Inklings March 2010

INKLINGS March 26, 2010 •

Volume 74 Issue 7 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

Drunk Driving: Police crack down on deadly trend page 3 Plastic surgery: Teens go under the knife page 6 HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS: What teens should know about their relationships

News “Portrait of a Graduate” Day Seniors visit a college, do service hours, or job shadow while underclassmen test.

pg. 2

News New classes offered Read changes in courses for the 2010-2011 school year.

Wrongs of passage What may start out as an innocent prank can turn into deadly consequences

pg. 3

Feature

By Deanna Sheafer and Lauren McCarroll co-editor-in-chief and staff reporter

Procrastinating Hints on how to stay motivated through the end of the school year.

What started out in college fraternities has spread to high schools in America, from Indiana to California. Hazing, as a form of initiation, occurs in all types of groups. Publicized incidents include binge drinking, nudity, sexual abuse, and physical violence.

According to Alfred University’s national survey of American high schools, 48 percent of students have reported being subjected to activities deemed hazing. That means roughly 1.5 million high school students are exposed to some sort of hazing every year. Some of these rituals have even resulted in death.

Indiana Law defines hazing as forcing or requiring another person, with or without their

pg. 7

Feature How to write a scholarship essay

page 9

consent, to perform an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury.

Unlike bullying, hazing pertains to a severe form of humiliation and degradation as an initiation to become part of a group. Of the few incidents that are reported, one recent Indiana situation sparked an increased awareness that may cause schools to be more sensitive to this drastic form of bullying.

An alleged hazing incident involving several basketball players at Carmel High School occurred on Jan. 22. News reports say that on the way home from a Carmel basketball game at Terre Haute, five students were involved in a hazing situation that may result in criminal charges.

Three senior players were accused of hazing two freshmen boys. Specific details regarding the attacks have not been disclosed at this time. After this incident was reported, another student came forth with allegations of hazing that occurred in the school’s locker room. Four suspensions have resulted, as well as a police investigation.

This incident has reminded schools throughout Indiana of the repercussions hazing can bring.

“Carmel is a great school, and it happened to them. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone,” sophomore Justin Ham said.

To combat this sort of situation, Crown Point’s administration has prohibited hazing at the school and implemented various anti-bullying programs to create safe and healthy learning environment such as Girls Rock! and CASS. Although Carmel’s

story continued on pg. 2

Clubs join efforts for Student Olympics The do’s & don’ts of scholarship essay writing

pg. 10

Check it Out! Inklings has a music blog!

With a wide range of music updated regularly, you’re sure to find something you like at...

http://inklings music.blog spot.com

By Kelly Rostin opinion editor Student efforts towards fundraising have never seemed so passionate.

InterAct, Muslim Student Association (MSA), and Key Club, in association with National Honor Society (NHS) and ICE have all collaborated to put together the school’s first Student Olympic event.

“All of the proceeds from the entrance fee, tickets, concessions and t-shirts will be donated towards the Haiti Relief effort,” junior and InterAct member Kristin Overbey said.

The event, which took place on March 25, consisted of ten events including Tug of War, “Newlywed”

game, basketball game, hula hoop competition, pie eating contest, dodgeball game, trivia competition, rap battle, dance-off, and obstacle course. Students went head-to-head with teachers in each event.

Senior president of MSA Needa Malik, and senior presidents of InterAct Matt Smith and Blake Zolfo were in charge of this event.

Malik was extremely excited for the event to unfold.

“Planning events as big as this is really difficult because there is so much to consider.

(Blake, Matt and I) worked endlessly to set this whole project up. We were all so excited to see both the teachers and students compete. It was such a fun event.”

Overbey, who was in charge of the hula hoop competition, was eagerly anticipating the event.

“It was really fun to plan because it’s a brand new event at the school,” Overbey said. “I was extremely excited for the final outcome because of all the hard work that everybody put into it.”

Teachers were a pivotal part of making this event a success.

Members of each club worked hard to “recruit” teachers to participate.

“We had a diverse group of teachers,” Malik said.

“We personally went around the school to recruit different teachers to get involved. We wanted a lot of teacher participation.”

All students were welcome to either participate in the activities or to come and watch the events unfold.

“It was a lot of work organizing signups, choosing athletes, and communicating with everyone, but it was worth it in the end.” Smith said.

InterAct sponsor Mary Bachnak thought that the entire event was worthwhile.

“The Olympics engaged students and teachers in a fun event while raising money towards a good cause at the same time,” Bachnak said.

Zolfo, Smith, and Malik all hope that the Student Olympics can become a tradition.

They all wanted as many people to

participate as possible.

Bachnak is proud of the students who worked diligently on the project, especially Malik.

“Needa is fantastic.

She was so well organized and driven to plan this event. She’s such a good leader,” Bachnak said.

All three students feel passionately about the project that they worked hard for months to plan.

“I don’t know if there was anyone more excited than me to see the teachers compete in all those different activities. I couldn’t wait to see how they handled a little friendly competition,” Malik said.

“The fact that it was for a great cause was the icing on top.”

Events Hula Hoop Competition Newlywed Game Obstacle Course Tug of War Eating Competition Trivia

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IN the know

4.4

Easter Sunday

4.6

School resumes

4.14

All City Choral concert

4.20

End of the fifth six weeks

4.23

Special Needs dance; cafeteria

4.22

ASVAB testing (must sign up in Guidance prior to testing)

4.28

NHS Induction Ceremony 6:30 p.m.

News

Students focus on career and community School encourages 6 C’s on “Portrait of a Graduate” Day

By Anna Ortiz graphics editor While seniors were normally planning their unofficial “senior ditch day” activities, the high school administration had created an event called Portrait of a Graduate Day that had students thinking about their futures.

On March 18, the underclassmen engaged in ACT testing, while seniors were given an opportunity to not attend school on the grounds that they either job-shadow, visit a college campus, or gain needed volunteer hours, all of which are part of the six C’s.

“The intent is to provide our seniors options to explore a ‘C’ in the spring,” Dr. Eric Ban said.

According to Ban, college, career, and community are among the themes that Portrait of a Graduate Day will showcase. It was a product of a much thought of decision.

“The senior class officers and sponsor began a discussion about

Inklings ranks with nation’s best The 2008-2009 edition of the Inklings newspaper earned a top award for scholastic publications at the 86th annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s spring convention.

Publications were judged on writing/editing. design, content, concept, photography, art and graphics.

Of the 1,558 middle school and high school magazines, newspapers, yearbooks and online publications eligible for the Crown Awards, 33 earned Gold Crowns, while 110, including Inklings, received the second highest CSPA award of Silver Crown.

Only four Indiana schools earned Crown Awards, all in the high school newspaper or online categories.

The current edition of the newspaper has advanced to the finals of the Indiana High School Press Association’s Hoosier Star competition, recognizing the best publications in the state. Recipients will be announced at the state convention in October.

Photo By A. Parrish

Seniors Becca Duggan, Thomas Vanderplough and Victoria Vingua gaze at a bust of Lincoln at Ball State University. Seniors had the day off to earn a “C- Note.” how to approach a testing day on March 18. Through dialog and brainstorming, the Portrait Day emerged,” Ban said.

Students agree that this opportunity helped them in the long run. Senior Brittney Buher job shadowed her aunt, who is

Wrongs of passage continued from pg. 1

handbook forbids initiations and hazing, it is expressed in a single line which also prohibits horseplay and roughhousing.

Our handbook says students will not participate in intimidation of any form, which includes hazing.

Although rules may be on the books, that alone does not necessarily prevent hazing or raise awareness to the issue.

“Student athletes need to know that adults are mindful of what is going on -- where they are, and what they’re doing when they are under our auspices,” basketball coach Clint Swan said. “Boundaries just get pushed. If you have to ask yourself if something is hazing, it probably is.”

In many cases, including the Carmel incident, freshmen are targeted because traditionally they have to go through certain things as a right of passage.

“Sometimes coaches inadvertently create a hierarchy, like having freshmen carry seniors’ bags on to the bus for example. That shouldn’t happen. Athletes should all be treated equally,” Swan said.

Even in the past, hazing predominantly affected underclassmen. “(Back then) it was normally the upperclassmen that did the hazing.

When I was in school there was a culture of initiation; it seems to have changed now, but freshmen are still the victims,” Athletic Director Bill Dorulla said.

Overall, the repercussions for any actions deemed hazing depend on the magnitude of the crime.

“If there were a hazing incident here at CPHS, it would mean possible expulsion and criminal charges depending on the severity of the matter,” Dorulla said.

Since Dorulla works primarily with athletes, he would handle any reported incidents involving sports teams.

“My first action would be to do an investigation. I would bring

Business Professionals qualify for nationals The Business Professionals of America have qualified to compete in the national leadership conference in Anaheim, California from May 5- 9.

Five BPA district leadership winners, Joe Chapa, Ryan Taylor, Fiona Alet, Lindsey Wacnik, and Thomas Vanderplough, competed in Accounting, Advanced Computer Applications, PC Servicing and Troubleshooting, Interview Skills, and Global Marketing at the state level in Indianapolis.

Nearly 1,900 students attended the event overall. The CP students earned state finalist category to qualify them for the national competition and Wacnik, Vanderplough and Alet won top placements in Global Marketing Team and Interviewing Skills events.

March 26, 2010

Photo Provided Seniors Thomas Vanderplough, Lindsey Wacnik and Fiona Alet pose with their awards.

“The students worked very hard preparing for their respective events. We met many times testing, practicing, and revising,” Mary Bachnak, BPA adviser and CPHS business teacher said.

“Winning national placement is a terrific honor for our students,” she added.

Farrell takes third at state in Speech Senior Ryan Farrell took third ar state when he competed at the 2010 Indiana High School Forensic League State Speech Tournament at Fishers High School on Saturday, March 20.

He received a third place trophy in the discussion event. Farrell received several first place rankings in individual rounds as he competed with more than 50 of the top discussion students from around the state.

