Inklings May 2009

Inklings

Volume 73 Issue 9 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

• Friday May 29, 2009

Tomorrow’s forecast High 75° Low 55°

Saturday: Sunny

“Ticket to Ride” car giveaway today at rally

By Kelly Rostin / copy editor The day that the school has been waiting for is finally here. That is, today is the day that the “Ticket to Ride” winner is chosen.

It’s been nearly a nine month wait since this incentive was first introduced to the student body during an assembly on the first day of school. Since then, students who have been active in school activities and clubs, gotten good grades, and had good attendance have been receiving and accumulating tickets to get the chance to win the red 2009 Chevy Cobalt.

Sophomore Jen Zarate, who has 14 tickets, thinks that the strategy was a positive addition to the school this year.

“It was a good motivation for students to get good grades and to participate in the school. The more you were involved the more tickets you could earn, which meant your chances to win the car were greater,” she said.

The car giveaway will take place during seventh hour, with an introduction from principal Dr. Eric Ban starting at 2 pm. The ceremony will feature the school band (including a drumroll before the winner is drawn and announced), and a “Six C” relay race featuring the top six ticket winners from each grade.

The relay race will consist of six stations each representing one of the six C’s (college, career, citizenship,creativity, courage, and culture), which governed our school goals this year. These six C’s have been used for motivation in our locker bays, classrooms, student and teacher of the week nominations, and other various places throughout our school.

The winning class of the relay race will get tshirts launched at them by “George”, the school mascot, through the t- shirt launcher.

The t-shirts are from various sports and clubs that were active this school year.

At the end of today, someone will finally have a “ticket to ride.”

According to Zarate, “Everyone has a fair chance to win the car. It’s going to be a fun way to end the year.”

In the shadow of a sibling?

Summer “bucket list”

Read about the difficulties caused by being a middle or youngest child in school and life. page 10

Summer goes by so quickly, so check out our top four things to do before summer is over.

page 6

H1N1 virus scare

Virus previously called “swine flu” sweeps nation For numerous weeks, the H1N1 virus has put both U.S. and Mexican citizens into panic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three confirmed laboratory cases of the virus in Indiana alone. However, the Centers for Disease Control Prevention are advising people not to panic.

By Becca Duggan and Michele Bates / entertainment editor and news editor The Crown Point Community School Corporation is taking strict precautions to help prevent others from getting the flu. “[The Crown Point School Corporation has certain] cleaning procedures to make sure the building continues to be well maintained. We are advising parents to keep sick children home and to check with their health care provider. The symptoms need to be seen by the doctor,” nurse Carrie Ready said.

The H1N1 virus symptoms are similar to the common influenza. Some of the symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, and coughing. People that have been diagnosed with the swine flu have also noticed symptoms such as runny nose or vomiting.

The H1N1 virus is a virus that was first detected in April 2009.

According to the Associated Press, over approximately 11,034 people worldwide have been diagnosed with the swine flu. Ready said that there is no vaccine available for the virus at this time, and people do not have enough immunity to fight off the virus since the H1N1 virus is a new case. Principal Dr. Eric Ban has sent letters to parents on the school website and made announcements around the school in order to prevent it.

Ready advises students and staff to follow certain guidelines to prevent from getting sick.

Daily routines such as washing your hands and avoiding contact with sick people are just some of the ways to prevent you and

H1N1 Flu

FACTS

others from getting sick.

Even those who are not infected are impacted. for if a student becomes afflicted with the H1N1 virus, the school is advised to shut down for at least two weeks. According to CNN, over 100 schools in the United States have been closed due to confirmed cases of H1N1 virus or as precautionary measure.

Recently, a Highland student at Warren Elementary School was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. Although, the school was not closed, the School Town of Highland made sure to notify

Over

100

schools in the United States have been closed due to confirmed cases of the virus or as precautionary measures.

Photo by Georgia Otte

The H1N1 virus spread primarily throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

As a precaution, some students are washing their hands more. about the flu.

“No one knows how long the H1N1 virus could be around, and no one can predict mutations, so it would be a total guess,” Elston said. “Since it is airborne, and most people have not had this type, it could be around for several months. We just have to hope it stays under control and does not mutate,” he added.

However, Elston offers a theory about the lack of lethality of the disease in the United States as opposed to Mexico.

“I think we have had types of H1N1 virus in the U.S. That is why, so far, it has not been as lethal as other parts of the world.

We have some memory cells built up,” Elston said.

Some students do not take the virus too seriously, as shown in the one act productions, for two plays made jokes at the expense of the H1N1 virus.

“We wanted the audience to laugh at the virus instead of fearing it,” junior Corinne Kocher said regarding the show.

Elston suggests that students should not panic while also stressing the importance of being informed.

“I am not even close to being an expert about the flu, but I know enough to stay calm and be well informed,” Elston said.

The official name of the “swine flu” is the North American Human Influenza.

Anti-viral medication and flu shots do not work against the swine flu.

Symptoms of the virus are fever, lethargy, sore throat, nausea, and coughing.

The virus is not spread by eating pork products or any other types of foods.

There is no vaccine at this time available to help with curing the swine flu.

There are four main virus types that come from pigs, but H1N1 is the most common.

all parents. Warren Elementary School was also santized before students arrived the following morning.

Freshman Andy Freeman feels both anxious and excited at the idea of school closing.

“Everyone wants time off from school,” Freeman said. “The H1N1 virus is really dangerous though, and if school had to be closed, that means that we’re all at risk of catching it.”

Biology teacher Brian Elston also expresses some concerns

2

save the date

6.9

Graduation; Star Plaza; 7 p.m.

6.10

News

May 29, 2009

Teachers say good-bye CPHS educators depart after years of teaching

Semester Final Exams; Half Day

6.11

Semester Final Exams; Last Day of School

in the know

Super Bowl state runner-up Both the Science and Social Studies teams representing Crown Point High School’s Academic Super Bowl earned state runner-up titles at the final competition at Purdue University. Only the top eight finishers in each subject and class advanced from over 300 teams that participated at the area competitions.

This marks the highest finish of a Crown Point Super Bowl team, which competes in the largest class division. Science team members are seniors Nick Kowalcyk, Anthony Zaffino, and junior Ryan Farrell. Social Studies team members are seniors Stephen Sheafer, Tim Higgins, and junior Josh Obzanski.

Student named finalist in contest Junior Justine Brumfield has been named a state finalist in the national Doodle4Google competition. Students in Karen Topp’s Graphic Imaging class used Adobe Photoshop to create a new homepage logo for Google based on the theme “What I Wish for the World” which they then submitted to the contest.

As a state finalist, Brumfield’s entry will be judged by a panel of independent judges and Google employees who will select 40 Regional winners. The public will then be able to view these designs on Google’s website and vote for the four national finalists. The national winner of the competition will receive a $15,000 scholarship.

Donations needed for food drive Football team members are conducting the “Dogs for a Cause” Food Drive for a community service project.

Students and faculty are encouraged to donate foods such as pasta, oatmeal, canned fruit, peanut butter, and macoroni and cheese. Collected items will be donated to the Northwest Indiana Food Pantry. Food can be dropped off in Matt McCaleb’s room in C207. All items must be donated by Wed. June 10.

Concert benefit to be held tonight The On the Square Sports Academy will be hosting the “Foodstock ‘09” benefit featuring live musical acts tonight.

The event will raise money for The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. Principal Dr. Eric Ban, QYP, and Top Hat Tuesday are just some of the acts performing.

Admission is $5 with a food donation or $7 without. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Students honored at art exibit South Shore Arts in Munster recently honored four students at the 35th Annual Tri-County Junior/Senior Exhibition.

Senior Brittaney Bartz was awarded $100 with the Anne Beckman Award. Junior Jacob West recieved $50 for First in Media. A honorable mention was given to junior Melissa Ostazewski. Ostazewski recieved $15 with her award. Senior David Fredericks was awarded $25 for The Outstanding Award. Bartz, West, and Ostaszewski are currently taking Linda Pappas’ Drawing II class. The art exhibition is on display until Sunday.

By Matt Smith / co-entertainment editor Time ends all. With the passing of time, everything must come to an end, both good and bad. As the 2009 school year draws to a close, we not only say goodbye to our tests, quizzes and homework loads, but to a number of teachers who will be leaving Crown Point High School forever.

Among the list of departing teachers is English teacher and Department Chair Deb Ciochina. According to Ciochina, teachers may affect the lives of students, but the reverse is true as well.

“All teachers hope to have an impact, but I’ve learned that while I impact students, students impact me,” Ciochina said.

“It’s a dynamic profession. Not a day goes by when I don’t learn something new.”

Next year, Ciochina will leave to take on the new title of principal at Lake Street Elementary School.

“I feel sorry about all the students I’m not able to teach or know, but I’m ready to move on to a new chapter in my life,” Ciochina said.

Also leaving Crown Point High School this year is math Department Chair Nancy May. May will retire this year after 37 years of teaching.

“My ultimate goal as a teacher has been to lead my students to succeed,” May said.

“By teaching them math, I have hoped to make all of my students successful and to open many doors for them.”

Health and P.E. Department Chair Tom May will be retiring with his wife at the end of this year. He was hired into the corporation 39 years ago.

“I’m still teaching and won’t know unitl I stop, but I think the thing I will miss the most will be the interaction with the students,” May said.

A fourth Department Chair will also be leaving Crown Point this year. Business Technology teacher Diane Noble will be retiring after 17 years at Crown Point and many years at other schools.

“I’m mainly going to miss teaching because of the students,” Noble said. “I love to learn, but I will continue to do that after I leave. I love communicating with the kids and it’s sad that I won’t have that.”

Although the teachers will miss the students as they move on from Crown

Photo by Georgia Otte

Teachers Tom May, Nancy May, and Diane Noble mark 2009 as their final year of teaching. They have been teaching 39, 37, and 17 years at Crown Point High School, respectively.

Point High School, the students return the feelings as they watch some of their favorite faculty members move on with their lives.

“I’ts sad to see such good and talented teachers leaving the school,” senior A.J. Jabarin said. “However, it’s good to see that they’re moving on to a new part of their lives.

Even students who have not had the opportunity to experience these teachers first-hand are feeling the loss.

“It’s really sad to see teachers leave the school,” sophomore Rachel Fronek said.

“I’ve heard so many good things about all of them, and it’s sad to think that I’ll never be able to have them.”

