INKLINGS May 28, 2010

•

Volume 74 Issue 9 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

Road rage: Students struggle with anger while driving

page 9

Facebook groups: Groups based on Crown Point teachers and students “IRON MAN 2”: Staffer reviews the much anticipated release of the movie

News Fingerprints replacing lunch cards New lunch line system, involving a fingerprint scan program is expected to increase efficiency

page 10

page 11

A crude awakening

Gulf oil spill effects continue to tally up, raising concern

pg. 3

News Foodstock Upcoming charity concert involves student and teacher bands, with proceeds going to the Food Bank

pg. 3

Feature Senior memories Seniors share the top ten things they’ll miss (and won’t miss) about high school.

pg. 7

Entertainment

photo by

By Lauren Cain copy editor While it may seem that the oil spill occurring in the Gulf of Mexico is only impacting coastline states, it is also directly affecting Northwest Indiana as well. From the risk of oil prices rising, to the fact that local workers were sent down to help clean up, Crown Point is feeling the effects of the oil spill. On April 20, an offshore oil rig run by British Petroleum (BP) exploded, causing 11 men to be missing and presumed dead as well as the oil from the rig to spew throughout the Gulf. BP reports

Designer Desserts A bakery in Valparaiso offers decorated desserts.

D. Casillas

that the rig is spewing 5,000 gallons of oil a day, yet independent scientists believe the spill may be 10 to 12 times larger than that. Despite its many

Johnson said. While the oil is affecting the plants on the coast, Johnson also said that it is affecting the

efforts, BP has yet to stop the oil from spilling. To many of nature preservationists’ dismay, on May 12, the oil started to wash up onto Louisiana coastline, beginning to damage delicate wetlands. According to Environmental Science teacher Dotty Johnson, the effects of this spill on the wetlands

animals, as well as our food. “The oil spill happened during spawning and nesting season. Animals and fish that may have left when the oil was first detected have a biological imperative to have and raise their babies there. There is also trouble with marine

are tremendous. “When oil coats marsh grass, it dies. The marsh grass is important when hurricanes hit because it helps to diffuse the waves that hit the coast. The roots of the marsh grass also help to stop shoreline erosion,”

300 11

Oil Spill statistics

5 25

,000

barrels spilled a day

million dollars estimated to be spent on BP cleanup efforts

BP workers presumed to be dead from oil rig explosion

million dollar grants given to four states affected by spill: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida

story continued on pg. 3

pg. 12

Check it Out! Inklings has a music blog!

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

http://inklings music.blog spot.com

Legislation passed for AP scores By Kelly Rostin opinion editor At the end of every Advance Placement (AP) course, a two or three hour test sums up all of the information obtained from the course based on guidelines from the College Board. Scores are based on a scale of one to five, five being the highest and best score you can get. Most colleges accept scores of only four or higher in order to grant a student college credit

for the corresponding AP course. While some colleges currently accept three’s, most do not. Now with the passing of a new legislation, any student who receives a three or higher on the AP test will receive college credit for any in-state college or university starting in 2011 for the state of Indiana. This new legislation will make it easier for students to obtain college credit hours, but if a certain course is part of a student’s

major, students may be required to score better than a three on the test, but will still receive the credit as an elective. Sophomore Kelsey Ingelhart, who is taking three AP classes next year, thinks this will be very helpful. “A three is a realistic score to get on the test,” Ingelhart said. “It’s helpful to know that after all that hard work in those classes I’ll have an even better chance of benefitting from the class.” Regardless of if the class is relevant to

a student’s major or not, students can use the AP credit toward elective credit hours if they score a three or higher. “The fact that we can save so much money for college from this is a huge incentive to actually take AP classes,” Ingelhart said. The new legislation will help save students money on their credit hours. According to the Indiana Department of Education, roughly 45 percent of the students who take AP tests score

a three, so the new legislation will benefit this portion of students, and collectively will save 44,000 college credit hours. Junior Nick Ladowicz, who is enrolled in three AP  classes this year and three for his senior year, sees this as an excellent opportunity. “I think this is really great because it allows high school students to easily rack up college credit hours and save a lot of money in the process,” Ladowicz said.

AP Legislation • Indiana colleges must accept scores of 3 or higher for credit • Some colleges may require higher than a 3 for actual course credit • If so, the college must still accept the score for elective credit

2

IN

News

May 28, 2010

Top ten senior students honored

the know

5.28

Stray Dogs improv show

5.29

Foodstock

5.31.

Memorial Day- no school

6.4

Last day of school

6.9

Graduation

6.14

Summer school classes begin

Students place fourth at national BPA leadership conference BPA students took fourth place at the BPA leadership conference “Shoot for Success” in Anaheim, California on May 5-9. Chapter members included junior Fiona Alet, senior Lindsey Wacnic, and senior Thomas Vanderplough. They joined over 5,650 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national level business skills competitions, workshops, and general sessions. BPA is a national organization for high school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. BPA acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. Crown Point’s BPA was able to attend the NLC through the financial support of Dr. William Forgey.

Optimist Club selects ten senior students

Photo By M.K. LEMON

The top ten seniors pose at the Roots and Wings banquet. From left to right: seniors Nicole Arena, Ryan Farrell, Angela Roberts, Elizabeth Szymanski, Branko Bibic, Corinne Kocher, Matt Smith, Mary Jacobs, Krysta Rodd, and Josh Glass.

Students recognize most influential teachers at banquet By Matt Smith co-copy editor Competition exists in every aspect of life. School is no different. Every day, students compete to reach the highest academic standard. And every year, those who have climbed the highest are recognized by the school. The top ten students are decided on the basis of cumulative grade point average. The Roots and Wings Banquet, which took place on May 20, honored these students, recognizing them for their academic performance over the four years of high school. “The banquet is a great way to honor the top ten students, as well as the parents and teachers that most influenced their education,” Roots and Wings organizer Karen Rodd said. “The banquet always helps the teachers to realize the impact they have on students.” Students attend the banquet

with their family and one teacher who they feel influenced them most to succeed. The students and their respective teachers are Josh Glass and swim coach Doug Norris; Ryan Farrell and science teacher Dotty Johnson; Elizabeth Szymanski and Latin teacher Jeremy Walker; Branko Bibic and English teacher Rachele Raloff; Mary Jacobs and band director Johann Sletto; Krysta Rodd and math teacher Michael David; Corinne Kocher and English teacher John Lambersie; Nicole Arena and science teacher Brian Elston; Matthew Smith and math teacher Jason McGee; and Angela Roberts and science teacher Ken Witt. “I couldn’t have done it alone,” top ten senior Mary Jacobs said. “My family always encouraged me to get good grades, and my teachers taught me so well. Without all their help, I would never be in the top ten. I’d be in a back alley somewhere.” Aside from proper support and guidance from parents and teachers, many do not know exactly what it takes to become part of the top ten. “It’s all about motivation,” salutatorian Ryan Farrell said.

The Top

10

by

the numbers

10

average number of AP classes

6

average hours of sleep each night

8

total number of extracurricular activities

2.5

academic hours outside of school **stats per student

Finals Schedule

Not pictured: Chelsea Viers, Needa Malik and Mitchel Adducci The Optimist Club of Crown Point recognized ten seniors as the 2010 Spirit of Optimism winners. Pictured above, they are Krysta Rodd, Kaitlyn Whiting, Jenny Jacques, Blake Zolfo, Dallas Schurg, Brenna Wermers, Mary Allison Van Cleef along with Optimist president Paul Wellman. Not pictured are Chelsea Viers, Needa Malik, and Mitchel Adducci. All were honored at a dinner at White Hawk Country Club on May 4. Students are selected based on the traits of positive attitude, responsibility, honesty, initiative, sense of values, and consideration of others.

“If you don’t have the right mind set, you won’t ever get anywhere. If you actually want to achieve more, you’re headed in the right direction.” While academic motivation may be important, the top ten has a large and diverse selection of talent in other areas. The students participate in a number of other activities: band, orchestra, choir, theatre, swimming, track, speech, debate, and academic teams, among others. “I think it’s important to do more than just study,” valedictorian Josh Glass said. “Being on the swim team has definitely taught me how to manage my time. If I wasn’t a swimmer, I never would have learned that skill. In the end, it helped me get where I am.” Sports, music, volunteering, academics—these ten students have done it all. Throughout their schooling, they have achieved the highest academic ranking while still managing a host of other activities. “It’s a great feeling to be in the top ten in the school,” top ten senior Krysta Rodd said. “I know I worked really hard to get where I am, and it’s good to know that it all paid off.”

June 2 cont. I

Wednesday, June 2 1st hour: 7:55-8:19

English, Special Needs, Performing arts

2nd hour: 8:24-8:48

Thursday, June 3

Friday, June 4

1st hour: 7:25-8:30 (exam)

1st hour: 7:25- 7:45

2nd hour: 8:36-9:18

2nd hour: 7:51-8:56 (exam)

II

3rd hour: 8:53-9:17

Math, FACS, Art

3rd hour: 9:24-10:07

3rd hour: 9:02-10:07 (exam)

4th hour: 9:23-10:28 (exam)

4th hour: follow regular lunch schedule

4th hour: follow regular lunch schedule

5th hour: follow regular lunch schedule

5th hour: follow regular lunch schedule

6th hour 12:41-1:46 (exam)

6th hour: 12:41-1:16

7th hour: 1:52-2:27

7th hour: 1:22-2:27

** After 4th hour students proceed to 7th hour or corresponding lunch. Students spend one of the four blocks in lunch, correponding to their 7th hour class.