“I’m happy with 3rd place,” Farrell said. “I beat over 40 other people, so it’s an accomplishment for anyone. Not many people can say they have done that. However, I’m still somewhat disappointed. I know that I could have done better.”

a math teacher at a Dyer middle school.

“You get to have a chance to experience a job you would like to have or do community service for a day and just take a day off of school,” Buher said.

Other students took this

opportunity to visit a college campus of their choice or to work on gaining much needed community service hours.

The future generation of seniors have prospects to a senior off day next year once administation talks it over.

in the individuals in and find out what happened. I would also have to talk to the coaches. For the players, it could mean removal from the team or if it was a coach’s fault it could mean a disciplining of the coach,” he said.

However, hazing does not only apply to those involved in athletics.

The Alfred University study found that besides sports teams, groups involving music, art, theater, or church all had a significant amount of students being hazed. The realization that this form of bullying can occur anywhere, even close to home, makes people question where the behavior is learned.

“Some kids just aren’t taught right from wrong the same anymore.

The school can’t change the way a child was brought up. Nowadays, many people don’t realize that they must instill good values in their kids to ensure that they do the right thing,” junior Daniela Gazibara said.

The reasons behind hazing are complex. Hank Nuwer, a professor at Franklin College in Indiana, wrote the book “High School Hazing:When Rites Become Wrongs,” which delves in to some of these reasons.

According to Nuwer’s book, people who haze others are conditioned to believe it is acceptable because they went through it as rookies too, and it is just harmless fun. They may rationalize their actions by thinking the initiation they went through was worse.

For those being hazed or who have seen such incidents, Nuwer’s book suggests telling a parent or responsible adult instead of covering it up. This will allow for schools to strengthen their policies and prevent future wrongdoings. Nuwer also runs a website, hanknuwer.com, which catalogs hazing incidents and offers tips for victims and parents.

These include urging coaches and sponsors to prevent hazing on buses and trips, and rethinking traditions that may be harmful to students.

“Sometimes it’s because person doing the hazing feels they are ‘better’ than their victim, or they just know they will get a ‘comical’ reaction out of the victim. [Nevertheless,] there is nothing funny about hurting someone,” sophomore Cassie Firchau said.

Inklings editor among seven state finalists for journalism honor Inklings editor-in-chief senior Deanna Sheafer was recognized as an Indiana Student Journalist of the Year Finalist at the State House in Indianapolis.

Sheafer and the six other finalists were awarded plaques by Diana Hadley, Executive Director of the Indiana High School Press Association.

Nick Clooney, long-time news reporter, editor, and columnist, addressed the finalists and others in attendance at the IHSPA’s First Amendment Symposium on March 3.

“It was really an honor to be a part of the incredibly talented group of finalists from all across the state,” Sheafer said. “The symposium was beautifully executed

Senior Deanna Sheafer poses with writer Nick Clooney. with the students’ descriptions of the various First Amendment rights and the entertaining, informative speech by Mr. Clooney.”

Sheafer has been involved in journalism all four years of high school and on the Inklings staff for three years.

News

March 26, 2010

New classes offered for next school year Multitude of creative options available to students

Laws on drunk driving reinforced

3

By Dani McCuan staff writer

Photo by v. needham

Junior Jared Smoot meets with his counselor to compose his school schedule for next year. Many new classes will be available to students for the 2010-2011 school year.

By Garret Hogan staff writer While seniors are waiting for their acceptance letters to their college of choice, sophomores, juniors, and freshmen are making their schedules for another long year awaiting them when they return from summer break.

However, the scheduling process just became more interesting yet difficult as new courses have been added to the list.

From Jewelry Making to Interpersonal Relationships, where you are literally taught how to make friends, the list consists of 13 new classes to choose from.

While some students, such as junior Katie Myers, are ecstatic for next year to take the course, some think differently about the change.

“I think adding even more classes to the course selection makes choosing your schedule even more difficult, and when you find out that you are too old to take the classes because they are only offered to freshman it

becomes very frustrating,” says sophomore Morgan Shawtell.

Jewelry Making, is a semester class and has a prerequisite of 2D Art, Sports Entertainment and Marketing is also a semester class and has a prerequisite of Marketing.

Educational Psychology is a semester class and open to only juniors and seniors, Photojournalism is a semester class and open to all grades, however you must have your own digital camera, Physical Education- Outdoor Skills requires you to take Core P.E. and is a semester class open to juniors and seniors. Medical Terminology is a full year course that is half Chemistry which is open to juniors and seniors only, and Honors Chemistry is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors and requires you to take biology.

These are a few of the classes that have made their way onto the new course list.

While Shawtell is against the idea of new classes, sophomore John Stern has different feelings.

“I feel like adding new classes

will help certain students help them choose a career because now we have the more classes to teach new skills,” says Stern.

Completing the new courses list is Human Biology, which is just a name change for the previous Anatomy and Physiology class.

It is open to juniors and seniors and is a year long course.

Interpersonal Relationships has been put in place of Adult Roles and is a semester class. Early Childhood Development is a class in which you must have a GPA of 2.0 and you must fill out an application for this double block class. AP Geography is a year long course that requires you to have a “B” or better in World History, although AP Geography is not printed on the brochure, it will definitely be a class to choose from in upcoming years. Lastly, Construction Processes which has a prerequisite of Cabinet and Furniture class. It is a semester class that is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Adding new classes to choose from is not an easy process. A group

of teachers must compile a list of agreed classes. Before this, they must decide who will be teaching the courses. The list must then be overlooked by the Principal and discussed in upcoming meetings.

Once it has been approved it goes through the superintendent and Department of Education of the state and then finally printed on to the nice brochures we receive in mid-February.

Teachers and administration have also been discussing the idea if having block scheduling in future years. However, this rumor is not going to be able to happen, at least not next year.

Where the subject got started is unknown but according to Mr. Marcinek, there will be no block scheduling. Yet, we can all look forward, whether we want them or not, to the new classes next year to better enhance the skills detailing from Human Biology to Construction Processes, or to just confuse the students trying to choose a minimum of 7 classes out of the possible one hundred and eighty five.

The phrase ‘Over the Limit, Under Arrest’ has been used in various commercials to deter individuals from operating motorized vehicles under the influence of alcohol for many years.

This month, a statewide program went into effect that further discouraged the act of consuming alcohol while behind the wheel. Starting on March 5, over 250 law enforcement agencies across Indiana participated in Operation Pullover Blitz 62. The operation, which lasted through the 21st of March, involved a series of special DUI patrols.

Although trends in deadly crashes involving intoxicated drivers have steadily decreased over the past 20 years, from a high of 52% in 1982 and 1986 to 31% in 2008, law enforcement officials were still concerned about road sobriety.

“We believe that aggressive enforcement of driving while impaired and seat belt usage will help continue the downward trend in fatalities,” said 1st Sgt. Terrence Weems, assistant commander of the Lowell Police Department.

Last year, 41 fatalities occurred on Indiana roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24% of these involved an intoxicated driver.

Methods used to identify drunk drivers included sobriety checkpoints, or roadblocks, set up along both highways and city streets, as well as saturation patrols, which are another type of DUI checkpoint that involve a large number of police officers occupying a small geographic area at one time.

“Drunk driving is not a socially accepted norm and we want to make sure that a drunk driver does not cause the tragedies we’ve experienced.,” said Mishawaka Police Department Lt. Tim Williams.

S.O.S. program offers student help to soldiers Items Donated • Nuts • chips • Starburst • Tic-tacs • candy • Chap Stick • Powdered drink mix • Gum • Raisins • Trail mix • Dried fruit • Cookies • Snack food • Beef jerky • Magazines

• Playing cards

By Arley Gomez staff writer For seven years, we have been sending troops overseas to fight the War on Terror. They are fighting to give us a sense of security that events like 9/11 will not occur again. Students have taken it upon themselves to give a little to those soldiers who sacrifice so much for our safety.

S.O.S. replaced previous years’ St. Baldrick’s fundraiser sponsored by student council. St. Baldrick’s is a program that raises money for research in childhood cancer and a cure.

“We wanted to try something new this year and to give people a break from St. Baldrick’s,” student council sponsor Rachele Raloff said.

S.O.S. or Support Our Sol-

diers, is a program that allowed students to create care packages to ship to troops in their second hour class.

The care packages consisted of a variety of things that can range from entertainment items to necessities for soldiers.

“We wanted students to bring in a variety of items in for S.O.S, because the needs of the soldiers are varied too,” Raloff said.

Items that were put into the care packages were nonperishable food, letters written by students to soldiers and other odds and ends.

“I wrote a letter and put it in my second hour’s box,” junior Stephanie Burke said, “In the letter I thanked the soldiers for everything they do, and told them that all they do gives me hope.”

Though St.Baldrick’s is not

being continued, annual Penny Wars were resumed this year. The profits made from the penny wars went toward the shipping costs of the care packages.

“Penny Wars are a fun way to compete, and the money is for a good cause,” junior Rachel Ferry said.

The $2886.77 from Penny Wars went toward the shipping fees. There was approximately 175 total care packages.

“We were able to cover the shipping cost with the profits from Penny Wars,” Raloff said.

Care packages offered a chance for students to repay the soldiers for all they do.

“Thank you for all the care packages and all of the the support from your school and community,” staff sergeant Nathan Estrada said.

Photo by M.K Lemon

Junior Elizabeth Gardiner helps to collect pennies from teachers for the Student Council sponsored Penny Wars.

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Opinion

March 26, 2010

Give your thumbs a break and relax

Inklings

Inklings is a student publication distributed to students, faculty, and staff of Crown Point High School. It is published monthly by the newspaper and advanced journalism students. Opinions expressed in Inklings do not reflect those of the CPHS faculty, staff, or the administration.

Inklings welcomes and encourages signed lettersto-the-editor. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Letters must be signed and turned in to room E107 one week prior to publications and must not contain personal attacks.

Letters may also be sent via e-mail at inklings@cps.k12. in.us. Not all letters may be printed. Such decisions are the sole discretion of the Inklings editors and staff.