Harry Potter exibit on display in Chicago

By Deanna Sheafer / managing editor Harry Potter fans can get a taste of magic while waiting for the newest movie of the series to premiere on July 17. Currently, “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” is held at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibit came to Chicago during its world tour on April 30 and will stay throughout Sept. 27.

Just like with the movies, the studio isn’t releasing many details in order to keep the surprises the exhibit holds. However, according to the official website, guests will get to see more than 200 of the authentic props and costumes that appeared in all the Harry Potter movies.

“I’ve really liked Harry Potter since the third grade, and I think getting to see an exhibit about it would be cool,” junior Heather DiGiacomo said.

Upon entering the exhibit, guests will see clips of scenes on eight screens from the film series. Staying true to the novels, the whistle and roar of the Hogwarts Express train comes next. As they continue on through the exhibit, the “Muggles” will be taken through the imagination of J.K Rowling.

Parts of sets inspired by the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut, and the Great Hall are being displayed.

This way, the guests get the full experience of being in the movies or books. Some items from the newest film, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” are also in the exhibit, giving guests a sneak preview of the movie.

“I’m going to see the new movie because my older sister, mom and I have seen them all so far,” DiGiacomo said.

According to the Northwest Indiana Times, there are interactive elements to the exhibit, including the “Mandrake Garden”, which is featured in the novels and movies.

Magical creatures like the giant spider and “hippogriff” will also be appearing in the exhibit.

“I think it will be very interesting to see a ‘hippogriff’ up close,” junior Ryan Gonzales said.

The exhibit will be traveling for five years and stay at ten cities in America. Chicago’s Science and Industry was chosen to kick off the world tour partly because of their success with other prominent displays such as “Titanic: The Exhibition” and “CSI: The Experience.”

WHERE Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry

WHEN April 30 - Sept. 27

TIMES Sun- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sat- 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COST $26 for regular admission

DISCOUNT HOURS Every day 4:30-9 p.m. $18 for adults and seniors, $15 for kids

News

May 29, 2009

Valedictorian and Salutatorian named

3

Sheafer and LaMantia ranked number one and two in graduating class

By Deanna Sheafer / managing editor Fourteen AP classes over four years, 19 “A+” semester grades total so far, and his lowest grade all throughout high school has been an “A.” Though it seems surprising, senior Stephen Sheafer, valedictorian, manages his classes and school life without excess stress.

“I don’t do much extra work to maintain my grades. I just complete all my homework and study for tests,” Sheafer said.

This simple philosophy has kept Sheafer ranked number one in his class since the second semester of his junior year. His favorite class at the high school is AP Computer Science.

“I like the subject and the learning was very self-directed,” Sheafer said. Fitting, since he is majoring in Computer Science at Purdue West Lafayette next year.

Though Sheafer is self-motivated, he has had encouragement from his family and teachers.

“My great positive influence would be my teachers and my family. All of the teachers at Crown Point really want to see the students succeed, and my family encourages me to strive for excellence,” Sheafer said.

Sheafer is also a part of the high school’s chess club and he sponsors Chess Night at the Crown Point Community Library, which is an open invitation chess night. He participates in Academic Superbowl. On the weekends, he plays Ultimate Frisbee and shoots Airsoft guns (like paintball without paint) with friends.

At Purdue this fall, he will be participating the University’s Honors Program.

“It [the Honor’s program] allows you to take specialized classes with professors about their main research focus. Next year they are offering classes

Top Ten Graduates 1. Stephen Sheafer 2. Samantha LaMantia 3. Amanda Ratazzi

Photo by Jeremy Rex

4. Megan Binder and Florencia Garcia- Vicente

Stephen Sheafer and Samantha LaMantia work on the computer during zero hour. Sheafer and LaMantia were named this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. on genetics, history, insects, biotechnology, and even the ‘McDonaldization of Society,’” Sheafer said.

Sheafer said he is looking forward to summer break and starting college, but will miss his teachers and friends and has advice to share with underclassmen.

“Always take responsibility for your own actions,” Sheafer said.

Second in the graduating class is Samantha LaMantia, who says she is honored to be salutatorian.

“I am extremely relieved and happy [to be salutatorian]. It took a lot of work and dedication to get all A’s. Now, it is nice to relax and prepare to leave for college,” LaMantia said.

She is attending Butler University where she is double majoring in biomedical engineering and biology. The

workload may seem large, but she is used to it.

“I usually devote the majority of Sundays to homework so I can get ahead in my classes, but during the week, I usually spend two to four hours on homework,” LaMantia said.

LaMantia participates in student council, the athletic council, and National Honor Society. She has also been a member of the varsity swim team for four years.

“I will miss the swim team.

We have been swimming together since I was eight, and I have some unforgettable memories with them,” she said. Her greatest positive influence is French teacher Amy Logan.

“Miss Logan (Mel Mel) has been such an amazing influence on me. She is an exceptional teacher, but she is also a great

listener and offers the perfect advice,” LaMantia said.

LaMantia is excited for the future in general and new experiences at Butler University.

“I am eager to meet new people and be in a new environment with more independence and different experience. Also, I can’t wait to attend Butler basketball games,” she said.

Before she moves on, she has some advice for underclassmen to help them succeed.

“Do not procrastinate and ask your teachers for help before you get behind in class,” LaMantia said.

Rounding out the top ten is Amanda Ratazzi, Megan Binder, Florencia Garcia-Vicente, Nicholas Kowalczyk, Wesley Wood, Hannah Jaranowski, Dana Andreoli, Ryan Qualizza, and Esther Jin.

5. Nicholas Kowalczyk 6. Wesley Wood 7. Hannah Jaranowski 8. Dana Andreoli

9. Ryan Qualizza 10. Esther Jin

Roots and Wings banquet honors highest ranked students

By Megan Binder / editor-in-chief

As May rolls around, an array of banquets and awards ceremonies find their way onto many students’ calendars. For eleven seniors with the highest GPAs in their graduating class, May 27 marked the highly-honored Roots and Wings banquet.

“The first year we were in the new building, [then-principal] Ryan Pitcock initiated the Roots and Wings banquet to honor the top ten ranked graduating seniors,” event organizer Karen Rodd said. “It’s a formal dinner that begins with appetizers and a four-string quartet.”

The event honored those seniors who have worked to achieve one of the top ten GPAs in their class. This year, as there was a tie for the fourth place spot between Florencia Garcia-Vincente and Megan Binder, there were a total of eleven seniors who attended last night’s banquet at White Hawk Country Club.

As the name implies, the banquet honors the students’ “roots”

by inviting their parents to accompany them to the banquet as well as their “wings.” Each senior asks a teacher who has made a particular impact on their lives to come to the banquet as well.

“After dinner, each student reads a personalized letter to their favorite teacher and one to their parents,” Rodd said.

Valedictorian Stephen Sheafer was accompanied by foreign language department chair David Rosenbaum. Salutatorian Samantha LaMantia was accompanied

by French teacher Amy Logan.

In ranked order, the other honored students and their teachers included Amanda Rattazzi (English teacher Annie Domasica), Megan Binder (newspaper adviser Julie Elston), Florencia Garcia-Vincente (social studies teacher and soccer coach Chris Mikrut), Nicholas Kowalczyk (math teacher and Academic Superbowl advisor Jason McGee), Wesley Wood (Latin teacher Jeremy Walker), Hannah Jaranowski (English teacher and student council adviser Rachele Raloff), Dana Andreoli (biology teacher

Photo by Sami White

(Left to right)The top ten graduates include (front row) Amanda Ratazzi, Esther Jin, Hannah Jaranowski (back row) Nicholas Kowalczyk, Wesley Wood, Stephen Sheafer, and Samantha LaMantia. Not pictured are Megan Binder, Florencia Garcia-Vicente, Dana Andreoli, and Ryan Qualizza. and tennis coach Brian Elston), Ryan Qualizza (English teacher Deb Ciochina) and Esther Jin (guidance counselor Peg Shaffer).

“I chose Ms. Domasica [to accompany me] for the Roots and Wings banquet because she is a great teacher and has really in-

fluenced a lot of what I plan to do later in life,” Rattazzi said.

Junior Matt Smith was chosen to be the emcee for the evening, and introduced all the graduates, and a string quartet of four CPHS students played throughout appetizers. Principal Dr. Eric Ban gave

the opening speech and closing remarks. In addition to the complimentary dinner at White Hawk Country Club, each student was also presented with an honors medal to wear on their robe at commencement, a pin, and flowers for their parents.

4

Opinion

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 letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Letters must be signed and turned in to room C124 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 6634885 ext. 11213.

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 can be contacted at 1500 S. Main, Crown Point, IN, 46307; 219-663-4885 ext. 11213; fax 219-662-5663; or inklings@cps.k12.in.us.

Editors Megan Binder editor-in-chief Cori Novelli executive editor Deanna Sheafer managing editor Lauren Cain copy editor Michele Bates news editor Brittany Curtis feature editor Becca Duggan Matt Smith co-entertainment editors Trey Aultman sports editor Hunter McKee sports assistant Anna Ortiz graphics editor Becca Iddings advertising editor Joe Nejman Georgia Otte Cat Fleszewski Alex Parrish Jeremy Rex photographers Staff Colin Likas Vinnie Needham Kelly Rostin Milan Savich Nikki Sekuloski

May 29, 2009

Summeritis takes its toll on students

By Brittany Curtis / feature editor

ls Public Schoo

cartoon by

Anna Ortiz

Change for the better, not worse

V

iew:

As we try and improve the educational system, we have to consider the legitimate concerns that come with some change.

Change for the sake of change does not always better everyone.

adviser Julie Elston

editorial

Isaac Asimov once said that the only constant is change, and as citizens of the 21st century we are well aware of that fact. It seems every day there is a newer, better, brighter kind of iPod, cell phone or computer, and this same culture of change seems to be permeating not only technology but school policy as well. Yet while change is undeniable and even welcome, when it comes to real-world situations and people, change should be approached cautiously and not merely for its own sake.

Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett announced a plan to increase graduation rates statewide. It’s an admirable goal and clearly change for the better. But to accomplish it, Bennett plans on giving $20,000 staff bonuses to the top ten schools with the most improvement. Since when did something as complex as graduation rates (which generally depend more on socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds than school policies) come with a price tag? Offering bonuses is a move for CEOs of companies to encourage higher profits; do we see our students as profits now?