7th hour: I 10:28- 10:58 II 11:04-11:34 III 11:40-12:10 IV 12:16-12:46 12:52-1:16

III

Social Studies, World Languages, and Business

IV

Science, PE, Industrial Tech, Anyone else

6th hour 12:52-1:16 5th hour: 1:22-2:27 (exam)

May 28, 2010

News

Finger scanning leaves print at lunch

photo by D. Casillas

Sophomore Brittany Styka scans her finger during her lunch period to try out the new technology that reads one’s fingerprints to purchase a lunch. This system will be fully implemented during the 2010-2011 school year.

By Abby Elston guest writer

As an effort to change to a more modern method, CPHS will be using finger scanning at lunches replacing the use of lunch cards beginning next year. It will be the first time CPHS will be using the Touch and Go System. The middle schools have used the system for two years. “There will be no worry about ID cards or students coming in without an ID which slows the line up,” Food Service Director Pam Maloney said. This new system is expected to have many advantages in addition to making the lines move faster. For one, it helps to prevent “identity theft.” “If you lose your ID, there’s nothing stopping somebody else from picking it

up and using your account, which has happened several times,” Maloney said. The Touch and Go System has been used at the middle schools for the past two years and has been proven to be a success. “In the middle schools it was definitely a success. It makes the lines go faster and we didn’t have to worry about making cards, which takes a lot of labor. We also had to wait for the pictures. [Overall,] it will be less frustration for the cashiers, and it will be more efficient and quicker. We will be using more technology,” Maloney said. Some see the Touch and Go System as a technological advancement that reflects the development of our generation. “It is a sign of the times,” Cafeteria Manager Missy Petelle said. It may just be a “sign of the times,” as

the Touch and Go System uses a unique number database system. The student will scan his/her finger three times and the scan creates a number for the student. This number is saved in the database and is used to identify the student when he/she scans his/her finger to buy a lunch. “I’m jealous that I won’t get to use it,” senior Needa Malik said. “The lunch ladies always make fun of me for forgetting my lunch card.” Though this system is brand new to the high school, students are familiar with it, even if they didn’t have it at the middle school. “I have used it at work at The Fieldhouse in Merrillville,” sophomore Justin Ham said. “It will be faster and students won’t forget their lunch card.”

Oil spill

3

continued from pg. 1 mammals such as dolphins. When they surface to breathe they are covered with toxic oil,” she said. “The scientists think it is possible that the baby shrimp have been killed which will impact future yields. ” In order to help resolve this issue, BP has been sending workers from throughout the country down to the coast in order to help with the clean up effort. One of these workers is freshman Anna Keilman’s father. “(My dad’s) position at the refinery in Whiting, Indiana requires him to assist the company with various emergency response incidences throughout the U.S. when necessary. He is down there on a part time basis assisting BP on an oil spill emergency response issue,” Keilman said. According to Keilman, these issues include providing information and assisting with requests from the state of Alabama and local community officials. Her father was deployed to Alabama on May 3 and returned home on May 17. “It’s weird not having him at home or there when I get up in the morning. There is one less table setting at the dinner table and one less person to say goodbye to in the morning when I leave for school,” Keilman said. Keilman notes that BP is doing all they can to contain the spill, protect the shorelines and the wildlife along the Gulf States. While BP is currently doing as much as they can, some students feel that BP’s solutions are unreasonable. BP tried lowering a large metal container over the spill in order to stop it, yet due to the depths of the water, the gas within the dome froze up and clogged the dome. “They should have known that their containment apparatus wasn’t going to survive the harsh conditions of the Gulf floor. They should have known it was going to encounter icing and wouldn’t be able to survive pressures that some submarines cannot handle, let alone BP’s last minute solution,” junior Jordan McRae said. For students that want to take part in the effort, Johnson offers advice on what they can do. “I feel you should write to your congressmen and tell them laws need to be enacted to prevent this from occurring again.”

Tomorrow’s Foodstock concert benefits local food bank By Donnella Casillas photographer Satisfy your appetite for great music while reducing the hunger of others by attending this year’s second annual Foodstock concert. The concert is one that features both student and faculty bands from Crown Point High School, all while benefiting a local food pantry by collecting nonperishable food items. The line up will include bands such as The Sunshine Killaz, Cosmonot, Top Hot Tuesday, Coffeehouse, Lethal Dosage, Tyler Nimon and the Hazy Daze, Three Guys and a Mike, in addition to music played by science teacher Chris Gloff and principal Dr. Ban. “I’m excited and nervous to be performing, but it’s good to see students looking to benefit a great cause,” Gloff said, “I’m glad that I was considered to be a part of Foodstock.” Junior, and drummer for Cosmonot, Danny Fabrici also thinks the same. “I feel honored (to play at Foodstock) and I’m glad I can help people out by raising money and food for the food bank,” Fabrici said. Senior Hunter McKee is one of many

Senior Charlie Wood, drummer for the student band The Sunshine Killaz, jams at the senior assembly. His band and others will play at Foodstock. students who helped bring Foodstock together for the second year in a row. “Foodstock started last year as an AP English project by graduates Jason Ban, Rachel Kolavo, and Tom Ladendorf,”

McKee said, “I knew the students personally, and they said that they wanted to keep Foodstock going, so I asked Dr. Ban to help me start it up for the second year in a row.”

Admission to the concert is varied between a food donation with a lesser entry fee, or a pay without a donation at full price. Both the food and money go toward the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “It’s $7 to get in, but if you bring a food donation it’s $5,” McKee said. A food donation only needs the requirement of being a nonperishable food item to be counted towards the discount on ticket prices, but there are some types of food that are suggested to be donated if one is going to be giving food. Items such as canned fruits, oatmeal, canned meats, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and pasta are the most recommended foods that the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana asks for. “There are always some types of food that the food bank runs out of and those are the kinds of food we hope to bring in,” McKee said. McKee also mentioned a goal that he hopes to accomplish this year. “Last year, Foodstock raised over $1000 after everything was paid for,” McKee said.,“This year, I really hope we raise over $1500. That means we have to spread the word if we are to meet our goal.” Foodstock is May 29 at the On the Square Academy starting at 6 p.m.

4

Opinion

May 28, 2010

Technology keeps us disconnected

Inklings

Inklings is a student publication distributed to students, faculty, and staff of Crown Point High School. It is published monthly by the newspaper and advanced journalism students. Opinions expressed in Inklings do not reflect those of the CPHS faculty, staff, or the administration. Inklings welcomes and encourages signed lettersto-the-editor. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Letters must be signed and turned in to room E107 one week prior to publications and must not contain personal attacks. Letters may also be sent via e-mail at inklings@cps.k12. in.us. Not all letters may be printed. Such decisions are the sole discretion of the Inklings editors and staff. Advertising is subject to the applicable rate, copies of which are available from Inklings advertising department or by contacting 663-4885 ext. 11349. Inklings is a member of the Indiana High School Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll. Inklings may be contacted at 1500 S. Main, Crown Point, IN, 46307; 219-663-4885 ext. 11349; fax 219-662-5663; or inklings@ cps.k12.in.us. Editors Cori Novelli Deanna Sheafer editors-in-chief Michele Bates associate editor Brittany Curtis managing editor Lauren Cain Matt Smith copy editors Becca Duggan entertainment editor Kelly Rostin opinion editor Hunter McKee sports editor Milan Savich Colin Likas sports assistants Anna Ortiz graphics editor Becca Iddings advertising editor Alyssa Blahunka advertising assistant Georgia Otte chief photographer Joe Nejman Alex Parrish Vinnie Needham Mary-Katherine Lemon Donnella Casillas photographers Staff Ammy Easto Arley Gomez Garret Hogan Lauren McCarroll Danelle McCuan Marwa Nour Haajar Shaaban Adviser Julie Elston

By Garret Hogan staff reporter

V

iew:

Labels given to students in high school are starting to define them more and more each day, but students need to focus on other things

editorial

Cartoon by Anna Ortiz

“See, that’s the problem with your generationyou’re obsessed with labels.” This quote is straight from the mouth of Sue Sylvester, the bold faced critic from “Glee.” While many times her comments are for comedic value and not much more, this one sticks out as being so incredibly true. In this time of our lives, where selfdefinition is essential, we are constantly surrounded by people making that near impossible. By assigning labels to individual people, definitions are simultaneously distributed against one’s will, disabling them from deciding if that definition is true of themselves or not. Someone cannot simply be characterized as “gay” or “straight,” “jock” or “nerd,” or “popular” or “not.” By assigning a one-word label, it is being assumed that someone is so transparent and one-dimensional that those are the only things that define them. However, upon closer look, it can be found that the same person being labeled as a “nerd” can also be described as kind, giving, selfless, and caring. The person seen as the “dumb jock” may actually help others in his off time, through community service and volunteer work as opposed to the idea that all he does is sports. These labels are not only unnecessary, but unproductive. High school is known to be one of the most trying times for some students where it is hard to find out who they truly are. When there are others trying so hard to tell you who you are, it makes it unfeasible to find out who you are aside from their opinion. One word labels are a huge social barrier in high school. For the sole reason that one is seen as a “nerd,” the “jock” may not speak to him. However, if these labels were ignored, it may be found that the “nerd” and the “jock” have more in common than they thought. Instead of worrying so much about their opinion on how others should be defined, maybe everyone should instead focus on figuring out their self-definition. Sticking with the “Glee” theme, Kurt said it best when he told his father the importance of ignoring labels. It is advice that everyone should take note of and apply before they hand out definitions of other people. Remember his words: “I’m not a box. There are more than 4 sides to me.”