Advertising is subject to the applicable rate, copies of which are available from Inklings advertising department or by contacting 663-4885 ext. 11349.

Inklings is a member of the Indiana High School Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.

Inklings may be contacted at 1500 S. Main, Crown Point, IN, 46307; 219-663-4885 ext. 11349; fax 219-662-5663; or inklings@ cps.k12.in.us.

Editors Cori Novelli Deanna Sheafer editors-in-chief Michele Bates associate editor Brittany Curtis managing editor Lauren Cain Matt Smith copy editors Becca Duggan entertainment editor Kelly Rostin opinion editor Hunter McKee sports editor Milan Savich Colin Likas sports assistants Anna Ortiz graphics editor Becca Iddings advertising editor Alyssa Blahunka advertising assistant Georgia Otte chief photographer Joe Nejman Alex Parrish Vinnie Needham Mary-Katherine Lemon Donnella Casillas photographers Staff Ammy Easto Arley Gomez Garret Hogan Lauren McCarroll Danielle McCuan Marwa Nour Haajar Shaaban Adviser Julie Elston

By Cori Novelli co-editor-in-chief

V

cartoon by

Anna Ortiz

The cost of molding a plastic generation

iew:

As cosmetic surgery becomes more accessible and accepted, teens are becoming more entranced with the idea of body modification editorial

We’ve all heard someone referred to as fake or plastic, but more than not it’s referring to their insincerity, not their genetic make-up. Yet as technology and media’s grip increases, people’s perception of reality decreases.

Companies have gone from modifying the latest cell phones, computers, and automobiles to modifying people as well.

Plastic surgery has created a whirlwind hype, not only from silicone celebrities but down to our own relatives and friends. Prices can range from $150 for the elimination of wrinkles and facial blemishes to $5,000 for a “tummy tuck.”

In total, Americans spent approximatley $12.2 billion on cosmentic procedures last year. This new accessibility has left us with an unreal view of what people actually look like and have us clinging to a collective idea of beauty that can only really be reached via scalpel. Unfortunately, this message has been tossed to teens as well, and too often we hear of plastic surgery as a graduation gift instead of the standard car or college grant.

The bottom line is, let’s not buy into it and step out of the proverbial magnifying glass. This celebrity worship has left us, primarily girls, hopping in front of a mirror every ten minutes like we have paparazzi hounding us with zoom-in lenses. As teens, we have so much left to learn and figure out to already be putting plastic surgery on our wish lists.

And those built and modeled images that we may sometimes admire on screens and magazine covers; they are all too often just people hiding behind their plastic looks. We all feel the weight of self-consciousness, but we need to realize that maybe that’s just a part of life. Because if we pursue every self-perceived flaw and imperfection with chemical and surgical fixes, nothing will ever be good enough. And when we leave the house thinking, “do I look skinny enough?,” “Is my complexion perfect?,” “does my figure look flawless?,” then we leave behind the questions we should be asking ourselves like “what do I want my future to look like?,” “what truly makes me happy?,” “what can I do to make a difference?” That’s not the people we should want to become. When you think about it, those we really admire aren’t the one’s concentrating on the mirror, they are the few pushing themselves the extra mile to fight for their beliefs or help those around them. Buying a different body doesn’t change anything. In the end, no one can ever buy a different personality, or talents, or friends and family. Those are things that take building, not dollar bills, and those are the things worth caring about, not some airbrushed, plastic ideal.

With our ability to stay so easily connected with the world, it’s no wonder people are constantly bombarded by texts, emails and phone calls. But when these forms of communication overpower real, live conversations, its time to take a step back and appreciate the perks of talking face-to-face.

In all honestly, I’m impressed with those who are able to maintain a texting conversation all class hour. I can’t imagine a topic so intriguing that it consumes me into a text message 160 characters long (or less) and away from the live, human beings sitting around me. I understand that school can be boring, but everyday lessons must be learned to pass the class. It’s rude to hold a conversation out loud with your neighbor as the teacher is talking; isn’t texting all hour the same concept?

Plus, if chronic texters would just pay attention in school, they wouldn’t have to use as much time studying later. And while they’re enjoying their free time when not studying as hard, they can instead use that extra time to text, or heaven forbid, actually hang out with those people in person.

But the texting phase doesn’t stop at the doors of our high school. At all hours of the day and night, we can be reached through our cell phones, email, etc. ‘ While this may be convenient, the blissful freedom of feeling ‘turned off’ is never achieved. We are always so obsessed with staying available that a solitary evening spent with just our family or some friends turns into a war zone the following day at school. We’re bombarded with angry questions as “Why didn’t you respond?!” or “Where were you?” when all we did was spend a night ‘turned off.’

Although technology has allowed us the convenience to stay connected with individuals across the globe, let us focus more heavily on those who are tangibly right in front of us. Appreciate the time you have with your family and friends in person, and then use any of your extra free time to catch up with others farther away.

heard in the

halls

Spring Break plans

“I’m excited to go to Florida for Spring Break. I’m looking forward to going to the beach and catching some waves.” junior Jeff Arseneau

Gymnastics “I’ve been treaining hard for gymnastics, and I made it to State, so I’m excited for upcoming competitions.” freshman Desi Blastic

New Classes “The classes I’m taking next year are preparing me for college” sophomore Sara Heldebrandt

Opinion

March 26, 2010

5

Attack does not change animal rights

By Becca Duggan arts & entertainment editor

Cartoon by Danny McCuan

Smoking ban causes fiery debate

By Matt Smith editor-in-chief

The choice to smoke is left to the individual, but a bill could pass that prevents people from smoking in public venues because of smoking’s known cancercausing properties.

Is this bill an infringement on smoker’s rights or a health movement for the public?

By Cori Novelli co-editor-in-chief Smoking is harmful to your health; we all know that. Consequently, it would make sense that banning the act of smoking would ensure an increase in health conditions. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. Apart from all the economic disasters that a statewide smoking ban would bring, health risks for innocent nonsmokers would still exist as well. Why? Moving the smokers out of public is not going to eliminate them. Those who smoke will just continue smoking but around different people—their children, spouses and other loved ones at home.

Then, as the restaurants are losing profits from fewer customers, they lose money that would have been used to pay their employees. Less workers in the job field means a lower production rate. This would, in turn, hurt the economy even more.

But apart from these risks, a smoking ban could actually create more litter as well. It was thought that an elimination of smoking would eliminate their dirty byproducts. Instead, as people are forced to stay several hundred feet from the building (and several hundred feet from that garbage bin next to that building) they’ll be more inclined to lazily toss their cigarette butts on the surrounding sidewalks and streets. It would take more work and effort to clean these areas, which means more money used for street cleaners and janitors.

Overall, the smoking ban does not solve the health problems of smoking; it just moves them somewhere else. Instead, Indiana should use the money it will lose from this ban and fund it towards products that can actually help people stop smoking. A ban does not eliminate smokers; it only moves these people around, possibly out of Indiana for good.

Junior

Freshman

Sophomore

America is the land of freedom—freedom to speak, to vote, to live life to its fullest. However, when one person’s actions interfere with another’s right to freedom, something must be done. When a person steals, he or she takes away the victim’s right to property. When a person kills, he or she takes away the victim’s right to live. In the same way, when a person smokes, he or she takes from everyone in the vicinity the right to clean air and a healthy lifestyle.

The smoking ban, which recently passed in the House of Representatives, is not simply taking away freedom from smokers. It gives nonsmokers the freedom to walk into a restaurant and breathe without inhaling a cloud of smoke. It gives them the freedom to come home from work without smelling like cigarettes.

The ban is not only an issue of freedom, but an issue of health. In a 2002 study by the World Health Organization, it was concluded that secondhand smoke is carcinogenic to humans and also has links to a host of problems, including coronary diseases, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. If someone is exposed to secondhand smoke in a public place, they are at risk for each of these diseases. Smokers have the right to compromise their own lives and health by smoking, but by smoking in public places, they endanger every American citizen who chooses not to smoke.

The Indiana smoking ban was inevitable. In fact, it should have been passed earlier. It protects the rights of every Hoosier as they go through their everyday life. Smokers may have the right to fill their own lungs with tar, but not the rest of Indiana citizens’.

speak up Is hazing a problem at public schools?

I

ssue:

Statewide smoking ban is not the solution to stop secondhand smoke

Senior

Smoking ban needed to protect health of non-smoking customers

The tale of Free Willy, the friendly whale that audiences fell in love with in theatres, is widely known.

A question that never seemed to arise was- why was Free Willy so friendly? The answer lied right in his name- Free Willy was, in fact, free.

Recently, a killer whale at Seaworld killed a worker.

This is not the first time such a thing happened. Additionally, a handful of cases were reported wherein a whale injured or killed an employee. This pattern does not implicate blame toward the whale despite popular belief.

The blame should be directed at people instead. Humankind knows which animals to domesticate- dogs, cats, certain birds. We also believe we know which wild animals to keep in captivity- lions, tigers, whales.

However, we cannot expect these two classes of animals- wild and domestic- to act the same.

Wild animals, even in zoos, will not bend to our every whim and needs. They are untamed, for that’s how nature intended for them to be. So we cannot blame the wild animal for its behavior, for it is acting as it naturally should. We are the ones who put the whale in a foreign habitat that it was not meant to be in.

In this whale’s effort to adapt to its new, unnatural environment, it is understandable that it has unpredictable behavior. Because it is in an environment that is not natural, its behavior will not be natural either.

Of course, we should not take the incident lightly. We should morn the tragic loss of life, and we should move to amend this devastating cycle.

I am not advocating releasing all zoo animals into the wild; I realize that parks and zoos do help some animals survive longer. However, with recurring incidents like in the case of the killer whales, we need to realize that there are certain species that will pose a threat if kept in captivity. We need to gradually keep these animals in the wild so this threat will lessen. After all, Free Willy was such an inspiring story because of the freedom that he represented, and we can make similar inspiring stories by allowing whales to live peacefully in their natural environments.

Vance Walczak

Dan Fair

Evan Henderlong

Brenna Wermers

“No. There’s no reason to beat up other students.”

