Inklings May 2021

IN K [ ] LI N GS

Crown Point High School Crown Point, IN @InklingsCPHS May 10, 2021 Vol. 85 Issue 6

WALK FOR FRIENDSHIP CPHS HOSTS BEST BUDDIES FRIENDSHIP WALK

Car stolen by John Dillinger returned to Crown Point

Softball team earns national ranking

by MaxPreps

page 18

page 24

page 14

People from all over northwest Indiana participate in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on April 25. The group completed two laps around the CPHS track.

PHOTO BY NOLAN CHASE

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

04 VOLUNTEER FOR CHANGE 06 VACCINES & NEXT YEAR OPINION

08 EDITORIAL 10 PRO/CON 11 COLUMNS FEATURE

12 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE 14 WALKING TOGETHER 16 THE GIFT OF GOOD WILL 18 THE LONG ROAD HOME 20 FUN IN THE SUN 22 LOOKING BACK SPORTS

24 SOFTBALL 26 BOYS TRACK BASEBALL & 28 GIRLS TRACK BOYS GOLF & 30 GIRLS TENNIS

Prior to returning to red status before back in the fall, National Art Honor Society (NAHS) created miniature paintings to show their appreciation for the teachers.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LYNDSEY HARRIS

ENTERTAINMENT VARSITY BLUES & 32 OPERATION BRIDGERTON BELLE & THE FALCON 34 DAIRY AND THE WINTER SOLDIER & 36 FEARLESS GODZILLA VS. KONG

PEOPLE

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE HERD KIND

[INK] L I N G S

1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: www2.cps.k12.in.us/

Crown Point High School, IN

Vol. 85 Issue 6- May 10, 2021

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

Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings.

Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Association Hoosier Star, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup publication.

THINK AHEAD May 14 Senior Send Off

May 21 Dance Marathon

CPHS will be hosting the senior send off event on the football field from 6-9 p.m., with food trucks and games available. Only seniors will be allowed to attend this event.

Student Council’s dance marathon will be from 4-8 p.m. in the small cafeteria.

They are raising money for Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

co-editors-in-chief Nolan Chase Emily Helmuth Noah Thomas assistant editors Rosalie Degenhart Abigail Godsen sports editors Keeley Bernard Samuel Brewer photographer Gillian Gatley

May 28 Last Day of School The 2020-2021 school year will finally come to an end on this date.

Students should contact teachers for final test dates.

Seniors will return chromebooks during diploma pick up on June 4.

June 3 Graduation After four years of high school, the class of 2021 will be graduating.

In the morning, there will be a rehearsal while the actual ceremony will be that night.

Information can be found on the CPHS website.

artist Hayden Coles staff Aubrey Banks Emily Briseno Trevor Frahm Olivia Helmuth Mary Marcinek Andrew Poeschl adviser Julie Elston

June 4 Diploma Pick up The day after graduation, seniors will be able to pick up their actual diploma at CPHS. Information is on CPHS website.

Aug. 18 First Day of School Students will have the entire summer to relax before next school year. Students should be sure to complete any summer assignments before this date.

4 NEWS

VOLUNTEER FOR CHANGE CPHS clubs sponsor community service projects throughout year

BY ABBY GODSEN OLIVIA HELMUTH assistant editor reporter Uncertainty during the pandemic has greatly impacted what people choose to prioritize, yet volunteer programs and clubs such as the Student Council, National Honor Society (NHS) and the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) have not veered away from their goals.

Student Council sponsors an annual Dance Marathon which raises money for Lurie Children’s Hospital. This event serves as their major volunteer project during the school year.

“The whole purpose of Dance Marathon is for students that are healthy and active to dance, play sports and stay on their feet the entire time for kids who are hospitalized,” Student Council sponsor Colleen Fano said.

According to Fano, Dance Marathon isn’t something only Crown Point High School participates in, but is an event held across the country by various high schools and universities.

“Dance Marathon is an event that started at IU Bloomington and it was created after the passing of Ryan White,” Fano said. “Ryan White was a teenager who was supposed to attend IU Bloomington, but, because he passed away from a blood transfusion that gave him AIDS, he wasn’t able to go. So his friends got together and threw a dance to support children’s hospitals, and from there it’s spread across the country to multiple universities and now high schools are doing mini-marathons. It is a great way for teenagers to get involved in trying to help sick kids.”

Despite last year’s shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, Student Council held this charity event virtually.

This year they plan to do it in person.

“Last year’s Dance Marathon was kind of sad because we were all stuck at home but we still made the best of it. I feel like this year it’s a little nerve-wracking because I’m afraid of getting a huge gathering

(from left to right) Junior Seth Gozo, senior Josh Holbrook, junior Meredith Donovan, seniors Ryan Costello, Marisa McCarter, Gabby Da Silva, Hayley Brownd, and co-sponsors Angela Taraskiewicz and Katelyn Kreis stand with the bulldog statue in front of CPHS after being interviewed by ABC7.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KATELYN KREIS

of kids together after not having that for so long. It is much different but hopefully we will all stay safe and have a great time raising money,” Fano said.

Like Student Council, NHS has had to adapt their volunteer opportunities to raise money for outside organizations.

“The NHS this year has had to alter the way we do things. We did a lot of virtual volunteer opportunities. Essentially, what we did first semester were dine out nights where the proceeds would benefit the NICK foundation (Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation), and we made approximately $1400 for that organization over the course of a few dine out nights,” NHS co-sponsor Katelyn Kreis said. “In addition to that, we had a virtual food fun-drive for the Northwest Indiana Food Bank, and we actually got interviewed by ABC7 which was very cool. We raised over $5000, and I believe that approximated to nine million

meals for people in northwest Indiana.”

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for NHS in regards to holding events, they have still found ways to make it work on a smaller scale or completely virtually.

“Our student directors have taken a real initiative to still try to have as many volunteer opportunities to still make a difference in the Crown Point community even though it might look different then what we’ve done in the past. We are not able to have these huge events where everyone is in person, but we are able to have other events that are a little bit smaller where we can stay socially distanced,” Kreis said.

Contrary to the Student Council and NHS, NAHS has projects focused less on outside organizations and more towards helping out in the school. One of these projects was making miniature paintings for teachers.

“It started with one of our members, with ideas, and really to bring creativity to(junior) David Garrison. He stopped by my gether to show our appreciation,” Garrison classroom one day after school. It wasn’t said. even a meeting day and he was like, ‘Hey, Kreis believes in giving back the kindthere’s some other clubs who are thinking ness she has received from others, and beabout doing something for teachers. I think ing able to show appreciation for all those we should do something; I think we should who came before. make something for them. They’ve been “Volunteering to me is giving back to through so much,’” NAHS sponsor Lynd- people because so many people have done sey Harris said. “Teachers were doing a things for me. I think that’s important as a lot, they were juggling a lot, and students teacher to teach students that you are where were noticing that. When I asked the whole you are because of people who have come group at our meeting what we thought before you, and I think that is a huge lesson about that idea about making something we need to learn as people. We are in this as everyone was like, ‘yes, this feels like the a community and we’re all in this together. right thing to do right now.’ Everyone just With regards to volunteering, even in my really appreciated what their teachers were own personal life I do a variety of things doing to manage all these different types of because of the graciousness of those before learning environments.” me and I feel the need to give back,” Kreis Harris states that these paintings re- said. ceived a large positive response from Senior Class President Azzam Atif teachers. sees community service as a way to see real “I wish that the students in the club change in the world. would have also read the messages (from “Well community service is a service the teachers who received these paintings). we do to help the community, but to me There were so many the most critical part emails (and) so many is seeing actual change teachers stopped me in the society around in the hallway. You us. For example, a few There is always a have to imagine, we of my peers have been need for help. Never gave these canvases to aided by funds from assume there are too teachers the day before Dance Marathon for Thanksgiving break, their surgeries at Lurie many people workjust because there was Children’s Hospital,” ing in the soup kitcha lunch-in at the cafeteAtif said. “Again, en or too many peoria and we set them up.