You seem to be sitting across from your friends at the lunch table, however you are not having a conversation. They are having a conversation with someone else, by texting on their cell phone. They proceed to ask this other person how they are doing, how the dog is, and if they picked up the groceries. You sit there pretending to have lunch with them, when apparently they are having lunch with someone else. How connected are you? Most of us have been in the situation where we are having a fun time with our friends and then all of a sudden, they get a text message. Right in the middle of your story on the latest school gossip, your friends whip out their annoying, noisy cellular device and starts texting, completely oblivious to what you are saying. Or maybe if you’re socially awkward, you have received a text message and you completely read it the wrong way. For instance, maybe someone is calling you a name in which you don’t usually like to be called and you didn’t realize that they were being completely sarcastic. Technology keeps developing to make it easier for us to stay connected, but all it seems to be doing is making us more disconnected. Although we know technology provides many benefits, we tend to rely on it too much for important interpersonal communication. It’s a paradox. Technology helps us get in touch, yet it prevents us from being in touch. It helps us save time, yet many people can admit that they waste too much time on Facebook. It helps us correspond, but at the same time it prevents us from being understood. By reading this, people will want a solution instead of a rant about how we are living in a world in which we are unsocial couch potatoes. Yet, the solution is quite simple. People will still use Facebook, as they will still text message left and right. But perhaps from now on try to use more self-control, wait to answer your text until after your friend leaves. Or maybe call your friend instead of waiting for them to be on Facebook or MySpace. Let’s all try to get back to the more connected world in which we used to live.

heard in the

halls

Gulf Oil Spill “I think (the oil spill) is really bad and that they should do something about it because all the animals are dying.” freshman Jordan Tromp

Summer “I am really excited for summer but finals are really stressing me out.” junior Catherine Myers

Field Trips “I want to take Physics next year so I can go to Six Flags.” sophomore Jon Maginot

Tardiness “I think it’s awesome when Dr. Ban drops the ‘Ban Hammer’ on late students in the morning.” senior Tony Cortina

Opinion

May 28, 2010

Learning from self reflection By Matt Smith co-copy editor

Cartoon by Dani McCuan

Should teachers prohibit cell phone use? By Lauren Cain co-copy editor

Frequent problems with students using cell phones during class have people searching for solutions to the issue. Would a crackdown on cell phone use solve the problem or make matters worse?

By Kelly Rostin opinion editor Everywhere you look in a high school it seems that there is always someone who is on their cell phone. A lot of times it’s solely for socializing and curing boredom, but every so often an emergency comes up where it’s necessary to communicate with outside sources. Whether the emergency is life threatening or something as little as letting your mom know you have to stay after school for extracurricular activities, cellphones are necessary. The restrain of cell phone use in the classroom should be up to the individual teachers to take care of, depending on if it interferes with the actual learning process. Cell phone use in the hallways, at lunch, and during downtime in the classroom is harmless. Cracking down will only provoke students who want to break the rules out of immature spite. Unnecessary cell phone use would get out of control, and the whole crackdown would be counterproductive. Another point is that the administrators themselves are on their cell phones during school hours. By getting angry at students for doing the same thing with their phones is hypocritical, and I don’t think that teachers would appreciate their phone usage being censored during school hours either. The fact is, there are so many more important issues than cell phone usage that administration could put their efforts towards. Students will just want to rebel and use phones more if teachers become unfair about when cell phone usage is appropriate. As long as cell phones don’t interfere with teaching and learning (or contribute to cheating) they really are harmless.

Tom Fisher “It will be faster and easier in general, and the lunch lines won’t be as long.”

Junior

Freshman

Sophomore

While I believe phones should be prohibited during school hours, I must be honest saying that I am an avid texter. Anyone who knows me knows I probably have my phone no farther than two feet away from me at all times; this rule is not discredited during class either. However, the real reason I text during school is simple: because I can. If you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll want a glass of milk. If you give students the ability to text during school, they’re going to. It’s this simple, age old philosophy that is behind texting during school hours. However, if the school cracks down by taking cell phones away from students, it eliminates the temptation and will bring success for students and the school alike. Students obviously would benefit from this for the sole reason that it decreases distractions and instead focuses their attention onto what’s really important between 7:25 and 2:27. Without the ability to text during class, students have no option when it comes to focusing on their education during school hours. In turn, the school would benefit from this as well. With increased student attention comes higher test scores. End of Course Assessments would be much easier for students if they had focused more. If more students pass the test, then more students qualify for graduation. In all, the benefits are momentous for prohibiting cell phone use during school. Distractions are reduced, focus is increased, and test scores improve. The lesson is simple: if you never give the mouse the cookie, he won’t be asking for his glass of milk.

speak up Is the use of finger scanning system a good idea?

I

ssue:

Cell phones should not be taken away unless they are interfering with learning

Aly Ahrens “I think that it’s a good idea, but it might slow us down next year. We will probably have to rescan our fingers.”

Four years, full of classes, extracurriculars, Friday night football games, and weekend parties. Each day, students are bombarded with differing thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Parents, teachers, counselors, and classmates—all are in a constant battle to communicate their own ways of thinking and spread their own influence. In the presence of this confusion, the line between independent thinking and mindless following becomes increasingly unclear. The only way to keep this line in focus is through conscious questioning and self-reflection. Introduction to new ideas and opinions is important, but without proper caution, it may hinder development as an individual. However if a student reflects on his own opinions, he is able to filter these ideas and narrow them, gaining a fuller understanding of others’ views, as well as individual beliefs. The difficulty is finding a way to uncover this understanding and a way to focus on reflection. An effective method of selfreflection is embodied in the simple act of journaling. Some may see journaling as childish. Others view it as a violation which merits confiscation of the “man card.” In reality, it is one of the best ways of solidifying ideas. By translating thoughts into words, ideas become clear. The thoughts become tangible. One can truly examine his own beliefs, sorting through the confusing onslaught of outside influence. This examination inevitably leads to self-knowledge and understanding. Whatever method is used, self-reflection remains an important practice. If one does not reflect on his own ideals, he will melt into the collective societal goo that plagues the world today. He will remain a static, unchanging character across the span of his lifetime, and will slowly wander across that hazy line from independence and individuality to drone-like brainwashing and acceptance of others’ beliefs and opinions. He will never become a part of the rapidly decreasing minority that has achieved what school was supposed to teach us our whole lives—to think on our own.

Senior

Taking cell phones away stops the problem at the root of the issue

Marija Cacovski “It’ll keep other from using people IDs that are not their own.”

5

Chris Klein “It’s kind of an invasion of privacy because your fingerprint is out there.”

Perform Senior Justin Budde performs his senior solo at the Spring Sing concert.

I on

life

Ask Laugh Explore Wonder Inspire

May 28, 2010

Planting

ng

i

6

Key Club sponsor Russ Marcinek instructs members where to plant flowers around the campus to celebrate the coming of warmer weather.

Professional help aids in suicide prevention

by the

numbers

Over

33,000

people in the United States die by suicide every year.

Suicide is the

11th

leading cause of death in the United States.

P hoto Illustration

By Haajar Shaaban staff reporter He twists the cap off the bottle, determined to end the pain. He starts to take one, then another. He finishes the entire bottle of pain killers and drifts in and out of consciousness, believing that he is ending his life. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all persons regardless of age, sex, or race. It takes approximately one million lives every year. Of the one million, 30,000 are American, with 5,000 of those being teenagers. According to a Northwest Indiana Times article, in Porter County, there have already been nine recorded suicides in 2010. “Suicidal teens are a heterogeneous group and therefore, reasons they attempt to end their lives vary,” psychiatrist Kim Simic of St. Anthony Medical Center said. Simic has offices of psychiatry in both Crown Point and Valparaiso. A recent incident of teen suicide that has been widely publicized is the suicide of Phoebe Prince, a Massachusetts teen who was bullied relentlessly until she took her own life. However, teen suicide hits much closer to home. One student at CPHS had to deal with the hardships of managing a friend on the verge of suicide. “It was tough. I had no idea what I should be doing or how I should be handling the situation, but I kept being told from him that I shouldn’t tell anyone. Ignorantly, I obeyed. I realize now that this was a horrible decision on my part, and that I prolonged the suffering by not branching out and finding help sooner,” she said. Although she never thought about taking her own life, other students have. Student X has attempted to commit suicide multiple times. He has tried to overdose on pills and has even once tried to hit a vein with a knife. “I just felt so much anger and mass depression–I didn’t think anyone would even

remember me after a few weeks,” Student X said. Some factors that could contribute to suicidal thoughts are drug abuse, household problems, and of course mental disorders. “Common precipitants to suicidal behavior include parental conflict, rejection by peers- including break-up of a relationship- and academic difficulties,” Simic said. Many factors in Student X’s childhood contributed to his attempted suicide, including family and legal issues. “(And then) when I got to high school, things got much worse. I felt the school was just filled with people who don’t care: lying, cheating, and backstabbing people,” Student X said. The lack of relating to other teens could evoke feelings of loneliness which can ultimately push one to feel suicidal. “(Suicidal teens) often feel progressively more alone, hopeless, and helpless, in a black hole with no way out,” Simic said. Depression is the most common cause for suicide, with 75 percent of individuals who commit suicide being depressed. Depression is defined as a condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal. Some signs to look for in a suicidal teen include the individual experiencing dramatic mood changes, loss of interest in most activities, differences in personality, disruption of eating and sleeping habits, or a withdrawal from family and friends. “As (a teen’s) depression progresses, they may become socially withdrawn and pull away from vital friendships, or theyt may become irritable and push others away,” Simic said However, it is never too late for someone to get help, whether they suffer from depression or even suicidal thoughts. “Many, many other ways are available for people to relieve emotional suffering, depending on the cause,” Simic said. Students suffering from depression should find healthy outlets to expel emo-

by

Georgia Otte

tions such as exercise, counseling, and therapy. According to Simic, if a friend admits that he or she may be feeling suicidal, it is crucial to refer them to a professional immediately. “No matter how much influence you think you have over your friend’s mental well-being, if they are intent on ending their life, your words may pass through their mind unheeded,” Simic said. “I would let the school social worker know about your friend because he or she is most equipped to handle your friend’s problem.” Counselors can help students deal with any suicidal thoughts and can recommend them to a professional if the student indicates the need. “As a counselor, I refer students to professionals and make sure the person is better able to adjust back into school after being helped,” counselor Kim Swan said. After Student X’s most recent attempt, he got medical help, enabling him to effectively find ways to deal with his emotions. There are countless ways to get help for a suicidal teen. The web site www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org offers a variety of ways to help people who are suicidal. There is also a national suicide prevention hotline that can be called with complete confidentiality at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Psychiatrists, psychologists, and school counselors are available to talk with during rough times. Finally, Simic emphasizes the idea of never losing hope. “(If a friend acts suicidal) I would reassure them and let them know that even though it seems hopeless and it feels like there is no way out, there are therapists who can help them,” she said. A student’s personal experience proves this. “From dealing with my friend, I learned that no matter what, a person can get better. They may claim over and over that there is no solution to their problems, but I know first hand that they can get the help they need,” the student said.