This latest venture is merely another example of how our educational system, in Indiana and throughout the country, is rapidly evolving from a process that nurtures diverse growth of individual students to one that too often stamps out creativity for the sake of a homogenized, perfectly average product. Innovation is the key to make sure no child is left behind, so they tell us. Yet what was wrong with a school system that gave us the very people (the Tony Bennetts, the principals, the superintendents, the politicians) who are now so convinced that the system is broken beyond repair and must be replaced with something entirely new?

The culture of education is not identical to that of a business setting where the only thing at stake is profits, and unless we want to cheapen our students and make them no more than a product off an assembly line, we would be wise to carefully consider the benefits of keeping some parts of a system that worked for decades. Simply because an idea is new does not mean it is any better than a traditional program.

In this era of change and growth, feedback is encouraged from both students and teachers, something particularly evident at Crown Point, with organizations like LEAD often having the opportunity to talk to administrators about new policies for the school. This is good.

We need real dialogue, an actual chance to suggest that some new incentive programs or policy changes may work better on paper than in real life. Every new program may not be the right fit for every school, and only sincere dialogue between the policymakers and those who live those policies can create a truly successful school. After all, the students and the teachers feel the effects of change much more than politicians in their offices do.

As the year comes to a close and we are readying for more educational reform, perhaps this is what we should learn: the difference between when change is warranted and when the established methods are the best ways to do something. Not everything is broken, and if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it—especially if you have intelligent students and teachers trying to pull the screwdriver out of your hand.

For most students, the countdown to summer starts around the beginning of May. We start marking down the days in our assignment books, counting how many more Mondays we have to endure, determine the amount of minutes until we are able to reach the freedom of summer. Maybe it’s all of this avid counting down that keeps us from doing our homework toward the end of school, or maybe it’s just summeritis taking its toll on our motivation to do well.

Either way, come the last six weeks of the school year, many students feel a certain amount of apathy toward their homework and coming to school on time. The attendance rates dip as students ditch in their quest to be rid of school. Starting May 13, Dr. Ban started enforcing the rule that anyone who is tardy to first period will be given a one hour detention. No doubt this is to curb the amount of tardies that the attendance office has been seeing, and to keep students focused on finishing the year strong.

Students should be warned that although they may experience a brief moment of fun, their apathy could have serious consequences in the long run. Seniors have worked their entire high school career to build up their GPA in order to get into a good college and then too often waste away their last six weeks, letting their grades drop and bringing down their semester grade.

The last six weeks is worth just as much as every other six weeks: 26.5 percent, and after the last six weeks is over, there’s still the final exam to worry about, which is worth an additional 20.5 percent of the semester grade.

By remaining lethargic about their academics the last six weeks of the year, students could put 46.5 percent of their semester grade in jeopardy.

I know that it’s hard to remain motivated after long days of AP tests and a year’s worth of hard work nearly behind you, but don’t let your grade waste away simply because of your lazy attitude. Remember how much you’ve studied and how hard you’ve worked the last 30 weeks, and don’t let your lack of motivation during this final stretch put your semester grade in jeopardy.

heard in the

halls

Swine Flu

“I think people are really overcautious about swine flu. It’s just the flu, and a lot of people die from that each year too. People need to calm down about it.” junior Jenny Jacques

Mr. Sub Guy

“Mr. Sub Guy is both a really good sub and is very smart. I like having him whenever we have a sub.” freshman Lori-Kate Hobson

Summer To-Do List

“Before the summer ends, I want to make it to all of my friends’ graduation parties.

It’s something I really want to get done this summer.” junior Harry Davis

Opinion

May 29, 2009

Brains shine past beauty

5

By Lauren Cain / copy editor

cartoon by

ssue:

By Cori Novelli / executive editor

With summer on its way students often try to find jobs to suffice for their spending or to pass the time during the long break, but are summer jobs a good idea, or just a plain waste of students’ time?

Summer. The pressures of school are thrown away as students shed their pencils, notebooks, and book bags in exchange for the warm, free days of the much-anticipated summer season. In the ever-demanding world of school, this is a season of fun, freedom, and relaxation. Some, however, (once they finally escape the walls of high school) are faced with yet another obligation: employment.

One may consider the prospect of a summer job and think, “A little extra cash, something to keep me busy”—sounds like a good idea, right?

Wrong. As a high school student, this break should not be about working the summer away. These few precious months should be a time to take a much needed break from the monotonous school routine, this way a student is not ‘burnt out’ come time for school to start again.

Besides, there are hundreds of other less time-consuming activities than filling a customer’s empty stomach. Instead of grilling hamburgers, serving coffee, or scanning barcodes across a counter, do something productive. Learn something new. Take an enjoyable class. Or, help out the community by possibly volunteering at the hospital or contributing to a warming shelter.

If none of that is appealing, just have fun!

There is nothing wrong with spending a couple months in relaxation away from school. Working will occupy the rest of your life, so take this time and cherish it. Spend time with friends, go to the beach, or have a party; basically, have a good time.

Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. Don’t let your only season of relaxation dwindle away to nothing as you sit uselessly behind a counter. Grab a cold drink, sit in the sun, and relax. That is what summer is all about.

Patrick Becker “Yes, because it gives kids inspiration to do better while they are in school.”

junior

freshman

Q

Do you think that the ticket to ride car giveaway was a good incentive for students to try harder?

By Matt Smith / entertainment editor

sophomore

The sun shining, waves crashing up onto the beach, flip flops, swimming pools, the clang of a cash register: all elements that go hand-in-hand with summer, but with one less obvious: spending money. Between buying your sweetie a teddy bear at the fair, purchasing movie tickets to the mustsee-film of the season, or paying for the gas used to get there, money spending flows freely as the warm weather goes on.

Yes, summer is the time to relax and have fun, but to keep up with such an economically thriving lifestyle, students need a steady income to finance their spending craze. Life is based on the concept of working for pay; students can’t escape this reality once the school doors close for the summer.

Obviously the economy is not in the greatest condition, so parents are not going to be too keen on freely handing out twenties. Having a summer job, though, would allow a student the freedom to spend his or her own money as he or she likes- without mom and pop cringing as Ben Franklins are passed out by the dozen.

Also, by bringing in their own cash, a student will learn to appreciate their own money. Working for pay and understanding its value will allow the student to learn how to make more financially conscious decisions in the future, a lesson that will substantially benefit the student in the long run.

Plus, maintaining a job amongst other summer activities will also teach a student the responsibilities of prioritizing his or her time while managing a bank account.

Summer is absolutely the time to sit back, cool off and relax, but with a job, a student will be able to appreciate both the value of his money and the experiences on which he spent his hard earned cash.

speak up

I

Summer jobs take away intention of breaks

senior

Summer jobs offer positive advantages for students

Anna Ortiz

As children of the 90’s, Barbie was essential for any young girl to hold in her arsenal.

As we grow up, and the focus on plastic dolls dies, our infatuation with beauty and everything it stands for ventures on. We watch beautiful women strut across a stage and get commended for it in pageants such as Miss USA as if we’re reliving our Barbie days. Our childlike infatuation continues even as they show off the “best” of America’s education system (“opposite marriage” ring any bells?). Watching these girls get idolized for being beautiful while their idiocy is brushed aside poses the eternal question: brains or beauty?

The Miss USA and Miss America pageants are both aired on main television channels such as NBC and TLC, but when was the last time you flipped on your cable television and saw a competition focusing on intelligence? Beauty gets more attention in this world; it’s a fact of life. But when you think about it, it’s the brains that make life possible for us. Are pageant girls the ones who are making our food in factories?

How about inventing cures to diseases? No. So, next time we admire those women for being born pretty, let’s consider appreciating those who make our life better, instead.

People work and struggle everyday to break through the barrier that appearances create due to the standards we have set in our society. Those who aren’t considered “good looking” have to grapple with proving themselves to everyone by finding a niche to shine in. On the other hand, girls who are pretty have to fight the stereotype of beauty coinciding with stupidity.

These people who are fighting for our acceptance deserve our thanks and our appreciation- not those who sit back expecting life to come easy because of their looks.

Next time you admire those girls’ appearances, consider what exactly they’re doing for your life, and then see how much you aspire to be like them. “And I say that with the utmost conviction.”

Ana Colby

John Kabella

Melissa Symmes

“Yes and no, because it gives kids motivation, but some kids didn’t get a fair chance for a ticket .”

“Yes, because it is a good inspiration for students.”

“Yes, because students want to work harder to get tickets for the car.”

Playing

I

Senior Adam Nowak along with juniors Tony Patrick and Matthew Sharp play against teachers Chris Mikrut and Russ Marcinek in the Student-Teacher basketball game. The game took place on May 14, with the students taking the win.

on

life

Ask Laugh Explore Wonder Inspire Live

May 29, 2009

Senior Jeri Gaoat practices for her senior solo for the Spring Sing choir concert. Gaoat sang “Run” by Leona Lewis for the concert.

Stru mming

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Summer allows last hurrrah Four things students should do before summer ends

Finally, after what seems like an eternity of uncomfortable desks, cold classrooms, and nights

spent toiling over late-night cramming, comes one of the most idolized events of a high school teenager’s life. The average teen has had around 9-12 summer breaks throughout their life, and with each vacation it seems the countdown to summer’s end starts as soon as the final countdown to the holiday begins. Break the normal summer daze and rush into the season with the fervent ambition that vacation calls for with four must-do activities to accomplish before summer kicks the bucket.

Visit a college campus

Revamp your living space

So maybe visiting a school during summer vacation seems a strictly summer school activity, but one can find a whole new perspective and a lot of fun when visiting a campus. Go with a family member or a friend to visit local college towns and campuses to get a feel for the culture and college life. Three great campuses to visit in Indiana alone are Indiana University in Bloomington (voted the prettiest campus in Indiana), Ball State University in Muncie, and the various Purdue University campuses throughout the region. Check for special events during your visit to get the full culture of the area, and look for nearby attractions. Some colleges have summer student visiting programs so you can spend the night in a dorm with a college student and take tours through the campus and town. Students should visit many colleges to experience the array of choices. One never knows where they can find their perfect niche.