Dance Marathon Everyone was stopping has made impactful ple involved in Dance down there, so it was changes in the lives of Marathon. Don’t ever a really good time for a few of my peers. Our feel like you can’t do them to get the gift. It motto is FTK (for the anything to help. was an overall sense of kids).” appreciation. Teachers Similar to Atif, didn’t expect it, and it Fano feels no effort is just made their day,” too small to help those Student Council sponsor Harris said. in the community.

Collen Fano According to Gar“What I enjoy rison, he wanted to most about volunteermake sure that teachers felt appreciated ing is knowing that I’m making a difference during this hard time. He felt that NAHS in the world. Even when doing something was a good club to do this with many artis- like donating blood, it’s crazy to think how tically inclined students as members. big of an impact it can make,” Fano said.

“During the pandemic, I could feel “Growing up I used to help with food bashow the teachers felt and the stress they kets for needy families in my neighborhood were going through. I felt they weren’t and I was raised always looking for ways to as appreciated, so I wanted them to feel help. There is always a need for help. Nevmore appreciated. So that’s why I tasked er assume that there are too many people myself to come up with an idea to show working in the soup kitchen or there are too more appreciation towards the teachers by many people involved in Dance Marathon. involving NAHS. Getting people together Don’t ever feel like you can’t do anything to make canvases and everyone coming up to help.”

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INKLINGS

INTHEKNOW

5

AP testing begins

Due to the pandemic, AP testing has been slightly altered this year. these dates range from May 3 to June 11, and are divided up into three administrations. The first administration is all on paper AP tests, while the second is a mix of on paper tests and digital tests that can be taken at home. The third is all digital AP tests that can be taken at school or at home. Students should contact their AP teachers to find their testing dates. Students who wish to take their tests at home or want to opt out of taking an AP test should contact assistant principal Vincent Bauters.

Tri-Kappa Gamma Theta art show Every year the Crown Point Tri-Kappa Gamma Theta chapter sponsors an art show for Crown Point High School students currently enrolled in advanced art classes. Students are able to submit submissions into the show and are able to win monetary awards based on various categories. These categories include: “Award of Excellence” scholarship, best of show, patron (first), honorable mention (second), and merit award (third). The art show will be virtual this year and displayed on the CPHS website in May.

DC microeconomics students propose development ideas

Dual credit microeconomics students were challenged by Calumet City officials to present ideas for the development of a cityowned plot of land. Students were able to create slideshow proposals to present ideas they felt would have the greatest positive impact. These ideas included building a technology hub and a physical therapy center. This was a learning experience developed by microeconomics teacher Eric Arcella and Dr. Alman Mitra.

6 NEWS

THE RACE TO VACCINATE Ages 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccine; students and staff anticipate return to normalcy

BY NOLAN CHASE co-editor-in-chief Following the government announcement by Eric Holcomb, people that are 16 and older are now able to get their vaccines. Now that many students are eligible, it seems the way students and teachers are thinking about the COVID-19 vaccine is changing.

Some students, such as senior Kylie Gutyan, have already received their COVID-19 vaccination. Gutyan weighs in on what she believes should change for next year’s students now that the vaccination age eligibility has been lowered.

“I’m hoping that with the (COVID-19) vaccine classrooms will be able to be more normal than they were this year. I’m hoping school will be able to be fully open for next year. I would want the vaccine to help change the amount we went virtual this year and to get classrooms back to normal,” Gutyan said.

Despite the number students who are planning on getting the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still those who are more hesitant to receive it. Gutyan explains why she thinks this is.

“I think some people are hesitant about getting the vaccine because it is new. I think it’ll take time for everybody to trust the vaccine and be willing to get it. I think getting the vaccine is important to help end the pandemic and stopping the spread,” Gutyan said. “I want to protect myself and the people around me so I’m less likely to give it to high-risk people.”

English teacher Rachele Raloff also comments on why she believes some students are more reluctant to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“It seems like some students are hes-

itant to get the vaccine if they feel like it could cause long-term side health problems,” Raloff said. “Another concern seems to be the skepticism at the governmental recommendations to receive the vaccine and that the vaccine is being given with ulterior motives.”

Raloff says that she hopes students are properly informed about the COVID-19 vaccine and the decisions they make on that knowledge.

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Educationally, vaccines can provide the more personalized, consistent classroom experience. In addition, vaccinations will allow more socialization and improve the mental health of many individuals.

English teacher Rachele Raloff

“I hope that students are properly educating themselves to understand the scientific foundation of the vaccine and studies that have proven the widespread benefits and the safety of the vaccine,” Raloff said.

On the classroom front, Raloff elaborates on how she thinks classrooms may look next year if more students receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Educationally, vaccines can provide the more personalized, consistent classroom experience. In addition, vaccinations will allow more socialization and improve the mental health of many individuals,”

Raloff said.

When it comes to vaccine hesitancy, Senior Adam Suleiman thinks that some people’s caution may be due to political influence.

“I think some people are hesitant because they might think it’s rushed, and this vaccine came out at an interesting time in the middle of switching presidents,” Suleiman said.

According to Suleiman, he is thankful that a COVID-19 vaccine is out there and says he is looking forward to the changes it will bring to society.

“It’s nice knowing that a vaccine is out there, because it means it will be ready to go when I want to get it. I think getting the vaccine is an important step to making things more normal again,” Suleiman said.

“I would like the format of things to be like prior years, For example, I would rather have lunch in the cafeteria rather than the gym.”

Senior Marcus McClatchey also notes that he is ready for large group gatherings such as sporting events to be normalized again. “(The COVID-19 vaccine will) have a big effect by letting people be closer together and more people being able to go to sporting events,” McClatchey said.

Raloff says she hopes that COVID-19 vaccinations bring out a sense of normalcy in the community, particularly in the classroom and for members of society whom are more at risk.

“The hope is that a vaccinated student population will create a safe environment in school and minimize the need for masks or virtual learning,” Raloff said. “I believe that this vaccine is important to protect those at risk as well as helping society to return to our normal lives that center on social events.”

INKLINGS

7

Preliminary plans for next year include full in-person learning

BY ANDREW POESCHL reporter The year has brought an abundance of changes in the school’s schedule and policies due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be too early for everything to be absolutely certain for what next school year will look like, but preliminary plans have been communicated with students, staff and parents.

The current plan is to return to in-person instruction for all students, five days a week, on a normal schedule, according to an email sent to parents and families by Superintendent Dr. Todd Terrill.

For the 2020-2021 school year, one of the biggest changes students and staff experienced was the schedule. The normal five day block schedule was traded with a schedule consisting of four days with all seven periods.

This change meant that instead of attending five classes per day for roughly 72 minutes each, students instead attended all seven classes every day at roughly 50 minutes each, thus reducing the amount of in-person time per class.

“I think the block schedule would be good because it gives us more time to do our work... the block schedule would be good to focus on one class,” sophomore Hannah Matthias said.

A consequence of this new schedule

is that students have lost their once a week resource class. This class is where many students worked on things for college or caught up on school work. With the block schedule, students will regain this period.

“I think we are going to go back to what we are used to doing,” Principal Russ Marcinek said. “Where we have traditional on Monday and Friday, and then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we are going to have the block days where we have 72 minute class periods, and we have our resource period on Wednesdays.”

The school has also taken up many different precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as implementing social distancing in classrooms, having sanitizer readily available for students and eating lunch in the gym.

As to whether these protocols will continue, the email stated that the corporation anticipates updated guidance from the Indiana State Department of Health as the summer progresses.

“I think we will have some in place, like we will have the sanitizers. I am going to guess that masks will at least be optional as I think there’s still going to be people who want to wear masks,” Marcinek said.

Masks have arguably been one of the biggest changes to people’s lives over the past year and there are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not they should still be worn in schools this fall.

“I feel like it depends on the circumstances. If (COVID-19 is) still bad, I do think we should still wear masks but other than that I think (if the COVID-19 rate is low) I don’t think we should,” Matthias said.

