Meet Our Staff
Finch Hale | Chronicle, Legend Editor-In-Chief
Ava Buist | Staff Writer and Review Columnist
Ava Buist is currently a Junior at PHS who writes review columns and other happenings at Portage High School for the chronicle. Joining the newspaper last year has been one of the best decisions she’s ever made. Ava’s goal is to become editor-in-chief— fun fact, it runs in Ava’s family, as both of her aunts, who are alumni of this school, held that position. Outside of school and Chronicle, Ava writes short stories and poetry. After high school, she plans on attending college at Ball State University, earning a master’s degree in journalism. Ava mainly has an interest in Investigative Journalism not because of the seemingly bogus things you hear about, but because she believes that it’s crucial to our society to uncover the often-hidden, problematic issues that occur, gathering data, understanding different perspectives, and analyzing how these issues affect people’s lives. Ultimately, Ava’s goal is to make a difference, to spread awareness, and to contribute to positive change through journalism, and she hopes to get a head start with that through the school newspaper.
Kaitlyn Ackerman | Staff Writer and Advice Columnist
Kaitlyn Ackerman is a sophomore here at Portage High School. She write the weekly advice column and enjoys writing articles to highlight teachers and students doing awesome things in our community.
Kennedy Peterson | Sports Writer and Editor
Ms. Tunstall | Journalism Teacher, Sponsor – Chronicle
Ms. Tunstall is fourth-year teacher at Portage High School, where she teaches English 11 and Journalism. She is also the co-sponsor for PHS’s National Honors Society. Ms. Tunstall grew up in Chicago but has called Northwest Indiana her home since she was 10-years old. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Ball State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Nonfiction Writing from George Mason University. She lives in Valparaiso with her family and beloved cat, Sophie.
Ms. Calderone | Yearbook Teacher, Sponsor – Legend
Mr. Montgomery | Broadcasting News Teacher, Sponsor – INN