Photo by Alex Parrish

Speaking of niches, you can find solitude and excitement at home by simply changing up your room. Use paint to change the mood of the scene. For example, red indicates energy and passion, orange inspires creativity, yellow can be playful and energetic, and hues of blue and green create a calm and refreshing feel. However, if painting seems overly strenuous, there are also simple changes one can make that make a big difference. Since it’s dorm room décor season you can get new bed sheets and interesting decorations for a good price in abundance, or even discover unique finds at local yard sales and rummage sales.

Make space for the new and get rid of old clutter with organizational items like closet organizers and storage tubs, or hold your own yard sale and make extra cash.

Change the world

Go on an adventure

While it seems like a far fetched accomplishment for one summer, there are plenty of fun projects that give teens opportunities to reach out to others, travel, get fit and even add to their community service hours. Travel abroad or within the United States to work on various projects like helping build homes for those in disaster-stricken areas or restoring parks with Habitat for Humanity or Volunteers for Peace.

With charity walks, marathons, and bike rides, get in shape while helping worthy causes. The annual summer Rock-N-Roll Chicago Half Marathon helps raise money for organizations like the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Humane Society, the American Cancer Society and many more. For a less strenuous way to contribute, get a group of friends and volunteer at a local animal shelter or nursing home once a week. Or get your own cause in motion by creating an original charity project by applying for a Youth Venture Grant to receive up to $1,000 to begin your own cause-worthy Photo By Georgia Otte foundation.

Photo By Georgia Otte

If anything, summer is the time for the rugged outdoors, and with a little direction, adventure can be found just about anywhere. While the beach at Indiana Dunes may get a lot of attention during the summer, there are other overlooked aspects to the Dunes such as the camping grounds, vast hiking trails, and many various events throughout the summer. For a unique outdoors experience, camp out with friends and family and go canoeing at Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, Indiana. For bonfires, Saeurmann Woods in Lake County is a great place to have a nighttime gathering. However, if wilderness-shy, Indiana Beach’s campground resort offers camping at a less rugged level, and guests can also enjoy boating and minigolfing. Plus, the Indiana Beach amusement park is just a boat ride away from the resort.

Story by Anna Ortiz / graphics editor Photo By Georgia Otte

by the

numbers June

11

last day of school for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

562

number of graduating seniors in the 2008-2009 class.

9

more days of school left.

171

school days have passed.

August

20

first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year.

69

days of summer until next school year begins.

All according to the Crown Point High School website.

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Feature

May 29, 2009

Departing seniors offer advice to underclassmen

By Cori Novelli / executive editor

Trevor St. Aubin

Photo

Kathryn Papamihilakis

by

Georgia Otte

Senior Kathryn Papamihilakis has been involved in both the Music and Athletic departments of our high school. While playing soccer all four years (two years on JV and two on Varsity), and being in choir and three musical productions, she is also involved in two churches, singing for one and being a part of the youth group in the other. She manages this all while maintaining the honor roll.

“Don’t put anything off because you’ll only regret it later on,” she said. To manage her time and extracurriculars, she said, “I always did my work as best I could and it played out in the end; I always got where I wanted to be.”

Senior Trevor St. Aubin has been highly involved throughout high school.

“Don’t slack off. [High school] may feel easy, but when you put things off, and then something else comes up, things pile up and it gets difficult to get back on track once you get behind,” he said.

St. Aubin has had to prioritize while participating in seven productions these past four years, choir, the Stray Dogs improve group, Thespian Society, Top Dogs, and dodge ball.

“Just get involved. Dodge ball was a lot of fun because you don’t have to be good and yet you get to throw balls at people.” While also having fun, making high school a ‘successful’ experience includes never holding back.

“Time flies by so fast. If you want to do something, go for it. You wont have another chance like this ever again,” he said.

Photo

by

Georgia Otte

Kyle Land

Photo

by

Georgia Otte

Senior class president, lead in the musical (one of eight shows he’s participated in during the past four years), defensive lineman on the football team and a DARE Role Model, all while being involved in National Honor Society, show choir, the men’s a cappella group QYP, Latin club, Thespian Society, and ranked 11 in his class-- for Land, high school has been an accomplished success story.

“Get involved early in as much as you can,” he said. “It allowed me to meet new people and make new friends.” For others to follow in his footsteps, he said, “High school is a time to try new things. Don’t be afraid to do something you’d never have done before.”

Dominique Dvojacki

Photo

by

Georgia Otte

Kara Sodo

While being the captain of the dance team as a senior and on varsity since her freshman year, senior Kara Sodo was also involved in National Honor Society, Girls Varisty Club, Rotary, and part of the athletic council all while always making the honor roll.

Her advice: “Don’t procrastinate! Take your grades seriously [from the start] or else you’ll have to work extremely hard for over the next years to make up for it all,” she said.

For senior Dominique Dvojacki, her success has been a combination of talent and motivation that she strongly encourages others to mimic.

“In both sports and music, I would never hold back. So don’t be afraid of your own nerves. Go for solos in music classes, and in sports it’s a race against yourself- don’t worry about others around you,” she said. Dvojacki used this mindset to push herself towards her goals, including going to state for track in three different events.

Dealing with what inevitably goes ‘hand-in-hand’ with high school also posed as a challenge for her.

“Drama is everywhere in life, but you can’t focus on it and let it control your life. People for some reason will always try to make your life miserable- just prove them wrong! I always went on with my life and reached new limits,” she said.

Photo

CERTIFIED DRIVING SCHOOL

by

Georgia Otte

865 MADISON STREET CROWN POINT, IN 219-662-7733 (ONE

BLOCK WEST OF

BROADWAY

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

ON THE CORNER OF CLASS OPTIONS: Evening Classes:

•30 hours classroom plus 6 hours of driving (home pick-up for driving)

MADISON)

3 Days a week for 5 weeks Monday & Wednesday 6 - 8 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to noon (New classes start every Monday)

Sunday Classes:

12 Sundays for 12 weeks Sunday 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Starting October 19 Ending January 18 November 30 March 1 January 25 April 19 March 8 June 14 (No class December 21, December 28, April 12, May 10, and May 24)

Saturday & Sunday:

Weekend only 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Starting May 2 Ending June 14 (No classes May 10 and May 24)

•Fully licensed by the State of Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Department of Education.

•All instructors are teachers certified in driver’s education.

AND

2 Days a week for 7 1/2 weeks Tuesday & Thursday 6-8 p.m.

Starting October 2 Ending November 20 October 30 December 18 November 25 January 29 January 6 Febuary 24 (No class November 27, December 23, December 25, December 30, and January 1)

•The state of Indiana requires all Driver’s Education classroom and driving must be completed in a maximum of 120 days!

•Student must be 15 years of age and show copy of birth certificate

SUMMIT

*Possible time and date changes. Call for confirmation.

8

Feature

Why they love you, Why they love you not

May 29, 2009

Students share secrets of what lures them in and what makes them cringe

By Cori Novelli / executive editor

Guys and girls are constantly attempting to win over the others’ affection, trying different techniques to receive attention. Some tactics go well, whereas others: not so much.

Students express ways one can win over their heart, while also sharing what turns them totally off.

Guys like...

Girls like...

Ethan Breitweiser, senior “Confidence is attractive, but there’s a difference between that and when girls have an ego. And make food. A definite way to a guy’s heart is through his stomach.”

Billy Brown, sophomore “I like a girl who can stand on her own two feet and who is decisive enough to make unimpaired decisions.”

Charlie Wood, junior “I like intelligence in a girl, where I’m actually able to hold a conversation with her because then we can relate. I also prefer when girls start a conversation, too.”

Justin Budde, junior “I like girls who are have a sense of humor, but also will laugh at my jokes. Its kind of an ego boost.”

Good Hygiene Charlie Wood, junior “Good hygiene is really important. One time I had a girl come up to me and start flirting but with food in her teeth. It was such a turn off. ”

Chelsea Viers, junior “It’s great when guys are talkative. That way there aren’t any weird or awkward silences.”

Rebekah Maddack, sophomore “It’s always great when a guy treats his mom well because its a reflection of how he’ll treat a girl.”

Alex Horst, junior “Guys shouldn’t be afraid to make a fool of themselves in front of a girl. We like it when they act nerdy; it’s cute.”

Christina Bachan, sophomore “I want to be able to trust a guy. I like when they are nice because it shows they are a good person, but also I like when they know how to treat a girl so that I can trust them.”

Emily Seaburger, freshman “Confidence is great. I love guys who are confident with themselves enough to where they’re not afraid to be with you around others.”

BOTH GOOD

Amy Jenkins, sophomore “Its good when guys have nice teeth and smell good.

If you know they can take care of themselves, then they can take care of you.”

Zack Myers, freshman “Personality is important because then we can really get along. That way, it’s not always about looks, but instead we can actually hang out.”

Guys hate...

Anthony Rettig, junior “I don’t like when girls dye their hair. They should be happy with what they’re given.”

Chris Shimley, junior “Those Ugg boots look like something an Eskimo should be wearing; I mean, we’re in Northwest Indiana.”

Lucas Groff, junior “Girls who act dumb only make guys feel like we have to talk down to them, like we’re talking to children even.”

Billy Brown, sophomore “Girls who are uncomfortable without makeup worry too much about their looks. Girls who feel they can’t be seen in public without their ‘face’ or ‘mask’ bother me- it’s their lack of self confidence.”

Adam Deboth, senior “Inappropriate clothing only gives a girl a bad image.”

Pav Mindeva, freshman “I like when guys are funny and have good personalities; it really does put me in a good mood.”

Girls hate...

Adam DeBoth, senior “Girls should not be wearing so much makeup; like when they hug you, their face is imprinted in your shirt. It’s bad. Also, brand names don’t matter. If it’s free or one hundred dollars, we don’t care. Just look nice.”

Inappropriate Dress

Personality

Jenny Jacques, junior “Guys need to learn how to wear pants. It’s more attractive to see a guy who knows how to dress himself. And I hate when guys are disrespectful to be funny, like calling girls [derogatory] names.”

Kassie Webb, sophomore “I hate when guys shove into you when they go to talk to you. Like in the halls, instead of walking up to you, they will push into you aggressively to get your attention, instead of just talking.”

Anna Bucci, junior “I hate man flops and seeing guys’ gross toes.”

Becky Cygan, senior “Guys should not flirt with girls to make other girls jealous. Also, a guy bragging does not make him look cooler; it may be a personal ego boost, but by no means do girls want to hear about that.”