In addition to all these extra precautions, the school also offered the option of virtual learning for students who were concerned about getting the virus from school.

Virtual learning opportunities for next year will only include part of the high school credit acceleration program or service for students with specific medical needs addressed through CPCSC’s Department of Exceptional Education according to the email. Distance learning may be used for inclement weather but will not be used every Wednesday as it was this year.

Before the start of the school year, information will be provided regarding any changes and updates will be posted on the CPCSC COVID resource page at www. cps.k12.in.us/covid.

“We have already gone through a year where we have gone through significant alterations to our day eating lunch in the gym, wearing masks, and sanitizing,” Marcinek said. “I don’t think it will be any worse than it was this year. We won’t have any more measures than we did this year, we went to the max, so I think anything moving forward anything less will be getting back to normal.”

VIEWS on NEWS [Students’ reactions to events in our world

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State

Local

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I think it’s better that they’re finally starting to do things again, since COVID-19 has finally died down a little bit.

Fox News reported that Indiana received $2 billion in revenue, and the state government is investing $1.9 billion of it into K-12 education.

This money will result in increased Indiana teacher salaries and increased funding for public schools.

Paige Hajduk freshman

I want to go into education, so, with that increase, I think that would be very beneficial not only to the future of Indiana, but to the future of the country in general because this is advocating more for public schooling to be fixed.

According to CNN, the U.S. State Department will increase the “Do Not Travel” list to almost 80% of countries. These countries are selected to be on this list for a variety of reasons, like COVID-19 surges, civil unrest and crime.

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Nation

The NWI times reported that Whiting’s annual Pierogi Fest is in the planning stages after being canceled last year. No final decision has been made as Whiting wants this Eastern European heritage event to be COVID-19 safe.

Hannah Crim senior

I think that’s definitely a way to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

I’m not to big of a fan of the 80%, but I think it will definitely help in the long run.

Chris Avila junior

8 OPINION

EDITORIAL Small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference during difficult times There is plenty of stress and hardship going on in the world right now due to the pandemic and everything associated with it. On the surface, it can be hard to tell what people may be going through in their lives. Thus, this year more than ever, it is important to be understanding and show a hand of kindness.

In a complicated year like this one, bad days seem to be even more commonplace. Whether it be stress from school, work, or life and general, people tend to have many conflicts in their personal lives that may be hard to recognize at a glance.

A small and simple gesture of kindness has the potential to change the entire course of someone’s day. Your thoughtful action shows them that someone really does care and is thinking of them, which means more than most people realize.

In reality, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be on kindness alert all day everyday, but it is still fairly simple to be kind to the people you interact with on a daily basis, as there is no gain in being mean to another person.

Even if you are having a bad day, that should not hurt the way you treat others around you. There is no excuse to be or mean to someone if they haven’t done anything to deserve it.

It honestly doesn’t take much energy to be friendly to other people especially since people are going through a lot right now.

According to the University of California Berkeley, half a dozen studies with over 100,000 respondents have found that many people are experiencing worse mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, PTSD and depression, compared to before the pandemic.

With COVID-19 still on the minds of everyone, along with the abundance of stress from life in general, people are more prone to feeling down than ever. The pandemic and everyday life don’t mix well at all and many people could benefit greatly from a little bit of kindness shown their way.

This dark time period in our lives has unfortunately rubbed off on many people. At the start of the pandemic, people were pulled out of their lives and thrown into a new sense of reality. That kind of change is difficult and hurts some more than others.

People need a little kindness shown their way now more than they ever have. It doesn’t need to be a big gesture of kindness but just a small show of friendliness can be very beneficial to another person.

INKLINGS

9

GRAPHIC BY HAYDEN COLES

SPEAKUP UP

What are some random acts of kindness you have experienced?

Kyle Kaegi freshman

Reygann Wilson sophomore

Rosemary Anderson

“Someone holding the door opened for me, or if I drop some money they’ll give it back to me”

“It’s just simple (like) people telling me that they like my outfit or something small.

It’s not a big thing but it makes my day.”

“Sometimes people compliment my hair or smile at me in the hallway. One time someone zipped up my bag when it was open.”

junior

Michael Adams senior

“Seeing the sticky notes was interesting. I liked seeing the messages on the walls, in the stairwells and even in the black box. It was really nice to see.”

10 OPINION

PRO:

Pro/Con: Should virtual learning on Wednesdays continue next school year?

Virtual Wednesdays give students and teachers a break

BY EMILY BRISENO reporter

CON:

Virtual Wednesdays are an unnecessary inconvenience

BY LIVY HELMUTH reporter

Virtual Wednesdays should continue next year regardless of the pandemic status. One day off in a school week is not only beneficial for students, but is beneficial for teachers as well.

This school year teachers almost doubled their job responsibilities as they had to juggle teaching in-person students and virtual students at the same time. Many teachers have used Wednesdays this school year as a day for students to finish their assignments for the week, give quizzes and catch up on grading.

Students can also use this day to catch up on the sleep that they missed from waking up early for school. With school now being every day of the week except Wednesdays, in-person students can also utilize Wednesdays to catch up on the things they missed or fell behind on throughout the week.

Having a day off in the middle of the week helps students to avoid burnout. Personally, I feel that I become more productive with a break in between classes, so taking a break in the middle of the school week keeps me motivated to finish out the week.

Even with the new vaccinations taking place and more mandates being lifted, having a day off from school has many benefits.

Wednesdays work as the perfect day of the week to give students some time to get outside and enjoy the weather. Having options is always a good thing, and with a day off students have the option to work on school at their own pace.

As enjoyable as sleeping in and staying at home may be, I think that virtual Wednesdays will be unnecessary and impractical in a COVID-19 free year. Sure, this year virtual Wednesdays have served as a well needed break from wearing a mask for seven hours a day, but unfortunately they are too idealistic to become a permanent schedule change.

Personally, I find it much easier to stay productive and on task when I am at school rather than at home. I don’t have to worry about taking care of my younger brother, making lunch for my siblings, and trying to find a quiet place to do schoolwork. Another disadvantage to virtual Wednesdays is missing advisory class, which is well needed for juniors and seniors. The only advantage to staying at home on Wednesdays is not having to worry about getting sick, and if more vaccinations are distributed over the summer, COVID-19 won’t be as big a concern.

The purpose of having virtual Wednesdays was partially to ensure that hybrid schedules were balanced when the district was at yellow and partially to give students a day off from wearing masks, not a day off of school itself. Next year, school will most likely be entirely in-person and without masks, and neither of these issues will have relevance. So, if our district is making adjustments to next year’s mandates to accommodate the lifting pandemic, I don’t understand why virtual Wednesdays should continue.

Should virtual learning on Wednesdays

IN THEIR VIEW: continue next school year?

PRO:

CON:

“Last year, we only had one hour of resource to get caught up. At home, we have all the time we need, and nothing would interfere with our workflow.”

Riplie Allison junior

“I would love to keep virtual Wednesdays, but unfortunately I don’t think students do a lot of the work that is assigned to them.”

PRO:

CON:

“I definitely think they should because it’s a time for teachers to plan and has been extremely crucial for this year.”

Lyndsey Harris teacher

Ed Topp teacher

“I think having a regular schedule will help and I really miss having a resource class.”

Erin Doyle sophomore

COLUMNS

INKLINGS

11

Why every teenager should work while in high school

BY EMILY HELMUTH co-editor-in-chief

High school is historically a time of firsts for teenagers; such as first car, first school dance and first job. In my opinion, the most important of these firsts is the milestone of a first job.

Working a job in high school is an integral part of character building. Being someone who has worked a part time job since the age of 15, I have learned countless life lessons from working a low wage job.

At my first job, I made minimum wage and quickly realized the value of hard work and money. This job was a great wake up call for me, as it showed me the real world is not always easy and you have to work hard to succeed.

Three years later, I am two years in at my current job, which has also taught me equally important lessons I would not have learned elsewhere. My current job requires a lot more responsibility on my part compared to my first job, since I work with one of the most important things to people: their kids. This job has taught me the importance of good communication skills and the importance of patience.