“I don’t think it’s a problem because it has never happened to me before.”

“I believe hazing is not a really big problem, but it is still here at CPHS.”

“I’ve never had any experience with hazing or know anyone who has, so no.”

Celebrating

I on

Sophomore Alexa Grzych celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by passing out incentives to the crowd of people while representing St. Anthony’s Hospital.

by the

numbers

life

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March 26, 2010

Learning

6

Japanese exchange students learn about Easter traditions during a welcome party. Students learned traditions such as egg dying.

Going under the knife Plastic surgery procedures become more common

147

By Haajar Shaaban staff reporter

percent increase in plastic surgery procedures since 1997.

10.5

billion

dollars spent on plastic surgery procedures in 2009.

2,557,068

Botox injection procedures were completed in 2009.

Despite the recession, there was only a.

2

percent decrease in the number of plastic surgery procedures in 2009.

311,157 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2009

All facts from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Nip, tuck, done. Plastic surgery has become a cheaper, easier, and increasingly popular procedure among men and women all over the world.

According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), cosmetic procedures can cost as low as $150. With easier accessibility and prices lower than they’ve ever been, millions of Americans are altering their appearances with surgeries every year.

However, contrary to popular beliefs, not all plastic surgeries are for appearance enhancing reasons.

There are two categories of plastic surgery: cosmetic and reconstructive.

“About 15 to 20 percent of my patients are cosmetic, but the rest are reconstructive. In a typical week, I will do 15 to 20 surgeries and see 125 patients in the office,” plastic surgeon Nick Retson of Crown Point said.

Cosmetic (also called aesthetic) procedures change a part of the body that the person is not happy with. According to the ASAPS, the most common cosmetic procedures in America include rhinoplasties (nose jobs), breast augmentation, liposuction, and blepharoplasties (eyelid reshaping).

On the other hand, reconstructive procedures are done for medical reasons. They can correct defects on the face or body, such as palates, or severe injuries from bites or burns.

Some other common reconstructive surgeries include tumor removal, laceration and scar repair, hand surgery, and breast reduction for back pains Although there are many types of medical plastic surgeries, countless Americans who undergo plastic surgery do not get it for medical reasons.

“Many times, people seek plastic surgery because they are unhappy with their appearance, unhappy with themselves, and seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. As a society, we place far too much value on outward youth and beauty, which distorts one’s perceptions,” school psychologist Katherine Huls said.

Self-esteem refers to the degree to which people are satisfied or dissatisfied with themselves. If people were satisfied with themselves and their bodies, they would have no need for cosmetic surgery.

For this reason, it is considered that selfesteem and appearance go hand in hand. Plastic surgery is frequently viewed as a quick and easy fix for someone who is unhappy with the way they view themselves.

Another reason one could get plastic surgery would be to get attention.

“A lot of girls aren’t positive, and think they need to look better,” sophomore Aly Schultz said. “Also many of them are trying to impress boys.”

According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) statistics, more than 219,000 cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on people age 13-19 in 2008. Two of the most popular plastic surgeries among teens are liposuction and breast implants.

“I think that in today’s society, many young women have unhealthy body images and con-

sider plastic surgery as an option,” Huls said.

However, the opportunity to transform a teen with low self-esteem into someone with self-confidence can be justified, because a timely procedure could prevent eating disorders, self mutilation, and bullying.

So if plastic surgery can improve your looks and health, what is the problem with undergoing plastic procedures?

What people forget is the keyword: surgery. It’s not a risk free procedure, especially with young people.

Many times, doctors do not perform certain procedures on teens until they are sure that the person has stopped growing.

“For cosmetic surgery, it is best if the patient is fully grown at about age 16 to 18,” Retson said.

Modern procedures have significantly diminished many risks. Complications in surgery are rare, but they can occur. They could also be more probable with certain health conditions, such as diabetes.

Ultimately, surgery, according to many, does not even help with self-esteem issues.

“I don’t think that a plastic surgery will cure low self-esteem. The individual typically finds another quality with which they are unhappy,” Huls said.

Before thinking of plastic surgery, one should seek out help from a counselor or other trusted person. There are many other options to consider before plastic surgery.

And at the end of the day, no matter how many surgeries one gets, the person will still be the same underneath it all.

“Someone could get plastic surgery and become totally different on the outside, but they will always still be the same person on the inside,” Schultz said.

However, for non-cosmetic procedures, plastic surgery can literally affect someone’s quality of life.

For example, if one gets in a bad car accident or badly burned, body parts can be reconstructed with plastic surgery.

Retson’s favorite reconstructive procedure to perform is cleft lip surgery. He travels on trips 2 to 3 times a year to various countries around the world to perform the surgery. He will be completing his 30th trip this April. Some of the countries he’s traveled to include Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, and India.

“The first trip was out of curiosity; after that it felt like the right thing to be doing for the right reasons,” Retson said. “Many of the people we treat have never seen a doctor before and have no other way of getting surgery that they desperately need.”

Photo by Georgia Otte

7

Feature

March 26, 2010

The answers to help stop procrastination Students share their ways to stay focused when the weather is warm

By Marwa Nour staff reporter

March 2010

myself slacking, I stay motivated by thinking about who I want to be,” sophomore Jacob Suson said.

But staying motivated can be hard when distractions get in the way. Beautiful weather, fatigue or plain laziness can cause procrastination in anyone.

“It’s hard to get motivated when I am dreading the assignments or things I have to do,” junior Alyssa Bostick said. “I’d rather be sitting outside instead of working inside,” Bostick said.

Rather than enjoying the

“

95 percent of people are prone to procrastination.

Amongst them, 20 percent are chronic procrastinators

weather and ignoring tasks and responsibilities, find a way to compromise. No one said that the great weather can’t be enjoyed while finishing up some work.

“I am a procrastinator most of the time but the nice weather actually keeps me focused,” sophomore Deanna Bade said.

Finding ways to work around the temptation to procrastinate and go outside can be difficult, so students find their own ways to conquer said temptation.

“I tend to procrastinate when

“

As the snow melts away and the sun begins to shine, spirits are lifted in hopes for spring and the long awaited warm weather. With the vanishing snow and shining sun comes the desire to be outside enjoying the weather and ignoring any other responsibilities.

Unfortunately, that isn’t an option if grades need to be maintained and jobs must be done. This can be achieved with a few simple ways to keep on track and some motivation to keep spirits up, as well as grades.

According to USA Today, psychologist William Knaus, who has written several self-help books on fighting procrastination, estimates that as much as 95 percent of people are prone to procrastination. Amongst that percentage, 20 percent are chronic procrastinators. To avoid being grouped into such statistics, some students find that being motivated to finish a task really helps to avoid procrastination and get things done.

“I stay motivated because my mom gives me money if I make the honor roll, and I can do my work outside on my hammock,” sophomore Bethany Debok said.

Motivation doesn’t always come in the form of money, other students found motivation in simple pleasures.

“I avoid procrastination by listening to music. And if I find

William Knaus in “USA Today”

there is a long deadline,” senior Nicole Reid said. “So instead, I’ll take my homework outside and get it done.”

Sometimes procrastination creeps up when least expected.

Lack of sleep, after school jobs, and great weather play a factor in this problem.

“I procrastinate more often during periods one to three because I feel like sleeping even though I might have slept well.

I’m not a morning person,” senior Greg Birmingham said.

After school jobs can be great when pay day comes around, but they can also lead to late hours during the week which can ultimately lead to procrastination in one form or another “I procrastinate more often during the week because I feel like with work and school, I’m too tired to do any homework,” senior Haley Webb.

Another way students can avoid procrastination is doing their work in a clean, organized environment.

“I work better in a clean environment because it helps me stay focused,” junior Rachel Wiltjer said.

Now that the weather is getting nicer and the school year is coming to a close, procrastination becomes more common. But the school year is not over yet, and neither are your classes. So find a way to stay motivated, stay focused and finish out the year strong.

Ways to avoid procrastinating: • Incorporate 5-10 minute break times into your work schedule to break up the monotony.

• Make a list every morning of what you need to accomplish throughout the day.

• Reward yourself each time you achieve a goal. You’ll feel more accomplished.

• Set a goal. Stay focused on one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Find a way to be comfortable while doing work. Sit outside; listen to music.

Feature

8

March 26, 2010

Killing too many birds with one stone Multitasking proves inefficient if trying to accomplish too many goals at once

By A. Easto and M. Bates staff reporter and associate editor You hear the clicking of a pencil, the tapping of a shoe, the faint sound of music in the background. Gestures all different but yet all intertwined. These things somehow, although maybe subconsciously, help us focus on homework, tests, and other important activities. The urges lurk behind every corner anxiously awaiting the opportunity to feed teens distractions.

“

I recommend that students set aside a block of time for studying each day; try to find a quiet area where you are unlikely to be disturbed.

“

School psychologist Dr. Katherine Huls Though seeming productive, a recent study showed that a person might not be accomplishing as much as they think they are. According to the New York Times, scientists found that these types of personnel often struggle with cognitive or memory distractions versus those whom perform one task at a time.

“Humans are conditioned to multitask.

We’re always drawn to the more interesting activity,” school psychologist Katherine Huls said.

Senior Samia Khan said she finds herself multitasking several times a day. Eating dinner while doing homework was a prime example in her busy lifestyle.

“With the tennis season starting, I have to multitask in order to get things done on time,” Khan said.

Multitasking through the years has risen to become a huge part of teen’s lives. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation re-

cently reported that kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of seven hours and 38 minutes doing activities such as watching television, text messaging, or going on the computer every day. And since all time is being wrapped up in such activities, where is the studying supposed to squeeze itself in?

“I recommend that students set aside a block of time for studying each day; try to find a quiet area where you are unlikely to be disturbed. Turn off the electronics and put them out of arm's reach. Tell your friends ahead of time that you will not be available during this time period. When you have finished your studying, reward yourself with your electronic activities,” Huls said.