Ally Carter, sophomore “It’s so annoying when guys are clingy; I need personal space. Hanging out often is OK, but we need to be able to hang out with our own friends alone sometimes, too. “

BOTH BAD

Becky Cygan, senior “Tons of holes in guys’ jeans are awful, especially if their boxers can be seen.”

Smoking

Paul Gordon, freshman “I really hate smoking. It’s both bad for your lungs and gives you diseases, and when I see a girl smoking, it just looks really trashy.”

Kaitie Brower, sophomore “Smoking is gross because it turns teeth yellow and will always give a guy bad breath.

It’s a total turn off.”

Feature

May 29, 2009

Substitute teachers steal the scene

9

Get a close-up look at some of the school’s subs

By Michele Bates / news editor

Walking into math class only to discover that your teacher is not there can be either a nightmare or dream for students. While some may rebuke the substitute as a temporary placeholder, others embrace them, looking forward to the wacky and entertaining substitute they will have for the next period. Here Inklings features some of the most memorable substitute teachers.

Roy Black • Ten years of substitute teaching • Former manager of U.S. Steel Company • Black said he enjoys subbing for Spanish teacher Marie Robles because she always has an excellent lesson plan and the students in the class are always well behaved and cooperative.

• He decided to get into substitute teaching after always having a desire to teach.

• “My policy in the classroom is the same as President Teddy Roosevelt, ‘Speak softly, but carry a big stick.’ Kelly Loving has offered me the use of some of his meter sticks if I should need them.”

Photo

by

Joe Nejman

Michelle Doffin

Photo

by

Joe Nejman

• Nine years of substitute teaching • Worked in secretarial work before becoming a substitute teacher • She enjoys subbing in the fine arts department, the media center, and the English department • Doffin likes the Crown Point teaching staff because the teachers are exceptional and go above and beyond to help students achieve their goals.

• “I especially like working with high school students. I have known many [of the students] since their late elementary and junior high years. It’s fun to see them aspire to their dreams and accomplish their goals.”

James Shrader

Photo

by

Joe Nejman

• Five years of substitute teaching • Was a limousine driver before becoming a substitute • He enjoys subbing for any class. However, his favorite teachers to sub for are: science teacher Andrew Shih, physical education teacher Tom May, history teacher Kevin Enright, and art teacher Donna Pancini.

• Shrader decided to substitute because he is able to spend summer break with his kids.

• “[I keep the class under control] by not going into the classroon with a chip on my shoulder. Treat the student how you would like to be treated.”

Photo

by

Joe Nejman

Moseng gives direction while subbing for Karen Cox’s art class.

This is Moseng’s first year of substitute teaching.

Mike Moseng Known by some students as “Mr. Sub Guy,” Mike Moseng is in his first year of substitute teaching. He enjoys being a sub because it allows him to set his own days and choose what teachers he subs for.

Moseng previously served as a superintendent and a school principal.

“After 20 years of school administration, it is fun to just be in a classroom. [Substitute teaching] gives me something to do, and it keeps me off the streets,” Moseng said.

Moseng said that he has not found a certain class he doesn’t like.

His enjoys subbing for art teacher Karen Cox, science teacher Brian Elston, and child development teacher Melanie Wagner. However, Moesng said that his favorite class to sub for is Brandon Lorek’s class.

“High school was my favorite [when I was in school] and it still is [today],” Moseng said.

To keep his class under control, Moseng says he doesn’t give the class rewards. He does, however, thank the students for “doing the right thing.” “[Moesng] knows how to control a class without being too forceful. He is very charasmatic,” junior Teo Fetea said.

10

Feature

May 29, 2009

Younger siblings resist being overshadowed Comparisons between family members affect students

By Haajar Shaaban and Anna Ortiz / guest writer and graphics editor

Photo by Georgia Otte

Senior Molly Raspopovich is looked up to by her two sisters, sophomore Gabby and freshman Hannah. Despite their family ties, the sisters all participate in different activities. to work up to,” freshman Hannah Raspopovich said, “But I am mostly compared to my siblings by my teachers.”

Often it seems that it is the teachers that see the influence of sibling comparison the most. English teacher Denise Buck has seen it through many perspectives.

When she was younger, she was compared to her older sister; as a mother, she has seen her younger daughter compared to her older daughter; and as a teacher, she has seen sibling after sibling develop over the years.

sometimes “feelIlike I’m being compared to my older sister, but it makes me work a little harder.

“

“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.”

The famous catch-phrase originated whenever middle child Jan Brady of The Brady Bunch became exasperated with her awkwardness compared to her popular older sister, Marcia.

Like Jan, many students have an older sibling who has set the bar high when it comes to expectations. The development of sibling rivalry has many theories, one of the most common one being the natural need to compete.

“Sibling rivalry can be positive or negative. I think it can sometimes be taught from the parents and start out in a good way, like wanting to do your best in school or doing chores but then can become negative. It’s usually the younger sibling that, because of their age, can’t keep up with the older one and may feel like they aren’t good enough. That’s what spurs on the rivalry,” counselor Peg Shaffer said.

And as many “Jan Brady’s” know, it is the feeling of comparison to to the “Marcia’s” that create the friction, whether it is striving to feel as good as them or to gain parental approval.

“My parents always compare me to my older sister, like they want me to do just as well in grades and sports. My sister won seventh in state swimming her freshman year, so that’s a lot

freshman Hannah Raspopovich “It’s really hard not to have expectations [on younger siblings], but I try not to because I know how it feels,” Buck said.

Yet according to Shaffer, in many instances it is the siblings themselves that create that proverbial measuring stick.

“I believe that ultimately, it’s the siblings that compare themselves, not teachers, parents or other adults. When the younger siblings look up to their older siblings and feel like they aren’t as pretty as them or athletic or smart, that inner feeling is created. It’s really their attitude about the whole thing,” Shaffer said.

However, the rivalry that comes with older and younger

siblings is not always negative.

For example, comedian Stephen Colbert is the youngest of eleven children, yet he is also the most famous and successful of all of them. It could be contributed to the fact that sometimes being the younger sibling can have the positive effects of pressure.

“I sometimes feel like I’m being compared to my older sister, but it makes me work a little harder,” Raspopovich said.

And although it may sometimes seem stressful being the “lil’ bro” or “baby sis,” having an older sibling has its advantages.

When junior Tabatha Gonsowski was just joining CPHS as a freshman, she found it heplful to have an older sister in the junior class. “[Having an older sister] helped because I already knew what goes on in the school and I was already known by the upperclassmen. I was known as Trisha’s little sister, but it was easier to make friends with the juniors and seniors,” Gonsowski said.

Even if an older sibling is thought to be “smarter,” it doesn’t mean they can’t be topped by the younger. Talents may lie in different subjects or hobbies. While the older might be athletic and social, the younger may be more academic and creative.

“Everybody has different talents; you just have to identify them. People have different stengths and weaknesses that may be be different from yours and that’s ok,” Shaffer said.

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11

Arts & Entertainment

May 29, 2009

Star Trek movie shines

iTunes alters prices

Successful reboot pleases both new and old fans

By Becca Duggan / entertainment editor Shooting to the top of the profits charts at warp speed is one of the years most anticipated films- Star Trek. On its opening weekend, Star Trek earned a grand total of 76.5 million dollars, according to ABC News. The high earnings are deservedly so, for the movie far exceeded expectations.

Star Trek is a television series that was originally created in 1966 and only lasted three seasons due to low ratings.

Despite this, the show earned itself a loyal fan base, and the show went through several variations. The original series was nominated for Emmys for the Best Dramatic Series and won a WGA Award for Best Dramatic Episode.

Based off this original series, the 2009, Star Trek film deals in an alternate universe that is separate from the universe of the original series. This becomes clear in the very first scene of the movie, where instead of surviving and living to see his son become captain of a starship, Kirk’s father dies in an attempt to save his wife and newborn son, Kirk, played by Chris Pine. This single change alters Kirk’s character so that the majority of the events in the original series do not happen. However, Kirk’s life path eventually leads him to meet Spock, played by Zachary Quinto, whom he at first harbors a heated and reciprocated antagonism.

Later, the Starfleet Academy that both Kirk and Spock attend receives a distress call from the planet Vulcan, where Spock was originally born. The distress call ends up being a trap set up by an alien being named Nero, who holds a grudge against the Vulcan and human races for allowing his home planet to be destroyed. The movie deals with how Spock and Kirk deal with Nero’s threats and intimidation, all the while trying to cooperate with and understand each other.

Star Trek

INFO

The characters were endearing and lovable, as well as complex and developed. Kirk is a laid-back womanizer who has the legacy of his father’s heroism to live up to. In contrast to Kirk’s undisciplined passion, Spock was portrayed as an emotionally stoic and purely logical being who has a Vulcan father and a human mother.

Quinto and Pine’s remarkable chemistry on screen is undeniable when they play as rivals and eventual friends, and romantic chemistry was clearly seen between Quinto and Zoe Saldana, who plays Spock’s love interest, Nyota Uhura.

A main worry that critics had before the movie even released was how it would live up to the epic series off of which the movie was based. One thing was certain- the movie’s creators did not need to worry about a lack interest in people who never saw the original series.

“I had never even heard of Star Trek before I saw the previews for it,” junior Victoria Vingua said. “Even though I didn’t understand the back story, the previews got my attention.

My friends and I saw the movie, and I liked it so much more than I thought I would. The characters and plot were interesting, and it was really funny too.”

In fact, clever humor is spread generously throughout the movie. While the fight scenes and emotional turmoil add depth and seriousness to the film, the audience could not help but erupt into loud laughter when Scotty (known by the popular line, “Beam me up, Scotty,”), played by Simon Pegg, broke a tense silence with a nonchalant remark, or when a younger version of Kirk drove an old-fashioned car off of a cliff after being chased by authorities in a dramatic act of defiance, only to casually ask the policeman, “Is there a problem, officer?”

While some students new to the Star Trek series enjoyed the film, other

students who consider themselves loyal fans liked the production also. Senior Nile Sobek, self-proclaimed “Trekkie” and lifelong Star Trek fan, said she felt the movie was a success.

“This new movie not only gave me the opportunity to experience my favorite characters on the silver screen, but to experience them in a light I had never seen them in,” Sobek said. “It was, overall, the best case scenario I could have come up with for a new

By Kelly Rostin / staff reporter

movie based off an old love.”