Throughout my years of working, I have met many diverse people I would not have met if I was

not working with them.

These unique people have shaped my world views, and I believe that I have benefited from these interactions. I now consider these people to be some of my closest friends, which is insane to me considering we started off as strangers who were coworkers.

Another valuable skill I have learned from having a job is the importance of time management.

I have learned about this in two aspects of my current job. At my current job, I am not only responsible for balancing my work and school schedules, but I also am responsible for following the rotation schedule we have and getting my group from one area to the next.

Overall, I believe that it is extremely important for all students to work a job at one point or another during their high school career.

The experience from working a part time job as a teenager will last a lifetime, as the skills learned there will benefit you in future endeavors you may pursue, like college or a future career. These learned skills will help turn employed teens into well rounded adults.

More students should be considering early graduation

BY KEELEY BERNARD co-sports editor

Typically, students spend four years in high school. However, it is possible to graduate in three years or graduate a semester early. A few years ago graduating early was a foreign concept to me. Now it is my reality. I believe that graduating early is something that more people should consider.

Having lived in the same place for the past 17 years of my life, it gets tiring seeing the same things over and over again. Graduating early gives me the opportunity to go to college somewhere different to where I live, and it spares me the extra year of boredom. This will give me a whole different life experience, since I will get to experience a different culture and vibe. Getting these experiences earlier than normal will better prepare me for the future and will no doubt be beneficial to me.

Besides having the ability to experience new things, there are other reasons to consider graduating early. Graduating early comes with the potential to get special scholarships. In Indiana, an early graduate who decides to attend an in-state school could receive a $4,000 scholarship. Not only that, but

graduating early can make you look more appealing to college admissions. Early graduation shows off a person’s academic responsibility, as well their ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule.

Not only will schools be interested in your academic talents, but jobs will be interested too. Job skills that most employers look for are all skills that can easily be seen in early graduates: motivation, perseverance, decision-making, and many others.

This pathway also allows people who want to get a masters degree or a PhD the ability to save their time. Typically, by the time people finish getting their PhD, they will be in their 30s. Getting a year taken off of the amount of schooling required will be a life-saver to many.

While some people probably will not benefit from graduating early, others will. It is a decision that nobody can make for you. Quickly gaining new experiences, getting scholarships, obtaining skills that can make schools and jobs want to accept you, and saving time is something that can benefit many people in the long run.

12 FEATURE

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

COVID-19 pandemic impacts post high school endeavors

BY EMILY HELMUTH co-editor-in-chief As the 2020-2021 school year comes to an end, next school year looms closer and closer in the distance. For seniors this means pursuing a career, college or something else, and for juniors this means senior year and all the post high school planning that comes with it.

When looking back on this past school year, one word comes to mind: COVID-19.

Even though the vaccine is available and the light at the end of the tunnel visible, the impacts of this pandemic will continue to affect society for years to come.

According to internship sponsor Ginny Zega, the pandemic had a great impact on the internships students could take this year, particularly ones in the medical field.

“A lot of businesses did not take our interns because of COVID-19. It affected a lot of our internship opportunities, mostly in the medical field. The hospitals and some of the nursing homes haven’t taken any of our students because they are closed to all visitors who don’t work there,” Zega said.

“The only interns we’ve been able to have there are students that work at the hospital or nursing homes and no regular interns.”

Zega added that the school was also more flexible with internship opportunities this year compared to years past.

“This year we let students do other things, like landscaping. Usually I don’t let landscaping happen because they don’t work in the winter, but because we were so short on places I let students be with landscapers. Students were also able to just use their job as an internship,” Zega said.

“This year changed a lot of our capabilities.

We let people be interns at places that they won’t be able to intern at (in the future) and haven’t interned at (in the past).”

Outside of student internships, the pandemic even altered some students’ college decisions. College and career counselor Johanna Hess elaborates on this.

“In terms of applications being submitted by students, we are still on track, so I don’t think (COVID-19) negatively impacted how many students are applying (to college). I think the biggest thing it’s impacting is where students are choosing to attend,” Hess said. “I think more students are choosing to stay closer to home or they’re choosing to spend a year at an institution that costs less and transfer.”

‘‘

I honestly have no clue what I want to do with my life and the pandemic has only made that fact a lot more obvious to me. senior Morgan Longo

Senior Gianna Fantin decided to switch universities for next school year when the NCAA created a new rule in light of the pandemic.

“I was going to go to Saginaw Valley State to play softball, but the NCAA gave all players an extra year of eligibility (because of the pandemic),” Fantin said. “All of the seniors at that school took the extra year so I wouldn’t have been able to play softball. I changed my mind about school and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

The pandemic had an impact on non athletes’ post high school plans as well, like senior Morgan Longo who opted to take a gap year next school year over going

to college.

“I ended up graduating in early February by taking a bunch of credit recovery classes. My college plans had drastically shifted when we went into ‘red’ for the first time last March,” Longo said. “I honestly have no clue what I want to do with my life and the pandemic has only made that fact a lot more obvious to me.”

Senior Chloe Miller adds that the pandemic has made it more difficult for her to save money.

“It’s harder for me to work super often.

I want to be able to save up a lot of money for school, and I eventually want to move out and live on my own, so COVID-19 has definitely made that more difficult,” Miller said.

Hess notes some changes that occurred this year that may have affected students’ planning.

“We didn’t have college representatives coming into the building, they were offering online visits. Attendance was pretty down on those. I think students are kind of Zoom-ed out so they weren’t really engaging with reps like they have in the past. We weren’t able to have our college fair either so that was a big one,” Hess said.

“The other big change for this years’ class was test scores. Many schools were starting to go test optional before COVID-19, but once COVID-19 hit they kind of all went the test optional route because they knew students weren’t able to sit in on exams like they were in the past. That was a huge change in how students were applying.”

Despite those students who did change their minds due to the pandemic, there are still some who have remained set on their original plans, such as senior Joshua Holbrook. “(I want) to join the Air Force, and join the Fire Protection, which is the Fire Department but for U.S. Air Bases. After

serving for several years, I want to use the same setback. discipline, knowledge and skills from the “Most of the planning and conversamilitary, specifically as a firefighter, to be- tions I’ve been having is all online. It has come a local firefighter,” Holbrook said. not hindered me from taking standardized “During my service years I want to take a tests but it has definitely put a halt on visfew classes, (and possibly) become EMT iting,” Zimmerman said. “Hopefully once certified, or enroll in a local or online col- more people are vaccinated and feel safer I lege to get an associates in science.” can start visiting in-person instead of virtuHolbrook adds al tours.” that the pandemic alWhen it comes to If there is anything student internships, lowed him the unique that I have learned Zega believes that opportunity to analyze his plans for after high from COVID-19 it’s that some of these opporschool. will still be nothing I think is going tunities “The pandemic impacted next school to happen is what hap- year. didn’t change my post high school plans, but “St. Anthony’s is pens. it did make me think already not sure about more about what my when their doors will college and career plans are as I was be open to other peocounselor Johanna Hess spending more time at ple besides workers. home,” Holbrook said.

There’s a protocol for Like Holbrook, senior Cody Hall’s our interns at the hospital. They have to plans were also not changed despite the (get) a flu shot, a TB shot, a drug test and pandemic and its challenges. all that, and, even if they tell us (we can “I’ve always been interested in things send interns there) in August, we won’t be in the electrical field and have always able to until second semester,” Zega said. wanted to work for NIPSCO and want to “Hopefully by second semester we will be follow this. I think it’s interesting how able to have hospital interns again.” small wiring and power huge things and Hess discusses whether or not she bealso the techniques and technologies they lieves these impacts will last for the current use,” Hall said. “The pandemic was an ob- junior class. stacle for all of us to get over, but it did not “A lot of students are still going about change my plans for after high school, as I their business as usual and still looking at wanted to go and become an electrician.” the same colleges that they would have With the next school year quickly ap- looked at in years past. I don’t think that proaching, next year’s seniors prepares for part would have changed so much for this the next stage of their life. Junior Ashley years’ juniors. I think the biggest change Keneson notes how the pandemic has al- will be that test optional admission, to see ready impacted her college search during if that stays in place or not for next year and her junior year. of course where students intend to enroll,” “The pandemic has made me think Hess said. more about my future and college. It made Keneson says that the pandemic imme want to research colleges and the type pacted her standardized testing and gave of academics and the environment that they her opinion on colleges having optional test have,” Keneson said. “Since the pandemic, admissions.

