and discussion. “The Gear Up Event was such a blessing”, said Mrs. Prigge.  “I was able to meet so many new souls that will become a part of my heart through this coming year!” 

One parent commented, “I wanted to tell you how much my kids enjoyed talking to Mrs. Prigge. They have talked on and on all day about the things she talked about with them!” 

Gregg Hurla, parent of a returning student and rising Senior, attended the event adding, “The school was packed, and everyone enjoyed meeting and learning what is new for the coming year. At Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s, student have the freedom and opportunity to learn how to think and not what to think. The culture challenges them and Chesterton prepares them for it in a way that is convincing, charitable, and rooted in truth and logic.” 

The Club Sports/School Clubs Sign Up information table was filled with students casting their ‘votes’ for which club sports conditioning program and school clubs they are interested in. Topping the sports list was volleyball and soccer and topping the club list was game board and archery clubs. 

For more information on Chesterton Academy of St. Mary’s and how to apply, please visit our webpage, Admissions — Chesterton Academy of St. Mary's (chestertonstmarys.org).