Although multitasking does raise concerns, some students say that they have to multitask in order to concentrate. Perhaps this new electronic age is more than just addiction and more of a subconscious focusing mechanism; perhaps teenagers are right in this fight.

“Music distracts me from my random brain thoughts. Personally, if I was allowed to listen during tests, my tests scores would rise,” junior Katrina Hoernig said.

Senior Tyler Dillon said in his hectic household it’s easy to get distracted and it keeps him focused on the paper in front of him.

“I have different music for different subjects. Upbeat, pop, or musicals, mean math. Classical is more of an English genre,” Dillon said.

History teachers Denise Vance and Jim Inglehart both do not let students listen to music while taking exams. Inglehart said listening to familiar music improves performance on many tasks. However, Vance had a differentiating opinion.

“Students who listen to music while doing homework are hurting themselves,” Vance said.

Compromise may be in order between focusing and distraction. Multitasking is an everyday profession without the benefits of a paycheck. What works for one, may not for another. Choose what gets the work done, right, and complete. And remember, multitask at your own risk.

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Feature

From class rings to wedding rings

9

Faculty members prove high school relationships last beyond graduation

PHOTOS BY A. PARRISH

By Lauren Cain co-copy editor While walking through the halls, it’s inevitable to see the typical high school couple, holding hands and locking eyes.

They are the sole importance to each other, which forces the question: what is the likelihood of these relationships lasting beyond the four years of high school?

According to statistics, 14 percent of high school sweethearts will marry, but only two percent will make the marriage last without divorce.

Foreign language teacher Linda Atwood is proof of a relationship that has potential to last beyond high school. She and her husband of 26 years dated since she was 16, and got married when she was 21.

“Of course (I though we would end up getting married). We were in love. In high school, you think everything is perfect, don’t you?” Atwood said.

Atwood said her secret to a successful relationship is being smart when dealing with problems.

“When you argue, sometimes you have to agree to disagree and move on,”

she said.

Michelle Morris sees firsthand the effects of high school relationships as the current guidance intern; she also knows of their potential ability to last since she is still dating her boyfriend from her senior year of high school. “(Relationships lasting beyond high school) is a reality, and it does happen; it’s just not the majority. (My boyfriend and I) stayed home for college, so the proximity helps. Having good communication, and being best friends helps too because then you’re more likely to stick together through hardships,” Morris said.

Juniors Kelly Maddalone and Jose Andrade have been dating for over three years, beginning in their freshman year.

“The greatest part of being in a long term relationship would be that I know I always have someone there for me,” Maddalone said. “Having that support of someone all the time helps make life not seem so hectic and makes me feel that even in the worst situations, things will be fine.”

As juniors in high school, a concern of theirs is whether the relationship would last after graduation.

“We talk about us being together in the future, but we don’t fixate on it a ton

because we know through college it will be tough to stay together,” Maddalone said.

“But we still both believe we will make it.”

Because Maddalone believes they will last beyond graduation, she does not think that their relationship will impact their decisions when it comes to college choices.

“We both have dreams that we want to accomplish and we aren’t going to change those dreams just to go to the same college,” Maddalone said. “If we couldn’t make a long distance relationship work, then it wasn’t meant to be.”

Morris feels that the biggest concern when entering a long-term relationship is making sure students know enough about themselves so that they don’t lose themselves to the relationship. Her sister had a boyfriend from freshman year all the way through college, and Morris says that because of that, she never got to be independent.

“You don’t need to be dependent on someone all the time. It’s good to make sure you know your likes, dislikes, and interests before you get into a relationship so it’s not all about what you guys like together. In a relationship, you sometimes forget because you’re trying to impress the other person,” she said.

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Morris believes that while these relationships affect students immensely, be it academically, socially, or personally, they also offer a learning experience for the people involved in the relationship.

“They learn quality things, like what they like in a person. They learn new things, like different interests. You also learn about yourself too, such as whether or not you’re a dependant person,” Morris said.

Morris also said that she learned a lot from being in a serious relationship since high school.

“I learned really quickly that I didn’t need to be with him all the time, where as a lot of students think they need to be. You don’t always have to see each other every day and it actually makes the relationship better if you don’t.”

If there is one thing that can be agreed upon when it comes to long-term relationships, it is the fact that it needs to be taken day by day.

“It’s good for students (to date) for the experience, but I don’t think anyone needs to take the relationship so seriously,” Morris said. “You can’t expect that the person you’re dating is going to be with you for the rest of your life. It just happens.”

10

Feature

March 26, 2010

Learn the write stuff for essays

Tips for writing scholarship essays that may help fund collegiate career

By Deanna Sheafer / co-editor-in-chief

A

fter years of writing under pressure in English class, juniors and seniors start to under stand how to draft a perfect essay for their class. But, bring them a scholarship essay and see the fear in their eyes as their palms begin to sweat. They often freeze up, focusing solely on the money at stake. Besides the pressure associated with them, scholarship essays often lack specific directions, which does nothing to calm the nerves of the applicants. Here are some helpful tips from a senior who has written many scholarship essays picked up along the way.

1 23 4567

Know your audience

Address all aspects

Often times, the question for the essay is very general or vague, something like, “Describe your accomplishments, goals, and needs.” That leaves endless possibilities, which scares some away. Narrow the focus of your essay by simply looking at who is offering the scholarship and what they would want to read about. But of course, remain honest in your descriptions.

Once you get started writing, it’s hard to stop when you’re on a roll. So, sometimes aspects of the question are forgotten, which will be obvious to the reader. Look back at the question once the essay is complete and make sure all elements are included. If there are many parts to the question, it may be helpful to make a quick checklist before starting.

Proofread for errorrs

Start out with a bang

When you have just a page or two to make an impression, every little detail counts. The readers might be wowed by your essay, but being distracted by typos, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes are common pet peeves of many readers. A few minutes of proofreading may make or break your chances of receiving the scholarship.

Chances are that many, many students have applied for the scholarship as well.

While the readers are pouring over application after application, you want yours to stand out and make an instant impression in the reader’s mind. The first couple of sentences may be all it takes for the reader to decide whether your essay is special, or if it is just like every other paper.

Keep it short

Essay readers aren’t that different from high school students in regards to their attention span. Just highlight the best accomplishments instead of sharing every detail of your life story. That way, the most prominent facts will stand out, and the reader won’t loose attention.

Have a teacher read it An easy way to prevent errors is having someone, like an English teacher, read it before submitting. After staring at the computer screen for so long perfecting the essay, it’s hard to catch mistakes yourself. Teachers are willing to help with suggestions and advice. Besides, it’s helpful to have an objective, outside opinion when cutting down on length.

Apply for all types

Many students are surprised about how many different types of scholarships exist. Though many seem random and unusual, that may work to your advantage due to the lack of applicants. Someone will receive it, and that person can be you only if you apply. So, don’t automatically think, “I’ll never be able to win that one.” It never hurt to apply!

Student I.D. Required

Arts & Entertainment

March 26, 2010

myview

Flogging Molly hits Chicago on Green 17 tour

By Anna Ortiz graphics editor In the midst of March, it seems everyone’s Irish, and if you’re not, well, the least you can do is appreciate a little extra greenery. Putting all the dancing leprechaun paraphernalia and screened shamrock tees aside, the Green 17 Tour is as Irish as you can get. Flogging Molly, a punk Irish band from Los Angeles with humble beginnings in a local pub (go figure), has hit Chicago. From St. Louis to Milwaukee, the band traveled up and down the Midwest to land in the aesthetically striking Aragon Ballroom March 13, Saturday.

The relatively small venue was packed and ready to get rowdy as the lead singer, Dave King, finally took stage. The band, mostly clad in white button ups paired with suspenders and the occasional wool cap, took the green, country pastures of Ireland to the back alley with their folk yet punk sound.

The traditional Celtic fiddle, accordion, and lute were strung in with fast paced drums and raw guitar that could only explain the band’s heritage combined with their influence from The Clash.

And they brought it.

Booming sound, quick on the draw limericks, crowd pleasing beats, raucous disposition and all, Flogging Molly rocked Chicago. “Factory Girl” and “Float” hit home for the struggling bourgeoisie majority and raised glasses among the crowd. Needless to say the mosh pits were lively, and the slower songs were all in good spirits. “Requiem for a Dying Song” threw the crowd into a rowdy pub like sing-a-long while “The Wanderlust” carried a more solemn yet beautifully melodic tone. “Rebels of the Sacred Heart” reminisced at King’s past as a poorly paid alter boy and had all the biting criticism and catchy gusto of a Clash song.

Flogging Molly was one of the best concerts I’ve been to yet. Their sound pulled away from the synthesized fad of today’s music and brought people to the back alley pubs of Ireland to the bustling streets of Chicago.

11

“Alice” remake does wonders

By Garret Hogan staff reporter When the 1951 Disney classic “Alice in Wonderland” came to the silver screen it filled the minds of many people with the saying that “nothing is impossible.” Alice Kingsley, now a 19 year old about to be betrothed to a ghastly man, remembers a world which she thinks is a dream she had as a child, “where everything is nonsense, and nothing is what it is and everything is what it isn’t.”

Tim Burton once again brings another classic to the theatres as he portrays Alice, the Red Queen, the Mad-Hatter, the Rabbit in the waistcoat, and new character the White Queen, played by Anne Hathaway. The one big difference, however, is that Alice is returning to Wonderland, or as it is now called, Underland.

Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway combine their years of experience as actors to a make an unforgettable film. Carter (Red Queen) reaches her character in a way that is almost frightening. With the ever popular sayings of “Off With Her Head!” to the comical references of big headedness, the Red Queen is superbly displayed

by Carter in a way that would be difficult for any ordinary actress.

It was no surprise that Johnny Depp was picked for the part of the Mad-Hatter, since he is known most for his crazy roles as a daring courageous pirate, a young

man with scissors for hands, and an estranged barber who decapitates people. It was nice to see Johnny Depp playing a more soft role than a character that could easily be described as a villain.