I have a good idea of what I want to do for a “I wasn’t able to take the SAT when I living and I have a good idea of the colleg- wanted. As long as I get my goal score on es I want to attend. Overall, the pandemic the test, I will be including it (on my appligave me more time to picture a future occu- cation),” Kenesen said. pation and how I would achieve it.”

Hess reflects back on the lessons she Despite these advantages, Keneson has learned from the pandemic from worknotes a major setback she faced due to the ing as a college and career counselor. pandemic in her college search.

“If there is anything that I have learned “It (didn’t) allow me to go and tour all from COVID-19 it’s that nothing I think the colleges that I plan to apply to and hope is going to happen is what happens,” Hess to attend,” Keneson said. said. “I think it’s possible that this could Junior Cameron Zimmerman agrees continue into next fall for the next senior with Keneson and notes he had faced the class as well.”

‘‘

INKLINGS

13

MOVING FORWARD CPHS class of 2021’s plans for next year*

*out of 426 seniors who filled out Hess’s final exit form

90.4% of seniors plan on attending college

1.6%

of seniors are pursuing military careers after high school

CPHS class of 2021’s plans for next year** **out of 42 seniors surveyed by Inklings

50%

of seniors applied to college without standardized test scores

26.5% of seniors changed their post high school plans because of the pandemic

14.3%

of seniors are not attending the college they originally planned on attending because of the pandemic

14 FEATURE

WALKING TOGETHER

Best Buddies program holds Friendship Walk; spreads awareness about inclusion, acceptance

BY MARY MARCINEK reporter

Friendship plays a big part in most people’s lives, and this is especially prevalent in the lives of the members of the Best Buddies club.

Best Buddies is a worldwide organization that revolves around promoting inclusiveness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Across the world, several chapters of the organization host an annual Friendship Walk. This annual fundraiser is a way to raise awareness for the club’s cause, while also providing a fun and memorable experience for all members. Due to COVID-19, the Friendship Walk looks different for many of the organization chapters this year.

“Some (chapters) are doing car parades, and some (chapters) are going virtually, but since we have such a large number in Lake County, and especially (in) Crown Point, we were told that we could actually have a walk,” CPHS Best Buddies sponsor Liz Hanlon said.

On April 25, CPHS shared the school’s track with chapters from Eisenhower, MacArthur, Jerry Ross and Winfield Elementary to hold the annual walk.

To members of the Best Buddies program, like sophomore Alex Baron, this is much more than just a fundraiser. She notes on why the walk was important to her and her buddy.

“I feel like it’s a great way to celebrate the friendships that we’ve built throughout the year,” Baron said.

Students, staff and guardians from some of the elementary schools and the high school huddle together around a banner with the Best Buddies logo on it after taking part in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and fundraiser.

PHOTO BY NOLAN CHASE

Baron and her buddy Roenik Peters were chosen to give a speech about their friendship to attendees at the walk. Hanlon sees the pair as a perfect embodiment of what Best Buddies is all about.

“I got an email from (Peters’) mother one time telling me what a wonderful buddy Alex is, the wonderful things she has done and how much (Peters) adores her,” Hanlon said.

Hanlon says that hearing from parents is very special to her because she believes that all parents really want for their chil-

dren is to be happy, and she believes that Best Buddies helps to make that possible for these kids.

“I think many kids take their friendships for granted. You don’t think about it, but it happens, and all your parents want for you is to be happy, have friends, be able to socialize and know people,” Hanlon said. “For our kids with intellectual disabilities, it’s hard for them to make friends, so Best Buddies just brings friendship and acceptance for everybody. That’s the whole mission of this program: inclusion and ac-

cepting others. It’s a great feeling.”

According to Baron, the Best Buddies club is always open to new members who are looking to make friends and make a difference. She believes that there is an opportunity for everyone in Best Buddies.

“I think it’s a really fun club to join.

Everyone’s so nice, and it’s so nice talking to new people, figuring out what you have in common,” Baron said. “It’s just a really good time and I recommend other students to join it because it’s a great way to meet new people and help everyone out.”

For Baron, Peters and other members of the program, Best Buddies is truly something special.

“The best way I can describe it is like a giant party where everyone’s excited to see each other, and it’s so much fun,” Baron said.

Hanlon believes that Best Buddies shows how one’s seemingly simple act of being a friend to another can change their lives.

“I am totally so proud to be a part of this organization, and it’s been the highlight of my career” Hanlon said. “It really has brought me the most joy.”

INKLINGS

15

Best Buddies Mission Statement Sophomore Alex Baron and Roenick Peters stand together for a photo after the 2021 Best Buddies Friendship walk.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALEX BARON

‘‘

For our kids with intellectual disabilities, it’s hard for them to make friends, so Best Buddies just brings friendship and acceptance for everyone. That’s the whole mission of this program: inclusion and accepting others.

Best Buddies sponsor Liz Hanlon

“Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”

Four Mission Pillars:

One-to-One Friendship Integrated Employment Leadership Development Inclusive Living

1,544 CPHS students and their buddies as well as the club sponsors pose in a group photo on the Crown Point High School track.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALEX BARON

high school chapters participate in one-on-one friendships information from https://www.bestbuddies.org/

16 FEATURE

A poster in the hallway promotes random acts of kindness week, which ran from April 19 to 23.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMI MARCINEK

THE GIFT OF GOOD WILL The CURE club holds Random Acts of Kindness week

BY MARY MARCINEK reporter

‘‘

Kindness doesn’t just need to happen in the school, but also everywhere else we go. Holding the door for people at the store or paying for someone’s coffee in the drive-thru can go a long way. Simply being intentional about putting others before yourself shows so much kindness.

junior Ella Matthysse

A kind word can go a long way, and the CURE (Courtesy Understanding and Respect for Everyone) club at CPHS is determined to spread this message.

Every year, the CURE club sponsors one full week of kind gestures for CPHS students and staff. The goal for Random Acts of Kindness week (RAK) is to not only bring positivity into school, but to encourage others to pass on random acts of kindness.

According to club sponsor Ami Marcinek, the CURE comes up with creative ways to spread kindness during RAK week.

“One of the first things we planned was our ‘Post-it palooza’ because we always get really good feedback from this,” Marcinek said.

Outside of RAK week, Marcinek notes that the CURE does other various events throughout the year.

“We always have an event for new students, so this year we’re hosting breakfast.

Since we have so many new students who stayed virtual, we sent out greeting cards to those students to let them know that we’re thinking of them. One of the favorite activities this year was passing out free snacks at lunchtime to students. We also did a passit-on type kindness act for the staff, hoping it would generate a chain of events.”

Even though these acts are simple, they are significant to members in the CURE. CURE member junior Ella Matthysse sees RAK week as a great way to emphasize that kindness is something people should always be practicing, especially outside of the classroom.

“Kindness doesn’t just need to happen in the school, but also everywhere else we go,” Matthysse said. “Holding the door for

people at the store or paying for someone’s coffee in the drive-thru can go a long way.

Simply being intentional about putting others before yourself shows so much kindness.”

Marcinek says that in order to supply students with a little extra inspiration during RAK week, the morning announcements start off with a kindness quote. She discusses the reasoning behind this.

“Our hope is that just hearing (the quote) kind of plants the seed of positivity for the day,” Marcinek said. “It just starts off the day on a positive note and gives students another chance to see that they have the ability to make the day a good day for themselves or for someone else.”

Creating positivity in the community is very simple, and Marcinek believes that sometimes the most uplifting acts of kindness one can do are simple and completely free.