A person dies by suicide about every

16

minutes

in the United States.

90

percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. Suicide is the

3rd

leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old. An attempt of suicide is estimated to be made every

60

seconds All facts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

7

Feature

May 28, 2010

As upperclassmen wrap up their final year in high school, they reflect on

what seniors will miss the... Least Most James Haworth

&

James Haworth

“I’ll miss all my underclassmen friends who won’t be graduating with me the most.”

Mike Laus “I’ll miss choir the most because of all the memories I’ve made with my friends.”

“I won’t miss waking up at 5:30 a.m. to get to school.”

Mike Laus “I won’t miss my Anatomy and Physiology class. It’s the hardest class I’ve ever taken.”

Lucas Groff

Lucas Groff “I’ll miss getting publicity for Not So Casual Friday the most.”

Andrea David “I’ll miss the soccer sleepovers and summer pole vaults with freezy pops the most.”

T.J. Lang

“I won’t miss staying up all night for the Legacy Project.”

“I’ll miss everyone at school once we’ve all gone different ways the most.”

Andrea David “I won’t miss being in a place where everyone knows me. I’ve been around people I’ve known since kindergarten.”

T.J. Lang “I won’t miss the homework load.”

Cally Kline

Cally Kline

“I won’t miss the seven classes every day.”

“I’ll miss our theatre bunch and all the memories we’ve made being in the shows the most.”

Kevin Topp

Kevin Topp “I won’t miss my classes. I’m not going to need the (information) that I’m (currently) studying since I’m going into film in college.”

“I’ll miss the friends I’ve made in high school the most. They’re the best friends I’ve ever had.”

Chelsea Viers “I won’t miss waking up at the same time everyday and going to the same classes. I won’t miss the daily high school routine.”

Chelsea Viers “I’ll miss my friends the most. I won’t see a lot of them after we graduate and go to different colleges.”

Amanda Reid “I won’t miss the crowded hallways with everyone running into each other.”

Amanda Reid “I’ll miss the relationships I’ve made with people over the years the most.”

Mitchell Adducci “I won’t miss the ridiculous traffic when trying to leave school.”

Mitchell adducci “I’ll miss all the teachers who will go out of their way to help me or just talk to me.”

Kaitlin Vass “I’ll miss seeing my friends every day. I’ve had the same group of people in my classes since 7th grade, and I’ve developed really strong bonds with them.”

Kaitlin Vass “I won’t miss the group of people who stand in the middle of the hallway and give you dirty looks when you walk through them.” By Cori Novelli - co-editor-in-chief

Keeping in touch after graduation Communication can be found in most documented forms of history. This can include carrier pigeons delivering messages in times of war, messages sent in smoke by American Indians, to even the discovery of moveable type in Germany. Communication, (defined as the exchange of thoughts by speech, writing, or signs by Merrium Webster’s dictionary) has always been an important part of society. While we’ve come a long way from cavemen drawing pictures on rock walls as apposed to the people of today texting on their iPhones, humans have found multiple ways to communicate. With seniors moving away to college and the year coming to a close, many people are looking for

different ways to keep in touch. “Facebook plays a big role (in staying connected). Otherwise, I’ll try to see friends on weekends if possible. Staying in touch is still going to be pretty hard,” sophomore Courtney Schmidt said. Facebook is a site that is accessed by over 100 million people; its growing popularity has expanded the amount of people that can be contacted and kept in touch with through that site. Another popular site for staying in touch is Skype, which lets you video chat with people all over the world. “I am going to use Skype all the time; it gives me the opportunity to see my friends and catch up with them even though we are miles away,” sophomore Dominique Bass said. Besides technology alone, some people, such as freshman Mackenzie Shelley are going to

“

I am going to use Skype all the time; it gives me the opportunity to see my friends and catch up with them even though we are miles away.

“

By Lauren McCarroll staff reporter

sophomore Dominique Bass use their sport as a way to keep in touch with their friends. “I plan on playing tennis with all of the senior tennis girls over the summer, and maybe hanging out at their dorm on the weekends,” she said. Apart from underclassmen attempting to stay connected with graduating friends, there are also

many seniors who hope to stay connected after school ends, as well. Seniors Xia Meng Howey and Angela Roberts plan to stay in touch over the summer by doing a 90 day workout. “Even though it will be really intense, (we’re going to make Tshirts for it!) it will be a great, fun way for us to hang out over the summer when we won’t be seeing each other every day at school,” Howey said. Nevertheless, when college hits, it will be harder for underclassmen to see their older friends. This is where the internet can come in handy. “I am really going to miss all of my friends after I graduate. But Skype is great because it is a way for me to keep in touch, especially with people from other schools. I use it now and love it,” senior Kyle Davis said.

For many graduating seniors, driving home is not an option, so technology will be one of their main forms of communication. “I will probably go on Facebook to keep in touch because I won’t be able to drive home (since freshmen at Purdue are not allowed cars), but I would like to visit as much as I can,” senior Andrew Facemeyer said. Instead of technology and athletics some students, such as sophomores Caroline Hamilton and Todd Aulwurm, are using music to stay in touch. Both of them play the cello. “The only time we work on it (their duet) is after orchestra class but we will have to get together during the summer to keep working on it,” Aulwurm said. Whether it’s a message sent in a bottle or a quick text message, there are many ways that students may use to keep in touch.

Feature

8

How-to on group-work

By Garret Hogan staff reporter Often times, when a teacher says that you are going to be doing a group project, the class is suddenly filled with hushed whispers and sighs of relief. Then, within the next three to four seconds, the groups are already predestined by quick glances of students back towards their friends, or to the smartest kids in the class. However, when students are in groups, it ends up being somewhat of a disaster most of the time. They socialize too much and run out of time, only to find out when it is too late they have received a bad grade. Here are some tips to help stay focused and get the entire group working to receive a grade that you deserve.

“When my teacher says that we are going to work on a group project, I used to look at my best friend and we agreed to be together, but now I think before I choose my partner because I want to choose someone who I get along with well, but who also won’t slack off and will help me get a good grade.”

freshman Katherine Szymanski

r proj dent, u u o t y S t r tha n Dea mber o be due o up e m e R t ro going re your g e r a u s s ect ke 1. Ma eadline. e n u J d S! s the TION P E make C X NO E

May 28, 2010

“I try to do more different activities that involve group work. I try them out on my students and then I tell other teachers how successful they actually were. I do group quizzes, character profile activities, and individual group reading. I feel that when students ask their friends questions that they would usually ask me, they learn better communication skills along with having fun.”

the best tips

English teacher Allison Malloy “Don’t create a bad environment with your group. If you do, things tend to be more stressful and harder to work on, and if you’re stressed out so often you won’t get any work done. The best thing is to have patience with one another, make sure that responsibility is a key element in the group, and to have fun while working together.”

sophomore Robert Ebbens

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Feature

9

Avoiding road rage rampage A behind May 28, 2010

How to Avoid Road Rage

the wheel look at the fast and the furious

Attitude Try to stay calm and maintain your cool even in difficult situations.

By Anna Ortiz graphics editor As students cross the line from street-side pedestrian to licensed driver, they enter into a jungle of pavement and traffic lights. And like all wild terrain, it can prove to be just as competitive and chaotic as, well let’s say, the high school hallways. And if passing period is anything to indicate the outside traffic customs, then road rage is an inevitable obstacle. “Road rage is a problem among teens, and part of it deals with not paying attention. They may be ignoring the road and texting while driving and then end up bumping another car and later engaging in an argument with the other driver,” officer Milan Damjanovic said. Students such as senior Sam Boyd admit that they’ve found themselves overly frustrated and even in some cases furious while driving. The issue started when she first began driving this past winter. “I think it was mostly because it was winter and I felt on edge,” Boyd said. “If something happened, I would just start screaming, even if I knew they couldn’t

Tailgating

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GEORGIA OTTE hear me, I would just yell at them for like five minutes afterwards.” Boyd admits that her mother and grandfather both experience road rage. She also notices that she feels edgier listening to certain music. “For example, if I was listening to System of a Down, I would probably react more angrily,” Boyd said. According to psychology teacher Brett St. Germain, there are internal, external, and environmental (as in one’s immediate surroundings) issues that affect a driver. “Music has a deep impact on a person’s emotional state,” St. Germain said. Other students find

that their trigger is pulled every time they put the key in the ignition. “Every time I’m driving, someone is doing something wrong. Then I find myself swearing my head off in traffic,” senior Aaron Hensley said. Senior Andrew James has specific annoyances in mind. “When people are driving too slow or cutting me off, or really any tom-foolery on the road gets me angry,” James said. Yet road rage has more serious consequences than blaring horns and inappropriate gestures. The American Automobile Association reports that in 2009 “an average of at least 1,500 men, women and children are in-

jured or killed each year in the United States as a result of aggressive driving.” Yet if those statistics don’t cause extra caution, then the legal stipulations will. “(A consequence of road rage is) being arrested; it’s a felony. For example if you are using a car as a potential weapon or if an argument leads to battery,” Damjanovic said. While a driver can’t control the other cars on the road, they can control how they react. Sometimes avoidance is how students keep from flying off the wheel. Senior Corey Ohlenkamp tries to keep away from confrontation. “I try to avoid situations that would make me angry. I leave the high

school parking lot early to avoid the stress and take the same back routes that have less traffic,” Ohlenkamp said. St. Germain agrees that drivers “should try to block out external factors while driving that can have a negative impact on your mental state” to avoid risks. Boyd has noticed that with better weather her mood has improved on the road and takes steps to remain calm. “I take a deep breath and don’t yell as much,” Boyd said. “I like to try to put myself in the other driver’s shoes now. I think about how if I was driving slower and someone was riding on my bumper, I would probably feel scared.”