The Mad-Hatter was a lovable character who made you laugh and made the movie have a sad yet happy ending. It was Johnny Depp who really sold the film before it even came to theatres as he was pictured in perhaps every poster regarding the movie. Yet it was most definitely worth it as he did a fantastic job, and the movie made a good amount of money.

Anne Hathaway was a strange, yet extremely wise choice for the part as the White Queen.

Known for her roles as a thriving journalist in the “Devil Wears Prada” to the raunchy adult telephone entertainer in “Valentine’s Day,” she is not normally one to pursue fantasy roles; however, she did an exceptional job. The White Queen was new to “Alice in Wonderland” character list. She plays the “good” Queen, sister to the Red Queen. She was once the Queen of Wonderland but the Red Queen developed a case of big headedness and took over Wonderland, renaming it Underland, to wreak havoc.

This movie was exceptional, though some say that it was not their cup of tea. It is likely because people hyped up the movie so much that when it did not reach their expectations, it was automatically horrible. However, this

was not the case. The movie will be added to Depp’s, Hathaway’s, and Carter’s greatest works and should be nominated for the 83rd

Academy Awards. If you’re one to love the classic Disney movies but in a hip, modern way, then I say go see “Alice in Wonderland.”

She & Him release sophomore album

By Brittany Curtis managing editor She & Him may be grammatically incorrect, but there is nothing wrong about their sophomore album, “Volume Two.” Aside from their quirky name, She & Him also provide an album that is nothing if not charming.

The band is a collaboration of indie actress Zooey Deschanel (known for her roles in Elf and 500 Days of Summer) and Matthew Ward (known by his stage name, M. Ward) that brings the listener to “a never-ending springtime.” Their first album “Volume One” was released in 2008 and since has had listeners begging for more.

Their sophomore album “Volume Two” was released on March 23 and evokes the same bittersweet, naïve romanticism

Sony Playstation Move The Nintendo Wii finally has a competitor in the area of motion-based gaming, and its name is the Playstation Move. The Move is similar to the Wii in that it allows the game player to combine their body movements with the happenings in a video game. The difference between the two consoles is how the Move provides more precision in its gameplay; participating in a table tennis video game becomes eerily akin to the real thing when the player’s smallest wrist movements change the angle of the ball’s direction.

The new system is sure to give Wii a run for its money.

as “Volume One.” She & Him stick to what they know bestDeschanel’s catchy song writing with Ward’s intricate harmonies.

Deschanel’s song writing has definitely grown, and is beautifully showcased in tracks like “Don’t Look Back” and “In the Sun” that provide a sweetness, but not without a cutting sarcasm.

Along with their own originals, “Volume Two” follows the same route as “One” with their covers, most prominently showcased with their spot-on cover of Skeeter Davis’s “Gonna Get Along Without You Now.” “Volume Two” is good-time music; music that you would want to play with the top down during the summer. “Volume Two” is appropriately titled, as it expands upon the same feeling given by “Volume One” while still providing its counterpart.

a few of our

favorite things

“House Rules” by Jodi Picoult

Winter 2010 Paralympics Not to be confused with the Special Olympics, the Paralympics include athletic competitions for athletes with physical and visual disabilities. The events were hosted at Whistler, British Columbia in Canada. A particular highlight was that Canada’s skier Lauren Woolstencroft brought in five gold medals, a new record for the Paralympics.

Information compiled by Inklings Editors

Jodi Picoult is famous for her examinations of delicate social issues such as terminal illnesses, suicide, and mental diseases. In House Rules, Picoult tells the story from the perspective of a boy named Jacob Hunt with Asperger’s Syndrome, which inhibits his social skills. Because of his disease, Jacob is wholly fixed on one hobby- investigating crimes.

This interest becomes ironic when he is accused of murdering his tutor. The book brilliantly and thoroughly covers the difficulties in dealing with a mental illness and adapting Jacob’s special case to the complex legal system.

Arts & Entertainment

12

March 26, 2010

CW returns after winter hiatus Network brings back viewer favorites for spring season

By M. Bates and B. Curtis associate editor and managing editor

By Becca Duggan entertainment editor

90210

The CW is known for their hit television shows such as “90210,” “Melrose Place,” and “Gossip Girl.”

After a brief winter hiatus, these shows returned with all-new episodes and interesting story lines. The network also introduced “Life Unexpected” in January which has been delivering great ratings. Two Inklings editors viewed each show and offered their input on what they think of the new spring season.

Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Melrose Place Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

There are some shows on television that make viewers question why it is still on air. “Melrose Place” is unfortunately one of them. The March 23 episode deals with the end of two relationships.

Ben realized that he had feelings for his co-worker Riley after he kissed her on a business trip in Washington D.C. When Ben decides to start a relationship with Riley, Amanda finds someone to take pictures of the new couple.

Riley is embarrassed about the pictures that were taken and she decides to quit her job and relationship with Ben. Lauren also decides to end her relationship with David even though he is trying to get his life back together. After viewing the episode, I’ve realized that this show lacks an interesting story line and deep characters. The question is if this show will renewed. In my opinion, I highly doubt it.

After airing three episodes of the spring season, many questions have been answered since the Winter Formal. Navid came back to West Beverly High School after getting suspended for the possession of drugs. He is still planning revenge against Jasper for what he did to him and other students at school.

Relationships are also a main focus this season. Teddy and Silver decide to give their relationship a shot. However, since Silver can’t seem to trust Teddy with other girls, Teddy decides to break-up with Silver. Viewers also learn that Dixon’s birth mom Dana gets back into contact with him. Dana stays with the Wilson’s for a few days and Dixon couldn’t be happier. However, Debbie Wilson is a little hesitant to have her son be talking to his birth mom again.

Annie continues to try to get over Jasper, but Jasper doesn’t seem to want to let her go. He follows her almost everywhere she goes, but Annie is afraid to report him to the police. She is worried that Jasper will reveal “the secret” that she has been hiding ever since prom night.

With some great story lines for each character, I have been really impressed of the season thus far. Each character has an intriguing story line that make the viewer want to keep tuning in.

Gossip Girl

Life Unexpected Mondays @ 7 p.m.

Mondays @ 8 p.m.

After a two month hiatus, “Gossip Girl” has returned, and with its new episodes comes a whole new batch of drama. In the new episodes, Vanessa and Dan are dealing with the aftermath of their relationship, while Serena and Nate are just beginning theirs after the departure of Nate’s cousin, Tripp. Chuck meets a mysterious new woman who he eventually finds out is his mother.

However, she may be scheming to take over his hotel with his conniving uncle Jack. Blair and Chuck’s relationship continues on, but the producer has been quoted as saying that that will soon change because Chuck did something unforgivable. Lily and Rufus are going through turmoil, with the threat of breaking up nearing the horizon, possibly involving Serena’s dad.Jenny meets a new boy who gets her involved in an underground drug ring, and we see “Little J” spiral downward, much like she did in season two. But, she can’t fall too far because Rufus is constantly supervising her.

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Amoré offers gourmet Italian food, romantic atmosphere

Although it may not have gone on a hiatus, “Life Unexpected” still premiered during the January season and has been making waves at the CW. “Life Unexpected” is charming to say the least, and brings back some of the vibe of the old WB. Although it isn’t nearly as fast-talking and witty as Gilmore Girls, it still has some moments that seem to shadow the funny parent- teen relationship.

“Life Unexpected” follows the story of Lux, a girl who was given up for adoption by her then-teen mother, Kate and an unknowing father Baze, who was oblivious to the fact that Kate even had their child. Lux seeks to be emancipated from her foster family, and in order to do that she must find her birth parents and have them sign a form. Showing up at Baze’s doorstep, Lux’s sarcastic banter provides comic relief to what would be an incredibly uncomfortable situation. Lux’s plan backfires, however, when the judge decides that Lux would be better off in Kate and Baze’s care.

With a McDonalds and Burger King around every corner, it is refreshing to come across an original new dining experience. Such an experience is offered at Amoré, the new Italian restaurant on the square.

As the Italian name suggests, Amoré serves a variety of Italian dishes such as spaghetti and fettuccine alfredo. But the eatery is not lacking in its variety; in addition to fresh pastas, Amoré offers gourmet salads, decadent sandwiches, and mouth-watering sushi. The diversity of food is but one of the many advantages of Amoré.

When a customer first walks into the dining area, they are welcomed by friendly faces and a warm, comfortably formal atmosphere. The dim lighting and brick walls give the room almost a romantic “Lady and the Tramp” impression, making Amoré the perfect place to bring one’s love interest. The service is swift and attentive, so the customer does not have long to wait before a plate of hot bread is placed Review before them.

Upon looking at the menu, a customer will find ample delicious options; however, do not expect this place to have a dollar menu. As a fancier dining restaurant, there are higher prices. If looking for cheaper items, a customer can just look to the sushi menu; some items there are as low as $4.

Enhancing the romantic feeling further is the live musical entertainment. If there is a band playing, plan to sit near the door. Otherwise, you will find yourself shouting over the melodies. Despite its volume, the music gives the establishment a more welcoming, cultured feel.

At the end of the meal, fulfilling foods, friendly service, and a pleasant atmosphere make Amoré worthwhile. If nothing else, a student could visit to make a meal out of less expensive but delicious sushi.

Despite its elevated prices, Amoré adds sophistication to an otherwise relatively bland repertoire of local restaurants, and a price should not hinder an enjoyable dining experience.

Eric Huttel sophomore

Alex Kleeman junior

Ruben Barajas senior

Bedrock Young Money

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Robocop Kanye West

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Bedrock Young Money

Fall For You Secondhand Serenade

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Selina Gomez freshman

Sports

March 26, 2010

Baseball prepares for tough schedule Scrimmage tonight; opening game Tuesday in Illinois against Sandburg

By Hunter McKee sports editor With the opening game against Sandburg next week, the boys baseball team are looking to put the final pieces together for the regular season.

“I think our pitching needs to keep strong and our hitters need to keep hitting well,” senior Scott Donley said.

According to head coach Steve Strayer, the Bulldogs will need to improve their mental toughness in order to improve over the course of the season.