“Some of the easiest ones are giving compliments, holding a door open, picking up something that someone dropped.

Those are all random acts of kindness many people do every day and don’t even realize they come across to someone,” Marcinek said.

Matthysse believes that being kind to others is not difficult, it is just sometimes overlooked. According to her, the CURE club’s mission is simple: they want to make a habit of sprinkling kindness into others’ days whenever feasibly possible.

“Our mission is to make the school a kinder place,” says Matthysse, “Just by complimenting someone on their outfit or having a conversation with someone who you may not know very well can literally make their day.”

INKLINGS

(left to right) Senior Madison Flewelling, junior Sarah Gardiner and junior Bella DiFabio pose with sticky notes the CURE put up in the halls for “Post-it palooza.” These sticky notes have words of encouragement and kindness written on them.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MADISON FLEWELLING

‘‘

One of the favorite activities this year was passing out free snacks at lunchtime to students. We also did a pass-it-on type kindness act for the staff, hoping it would generate a chain of events. club sponsor Ami Marcinek

Quoting Kindness “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.“

Ralph Waldo Emerson

17

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

“A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.”

The 14th Dalai Lama

Princess Diana

Joseph Joubert

18 FEATURE

THE LONG ROAD HOME

Crown Point sheriff’s car returned 87 years later

BY AUBREY BANKS reporter

Hundreds gathered on the Crown Point square as former Crown Point Sheriff Lillian Holley’s car was brought back to Crown Point. Holley’s car was infamously stolen by notorious gangster John Dillinger during his escape from the Lake County jail 87 years ago, and it has just now been returned. The Discovery Channel plans to film footage about Dillinger, as well as the car and its history.

The Discovery Channel will film Holley’s car in a reenactment of a bank robbery in Crown Point. The documentary will also showcase Dillinger’s history and his criminal activity. Dillinger and his escapades have been the source of many documentaries and films, most notably the 2009 film “Public Enemies” starring Johnny Depp as Dillinger. Junior Chloe Friedrich believes that The Discovery Channel has already begun filming their documentary over John Dilinger.

“I knew that they were filming it a couple of days before and I thought it was really cool. I live in town myself so I heard all the helicopters that were flying around and assumed that they were cameras so the show could get a bird’s eye view of the square. I would totally be open to watching the episode about it just to see what was said,” Fridrich said.

In addition to its history, the documentary will also explain how the car was found and what happened to it. Fridrich hopes to learn more about the overall history of the car and to shed light on the events after the car was stolen.

“I’m hoping that the show explains the history of Dillinger and I’d like to learn exactly what happened after the car was missing for so many years,” Fridrich said.

Mark Love drives former Sheriff Lillian Holley’s car through the Crown Point square on April 3. Hundreds gathered to witness the car’s return after being stolen 87 year prior.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHLOE FRIDRICH

With the documentary being filmed in Crown Point, freshman Dain Ellman believes there is a chance that many tourists from around the world will see the town and would want to visit the old Lake County Jail. “(John Dillinger) does have a lot of significance in this area because of the old County Jail. I think the show is going to

bring more publicity to the city, and it will probably make the city popular because of the history around it,” Ellman said.

The current owner of the car, Mark Love, reveals that the car was in Crown Point because of the Discovery Channel’s documentary.

“The car was actually in Crown Point in the first place because of the documen-

INKLINGS tary. The Discovery Channel has already filmed a lot of things in Crown Point and I know that it will release in July. I like that they are making a show about it because I thought it was a great opportunity to get the story out to the general public, and it puts a positive outlook on law enforcement. I will definitely be watching it,” Love said.

After participating in robbing 24 banks and four police stations, Dillinger was arrested several times and was transferred to five different prisons. He was eventually taken to the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana and was charged with murdering a policeman in East Chicago, Indiana during a bank robbery. He infamously escaped using a wooden gun that he carved during his time in prison.

Once escaped, he stole Sheriff Holley’s car, and drove across the Indiana-Illinois line, heading for Chicago. The car was eventually abandoned by Dillinger, and he was killed by the FBI a year after his escape.

Love describes how he first came into possession of the car.

“The car was found somewhere in Maine, and it was in really bad condition.

The man who owned the car passed away, and his son wanted to keep and restore it so that it would be put in his name. There’s a long process with registering a car, and the normal person can’t keep track of the car without the police. Without the law enforcement tracking the car down, the car wouldn’t have been found,” Love said.

After finding the car in a bad shape, Love decided to restore the car and continue his father’s collection.

“Well, my dad had a large John Dillinger collection, and he started off with the car, which he had for a long time. At first, the car was in a very bad condition, but I knew someone who could restore it, and he actually had the parts for the car,” Love said. “When I got back from Arizona, I tried to restore it to its former glory.

The back seat of the car is the original seat that Dillinger sat in. I was extremely lucky

because the rest of the back seat had to be destroyed and couldn’t be used. In New York City, I found the original seat, and there was barely enough material to fill in the seat. The seat, however, still had small holes on it. The car has a lot of its original parts, and it looks exactly as it was those years ago.”

At the event on the Crown Point square, Love drove the car around so that everyone who was there could see it up close. The current sheriff of the jail and Love gave speeches about how they found the car and what they did to restore it.

‘‘

I’m hoping that the show explains the history of Dillinger and I’d like to learn exactly what happened after the car was missing for so many years. junior Chloe Fridrich

“Most of the police force seemed to be there. There were helicopters, motorcycles, police vehicles, and all sorts of stuff like that with the car. The car went from the government complex all the way down to the old jail, tracing the route that John Dillinger took on the day he escaped,” Ellman said. “They did it in reverse, coming back to the jail with all the police cars and helicopters and such. They parked the car and let everyone look at it. They had every minor detail restored in the car. Every last detail was perfect and was fitting to what it was described as years back.”

The Discovery Channel was filming during the event, and Love comments how he spent most of his time at the event with The Discovery Channel crew.

“At the event, I was actually working with the Discovery Channel. I was there speaking on the steps of the old jail with

19

the crowd in and around me. Most of the time I was at the event, I was spending it with the Discovery Channel crew,” Love said.

Love reflects on the documentary’s production process that he experienced.

“They had helicopters and a lot of police cars all around the square. On Monday, we did all the scenes for the escape scene with the actors escaping with Dillinger’s car, which my car was actually used in,” Love said. “They later did a bank robbery with actors and actresses inside and outside the car.”

After being gone for so long, Ellman is happy that the car is back where it belongs and is glad that the car isn’t destroyed entirely.

“It was an odd feeling for me. I have no connection with the car personally, but because the car has a history with the city and the community, I felt close to it,” Ellman said. “With the car coming back, and everyone out there seeing it, it felt like the car was coming back home and that it belonged here. I was happy that it was back, even though it had no connection to me. It was a great event, and I’m glad that the car is back. I’m also glad that the history of John Dillinger can be maintained because the car could have been destroyed and lost to history.”

As a final tribute to his father’s collection, Love plans to leave the car in Crown Point.

“My original plan was to put the car in the courthouse in Crown Point. That’s what I’m working on with a foundation that will help me achieve that goal. If that plan doesn’t work out, it’s eventually going to find its way to a large museum,” Love said.

“Ever since my father had the car, he only wanted it to be put in a museum. Crown Point has such a negative outlook because of John Dillinger. The car was originally a police car, and I want to devote it to law enforcement. My overall goal is to sell all the things from my John Dillinger collection to the police.”

WHO WAS JOHN DILLINGER? Dillinger underwent

FACIAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY to hide his identity.

Dillinger escaped from the Lake County jail using a

wooden gun

Dillinger’s body was viewed by

THOUSANDS of spectators.

The federal government spent

more money trying to catch him than he stole.

information from www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-john-dillinger

20 FEATURE

FUN IN THE SUN Students look forward to enjoying the great outdoors

BY TREVOR FRAHM ROSALIE DEGENHART reporter assistant editor An extremely familiar scene is set, the end of the school year is fast approaching and summer is now just right around the corner. As restrictions for COVID-19 begin to lift over the summer the new normal is going to be harder than ever to define and will no doubt vary greatly between everyone. There is a variety of summer activities for people to partake in.