Give others some space. In addition to being dangerous, tailgating annoys other drivers.

Gestures Obscene gestures are rude and unnecessary so don’t go there. They’ll make a situation even worse.

Feature

10

May 28, 2010

“Face”-ing up to the challenge When most people sign up for a Face-

“1,000 members and Mr. Rosenbaum book account, the last thing on their mind will grow a sweet moustache!!!!” is the prospect of having a group started Last year, German teacher David Rosenbaum showed students his 1980s-era passport in which he proudly sported a mustache. Since then, junior Nathan Byrd says that he and his classmates have been telling their teacher to bring it back. Byrd and fellow junior Kyle Wasserott, both student aides for Rosenbaum, recently started a petition on the classroom’s white board during first period. “We did (the petition) as a joke for a day,” Byrd says. By the end of the day, Rosenbaum says that there were 103 signatures. However, Rosenbaum would not accept it due to the abundance of fake names. Sophomore Ryan DeBattista, one of Rosenbaum’s students, made a deal with the teacher: if he could find 1,000 supportive people, Rosenbaum would grow the mustache. DeBattista decided to take the campaign online. The Facebook group “1,000 members and Mr. Rosenbaum will grow a sweet moustache (sic)!!” was born. The group, featuring the infamous passport as its main photo, grew rapidly. The group reached 1,000 members on Tues., May 11. Rosenbaum said he was “absolutely astonished” by the group’s success. Rosenbaum is keeping his promise about the mustache. However, he believes that his students “will have to pay the price by seeing (him) with a cheesy mustache.”

about them. Nevertheless, that is exactly what has happened to several people at Crown Point High School.

“Not So Casual Friday” Not-So-Casual Friday started as a joke between friends Matt Smith, Lucas Groff, and Anthony Rettig, all seniors. “All teachers have casual Fridays where they wear their jeans and t-shirts. We, in our rebellious teenage states ,wanted to do exactly the opposite,” Smith says. “Plus, I look fantastic in a suit,” he adds. Smith and Groff made a Facebook group and used it to announce upcoming Not-So-Casual Fridays. Their friend and fellow senior Justin Kaplan is also an administrator of the group. “Making a Facebook group seemed to be a logical step because so many people have Facebook profiles, and it allows us to communicate with all the members conveniently,” Groff says. Groff says that Facebook has been very helpful to Not-So-Casual Friday. Groff says that “many people who check their Facebook messages before bed find themselves reminded of an upcoming Not-So-Casual Friday, which helps spread the word and increase participation.”

“Jen Zarate and Kevin Nichols PROM ‘10!”

One could hardly call junior Jen Zarate and sophomore Kevin Nichols friends. Nichols, a sophomore, is a member of Crown Point High School’s swim team. Zarate, a junior, is a manager. Zarate said that they “started talking half way through the (swim) season.” Nichols says that his “treating (Zarate) pretty silly” inspired him to ask her to prom. Zarate says, “The first time (Nichols) asked me, I thought it was a joke. By the twentieth time, I started taking it a little more seriously.” “Jen Zarate and Kevin Nichols - PROM ‘10” was started on Facebook. Dozens of people began to join. Zarate says, “The 200 people in the group started telling me everyday to go (to prom with Nichols).” Nichols was amused when he saw the group. “When I saw (the group), I thought that it was absolutely hilarious.” After the group had reached over 100 members, including some that did not know the two, Zarate agreed to go to prom with Nichols. “It was amazing to see how many people actually cared about it,” Nichols says. Zarate was optimistic about prom. “It was right about what I expected it to be,” Zarate said. “(Nichols) was more polite than I expected.” “It really surprised me how nice of a girl Jen is,” Nichols says. He says that the two are friendlier now. “When I asked Jen to prom, I really should have thought about how much money it was going to cost,” Nichols says. He adds, “The only negative thing that came from the Facebook group is the hole in my wallet.”

“6,000 members and Nick Vlassopoulos will shave his armpits”

By Mary-Katherine Lemon - photographer

However, not every group can reach their goal. Senior Nick Vlassopoulos and one of his friends were debating about armpit hair on males. “She thought it was gross,” Vlassopoulos says. “We took it to Facebook because we wanted to see how many (people) would agree with her comment.” “If this page gets 6,000 fans Nick will shave his armpits!” was started. Vlassopoulos says that “the number 6,000 was randomly decided upon.” The group is a few thousand members short of 6,000 person goal. “I would say it was kind of successful. There isn’t anywhere near 6,000 people in the group but around 500 (people) have joined,” Vlassopoulos said

Arts & Entertainment

May 28, 2010

myview

Miley Cyrus too exposed

11

Sequel irons out competition

“Iron Man 2” proves to be a good sequel, unlike some

By Brittany Curtis managing editor

By Marwa Nour staff reporter

As a kid, I remember loving Lindsay Lohan. I recall the days of her innocence, before the alcoholism and alleged drug use, before all of the notso-flattering pictures of her getting out of the car, before all of the feuds and drama and warrants for her arrest. Now, to put it lightly, she’s a train wreck. The girl who I used to look up to is gone. Lately, Miley Cyrus has been gaining attention for her newfound sex appeal, following in the steps of her predecessors like Lindsay and Britney. Her new video, “Can’t Be Tamed,” marks the breakaway from her innocent Disney image. With “Hannah Montana,“ ending in 2011, it seems as if she’s doing everything she can to shed her alter ego. The video shows her in a giant birdcage, symbolizing the way her celebrity makes her feel like a specimen to the public. She proceeds to pole dance and wear a racy bodice complete with expansive wings. The entire video leaves little to the imagination, and I find myself wondering why I’m watching a 17-year-old gyrating against a pole. Maybe I should have seen this coming; it was just last year when her performance at the Teen Choice Awards in which she danced with a pole on an ice cream truck was highly criticized. Another child star that seems to be growing up far too quickly is Taylor Momsen. The little girl that we were first introduced to as Cindy Lou Hoo and then later knew as little Jenny from “Gossip Girl” has recently been photographed smoking, performing with her band “The Pretty Reckless” in lingerie, and was accused of drug use. It is rare to see her with her eyes not caked with eye makeup and long blonde extensions. I know that Miley and Taylor won’t be little kids forever, but is it necessary for them to be quite so grown up this soon? They went from one extreme to another overnight. Maybe it should be more of a gradual change, instead of Disney princess one day to pole dancer the next.

After months and months of anticipation, the day that has been marked on my calendar has finally graced us. Marvel Entertainment has done it again with “Iron Man 2,” and this time they managed to blow “Avatar,” “Star Trek,” and “The Dark Knight” out of the water. While waiting patiently in line at the Showplace 12 theater in Hobart to buy my ticket to view the movie that has been talked about since its predecessor made a splash, I thought to myself, “I really hope this doesn’t suck.” Well, the superhero Gods must have been listening because I was absolutely blown away by “Iron Man 2.” This time around, Marvel has managed to stick to the basics while letting Robert Downey Jr. bring his own charisma to the character of Tony Stark. The smooth talking, quick witted genius inventor that we have come to know as Tony Stark has come back to the silver screen, and this time the world is aware that he is the superhero known as Iron Man. Stark is put under pressure from the government, public and press to share his secret to the Iron Man suit with the military, but he refuses to release the information because he’s afraid that it would get into the wrong hands and, of course, because the suit is rightfully his.

Everything seems to change for Iron Man when Ivan (Mickey Rourke), who bears a serious grudge against the Stark family,

shows up with self-made iron suits equipped with electrically surged whips that easily slice Tony Stark’s Rolls Royce in half. I, of course,

barely blinked as Robert Downey Jr. combined James Bond, Dean Martin and Rico Suave into one charismatic, world-saving hero. But I was greatly disappointed when Don Cheadle appeared on the screen as “Rhodey” instead of Terrance Howard. Apart from the awkward character switch, this movie has a little something for everyone. There’s the undeniable romantic tension between Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow) and her superhero boss Tony Stark which is slightly unconventional since it is mostly made up of quirky comebacks, but their characters complement each other and leave viewers waiting to see what will happen next. Obviously, just like in any superhero movie, there is quite a bit of action involved in the movie, combined with the mild romance, this could easily be a date movie, so no one has to go to the latest romantic comedy and pretend to be surprised when it ends like every other romantic comedy. This movie has much more destruction than its predecessor and includes multiple scenes of characters walking away from a massive fire without looking back. “Iron Man 2” has lived up to and exceeded the hype and to my extreme pleasure and contentment, they have officially announced the making of an “Iron Man 3.” If it is anything like “Iron Man 2” then my nine dollars and 50 cents will not be wasted.