“Physically we are in pretty shape, but our mental toughness has to get a lot better,” Strayer said.

“We have a ways to go in this area. We will find this out in the first few weeks of the season.”

In the ’09 season the Bulldogs finished 30-3; however, improving that record will be difficult to do with a tougher schedule.

“We will have a chance to do well, but there are a lot better teams this year compared to last year. It will be tough to go 30-3,” Strayer said.

Two of the teams that the Bulldogs are looking forward to playing are Sandburg and LaPorte.

“Sandburg and

Boys Basketball LaPorte-56 CP-46 (Mar. 2) (Sectional Opener)

Boys Swimming 50th @ State Finals (Feb. 26-27)

Wrestling Mishawaka-45 CP-19 (Feb. 27) (Team State Finals)

Gymnastics 7th @ Sectionals (Mar. 6)

schedule

Photo

by

Vinnie Needham

Senior Nate Hasse takes practice swings during a practice. The Bulldogs’ preseason will conclude tonight in a scrimmage against the Andrean 59’ers. The Bulldogs will open their regular season by traveling across the border to Illinois to play in a game the Sandburg Eagles.

LaPorte will be our toughest opponents. Everyone will have to play well together, and our pitchers will have to throw strikes,” Donley said.

In the pre-season rankings by the IHSCBA, the Bulldogs are ranked number one in the state

*Story and predictions made prior to tournament start

Hunter’s Picks Kansas

Kentucky Kansas Kentucky Kentucky

Villanova

Mil’s Picks W. Virginia

Kansas Pitt Pitt Purdue

Purdue

Pitt

Colin’s Picks Ohio St.

Kentucky

Kansas St. Kentucky Kentucky

Kansas St.

Duke

*Predictions not made prior to tournament start

Frank’s Picks

Kentucky

N. Iowa

N. Iowa Kentucky Kentucky Syracuse

S

scoreboard

at the 4A level. However, the ‘Dogs do not believe that this accolade will help them reach their ultimate goals.

“Players and coaches realize rankings mean nothing,” Strayer said. “It is a nice compliment, but it doesn’t help us reach our

goals, which is winning championships.”

Their ultimate goal is to be successful during post-season play.

“Our team goal is to win state,” Donley said.

Tonight the Bulldogs will wrap up their preseason with a scrimmage

against Andrean. The game is scheduled at home for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch.

On March 30 the Bulldogs will travel to Orland Park, Ill. to match-up against Sandburg High School.

The ‘Dogs start DAC play Portage on April 13.

March Madness brings competition to CPHS

Kansas St.

13

St. Mary’s

By Frank Strino guest writer March Madness or the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, is a huge spectacle in America. The tournament started in 1939 and has been watched by college basketball fans ever since. People from young to old fill out brackets for fun and or money.

For many Crown Point High School students, the NCAA tournament seems to be a simple way for them to make money.

“I enter my NCAA bracket into a pool to win money,” freshman Jacob Carey said, “This year I think Kentucky, Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Purdue will make it to the Final Four.”

Sophomore Jacob Lindeman also likes to enter pools. “I like to make my money,” he said .

Senior James Haworth finds the NCAA tournament as an event to show his dominance over his friends in sports knowledge.

“I fill out brackets for the thrill and for the chance to win money, it allows me to prove my superiority in sports compared to my friends.

Students like to watch the games from an array of viewing scenes, ranging from their own houses to the event itself.

“I like to watch it from my house. It makes the experience better,” Lindeman said.

“I usually go to my grandparents’ (house) to watch the games, but sometimes I go to a friend’s house,” Carey said.

Though not everyone cares about the money, many students play Freshman Steven Thill believes that the NCAA tourney brings college hoops fans together.

“I like March Madness because it brings people together. It could be either family, friends, and even the athletes.”

Then there are a select few who take the opportunity to attend the NCAA Tournament.

Social Studies teacher Russ Marcinek has attended the Final Four games for many years and will continue during this year’s Final Four games in Indianapolis.

“I’ve been going to the Final Four the last 14 years.

I go with a group of friends and fellow coaches, and I enjoy traveling to various cities that host the Final Four,” Marcinek said. “My favorite cities are New Orleans, San Antonio, and Indianapolis,” he added.

Being a general college basketball fan, Marcinek does not have a preference of who makes the Final Four in Indianapolis.

“I’d like to see a Big Ten team reach the Final Four, perhaps Purdue.”

Marcinek said. “I also like teams that bring a lot of fan support. Over the years the schools with the best fans have been Oklahoma State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Kansas, and UCLA,” he added.

The NCAA is pondering the idea of expanding the tournament to 96 teams. Marcinek does not enjoy the idea of a 96 team tournament because “it would render the regular season meaningless.”

Though Marcinek has been going to the Final Four for a long time, he says he is still not good at picking who will win. He enjoys attending games because he likes to see what will happen.

“It is a neat experience to be at the games because there is tremendous spirit with the four schools represented. However, because of the TV timeouts, Saturday turns into a very long day,” Marcinek said.

Tonight concludes the round of the “sweet sixteen” with key match-ups between Northern Iowa and Michigan State; also Purdue faces off against Duke.

The “Elite Eight” starts tomorrow and ends Sunday afternoon.

The Final Four starts April 3.

Baseball vs. Andrean (Mar. 26) @ Sandburg (Mar. 30) vs. Elkhart Memorial (Apr. 3) @ Highland (Apr. 5) @ Lowell (Apr. 6)

Softball @ Hobart (Mar. 29) vs. Penn (Apr. 1) @ Merrillville (Apr. 6) vs. Lake Central (Apr. 8)

Boys Track @ Proviso East Relays (Mar. 26) DAC Indoor Finals @ Portage (Mar. 30) vs. Munster, East Chicago, and Hanover Central (Apr. 8) vs. Valparaiso and Merrillville (Apr. 13)

Girls Track @ Cabin Fever Classic (Apr. 3) @ Merrillville w/ Valparaiso (Apr. 13) @ Lowell w/ East Chicago Central and Hanover Central (Apr. 15) @ Midwest Prep Invitational (Apr. 17)

Girls Tennis vs. Hobart (Apr. 12) @ Munster (Apr. 14) @ Culver (Apr. 19) @ Highland (Apr. 21)

Boys Golf @ Rensselaer Quad Meet (Apr. 19) @ Boone Grove (Apr. 21) @ CP Invitational (Apr. 24) @ Lowell w/ Hanover Central (Apr. 26)

14

Sports

March 26, 2010

Track teams begin indoor seasons

By Colin Likas asst. sports editor As the weather warms up, the girls and boys track teams are opening their indoor seasons and preparing for their outdoor ones as well.

The Lady ‘Dogs are coming off a season that included a runner-up finish in the sectional round and a ninth place finish in the regional round.

The team will have a strong freshman contingent this season.

Coach Lindsay Hattendorf has an optimistic outlook for her team.

“We can have a great season,” Hattendorf said. “We’re going to try and compete at the best level that we can.”

Returning to lead the team are some state qualifiers from last year. They include sophomores Whitney Michell and Abi Small (4x400 relay), fellow sophomore Madison Koch and junior Laicee Pierce (4x800 relay), and junior Augusta Schrader (300 intermediate hurdles).

The girls opened their indoor portion of the season with a home meet against Lake Central and Clark on March 3. This was followed by an indoor contest against Merrillville on March 16.

Both meets were unscored.

Between these two meets was the Harrison State Relay Trials, held on March 13 at Purdue University. Individuals and teams that met a certain time or distance standard or finished in one of the top spots of their respective events moved on to the Hoosier State Relay Finals.

Pierce was the only individual to advance to the finals and qualify in the 3200 meter run. At the finals, she finished in second place in a time of 11:02.91.

The 4x400 relay and 4x800 relay also qualified for the finals for the Lady ‘Dogs. The 4x400 team, consisting of Small, Mitchell, and freshman Bailey Beckham and Ki-

kayla Marcinkowski placed 12th of 23 teams.

The 4x800 team finished 14th out of the 23 teams competing and consisted of Pierce, Koch, freshman Allison Wortel, and sophomore Lauren McCarroll.

“The girls did well,” Hattendorf said. “There were a couple of personal records, and overall they did a good job.”

The results of the girls’ most recent indoor meet, a contest at home against Lowell, did not finish in time for this release.

On the boys’ side of things, the ‘Dogs are also coming off of a successful season. Similar to the girls’ team, the boys finished second to Merrillville in the sectional round, while taking fourth overall at regionals.

Junior Israel Mercado, who could take on the role of leading the sprinters this season, is the only returning member from last year’s state-qualifying 4x100 meter relay team.

Also returning this season are seniors Kyle Davis, Andrew Facemeyer, and Chris Shellenberger, who were all part of the statequalifying 4x800 meter relay team last season.

“We have a mainly young team,” head coach Keith Iddings said. “Our core group of upperclassmen should continue to improve throughout the season.”

At the HSR Finals, Mercado struggled in the 55 meter dash, finishing in a time of 6.97 seconds.

The 4x200 relay team, consisting of Mercado, junior Joel Johnson, sophomore Tyler Wells, and freshman Zack Sneiderwine, placed 15th of 18 teams, partially due to some difficulties during handoffs.

The ‘Dogs competed in a meet at Merrillville on March 16 to open their indoor campaign.

The meet was unscored.

The boys will compete at the Proviso East Relays in Illinois today. The results of this meet were not available at press time.

Girls tennis looks for back-to-back winning campaigns

By Colin Likas asst. sports editor

Photo PROVIDED

Photo by joe nejman

Senior Kyle Davis runs his leg of the 4x800 meter relay in a meet against Merrillville. The relay finished in first place overall.

The meet, which took place on March 16, was unscored.