Whether a new or old fan, the Star Trek movie was an entertaining and engrossing cinematic experience that was able to be clearly understood and enjoyed, despite its complex back story and space themes. Undeniably, the film will be a landmark in the Star Trek industry for years to come. In famous words that have been associated with Star Trek for decades, the series will doubtlessly “live long and prosper.”

There are 11 total Star 5 spin-off series of the The original series won 5 awards Trek movies original show exist The Star Trek original The most recent spinseries began in 1966 off was Enterprise

a few of our

YOU ARE REMARKABLE If you are having an awful, dispiriting day and feel there is simply nothing you can do right, youareremarkable.wordpress.com provides the perfect pick-me-up that you need. The web site was created in 2008 by K. Cashman. The web site has a blog section where general messages and quotes of encouragement are posted in the hopes that they will inspire readers. Multiple anonymous love letters that visitors to the site can send in themselves fill another section. Another section, titled ‘The Revolution’, is devoted to the effort to send letters, packages, or gifts of encouragement to people who need them. Cashman says that the site’s goal is to “make people feel good about themselves so they can join together and create a world that they feel good about.”

favorite things

Blackberry curve Though many phones have been released since the debut of iPhone , only the Blackberry Curve has beaten it in terms of sales. The Curve is a mere $99 as opposed to the iPhone’s $199, and it is available for four cellular carriers while the iPhone is only available for AT&T. With its sleek shape and conveniently small size, it is no surprise that the Curve has had noticeable success. Even though the iPhone has reigned as the top gadget for months, the Blackberry Curve shows promise to continue prospering in sales.

The 2009 movie earned $8.5 million at IMAX theaters

It looks like a struggling economy has once again affected the way we have to shop for our favorite things.

The most recent victim?

Avid iTunes fans.

On April 7, 2009, Apple decided to say good-bye to the beloved $0.99 songs, and instead take part in a three tier pricing plan which features the most popular and recent songs priced at $1.29, and the less recent songs at the once standard $0.99.

New and unknown artists, “unpopular“songs, or those true “oldies” are priced at $0.69.

These $0.69 songs, however, are sparse in the popular music store.

“Whenever I’m on iTunes I never come across the $0.69 songs,” sophomore Nick Ladowicz said.

The implied intent of this change is meant to mimic the “supply and demand” principle during these hard economic times. The irony lies in the fact that there is virtually no limit to the number of songs that iTunes can sell- even though they have a limitless supply.

The most recent report and analysis on billboardbiz.com has concluded that the more expensive songs on the top 100 list have generated more than $43,000 in extra revenue since the hiked prices, meaning that the “overpriced” songs are bringing in an extra $14,000 per week than if their prices hadn’t been hiked. iTunes also says that they have raised the quality of their music files, which is another factor in the higher prices.

“I think that it was bad of iTunes to raise the prices of most of their songs.

There ’s no reason for the different prices. They should just all be the same,” sophomore Holly James said.

21st Century Breakdown Following Green Day’s 2004 Grammy-winning American Idiot, their new album 21st Century Breakdown combines all of their previous punk edge and adds a whole new emotional spin. The song, “21st Century Breakdown” with its quiet-verses and loudchorus apsects are just one of the band’s 16 new songs that also include “March of the Dogs,” “Restless Heart Syndrome,” and “21 Guns.”

Thursday, june 11 Need we say more?

12

Arts & Entertainment Moon In the upcoming sci-fi movie Moon, the Earth has reached a point of energy crisis. For the past 3 years, Sam Bell has been harvesting materials on the moon in order to solve this crisis.

However, he learns that the company he is working for may not have told him everything.

G-Force Superhero movies have been taken to a new level with G-Force. The movie revolves around a team of highly trained secret agents--who happen to be guinea pigs.

With the help of high-tech weapons, martial arts, and some determination, these rodents will save the world in 3-D.

Year One Jack Black is back in his newest comedy, Year One. The movie takes place in ancient times, when hunter-gatherers roamed the world. The action begins when Black and his co-star, Michael Cera, are banished from their village. After their banishment, they set out on a journey through the ancient world.

The Taking of Pelham 123 In this upcoming action film, Denzel Washington and John Travolta team up to create a thrilling rivalry between an ordinary dispatcher (Washington) and a subway hijacker (Travolta).

Washington works to negotiate with Travolta as the police rush to save the hostages.

Summer brings hit movies Students anticipate summer blockbusters

star in The Taking of Pelham 123.

One summer movie trend lately is the use of super heroes, and this summer has its share. Following the recent As the humid summer air begins to press down on release of Wolverine, G.I. Joe will make its way to the big Northwest Indiana, people search for a refuge from the screen in early August. Also, G-Force will debut on July 24. hot, uncomfortable weather. They flock by the hundreds to This movie takes a slightly different approach to the superthe cool, air-conditioned haven of the movie theater. hero genre: guinea pigs destined to save the world.

Summer after summer, blockbusters are released by Superheroes abound, but with every hero there comes the movie companies during this prime season. From Ju- a villain. This summer, Johnny Depp’s Public Enemies movrassic Park to Independence Day; from Star Wars to The Dark ie will be released into theaters around the area.

Knight; summer has always been a time for some of the bigThe people of the Crown Point area have been awaitgest grossing movies of all time. This year is no different. ing this movie since spring of 2007 One of these much-anticipated sumwhen hundreds of Crown Point mer movies is the action-packed sequel citizens lined the streets near the to Transformers. The first movie, which Courthouse Square to watch Depp was released in June of 2007, was the and his movie crew film scenes highest grossing non-sequel movie in from the upcoming movie. that year, and the sequel is predicted by Public Enemies is the story of some to be even more popular.

1930’s criminal John Dillinger, in“I was really impressed with the first cluding his escape from the Lake Transformers movie,” sophomore Alex County Jail and how he gained the Quinn said. “I definitely think that the title “Public Enemy Number One.” second one is going to be just as good.

“I think [Public Enemies] is goThat’s the movie I’m looking forward to ing to be huge in this area,” freshjunior Cally Kline the most this summer.” man Michael Kukurugya said. “It’ll Transformers is not alone in the world be really cool for people to see a of sequels, however. This summer’s themovie which is based so close to aters will be home to many follow-up movies including them and was filmed in their own town.”

Halloween 2, Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, and the sixth There are even some Crown Point residents who will installment of the Harry Potter saga. appear in the upcoming film, including former Crown The sixth movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Point High School student Corey Hill. will debut on July 15, to the delight of many avid fans who “It’s a bit strange to think that I have the possibility of have been awaiting its release since the last installment in seeing myself on the big screen, but I am excited and really the summer of 2007. hope to see myself,” Hill said.

“I’m a fan of Harry Potter movies, and I’m excited to see Hill was chosen to be in th film last year after he apthis next one,“ junior Aaron Hensley said. “Even though plied via the internet to be an extra in the film. He sent there’s usually a pretty big gap in between the movie re- an e-mail which included photographs of himself and was leases, the wait is worth it.” chosen to be in the movie.

Some people, however, think that the number of se“It’s really exciting that I’ll be seeing someone that I quels in the movie world is getting out of hand. know in this movie,” senior Adam DeBoth said. “It’ll make “If a movie’s successful, Hollywood always feels like it the movie more appealing. I’ve seen Corey in plays, but it needs to make more and more sequels to it,” junior Justin will be a much bigger deal to see him in a movie with an Kaplan said. “Most of the time, though, the quality keeps actor who is as well known as Johnny Depp.” decreasing with each movie. They need to learn when to Public Enemies will be released into many area theaters, stop and move on to something else.” including the local Crown Theater, on July 1.

Despite the number of sequels, though, there are quite “I’m really excited about all of the movies that are a few original movies which will be released in the coming coming out during the summer,” junior Cally Kline said. months. Will Ferrell will star in the upcoming movie Land “I kind of consider myself a movie buff, and I’ll definitely of the Lost, while Denzel Wahington and John Travolta co- be going to see a lot of movies at the theater.”

By Matt Smith / co-arts & entertainment editor

I kind of consider myself a movie buff, and I’ll definitely be going to see a lot of movies at the theater.

“

“

Summer Flicks

May 29, 2009

MOVIE

TITLES RELEASE

DATES

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

June 24

July 1

July 15

Summer concert tours coming to Chicagoland

By Brittany Curtis / feature editor As the last days of school start winding down, dreams of beaches and lazy days start filling students’ heads. Cookouts, swimming, and trips to the Indiana Dune State Park are classic staples for the average CPHS student’s summer. But summer also means one other thing: summer tours.

There are a lot of tours coming to the Chicago land area this summer, but the most prominent of which is Warped Tour. Bands include such favorites as Meg and Dia, 3OH!3, Forever the Sickest Kids, and Anti-Flag.

Warped Tour will be coming to Chicago at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 2.

2009 marks Warped Tour’s 15th anniversary, a day-long festival that features punk, pop, ska, and rap bands which perform on several different stages throughout the area. Tickets are $28.00 for general admission and are sold online at www. warpedtour.com.

Junior Jamie Brown went to Warped Tour last year, and plans on attending the festival again this year.

“I went to Warped Tour last year with my best friend [junior] Angela Abina. It was so much fun to go to, and it’s a really great opportunity to see some of your favorite bands and also be introduced to a lot of new ones. It’s a day-long festival and its so hot and sweaty, but at the end of the day, it’s all totally worth it,”

Brown said.

Another popular tour coming near the Chicago land area is the Jonas Brothers World Tour. They will be at the Allstate Arena on July 9 and 10 in Rosemont, IL. Tickets are range from $29.50 to $89.50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

Junior Katie Klein is very excited about the upcoming concert.

“I love the Jonas Brothers and I’ve gone to their concerts before. Their concerts are so much fun to go to and I really can’t wait to go to another one,” Klein said.

Another tour coming near us is the Kenny Chesney concert.

The country superstar will be touring with fellow country artists Lady Antebel-

lum, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, and Montgomery Geometry. They will be performing at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL on June 13.

For those who are fans of Pop and R & B, there are also acts that are coming to the Chicago land area for you. Beyonce will be coming to the United Center in Chicago, IL on July 17.

Another tour that students may be interested in seeing is the Demi Lovato Tour.

Demi Lovato will be touring with David Archuleta.

Their tour dates have yet to be announced, but students can check their Myspaces for updates.

There is a summer tour for everyone to go to, and if you don’t see something that you like here, check www.ticketmaster.com for more artists.

