The Bakaitis family The program you are holding in your hands was printed by Bucky Bakaitis, who has been handling publishing duties for the Duneland School District for more than a half-century. He is gaining induction into the Chesterton Athletics Hall of Fame tonight, along with his and Vicky’s three children, Beth (Class of 1987), Diane (’90) and Jeff (’93). It’s amazing what talented young athletes can accomplish when they have parents who let the children play, let the coaches coach and are there in the background in a supporting role. That’s the way Bucky and Vicky played it, and for that they were rewarded with getting to cheer for their children, each one named senior athlete of the year at Chesterton. Gymnasts Beth, known for her beautiful dance routines, and Diane, an acrobat, each earned multiple all-state honors and led their teams in generating points and Diane won a state title in the vault. They were fast hurdlers as well. Speedy Jeff was one of those football players who was always on the field. Offense, defense, special teams. He competed just two years in track and field, time enough to set the school record in the high jump, which he still owns, and be named DAC MVP twice. He was a sectional champion the 400 meters, co-MVP of the basketball team and twice named defensive player of the year. He played soccer for two years and won the most improved player award as a sophomore. Tom Keegan's article about the Bakaitis Family https://www.onwardtrojans.com/24-25-stories/bakaitisfamily