HSR Finals Results BOYS

GIRLS

55 meter dash Israel Mercado--6.97 sec

3200 meter run Laicee Pierce-- 11:02.91

4x200 meter relay--15th Israel Mercado Joel Johnson Tyler Wells Zack Sneiderwine

4x400 meter relay--12th Abi Small Whitney Mitchell Bailey Beckham Mikayla Marcinkowski 4x800 meter relay-- 14th Laicee Pierce Madison Koch Allison Wortel Lauren McCarroll

Last season, the girls tennis team responded well to a coaching change. Now, in Brian Elston’s second season at the helm, the team is looking for another winning season.

“The little things won’t be so difficult for me this season,” Elston said. “It’s my second year, so I’ve been there and done that.”

The Lady ‘Dogs took down their 13th sectional title in school history last season. The girls hope to repeat, as well as improve on a 5-2 record in the DAC. “We feel like we have big expectations this season,” senior Hannah Tokoly said. “Even though we were second in the conference last year, we’d like to keep improving.”

Tokoly and four others will be returning this season. The group includes seniors Chelsea Viers and Needa Malik and juniors Kelly Gross and Gabby Touchette. Elston expects the five to be team leaders this upcoming season.

Most of the returning group was the reason that a sectional title was able to be captured last season, as well as the reason they could repeat this year.

Malik won a marathon singles contest to officially get the win for the Lady ‘Dogs. Tokoly and Gross were part of one winning doubles team, while Touchette was part of another (with thensenior Dana Andreoli).

“We want to at least do as well as we did last year in the conference,” Elston said. “We’re going to try and win the sectional again too.”

The first match of the season will be at home against Hobart of April 12. The conference portion of the schedule will open on April 22, with the girls taking on Merrillville.

Sports

March 26, 2010

15

Softball returns several players, looks to improve

The worst of sports franchises

By Hunter McKee sports editor

By Hunter McKee sports editor

How awful can a team become? In some cases, losing has become a fine art. For a few teams, the feeling of bitterness and defeat is left resonating for many seasons and or decades.

Of their 39 years in the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers have made the playoff only four times. In those four visits to the playoffs, the furthest that the team was able to take its postseason run was the second round.

Given that the Clippers are currently 26-45 and their attendance rating is near the league’s lowest, it does not appear that things will begin to improve soon.

The Detroit Lions.

Whenever you hear this team name, one cannot help but to laugh. The Lions have built up their resume to put themselves atop the “laughingstock list” in all of sports.

The Lions have not accumulated a winning record since the beginning of the decade. Even in the ‘90s with the great Barry Sanders playing for them, the Lions still only amassed four winning seasons.

Michigan was the state that was affected worst by the recession, and the Lions can’t win enough games to shed some positive light on the Michiganders.

The Washington Nationals (formerly Montreal Expos) are consistently horrific enough to place themselves as the worst team in MLB. The best season for the franchise was in 1981, when the Expos ended their season at the conference championship.

Obviously, baseball did not fair well in Canada and the franchise relocated to the U.S. in 2005. Still the team has not improved much, if at all. The Nationals have finished last in their division each year with the exception of 2007, when they finished fourth out of five.

These teams have become the epitome of “losers”.

The Clippers, Lions, and Nationals have brought losing to an art form. The economic rationalization was not thoroughly considered and their respective sports did not, nor will they ever, flourish within their cities.

For the Lady Bulldogs, the 2009 season brought many successes; they finished with a 20-4 regular season record, a 12-4 mark in the DAC, and were conference champs. The 2010 Lady ‘Dogs are confident that last season’s accomplishments will be repeated this year.

“I think we are totally capable of repeating last season, however, our goal is regionals and state,” junior centerfielder Gabby Raspopovich said.

The Lady Bulldogs’ coaches are confident in the varsity lineup.

“We are looking good, we have a lot of returning starters and a lot of talented youngergirls,” assistant head coach Ginger Britton said.

Due to a new rule change, the girls’ hitting and fielding will be altered. The pitching mounds are being moved back to 43 feet to create a safer playing field.

“It will be more of a defensive game and less of a dominant pitching game,” Britton said.

As a pitcher, senior Taylor Perry is not bothered by the rule change.

“I am used to 43 feet distance because I play travel ball and the mounds there are 43 feet, so it won’t affect my pitching,” Perry said.

However, the team will need to improve its hitting.

Photo

by

Vinnie Needham

Senior pitcher Taylor Perry prepares to throw a pitch in a scrimmage against Lowell on Wednseday. The Lady ‘Dogs open up their season on Monday at Hobart. The home opener is on April 1.

“You have more time to react to the ball and hit it, but also the pitches have more break on them so they will curve more,” Perry said.

“As a team we will look to improve our hitting,” Raspopovich said. “With the pitching mounds being moved back, we will have more time to watch the ball so the opposing pitchers will try to throw many different

pitches.”

The girls finished their preseason with a scrimmage against Lowell. Now the Lady ‘Dogs are looking to start their regular at Hobart. However, the girls are most excited for games against conference rivals Lake Central, Chesterton, and LaPorte.

“To do well against these teams, it will take a lot of defensive play,” Britton said.

Throughout the course of the season the senior girls will be expected to lead the team.

“Our seniors are expected to do well. They have a good work ethic and they want to win; they want to push themselves harder than last year,” Britton said.

The girls will open up their regular season on Mar. 29 at Hobart. The girls’ home opener is on April 1 against Penn at 5 p.m.

By Milan Savich asst. sports editor

your groove back.”

Last year, the Bulldogs finished up the regular season with a record of 17-7. However, the team has lost two key senior leaders from last year, Ryan Qualizza and CJ Balmes. This year team will be lead by Grubnich and made up of primarliy underclassman.

“I tell the freshman and sophomores not to get too far ahead of themselves,” Grubnich said. “To play well we just need to stay in the moment and play our own game.”

The Bulldogs first match isn’t until April 19 at Rensselaer, nevertheless the team is excited to begin the season and has been hitting the greens of Youche Country Club everyday in anticipation of meeting their competition.

“I’m really looking forward to this year,” Grubnich said. “Hopefully, we’ll make a good run and have a solid season.”

The Bulldogs open up their season April 19 at the Rennselaer Quad Meet.

The Bulldogs first DAC match is April 30 at LaPorte.

Golf team starts swinging early, preparing for Rensselaer Quad

Photo

by

Vinnie Needham

Senior Scott Rykovich tees off at Youche Country Club. The Bulldogs open up their season April 19 at the Rennselaer Quad Meet.

Indiana, or the “Cross Roads of America” as it is know is host to many thrilling sights and events such as The Indy 500, The 2010 NCAA Final Four and the filming of “Public Enemies” among other things. But none may be as impacting as the expirience of the blistering, freezing cold, imfamous region winters.

“The weather here is always so iffy,” junior Nick Grubnich said. “Because we start golf in the early spring, it’s hard to get out a play a lot before the season begins.”

Grubnich, a two-time allstate golfer, will be returning for his third year on the varsity golf squad.

“The harsh winters make it difficult to get out and swing the club,” Grubnich said. “As soon as it warms up just enough to go hit some balls I try to get out there and get back in form. When you don’t play for a long period of time it’s really hard just to get

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16 Personalities Ostazewski twins shine in extracurriculars

March 26, 2010

Getting to know...

Foreign Exchange Student Lina Phillips

PHOTO M.K. LEMON photoBY by M.k Lemon

Seniors Melissa and Sarah Ostazewski work on their paintings during Karen Cox’s AP Studio Art class. The sisters like to express themselves through art, sports and fashion.

By Lauren McCarroll staff reporter Twin sisters, Melissa and Sarah Ostazewski, seniors, have art work that can be found all over the media center, and in the main office. Their pieces range from vibrant peacocks, to self portraits, and from water colors to acrylics. These girls seem to have a passion for painting which has been shown through their success.

“The art work in the media center is chosen by the [art] teachers. To be put on display their work must be the crème de la crème,” Art teacher Karen Cox said.

Though their artwork may come out good enough to be put on display it is not an overnight process.

“I try to spend at least two hours every day on my artwork, but I have much more time on the weekends,” Sarah said.

In their artwork an array of colors can be found but one of the brightest pieces is “On the Ganges.”

“It is completely colored pencil

work with a peacock in is natural environment. I worked on it for six weeks about an hour everyday, and it’s so vibrant. That is probably why I like the piece so much. I really put a lot of effort into it,” Melissa said.

Though both of the sisters are involved with art classes, and spend a lot of time on their own drawing and painting, they have different techniques.

“Melissa’s painting skills are more precise, she works well with acrylics, but I think I prefer water color,” Sarah said.

The twins spend the majority of their time with one another, yet they have individual interests as well.

“I have so many interests, like art, cross country,health,work and Japanese. I think all of these have helped shape my own personality. I just have to try my best in everything I do,” Melissa said.

Through all the hard work and little rest Sarah relies on her inner strength to keep going.

”I think my motivation and determination to do well in antything I do defines me,” she said.

Out of all of their activities there are different aspects to each that they enjoy.

“I love art and running, both hobbies are relaxing,” she said, “As for school, I love certain classes (such as Japanese) but my schedule is definitely not relaxing,” Sarah said.

There are only so many hours in a day and with a schedule as busy as the Ostazewski sisters they don’t have much time for sitting around.

“This year it’s especially hard to balance both schoolwork and other interests I have. There just needs to be more time in the day,” Melissa said.

Somehow throughout the business of their day these girls still have time to take an interest in fashion.

“I just wear clothing I love. The cut of the fabric, the print; it’s the way you put different, unusual pieces together that can be unique.”

photo by d. Casillas

How many years have you taken English?

I have taken English for about nine years.

How was your journey to America?

It was exhausting, but we had extra room on the plane so we could take naps on the empty seats. Not mention we had very small lunches, and the cups we had our drinks were so tiny that we had to ask for something to drink every five minutes or so while we were traveling.

How long was your trip?

It was over nine and a half hours for the whole trip. As I said before, it was exhausting.

Do you plan on visiting America again in the future?

Of course, but only if I have the money to come back. If money was not a problem, I would definitely visit on my own time or when I was older.

Now that you have been at CPHS for over a week, have you met any new friends?

Yes, but I still do not know a lot of people. In short, I don’t know everyone I see in the halls.

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