•

Summer Concerts Warped Tour

@

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Jonas Brothers World Tour Allstate Arena

Kenny Chesney Soldier Field

Beyonce

@

United Center

@

@

May 29, 2009

13

Sports

Track finds success at DAC

Boys roll into postseason with strong DAC meet showing; girls win sectional meet

Softball wins sectional opener

By Hunter McKee / asst. sports editor

Photo by Joe Nejman

Sophomore Israel Mercado runs his leg of the 4x400 meter relay against Portage on May 5. Mercado helped lead the 4x400 meter relay team to a new school record in the DAC meet on May 14.

By Colin Likas / lays in Renssalaer. They took first place as a The sectional meet was run on May reporter 21 at Crown Point. The results of the meet team and also set six new meet records.

With sectionals and regionals rapidly approaching, the boys’ track team was hoping they could grab some momentum heading into the postseason.

They’ve certainly done a good job of doing just that.

The Bulldogs have been beating good teams and taking down records en route to a good regular season. The boys finished with a 4-3 record in the DAC, capping off the above .500 record with a win over Portage on May 5. Head coach Keith Iddings has been encouraged by the team’s recent success.

“I feel like the guys are benefitting from the work,” Iddings said. “I hope they can have their best races in the tournament.”

The boys competed at Kokomo on May 2. The team was able to take second place behind Western.

Following the victory against Portage, the boys headed to the Gene Edmonds Re-

“There were races for everyone in this meet and the team did well,” Iddings said.

The junior varsity DAC meet took place on May 11 and was for freshmen and sophomores. The young team took fifth of eight teams. Three days later was the varsity DAC meet, which took place at Crown Point. The boys had a strong showing, placing fourth overall. Senior Denzell Miller was part of the 4x400 meter relay team that set a school record that evening. Miller also set a new school record in the 300 intermediate hurdles and is ranked number one in the Valparaiso regional meet.

“It feels extremely awesome,” Miller said of being ranked number one. “I think I can make it to state as long as I don’t get cocky.”

Along with the 4x400 team, Iddings believes the 3200 meter and 4x100 meter relay teams can also make it to the state meet.

“There is a great possibility that it could happen,” Iddings said.

were not available at press time.

The girls team has already begun their postseason run. Before it began though, they competed against Portage on May 5.

They took the victory, bringing their final DAC regular season record to 4-3.

The DAC meet was run at Chesterton on May 12. The team did well overall. The ‘Dogs won the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays and finished second in the 4x800 meter relay.

The sectional meet took place on May 19 at Lowell. The girls took second place as a team behind Merrillville. Sophomore Laicee Pierce and freshman Lauren McCarroll both advanced in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs and senior Maggie Schwuchow won the 800 meter run. Sophomore Augusta Schrader won the 300 meter intermediate hurdles and placed third in the 100 meter hurdles. The 4x400 and 4x800 meter relay teams also won and senior Alexis Villarreal won the pole vault.

The Lady Bulldogs softball team finished their regular season with a strong 20-4 finish along with a 12-2 record in the DAC, capturing their first ever conference title.

Now the focus has turned to the sectional round of the playoffs, where the Lady ‘Dogs drew LaPorte for the first game.

“We’ve beat them [LaPorte] twice this year, but anything can happen,” junior pitcher Jackie Beilfuss said. “There are many good teams in the DAC.” The sectional opener for the Lady Bulldogs was scheduled for May 26. However, the game was rescheduled for May 27 due to a rainout.

“They [LaPorte] have a good pitcher and a good hitting lineup from top to bottom,” head coach Brett Crutchfield said before the game. “We are going to have to put the ball in play.”

And putting the ball in play is what the Lady ‘Dogs did, as they cruised to a 12-4 win.

Beilfuss was the starting pitcher for the Lady Bulldogs, allowing six hits and striking out six.

Sophomore Victoria Connelly went 3-4 batting and scored three runs. Senior Jessica Martinez also went 3-4 accompianed with six RBIs and three runs. Junior Katrina Klingberg went 3-4 with three RBIs and a home run.

The run for a sectional championship continued on May 28, against Chesterton. The results were unavailable at press time.

“We need to focus on the basic fundamentals and staying positive if we want to make it to regionals,” sophomore Gabby Raspopovich said.

14

Sports

May 29, 2009

Baseball ranks first in state, sectionals underway

By Hunter McKee and Milan Savich / assistant sports editor and reporter

Photo

by

Trey Aultman

Photo by Trey Aultman

Top: Junior Beau LaSalle catches a pop-fly in shallow left field in the CP Classic against South Bend St. Joe’s. Bottom: Senior Mike Kozlowski rounds third base after hitting a home run against South Bend St. Joe’s.

Finishing the regular season atop the DAC and state with a record of 25-2, the baseball team now has their focus on post-season play.

“We can’t concentrate on any other games, we have to go game-by-game,” junior shortstop Scott Donley said.

The Bulldogs began the season with a 17-0 start before losing their first of two regular season loses to Chesterton at home on May 9.

“Starting off the season 17-0 built our confidence and gave us strength in approach to our skills,” coach Steve Strayer said.

The Bulldogs opened up their sectional play against the Hobart Brickies on May 28. The results of the opening round were not available as of press time.

The Bulldogs found success during the season through their pitching. The pitching staff has a combined earned run average (ERA) of 2.41, which is led by the 1.44 ERA of junior Josh Negele.

“Pitching is working well this year, we worked hard in the off-season and we are hitting our spots,” Donley said.

Donley pitched six shutout innings against a Boone Grove team that ranks in the top five of 2A Indiana teams. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolves in the County Line Classic by a score of 3-1. Donley has also been productive at the plate this season, leading the area with a batting average of .552.

Prior to sectionals the Bulldogs participated in the CP Classic that consisted of four teams Kankakee Valley, Northridge, and South Bend St. Joe’s.

In the first game the Bulldogs defeated the South Bend St. Joe team by a score of 11-0. All 11 runs were scored in the first inning for the Bulldogs and was kept alive by one of senior Mike Kozlowski’s 13 home runs.

The championship game of the classic was against Northridge. The visitors came out and struck first before the Bulldog bats came around and got the victory by a score of 5-2.

Prior to the CP Classic, the Bulldogs finsihed Duneland Athletic Conference play against the Lake Central Indians. At the time, it was a match up of the number one and two ranked teams in the state.

The Bulldogs were again victorious by a score of 16-5.

“We weren’t afraid to lose,” senior third basemen Miles Atherton said. “We

know it’s just a game. We wanted to win, but we were relaxed.”

The Bulldogs were led by four home runs in the game, two of which were off the bat of Kozlowski. When sophomore Mike Manion came in to relieve Kozlowski in the third, Manion pitched out of a bases loaded jam to get the momentum in the Bulldogs favor. Crown Point scored seven runs in the sixth inning to take the lead.

Along with the team accolades of number one in the state, and being ranked at number 22 in the nation by USA Today, the Bulldogs also have some individual accomplishments. Kozlowski, Donley, Negele, and junior first basemen Jeff Limbaugh were all lnamed to the Duneland Athletic Conference’s all conference team.

Also, Kozlowski was named the MVP of the conference.

In 2008 the Bulldogs made it through the sectional and regional rounds of postseason play. The team’s season was ended in the second round of semi=state after losting to Homestead 7-4.

“Our goal [this year] is to win state,” Atherton said. “But if we can get back to where we were last seasib I’d be okay with it.”

Strayer has said that the reason that the team has made mistakes and lost games is because of over-confidence.

“The tougher we are mentally as a team, the better the chnace of us making a run in the state tournament,” Strayer said. “[Having expirinced palyers on our team] makes it easier for them to adjust from their mistakes without losing confidence.”

The 2009 class 4A sectional begins will be held on May 28-June 6 at Chesterton. Regionals begin June 6 immediately following sectioanls. Regionals will be played at LaPorte. Semistate is on June 13 and state finals are on June 20.

IHSBCA Baseball Poll Class 4A

Team

Votes

1. Crown Point (25-2)

64

2. Cathedral (23-0)

57

3. Penn (25-3)

56

4. Lake Central (23-3)

42

5. New Albany (23-4)

38

Former girls basketball coach Tom May inducted into hall of fame

By Colin Likas / staff reporter A state champion coach, one of the winningest coaches of all time, a soon to be retired teacher, and a hall of famer.

All of these words describe former girls basketball coach Tom May. May was recently inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame. May says that he felt “extremely honored” by the accomplishment.

“The selection committee was done by a group of high esteem peers (other coaches),” May said.

May has been at Crown Point High School as a teacher for 39 years and a coach for nearly the same amount of time. He started as the boys’ tennis coach and coached the team for 17 years with great success. The real testament to May’s coaching ability came from girls basketball, however. He coached the team for 27 years and led them to two state championships.

“We were ecstatic about those victories, although we felt that we should’ve won three [championships],” May said.

May also said he never really thought about being a hall of famer, even after the two championships.

“The accalades that come after coaching are something you never think about during it,” May said.

The decision to retire from both coaching two years ago and teaching this year was a tough one. May and his wife Nancy, a math teacher at Crown Point who is also retiring following this school year, made the decision to retire from teaching together.

“We really got no breaks to do things as a family,” May said.

May says that without the support of Nancy and his two children, Jenny and Jeff, he never would’ve been able to be as successful as he was.

“I also have to give thanks to Scott Reid and Beth Jacobs,” May said. “They were always there for me.”

As a coach, May accomplished many things. His greatest accomplishment, however, was not his two titles.

“Molding young women to become high character people in society was my greatest accomplishment,” May said.

Although May has probably had his last hurrah as a coach, he will miss his longtime job.

“It keeps you young,” May said. “I miss the contact with the kids and fellow coaches in a teaching, learning, and competitve situation.”

Photo Provided

by

Nancy May

Tom May was inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame in April. He is joined at the ceremony by members of the 1984 undefeated state championship team.

May 29, 2009

Take 5 with Trey Senior gives advice to future Bulldogs

Sports

Golf team awaiting post-season

As regular season play wraps up, Bulldogs hoping to repeat success from 2008

By Milan Savich / staff reporter

By Trey Aultman / sports editor Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt about putting on that Bulldog uniform and running out in front of all the fans. When this became reality, I decided that there was no better feeling than that. The fans cheering, my teammates jumping around, and the other team that I thought I could sense their fear.