Chatroulette adds a spin to online chat By Michele Bates associate editor

By simply typing in the web address and clicking a button, I entered the newest social networking site that everyone has been talking about. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Chatroulette was created by 17-yearold Andrey Ternovskiy just sixth months ago. Since then, it has gained tremendous success with over 1.5 million people from all over the world using the social networking site. With all the “hype” surrounding Chatroulette, I decided to give the site a try. For those of who are unfamiliar with the concept of Chatroulette, the site pairs you up with a person to chat with through a web cam and instant messaging. I was a little hesitant to begin the

myview

IKEA

Anyone who has been thinking of redecorating a room in their house should consider visiting IKEA. Opened in 1958, IKEA was originally founded in Sweden. The home store has a wide variety of products such as bedding, furniture, and kitchen items for a low price. IKEA’s food court also allows its visitors to sample some of Sweden’s well-known foods. Swedish meatballs, cream sauce, and Swedish pancakes are just a few of the items on the food court menu. For more information visit IKEA in Bolingbrook, Illinois (only 48 miles from Crown Point) or ikea.com.

process, but I made sure to consider my safety while using the site. I didn’t give out my name or where I lived when chatting with any of the users. Chatroulette first paired me up with a college student from the U.K. who was a huge fan of Lady Gaga. He was sporting a Lady Gaga concert Tshirt and proudly admitted that he had been to three of her concerts. I asked him what his favorite Lady Gaga songs were and he named about all of them. When I decided that I have heard enough from the “Lady Gaga’s Number One Fan,” I decided to let Chatroulette pair me up with another user. While waiting for the next user, I was curious to see if I would be coupled with any of the celebrities that have been sighted using Chatroulette. Kelly Osbourne, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, and Joel Madden are just

a few of the celebrities who have admitted to using the site. Singer Ben Folds has even used the site by making up songs for the Chatroulette users he has been paired up with. However, my hope for chatting with a celebrity was soon crushed. My partner turned out to be to a sixteen year old girl who couldn’t stop talking about Miley Cyrus’ “great” new video, “Can’t Be Tamed.” The girl said that she aspired to be like Miley and our conversation didn’t last very long. Miley Cyrus was the last person that I wanted to hear or talk about. After signing off Chatroulette, I realized that the newest social networking is not exciting as the media makes it. Though it is fun to use, I doubt Chatroulette will become the next big social networking site. It was fun for the first few minutes, but it got old after a while.

a few of our

favorite things Towle Theatre Located in Hammond, the Towle Theatre is a community theatre that is owned and managed by the Hammond Development Center. Seniors Blake Zolfo and Brenna Wermers will be starring in the upcoming production of “Rent” on July 9-11, 15-18, and 22-25. Purchase tickets for “Rent” by calling 219-937-8780, or get them online at towletheatre. org.

Chatroulette Related Sites

• Chatnextu Chatnextu has the same features as Chatroulette, but claims to be more ‘safer’ than its competitor. The age limit is a lot younger and as become popular with the Young Hollywood scene.

• RandomDorm RandomDorm is one of the newest social networking sites for U.S. college students. Users must have a college e-mail to participate.

Sony Reader Last August Sony unveiled two new models of their Sony Reader products. Coming in colors such as rose, silver, and black, buyers can choose between the Sony Reader Touch Edition ($199.99) or Pocket Edition ($169.99). Features include the eBook online store which allows shoppers to look for a wide variety of books that range from $9.99 to $11.99. The store also allows users to check out digital eBooks through their local public library. The Sony Reader is available for purchase at both Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Information compiled by Inklings Editors

12

Arts & Entertainment

Creativity takes the cake Desserts win over customers who crave beautiful creations

May 28, 2010

Short-lived hits still remembered By Dani McCuan staff reporter

PHOTO BY B. CURTIS

By Brittany Curtis managing editor Walking into Designer Desserts of Valparaiso, I didn’t know what to expect. In my mind I had conjured up images of what I would see when I walked in: would it feature the intricacy of the desserts I see on “Ace of Cakes,” or perhaps it would be a quaint coffee shop-esque environment? Would it look like Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake got together to create a bakery? The anticipation of what to expect was exciting, and upon entering Designer Desserts, I came to find that it was not any one of these images I had in my head. It was all of them. Walking into the store, the first thing that I saw was a display case full of cupcakes. Rows upon

rows of differently flavored and elaborately decorated cupcakes were displayed. While my mouth was watering at the sight of all of the cupcakes, I knew that I had to actually eat a substantial meal before my dessert. The menu featured sandwiches, salads, and soups, all of which were reasonably priced. I ordered the Turkey Club, which was good, but eating it was similar to seeing the opening band for a concert when you really just want to see the main event. One aspect that added charm to the experience was the fact that they brought out my food on a cake pan, never letting me forget that I was, in fact, eating at a bakery. After that, the time I had been waiting for finally came: cupcake time. It was so hard to choose

which one I wanted to eat. There were so many flavors of cupcakes. Their selection consisted of chocolate, vanilla, chocolate chip, mocha chip, German chocolate, strawberries and cream, carrot cake, banana, cookies and cream, red velvet, and pineapple. There were also many other desserts to choose from, ranging from candy to cheesecake to cannolis, and there was even pink hot chocolate. After much careful thought and deliberating, I finally decided on the chocolate cupcake. The cupcake was fairly large, and I had to take it home because I couldn’t finish it. I almost didn’t want to eat it because it looked so perfect, complete with pink frosting, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. The cupcake itself was great: it was very moist, and the frosting was delicious. I’m fairly picky

about my frosting, and I usually scrape it off most cakes and cupcakes, but this was tasty and not too sugary. I was more than satisfied with the taste of the cupcake, and I can guarantee that I will be going back soon. But it isn’t just the quality of the food that makes Designer Review Desserts great; it’s the environment that accompanies it. The restaurant is quaint and charming, with great care put into every detail. Another benefit was the low price range that accompanies the high quality. The cupcakes were amazing, and it was fun watching people pick up their intricately designed cakes as we ate our food. All in all, I can definitely say that when it comes to cupcakes, Designer Desserts takes the cake.

the crowd into her performance. The other band members performed acrobatic jumps on stage and interacted with the audience, blowing kisses and sitting on the edge of the stage right by the fans. All the fans seemed enraptured by Williams’ presence and voice, displaying multiple posters that bore her name and cheering for her at every pause. Truly, Paramore was a band that was made to be live because the energy in the arena was enough to power an entire city. Additionally, Williams’ voice was just as good live, if not better, as it is on CD. Before Paramore opened,

Relient K played. Relient K is a Christian pop/rock band led by lead singer Matthew Thiessan. They played their music that fell into the rock genre to fit with Paramore’s style. Thiessan proved to have brilliant stage presence, and his voice sounded better live as well. However, it was clear from the audience’s reaction to Paramore’s entrance who they were there to see. The other opening band was one called Fun, which was an interesting addition to the roster. The band fully lived up to its name by performing playful songs with unique instruments, such as a trumpet. The keyboard-

ist wore a marching band conductor’s hat, showing another side of the band’s fun-loving theme. The band only had a few songs to perform, but they helped set the perfect mood for Paramore. Paramore’s vivacity, ability to enliven the audience, and highquality music resulted in them stealing the show. Williams made sure that the fans felt the energy from the music. Paramore ended by pretending to leave early, only to wander back to the stage moments later after the calls of their fans. They closed with the number “Misery Business,” making the night an unforgettable one for all who attended.

Paramore performs with rock attitude By Becca Duggan arts & entertainment editor Hayley Williams would not let a soul forget that the fans were attending a rock Review concert on May 7. Williams of Paramore performed at the i wireless Center in Moline, Illinois with Relient K and Fun. Paramore opened with the song “Looking Up,” a lively song about happiness that the band brings to its members. The entire time while Paramore was playing, Williams energetically jumped, danced, and twirled around the stage, drawing the energy from

What’s on your iPod?

Ryan Keyl freshman

Shannon Sum sophomore

Jeff Arseneau junior

Not very long ago, it was inevitable that an individual would turn on the radio in their car and hear “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter on nearly every station. After the song’s release in 2005, it reached number one on the Billboard charts, was the season 5 farewell song for the television show “American Idol,” and was even nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. In many cases, success of this level usually opens the door to a promising career, but in Powter’s instance, that is not true. None of his other songs have managed to break into the music charts. However, Powter is not alone in his circumstances. A multitude of other recording artists also join Powter on the list of “one-hit wonders.” By strict definition, a onehit wonder is classified as “an act that has won a position on Billboard’s national, pop, or Top 40 just once,” but it is more frequently used to describe musical acts or artists with one song that has reached widespread acclaim. When the term is looked at from this perspective, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Rush would all fall into this category, despite the strong influence that their music has had over the years. On the other hand, the more common definition of “one-hit wonders” includes the likes of Bruce Willis, Toni Basil, and A-ha! Despite achieving only one success in the musical community, they have managed to branch out and make other accomplishments. A-ha! has become renowned throughout Europe, Toni Basil has worked as a choreographer for major Hollywood productions, and Bruce Willis has become a well-known actor. Other one hit wonders have also made similar career strides. In fact, Linda Perry, the lead singer of 4 Non-Blondes, went on to write and produce music for Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and Pink, three of the most well known musicians of our generation. This goes to show that while the name of a one hit wonder may be forgotten in a short amount of time, their achievements will live on for years to come.