A popular activity that many took to during the quarantine last year is exploring the great outdoors. For those who are still uncomfortable with large group gatherings, just taking a walk at a local park is a great excuse to go outside.

Senior Matt Bates enjoys exploring the several state parks Indiana has to offer.

Bates and his family spend the warm summer months getting acquainted with these different parks via camping.

“We go camping every year. We switch it up every year but the majority of the time we go to Turkey Run,” Bates said.

According to Bates, he most enjoys the peace and solidarity of being outdoors along with the uniqueness of camping and being in nature compared to everyday life.

“I personally enjoy the outdoors as something different to do. It gets you away from re-

(second from right) Senior Matt Bates and his family finish up a hike at Indiana’s Turkey Run state park.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATT BATES

petitive daily life,” Bates said.

Though exploring a state or national park is always a fun option, getting exercise and fresh air can be much easier than that. Freshmen Destiny Lopez recommends activities as simple as getting out and riding a bike or spending a day at the beach.

“Besides (running), I like to hang out with my friends and go to the beach in the summer,” Lopez said.

While some students spend the summer escaping

school, others do the opposite.

Junior Emma Depa, a member of CPHS’s royal regiment marching band’s color guard, is at CPHS often during summer due to her extracurricular involvement.

“Over the summer (color guard) practices every Tuesday and Thursday at either the school or at Sauerman Woods Park. The first two weeks of August we have band camp where we learn our drill,” Depa said.

Depa believes that despite

having to spend her summer at school, color guard is one of the best parts of her summer.

“I would definitely recommend color guard. It keeps me active during the summer months and I have made lifelong friendships,” said Depa.

Friends, and even families, have more opportunities to bond in the summer, since the many stressors of the school year are irrelevant for many.

Similar to Depa, sophomore Marianne Gerona comments on how summer activities like water balloon fights, helps her bond with the people in her life, especially her family.

“Having these water balloon fights and picnics really help us bond as a family and spend time with each other since during the school year we’re all preoccupied with work, school and sports,” Gerona said.

Gerona also plans to utilize her summer as a time to catch up with friends she did not see as much during the school year.

“Sometimes it can be a while since you‘ve caught up to people, especially during the crazy year we’ve had with COVID-19,” Gerona said.

“Having lunch at the square allows you to catch up with people, as well as supporting some local business.”

The variety activities one can have access to in the summer is endless. Summer break has no shortage of new opportunities to explore as long as you keep an open mind.

INKLINGS

21

Freshman Destiny Lopez takes a break while running the trails in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.

PHOTO BY NOAH THOMAS

22 FEATURE

LOOKING BACK

Students reflect on unusual school year in pandemic

BY EMILY BRISENO reporter This school year has impacted everyone differently. Students have had ups and downs while learning during a pandemic.

With the option of learning in-person or virtually, students had to decide which way they wanted to learn.

Freshman Elliot Swan is one of the students who used virtual learning to his benefit this year. Swan says as that as a student athlete he had to worry about being benched due to contact tracing or contract-

ing COVID-19.

“About halfway through the first semester, I went virtual for basketball as I did not want to risk getting contact traced and miss two weeks of the basketball season,” Swan said.

Swan noted some of the challenges he faced during his time as a virtual student.

“I had to overcome being unmotivated throughout the time I was virtual. It was very hard for me to stay motivated and locked-in while I was virtual, as it is hard to not be distracted at home, but it was a good challenge that I overcame,” Swan

said.

Unlike Swan, senior Connor Phutawon opted to attend school in-person throughout the year.

“I chose to stay in-person because I thought it was the best for my education. I knew that staying in school would keep me focused and determined, and I only wanted what was best for me. I was worried about the ongoing pandemic, but I knew that the school had safety measures in place to keep us safe,” Phutawon said.

Due to CPHS’s COVID-19 protocols, several students were quarantined for two

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES: SUMMARIZING

August 2020 Students arrived back in the building in late August and were met with various new COVID-19 protocols. One of the biggest changes was lunch moving from the cafeteria to the gym. The year also started on a “yellow” schedule, with students going two days a week and split up by the last name of their parent.

October & November 2020 September 2020 CPHS did not have a homecoming dance, but still had the annual game and parade. Senior Grace Price was crowned homecoming queen along with senior Felix Meeks as homecoming king.

CPHS finally shifted back to a “green” four days a week schedule at the end of October, but after two weeks the decision was made to go to a “red” all online schedule.

INKLINGS weeks because they were near someone with COVID-19 for a significant period of time. Many students, like Phutawon, experienced being quarantined along with having the virus first hand.

“I myself had to overcome an extreme case of COVID-19 in January of this year while we also had finals. It was quite the journey, but despite it all I got through it and I’m still pushing through. I was contact traced right before we went to red in the fall of 2020, quarantined because I tested positive in January, and then pre-cautionary quarantined for both the fall play and spring musical,” Phutawon said.

With the unexpected and sudden quarantines, classroom numbers have fluctuated throughout the year. Swan has noticed this in multiple classes.

“One day there is someone in-person, and the next they are virtual. In one class someone is at school, and the next they

are out for two weeks. The whole online perspective is obviously very different as well,” Swan said.

In a normal year, Crown Point High School has typically had school in-person five days a week. Due to the pandemic, virtual Wednesdays were introduced this school year. Sophomore Mariah Anderson believes that having these virtual Wednesdays was helpful to her. “(Wednesdays are) really beneficial for me, because I can now use that day to make up work rather than keep piling up assignments I never did,” Anderson said.

Anderson explains how her sophomore year mentality differed from her mentality in years prior.

“I feel a lot more mature than I was as a freshman. I take my grades and assignments a lot more seriously,” Anderson said.

As a senior, Phutawon looks back on

23

the unique school year he had and his approach to that.

“My senior year has been impacted in a number of ways. We lost activities, dances, trips, moments that all other senior classes got to have. Even though we long for the moments we’ll never have, we all try to make the best of it and still have fun,” Phutawon said.

Phutawon explains what he wishes he would have known at the beginning of his senior year.

“If I could have done anything differently this year it’s my courses and the classes I decided to take. I should’ve known that while in a pandemic that education would become more difficult, and that I should’ve been easier on myself,” Phutawon said. “Looking back on it, I could’ve lightened up on the classes and just tried to focus on myself and my health during these chaotic times.”

THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

April & May 2021

December 2020 & January 2021 After spending the entire month of December and first three school days of January on “red,” CPHS went back to “yellow.” This January the school did not have its traditional turnabout dance hosted by the dance team.

February & March 2021 The girls basketball team made history in February earning the program’s third state title and first since 1986. Also during February, CPHS went back to “green” and has remained at green since. COVID-19 vaccinations opened to teachers in March.

With all of the population over 16 eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, many students are included in this. The main major end of the year event that was canceled was prom, yet events such as awards ceremonies and inductions still continued.

24 SPORTS

Senior shortstop Anna Holloway hits a solo home run on April 28 against the La Porte slicers. Holloway has committed to play softball for the University of Notre Dame next year.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

SWINGING UP THE RANKS Softball team ranks 28th nationally in recent MaxPreps poll

BY KEELEY BERNARD co-sports editor The softball team is currently ranked 28th in the nation and ninth in Indiana by MaxPreps. With stats like this, it’s no wonder why coach Angie Richwalski sees the potential for the team to become top contenders for the state tournament.

“This team, this year is poised to have

a great season,” Richwalski said. “They’ve already started down the road to be a top contender in the state tournament at the end of the season, and I am truly excited to have the privilege to coach them and watch them succeed this year.”

A reason for the team’s success so far this season is their ability to improve.

Richwalski highlights that ability as one of the team’s strongest qualities.

“These athletes are ready and willing to learn and improve every day,” Richwalski said. “They are constantly looking for feedback on how to do better and giving each other feedback on where there is room for improvements. To me that means the team we see at the end of the season, will be even better than the team we are seeing right now and I’m excited to see that.”