I rarely saw the field, and when people asked me why I kept coming back, I couldn’t give an answer. That feeling that you get on Friday night is not easy to put in words. No one understood when I said that I get to go out and play football everyday. I started to get a little discouraged because of my lack of playing time, but continued to remind myself that I get a chance to play football every day for the Crown Point Bulldogs.

Then my senior year came around. I was really hoping to see the field a little, but it just did not happen. Even though I was only yelling from the sidelines on Fridays, I had the most fun during the week. I was running around on scout team defense and I could do all the drills almost perfectly after four years. I would not say I was happy on the bench, but I was having fun. Then, the Merrillville sectional game came. If you followed the team at all this year, you know that the game did not go well. At halftime I was told that I was going in.

Even though the game was practically over, and there were less than 20 people in our stands, running out on the field with some of the best friends I will ever have was one of the best moments of my high school career. That half of “meaningless” football made getting pounded on by the big guys over the last four years all worth it.

I guess the best advice I can give, and what you can take from my story, is to do what you do for the right reasons-- not because someone else wants you to-- play because you enjoy the game, and never give up.

15

Photo Courtesy of Titak Photography

Sophomore Nick Grubnich tees off at Youche Country Club earlier this season.

The Bulldogs are currently 17-7.

The boys golf team is heading towards the post-season with regular season record of 17-7. The Bulldogs are looking to repeat the success of last year after coming off some unexpected victories.

“I am happy with our play in the DAC this year,” coach Del Kutemeier said. “We defeated LaPorte and we beat Valparaiso twice.”

On May 6, the Bulldogs met LaPorte and Valparaiso for the first time this season. Sophomore Nick Grubnich shot a 34.

“I knew we could beat Valpo because they lost some seniors from last year but I wasn’t expecting to beat LaPorte,” Grubnich said. “We all played pretty good and came out with solid scores.”

On May 21, the boys faced Chesterton and Portage. Grubnich won as an individual, shooting 32 and the team took second to Chesterton. “[The team] has improved on course knowledge but they need to improve on scoring consistently,” Kutemeier said.

“Since the begining of the year we’ve all been working on our short game and it’s finally been coming up,” Grubnich said. “[To prepare for the post-season] we definately need to work on coming back from bad holes and bad shots.”

The DAC meet will take place on June 2 at Chesterton’s The Brassie, followed by sectionals on June 5, which will be held at Lakes of the Four Seasons.

Regionals is scheduled for June 11-12 at Beechwood and will be followed by state finals on June 16-17.

“Our team is playing well right now and during the post-season every one needs to play their game,” 2008 Regional Qualifier senior Ryan Qualizza said. “We need to take advantage of getting good scores and stay focused.”

As a freshman in 2008, Grubnich represented the Bulldogs and took third place. In 2009 Grubnich has won every tournament the golf team has competed in.

“My goal at the begining of the season was to go undefeated individualy and to just work on my all around game,” Grubnich said. “I think our team has improved over the course of the year and when we get to the post-season we just need to play the best we can.”

Along with Grubnich, the team is also led by Qualizza and 2008 regional qualifier CJ Balmes.

“Our senior leadership is wonderful.

They are my captains along with helping players,” Kutemeier said. “These students are great athletes and persons and it has been a pleasure coaching them.”

Today the Bulldogs face off against the Hanover Central Wildcats at 4 p.m.

Girls take sectional title, fall in regionals

By Colin Likas / staff reporter Sometimes and opportunity for one person comes at the expense of another.

This was the case for junior tennis player Needa Malik at sectionals.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” Malik said.

“Coach Elston kept me calm and I wasn’t really nervous.”

Thanks in large part to Malik’s singles match victory over a Kankakee Valley athlete, the girls tennis team was able to take down their 13th sectional title in the last 14 seasons on May 22. The girls also got victories from the teams of Hannah Tokoly and Kelly Gross and Dana Andreoli and Gabby Touchette in doubles.

However, Malik stole the show with a three hour match that decided the meet for the Lady ‘Dogs.

“She’s good at the mental game,” coach Brian Elston said of Malik. “Her win was good for her and good for Crown Point.”

The girls came into the sectional meet playing well. They carried an overall record of 9-4 into sectionals as well as a 5-2 record within the DAC. After starting the year 1-3, the girls were able to win eight of their last nine matches before sectionals. The first of these

took place against Portage. They won the meet by a score of 3-2.

The next two matches against Merrillville and Chesterton also went the way of the Lady ‘Dogs by 3-2 margins. Their 3-2 loss to Michigan City following the meet at Chesterton was the last loss for the girls in the regular season.

“We went on a roll,” Elston said. “After the tough start we went 8-1 which was great.”

The girls then pulled off four consecutive victories by a score of 4-1 each time.

Two of the victories were against Lowell and Kankakee Valley, two of the teams in the girls’ sectional. They closed out the regular season with a 3-2 win over LaPorte.

Following all of the regular season success was a sectional title. Elston felt the team could play against everyone in the sectional.

“We were successful against Lowell and KV, so we knew we could play well against them,” Elston said.

Regionals took place on May 27-28.

It lasted two days because of the weather.

The girls were pitted against powerhouse Munster in the opening match.

“We have a shot to beat Munster if we work hard,” Malik said before the match.

However, the girls were not able to de-

Good luck to the graduating class of 2009!

Fleming, Bates, & Barber Insurance, Inc. Mark A. Bates, CIC, AAI 216 E. Joliet St. Crown Point

www.fbbinsurance.com

Go Bulldogs!

219.663.2483 - 800.783.2483

Photo by Jen Zarate

Senior Dana Andreoli prepares to return the ball in a match. Munster defeated the girls in regional play Wednesday. feat Munster, falling by a score of 5-0. Junior Chelsea Viers competed hard in number one singles against Munster’s Mary Hill, but she fell in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0.

Despite the loss at regionals, the girls still had a good season with 11 wins overall behind a first year coach in Elston. They also took second place in the DAC.

Dress 4 Le$$ for Homecoming 2009 Donate your gently worn Prom, Homecoming, or other formal dresses and suits to be sold on Wednesday, September 9 at incredibly low prices.

Resale event sponsored by the CPHS Football Moms’ Club Please contact: Lisa Breuckman @ 663-5458 Cheri Emery @ 662-9221 for Crown Point donations.

Joyce Rotroff @ 663-6526 for Winfield and LOFS area donations.

All proceeds to benefit the CPHS football team.

16

Personalities

Farrell succeeds at speech

Claire Bushemi junior

By Lauren Cain / copy editor

Photo By Jeremy Rex

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would climb Mt. Everest. It’s one of my life goals to be able to climb it and I think that it would be such an accomplishment to say that I’ve done it.

What about you is unknown to most people?

I can knit a mean scarf. I’ve been knitting for three years now. I’m also currently knitting hats for kids with cancer.

What is one of your biggest fears? Why?

Drowning, because that would be the worst way to die.

Name a major issue you believe teens deal with everyday.

I think that peer pressure is definitely the biggest issue that teens my age deal with. They constantly feel the need to fit in and “look cool” by drinking and doing stuff like that, when it all just makes them look stupid.

What is your fondest high school memory?

Having dance parties before soccer games with Sammy Vercellino and Missy Phillips.

May 29, 2009

In one year, junior Ryan Farrell has managed to win six first place awards, and a state championship in Speech for discussion category, all while balancing five AP and honors classes and maintaining a 4.2 GPA. Ryan Farrell was named the 2009 IHSFA State Champion in the discussion category at the 2009 State Speech competition in Indianapolis.

“This is only the third time in Crown Point history that a speech or debate student has been named a state champion,” speech team adviser Jacob Adams said.

In speech, there are 14 categories to compete in: Broadcasting, Discussion, scripted duo interpretation, memorized duo interpretation, international extemporaneous speaking, domestic extemporaneous speaking, impromptu, dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, declamation, original oratory, poetry interpretation, prose interpretation, and original performance. Farrell competes in discussion, which according to Adams is the most intellectually challenging category, as it involves students interacting with each others on a chosen current event topic.

“We get a problem area, such as poverty, healthcare, or global warming, and we have to figure out how to best fix the problem,” Farrell said.

This was Farrell’s second year participating in speech. He did discussion last year as well, and according to Farrell he won many awards.

To prepare for their topics, students

participating receive the topic they are addressing two months prior to the competition. According to Adams, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the topic, be able to interact with others respectfully, and show a familiarity with the attributes of proper speech such as eye contact and body language.

“I feel I can honestly say that Ryan is among the most prepared discussion students in the state. He comes to every competition with a binder-full of research, whereas many students barely bring one sheet of relevant materials,” Adams said.

As well as his state championship, he has won six first places, one second place, and one third place ribbon this year alone. On top of that, the speech team as a whole acquired first, fifth, and tenth place trophies.

“All these awards will look really good.

I’m glad I joined speech team,” Farrell said.

According to Adams, Farrell was essential on the team this year as captain.

“Not only does Ryan possess an impressive array of facts, but he can also access a particular fact at the appropriate moment to support or challenge another competitor’s argument. These are the hallmarks of a superior discussion student,” Adams said.

In the future, Farrell plans on going into a science based career, but feels that his speech background will help him.

“The discussion part is something you’ll always be able to use in life, like in a job in order to get your ideas across,” Farrell said.

Photo By Jeremy Rex

Ryan’s awards and accomplishments • Chesterton High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• McCutcheon High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• Plymouth High School Invitational: Second place ribbon

• Elkhart Memorial High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• Munster High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• 2009 IHSFA Speech Sectional Competition: Third place ribbon

• Laporte High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• Valparaiso High School Invitational: First place ribbon

• 2009 IHSFA State Speech Competition: State champion in discussion category

BRONKO’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE IN THE JEWEL OSCO - MARKETPLACE PLAZA 1244 NORTH MAIN STREET CROWN POINT

Open 7 days a week Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Banquet facilities

PIZZA CHICKEN / FISH / RIBS / SANDWICHES CROWN POINT PHONE (219) 662-0145 BRONKO’S PIZZA IN HEBRON (219) 996-6559 BRONKO’S PIZZA IN LOWELL (219) 696-6372

It’s a Strack & Van Til Thing.

Crown Point

(2 locations) 200 Franciscan Dr. (219) 663-0304 10851 Broadway (219) 661-4144

Merrillville

7201 Taft St. (219) 738-2150