Jodie Biella senior

Not Afraid Eminem

Kiss and Tell Ke$ha

Forever Drake

When I Look at You Miley Cyrus

Psychosocial Slipknot

According to You Orianthi

Renegade Styx

Do I Luke Bryan

Riot Three Days Grace

Someday Nickelback

Bohemian Rhapsody Queen

In My Head Jason Derulo

Sports

May 28, 2010

Softball takes first in coaches poll

Lady Bulldogs earn first DAC title; win first round of sectionals By Hunter McKee sports editor Finishing their season with a record of 25-1 [14-0 in the DAC], capturing the first ever DAC championship in team history, and a number one ranking the state by the Indiana state coaches poll, the Lady Bulldogs now have their eyes set on their sectional playoff. “We have been looking forward to the post-season all year. It is what the girls have focused on from the beginning,” head coach Brett Crutchfield said. The girls’ plan for the postseason will remain the same as the regular season’s, taking it game-by-game. “We are taking our sectional game-by-game this year,” senior catcher Katrina Klingberg said. “We are just trying not to get down on ourselves; we know that we have the talent to do well in sectionals.” In the first round of sectionals the Lady ‘Dogs continued their success by defeating Michigan City 4-0. Senior pitcher Taylor Perry dominated her opponents by only allowing two hits and striking out ten. Offensively the girls only amassed four hits, however, they were able to capitalize and scored on each of them. In the last DAC match-up of the regular season, the Lady ‘Dogs were victorious over Michigan City 8-4, giving the girls a perfect conference record. Freshman Lexie Rolff showed up huge for the Lady ‘Dogs going 3-3 with three RBIs. Also senior Jackie Beilfuss went 3-4 with two RBIs. On May 14, the Lady ‘Dogs were victorious over LaPorte 9-0 to capture the first DAC championship in team history. The Lady Bulldogs seemed to lock in on the ball as they recorded 14 hits. Klingberg went 3-4 with

photo by j . nejman

Sophomore Lexie Rolff bats in a game against Andrean on May 19. The Lady Bulldogs were victorious 4-2. The girls played against Portage yesterday, however, the results were unavailable at press time. three RBIs. Sophomore RaeAnna Jenks went 1-3 and drove in three runs. Senior Taylor Perry also added to the field day with two hits and runs batted in. On May 7 and 8, the Lady ‘Dogs traveled to Monticello for the five game Twin Lakes Tournament. Against Frontier, senior pitcher Jackie Beilfuss threw a no-hitter through five innings to help the ‘Dogs win 11-0.

Offensively the Lady Bulldogs found success from juniors Gabby Raspopovich who went 2-4 with two RBIs and runs, and Victoria Connelly who recorded three hits and three runs. In the second game against Maconaquah, runs for the Lady ‘Dogs came at ease as they defeated Maconaquah 15-0. The girls tallied up five runs in each of the first three innings. Jenks went a perfect 4-4 in the game

and batted in five base runners. Perry pitched five innings allowing two hits and striking out 11. Against McCutcheon continued their stellar defense defeating them 6-0. Perry allowed two hits and struck out seven. Beilfuss was recorded with the save, as she pitched two innings and allowed one hit and struck out three. The game against Twin Lakes was no different from the others. The Lady Bulldogs again kept their opponents scoreless as they topped them 6-0. Both Beilfuss and Perry were big offensively for the girls. Perry went 2-3 with two RBIs, and Beilfuss recorded two hits and runs batted in. In the championship game against Andrean, the girls ended their streak of scoreless opponents. Nonetheless, the Lady ‘Dogs still came out on top 8-2. Klingberg proved to be a huge help offensively, as she went .500 in the game and batted in three RBIs. Jenks also helped the cause as she went 3-4 with two runs scored and one RBI. On May 15, the girls again played Andrean in which the Lady ‘Dogs were in a more competitive game this time. Yet, the girls were still able to defeat the 59’ers 4-2. The Lady ‘Dogs played in the sectional semi-final against the Portage Indians yesterday; however, the results of the game were unavailable at press time. “Right now, our only goal is to get through our sectional. If we can do that then anything is possible in terms of the rest of the state tournament.” Crutchfield said. The winner of the Crown Point-Portage game will advance to the sectional final to play against the winner of the Chesterton-LaPorte game. “The key to sectionals is that we cannot look past any team,” Klingberg said.

S

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scoreboard Baseball CP-14 Valparaiso-0 (May 5) CP-0 LaPorte-10 (May 11) CP-14 Merrillville-0 (May 18) Lake Central-4 CP-1 (May 20)

Softball Chesterton-9 CP-1 (May 6) 1st @ Twin Lakes Tournament (May 8) CP-8 Michigan City-4 (May 18)

Boys Track 7th @ DAC Championships (May 12) 5th @ Sectional (May 20)

Girls Track 5th @ DAC Championships (May 11) 1st @ Sectional (May 18)

Girls Tennis Win vs. LaPorte (May 6) Win @ Lake Central (May 11) 1st @ Sectional (May 24)

Boys Golf Win vs. Portage, Loss @ Chesterton (May 4) Win vs. Lake Central, Win @ Michigan City (May 20) 5th @ DAC Championships (May 26)

14

Sports

May 28, 2010

Girls track advances six to state meet By Milan Savich asst. sports editor It’s been said before and it will be said again: there’s no “I” in “team”. But, then again, there’s no “I” in “learn” either, and there’s no better way to describe the Lady Bulldogs’ track season other than a learning experience. After a successful season, the girls’ track team came out of the sectional on top by beating Merrillville, who they lost to by one point at the conference meet. “I knew we had the potential to beat Merrillville; we really learned a lot over the season and grew as a team,” coach Lindsay Hattendorf said. “We had a good season. A lot of girls improved since last year and we also had a major impact from a lot of new girls.” The Lady ‘Dogs had six individual victories at sectionals, including one coming from senior Ashley Torres in the long jump. “Sectionals showed us what we were really capable of as a team and as individuals,” Torres said. “It was our team goal to beat Merrillville in sectionals and try to advance everyone to regionals.” Junior Augusta Schrader came in first in the 300 meter hurdles and junior Laciee Pierce won both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Freshman Bailey Beckham won the 400 meter dash, and the 4x800 meter relay team consisting of Pierce, seniors Morgan Kleinaman and Xia Meng Howey and sophomore Lauren McCarroll won at sectionals. “I thought everyone

did a great job at the sectional meet. Everyone stepped up, and having six individual victories allowed us to score some major points,” Hattendorf said. “It was great to see the girls celebrate a sectional championship.” During sectionals, Pierce helped lead the Lady ‘Dogs to victory while also setting two Crown Point girls’ track records by breaking old times in the 1600 meter run and 3200 meter relay. “It feels good just to get the sectional victory after losing at conference. Breaking the two records was just an extra perk,” Pierce said. “We all came together and showed up [at sectionals], and winning is definitely a big confidence booster going into regionals.” Pierce, who normally runs three events, competed only in the 4x800 relay and the 3200 meter run at the regional meet. “I was excited just to focus on my main race [the 3200 meter run],” Pierce said. The Lady Bulldogs took fifth place overall at regionals. Beckham took first place in the 400 meter dash and advanced to state while junior Zarah Cecich advanced in the high jump, Pierce took second in the 3200 meter run and also advanced to state. The 4x800 relay team consisting of Pierce, Howey, McCarroll and Kleinaman took third place and will advance to state while Schrader took fourth in the 300 meter hurdles. “Coming into sectionals and regionals showed us that the endless hours, sweat and pain we put

Golf continues strong season By Sam Beishuizen guest writer

photo by

L Titak

Sophomore Katelin Krenzke pole vaults in a meet against Chesterton and Portage. The girls’ track team recently finished first at sectionals and fifth at regionals. Six girls advanced to the state meet in Indianapolis. in over the what seemed never ending months really pays off,” Torres said. “We learned that some of the younger girls and even the veterans really knew when to step it up and give everything they had for the team. When you run for the team you do your best.” Even though a large senior class will be graduating this year, the team will still have many experienced girls returning next season.

“The graduating seniors were a big part of the team,” junior Jamie Hovanec said. “They kept us together as a team and will be greatly missed. We will have to work harder than we have in the past to make up for the loss of graduating seniors.” “The new girls learned what it was like to be team sectional champs and, even though the team is losing a great senior class, I know the younger girls will want

to keep feeling that victory next year,” Torres said. Torres will be running track for Butler University next spring. “I’m excited to continue improving and running for Butler next year and I’m so proud to be a captain of my team,” Torres said. “All of their hard work is more than I could ever ask for and I’ll miss them so much.” Girls track regionals will take place on Friday, June 4 in Indianapolis.

The boys’ golf team is approaching the end of the regular season and hopes to take the success they have been showing into the post-season. The ‘Dogs are heading for fourth place in the DAC standings, with a current record of 15-6 (7-4) The team performed well in the Kankakee Valley Invitational, placing fourth. The team was led by junior Nick Grubnich who shot an 80, and sophomore David Raymond, who carded an 88. In the Rensselaer Invitational, Grubnich took medalist honors with a 76, but the team failed to capitalize on good play from both Grubnich and junior Matt Moehl, who turned in an 81. The ‘Dogs then entered the most prestigious high school golf tournament of the year, The Uebele. The team finished with a final score of 338 which was good enough for 9th place. Freshman Casey Kitchen continued to impress with an 83. “We played very well, especially with the number of teams that were there,” coach Del Kutemeier said. Kitchen went on to shine against Michigan City and Lake Central, carding a team best of 37. It was the first time all year that another varsity player was able to beat Grubnich. The ‘Dogs also competed in the DAC championship at the Brassie Country Club. The team shot a 327, but finished in fifth place in a very competitive field.

Sports

May 28, 2010

Baseball on to sectionals By Alex McLean guest writer The baseball team has wrapped up their season with a 26-4 [10-4 in the DAC] record and finished tied for the number two spot in the state in 4A, according to the IHSBCA coaches’ poll. On April 30, Crown Point traveled to Lansing, Illinois for a game against Illiana Christian and claimed a 14-4 win. The ‘Dogs continued this success by beating Portage 12-2 at home and Valparaiso 14-0 in Valpo. They won the next three games before a huge match-up with the LaPorte Slicers. The boys came up short and lost 10-0. Following the loss to LaPorte, the ‘Dogs won three consecutive games against Michigan City, Boone Grove, and Merrillville. The team’s most recent loss came at the hands of Lake Central on May 20 by a 4-1 margin. On May 24, the boys took first in the Benton Central Tournament, with an 11-9 win over host Benton Central. The ‘Dogs had a strong regular season, but head coach Steve Strayer was not satisfied. “It went okay. We had a 26-4 record, but we were hoping to win the DAC and came up short,” Strayer said. This past Thursday, Crown Point hosted sectionals. Results were unavailable at press time. In the first round, the ‘Dogs played Valparaiso. On April 15, the boys defeated Valparaiso, with Josh Negele picking up the win and driving in a run. On May 5, they crushed the Vikings, 14-0. In that game, senior Jeff Limbaugh was 4-for-4 with two home runs and six RBI’s. The team looks to continue its success against the Vikings. After Valparaiso will be either Chesterton or LaPorte. The ‘Dogs have had mixed results against the Trojans, going 1-1 in their two contests. If LaPorte claims victory over Chesterton, the boys will get the chance to battle the Slicers to prove who deserves the number two spot in the state poll. Similar to the games against Chesterton, the match-ups between the boys and LaPorte were split 1-1.

Girls tennis wins 16th straight sectional

Lady ‘Dogs beat Lowell in sectional, fall to Highland at regional By C. Likas and F. Strino asst. sports editor and guest writer Another season, another sectional title for the girls’ tennis team. The Lady ‘Dogs picked up their 16th consecutive sectional win last Monday, defeating Kankakee Valley 4-1 in the opening round and Lowell 3-2 in the finals. “Number two singles and doubles were key spots in sectionals,” head coach Brian Elston said. “Lowell wanted to turn it around there, but both of them played really well.” The girls finished the regular season at a 11-10 mark overall, including a 3-4 record in the conference. The month of May was filled with important matches that filled out the Lady ‘Dogs’ final record. The girls competed in the New Prairie Invitational on May 1, coming out of it with a second place showing. Senior Needa Malik picked up a victory in number one singles, while freshman Amber Haworth took second in number two singles. Senior Hanna Tokoly and junior Kelly Gross were winners at number one doubles, and senior Emily Briggs and freshman

Mackenzie Shelley placed first in number two doubles. The Lady ‘Dogs also had four conference matches this month, tying 2-2 in them. The first of these matches was against Chesterton. The girls came out on the losing end, falling 4-1 to the Lady Trojans. The results of the meet against LaPorte on May 6 were much different, as the team took down the Lady Slicers by a 5-0 margin. The girls continued their winning ways on May 11 against Lake Central, topping the Lady Indians 3-2. “The Lake Central match turned us around,” Elston said. “The matches were tough, and there was a sectional-like atmosphere.” The conference portion of the season was completed with a 3-2 loss to Valparaiso on May 13. The sectional matches were scheduled to be held on May 20, but inclimate weather forced them to be delayed. Although the score versus Lowell was 3-2, Elston believed that the contest “wasn’t that close.” The Lady ‘Dogs’ season ended in the regional round, as the girls fell to Highland by a score of 5-0.

photo by v . needham

Senior Needa Malik warms up before a sectional match. Malik sealed the sectional victory for the Lady ‘Dogs over Lowell.

Boys track in midst of post-season run, looking towards state By Colin Likas asst. sports editor In track, when the post-season begins, teams and individuals are given a clean slate and chance to take their hopes to the state finals. For some individuals on the boys’ track team, that is quite a possibility. “I am extremely confident that they [those still competing in the post-season] will do their best,” head coach Keith Iddings said. The regional contest, which took place yesterday in Valparaiso, will determine if some of the ‘Dogs’ relay teams and solo runners/field event participants will get to compete at state. The results of the meet were unavailable at press time. There were a couple of meets that took place before Thursday’s competition, however. One of those was the sectional meet, which decided the field for the regional meet. The boys opened the month of May with an invitational in Kokomo. The ‘Dogs came out with a fourth place finish as a

SENIORS Don’t forget to pick up the senior edition of Inklings at the Senior Banquet

June 9th

15

team. The all-freshman sprint medley relay team of Travis Kucic, Sam McLean, Daniel Walters, and Larry Pilarski took home the only blue ribbon for the boys. Other strong showings were turned in by the 400 meter relay team, consisting of juniors Kevin Bacon, Capone Shannon, and Israel Mercado and freshman Zack Sneiderwine (2nd) and the mid-distance medley relay team, consisting of Mercado, Sneiderwine, and seniors Kyle Davis and Andrew Facemyer (2nd). The sprint medley relay team of Mercado, Sneiderwine, and sophomores Matt Netluch and Tyler Wells also picked up third place in the event. Athletes who did well in individual events at the meet were Davis in the 1000 yard run (3rd), senior Chris Shellenberger in the 3200 meter run (3rd), and senior Zach Breuckman in the shot put (2nd). Following the contest at Kokomo was a dual meet against Portage. It was also the final DAC contest of the season for the boys. The ‘Dogs fell to the Indians, putting their final mark in the confer-

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Good Luck Class of010

2010

ence at 1-6. Redemption came about in the team’s final meet before the post-season, the Gene Edmonds Relays. The boys repeated as the team champion of the meet. The ‘Dogs captured victories in six relays: the varsity and froshsoph sprint medley relays, the frosh-soph distance medley relay, the varsity and frosh-soph 4x100 meter relays, the 4x800 meter relay, and the 4x400 meter relay. The conference championship meet was held at Chesterton on May 12. Much like the conference meet season, the event was a bit of a disappointment. The ‘Dogs finished in seventh of eight teams. Even though the team finished towards the bottom of the pack, there were some solid performances turned in. Mercado was the conference champion in the 200 meter dash, as well as the conference runner-up in the 100 meter dash. The 4x400 meter relay team of Sneiderwine, Davis, Mercado, and Wells took third in the meet as well. After the unscored junior varsity conference championships the following Saturday,

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the boys moved towards the sectional round. The post-season contest took place at home on May 20. Poor weather dominated the event, as rain and wind were major factors in several races. The meet officially didn’t end until two days later, as the pole vault was postponed twice because of the conditions. The ‘Dogs picked up a fifth place finish as a team, falling in behind champion Hobart, Merrillville, Andrean, and Lowell. The 4x400 and 4x800 meter relay teams advanced on to the regional round. The 4x400 team, consisting of Mercado, Sneiderwine, Davis, and Wells, finished in fourth to earn the last qualifying spot, while the 4x800 team of Davis, Facemyer, Shellenberger, and junior Ryan Santelik took the runner-up position. Mercado also moved on to regionals in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, finishing fourth and second in the events, respectively. Shellenberger will be moving on in the 1600 meter run (2nd), while Breuckman will compete in the shot put at regionals, and fellow senior Brad Pusateri will throw the discus at the meet.

Bradshaw College Consulting College Admissions Consulting PSAT/SAT tutoring Gerald M. Bradshaw www.BradshawCollegeConsulting.com Gerald_bradshaw@post.harvard.edu 219.663.3041 Crown Point, IN Educated Advice Columnist Post-Tribune

Personalities

16

Three educators leave behind careers, legacies

May 28, 2010

Getting to know... Senior Dan Corning

photo by G. Otte photo by A.Parrish

Math teacher Janet Lowery, counselor Coral Penzato and assistant principal Dave Templin will retire after this school year with a combined total of 56 years of service to Crown Point High School. By L. McCarroll and A.Gomez staff reporters Seasons come and go, as do school years, along with students and faculty. As departing seniors progress into the next stages of their lives, a select few of the faculty members will be joining them in their departure. Among those leaving is Guidance counselor Coral Penzato, math teacher Jan Lowery, and assistant principal Dave Templin, all of whom are retiring at the end of this school year. Penzato has been a counselor at Crown Point for 16 years and previously was a counselor at Hammond Gavit Middle and High Schools. Throughout her years of providing guidance for students, they have also guided her as well. “They have taught me that I am

not always right, and that individuals can overcome a lot of obstacles in their every day lives,” Penzato said,” Every student is capable of success.” Though retirement may be an exciting event for most, there are still experiences that Penzato will miss leaving behind. “I will miss the satisfaction of seeing students who come here as freshmen and take advantage of the many academic and extra curricular opportunities and graduate excited about their future. I wish that for each and every student,” Penzato said. Down the hall and up a flight of stairs, Lowery is also wrapping up her career after 37 total years of teaching math. Though happy to start a new chapter in her life there will be moments that she will miss as a teacher. “I have mixed feeling about

leaving. I will miss teaching and the students, but I am looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren and traveling,” Lowery said, “I really enjoy teaching. I love to see students when they have finally grasped a concept and seeing their eyes light up.” After being in education for 40 years and being in administration for 15 years, Templin is saying his good-byes after spending three years in Crown Point. “I will miss many friends and a great group of students,” Templin said. He has plans to move to Arizona to be close to his children and grandchild. “It is sad to see so many people from our school leaving, I think we forget that teachers aren’t always going to be here even if we come back to visit,” junior Stephanie Burke said.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would travel to Ireland because a lot of my heritage is there. Who are three people you would love to spend a day with and why? Victoria Beckham, because I believe she is gorgeous. Michael Jordan, because he is my idol. And Jessica Alba because she looks very nice in all of her movies. What is your biggest pet peeve and why? People who do not hold up their end of the deal. It just really bothers me when someone does not do what they said they would. Name a major issue that you think teens deal with everyday. Drinking and driving because it kills thousands every year. What type of music are you interested in? I really enjoy rap, country, and R&B. My favorite artist are Lil Wayne, Rascal Flatts, and Jerimih.

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