The team’s ability to improve them-

selves seems embedded in the team’s culture and in the goals set by the players.

Senior Anna Holloway lists a few of these goals.

“I think the end goal for every high school team is to win state, but we have a lot of other goals. We try to just get better every game. We improve and learn from the last game, and try to just be better the next game. We also try to have fun. We play the best when we’re relaxed, so we try to find a good balance between having fun and also being focused,” Holloway said.

Learning from mistakes is also a goal set by Richwalski for her team.

“Our team goals for the season are to consistently push ourselves as a team and individuals to get better every day with every opportunity, play to the best of our ability and grow throughout the season,” Richwalski said. “If we can do both of those we should have a successful season and possibly bring home some hardware at the end. With a little luck, this team has the depth and talent level to go far into the post season and represent our school and community down at state.”

The depth of the team is a major factor to their success. Richwalski believes she has a reliable group of upperclassmen, and if one of the upperclassmen gets injured, she also has a strong group of underclassmen she can look to in those moments.

This is especially important this season, as teams have to worry about not only injuries but also contact tracing.

“In this year, where injuries are so much more likely and anybody could be out via contact tracing at any given moment, the depth of our bench is what will keep us playing once we get late into the season,” Richwalski said. “We’ve already had to make some adjustments and fall back on some underclassmen due to minor injuries and to have those players ready and hungry to step in and step up is a huge privilege that not every team has this year.”

According to junior Gabriela Serratos, no matter who is playing, upperclassmen or underclassmen, the team is constantly encouraging each other.

“The strongest quality of the team is definitely the constant cheering and being loud in the dugouts during games and in practice,” Serratos said. “Being loud definitely has helped us win many games, it helps us stay up and be positive and get hyped up. Our seniors really help encourage the team.”

Richwalski agrees with Serratos about

the role that the seniors play in pushing their team forward.

“We have a wonderful group of seniors this year who are great leaders and really showing our younger players the ropes of how to be all around great teammates,” Richwalski said. “Our seniors, even though they missed their junior year, are very experienced. Their ability to focus, perform and have fun is setting an awesome tone for the teammates around them who are also finding ways to settle in and step up to contribute.”

Missing an entire season due to COVID-19 undoubtedly affected this season. Richwalski believes that the effect is mostly on the players mentality.

“Our athletes missed an entire season of their high school career. We are feeling that now in the mental approach to the pressure of game day. I have no doubt that part will fix itself as the season marches on,” Richwalski said. “It’s also taken a few of the celebratory elements out of the game, but we are happy to have the opportunity to play at all this year. We will take what we can get and work through it.”

The lack of a season last year has given senior Grace Lucka a new outlook on every game she plays.

“COVID-19 changed this season for me in a way that made me want to work really hard because you never know when it will be your last game,” Lucka said.

Lucka hopes that her hard work will accumulate to her meeting her goals for the season.

“Our team goal is to win state,” Lucka said. “My personal goals are to just always be there for my team and be the best teammate I can be. I look forward to getting closer with all my teammates.”

Serratos shares similar goals to Lucka’s.

“My personal goals for this season is to become a better player all around and to also be a person that underclassmen can look up to,” Serratos said. “My team goals for this season are to bond well together, have a very successful season and win sectionals, regionals, semi-state, and state.”

According to Richwalski, the team is making progress everyday in order to achieve their goals.

“We have a lot of learning going on, but also many things that are working really well for us. The players are making adjustments and progress every day, and the team is looking stronger and more confident with each game,” Richwalski said.

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Sophomore left fielder Aubrey Wroble catches a fly ball to left field on April 22.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

‘‘

This team, this year is poised to have a great season. They’ve already started down the road to be a top contender in the state tournament at the end of the season, and I am truly excited to have the privilege to coach them and watch them succeed this year.

coach Angie Richwalski

26 SPORTS

RACE TO THE FINISH

Boys track and field begin season after loss of most of indoor season

BY KEELEY BERNARD co-sports editor After missing a year of competition due to COVID-19, the boys track and field team is finally back to competing again. A year off can cause a bit of rust, but head coach Nicholas Bruno helped the team to a good start.

“So far the season has been a great success,” Bruno said. “After losing a whole year of competition, it is a win for everyone on the team to be able to come back after a whole year off and have a season.

We are off to a very good start, winning our first two meets and traveling to and winning the Marion Relay Invite.”

Like Bruno, long distance coach Erik Forehand shares the same sentiments about the team’s season.

“Our season is off to a great start as we entered the second week of competition 8-0. As with most teams, we haven’t come close to our potential as we continue to move guys around on lineups to compile up the most points we can in a meet,” Forehand said.

Bruno believes that a big reason why the team has had such a good start to the season is because of their hard training and dedication.

“The training schedule for each event is different,” Bruno said. “As a team, we practice four days a week plus we use Saturday’s as well if we do not have a meet.

Each event coach has the workout and training plan ready to go each day, but if an athlete competes in multiple events, the coaches communicate and work together on a collaborative training plan.”

Training has become especially important this season as the team tries to make up for the lost time due to the pandemic. Although this year the team can actually have a season, the season is still affected by COVID-19 and the rules and regulations due to it.

“COVID-19 has changed our season in a few ways,” Bruno said. “We canceled all indoor meets besides one at Lake Central.

At that meet, there were no spectators. Now that we are in the outdoor season, specta-

Sophomore Jacob Bell runs the second leg of 4x800m at a home track meet on April 6 against Michigan City and Munster.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

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(Top) Sophomore Jeffrey Leohr jumps over hurdles on April 6.

(Right) Senior Orion White leads the pack in the 800m on April 6.

PHOTOS BY EMILY HELMUTH

tors are allowed, but are still expected to follow the guidelines of social distancing, wearing a mask, etc. As for practice, even though we are outside and can spread out, each athlete still have their mask with them to wear in close contact situations. We are taking as many precautions as a team to make sure we get to finish the season strong.”

Senior Cole Simmons elaborates on what he missed with the loss of indoor season. He also adds that he believes although these COVID-19 precautions can be irritating at times, it is worth it to avoid missing the outdoor season as well.

“I didn’t have the chance to compete at indoor state, which is my favorite track to run on.” Simmons said. “We’ve lost a couple important guys due to contact tracing, but managed to squeeze out some wins without them. Wearing masks on the bus after a meet can also be pretty annoying at times, but I’m glad we have a season,” Despite the enforced changes due to COVID-19 guidelines, the coaches’ goals for the team have not changed or lowered from last season. The expectations are still high.

“As a team, we would like to make a run at the DAC title, and advance as many guys as possible to the regional and state

meet,” Forehand said.

The athletes also have high expectations for themselves. Many of them, such as freshman Weston Hulen, have made goals of beating their personal records and heading to the state finals.

“My personal goal for this season is to hit 4:29 In the 1600m. My 3200m goal is to hit 9:50 this year and my 800m goal is to hit 2:05. Our team goal is to make it to state finals,” Hulen said.

Sophomore Kade Honickel shares his goals for the season as well.

“I want to break 4:40 for the mile and get a 10:05 for the two mile,” Honickel said. “I also want us to reach regionals as a team or get to semi-state, that would be great as well. We have the skill. We just need to use it on the track.”

Reaching these goals will take the whole teams’ effort, dedication and motivation. According to Honickel, the team encourages each other in order to achieve their goals.

“We encourage each other by motivating each other during practice and also we complement each other to raise our spirits,” Honickel said.

The team will hope to meet their goals and perform well at the DAC meet on Wednesday at home at 4:30 p.m.

‘‘

I want to break 4:40 for the mile and get a 10:05 for the two mile. I also want us to reach regionals as a team or get to semistate, that would be great as well. We have the skill.

We just need to use it on the track.

sophomore Kade Honickel

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Senior Will Pettit pitches in a game against Michigan City on April 13. The boys won the game 8-0.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

INKLINGS

Boys baseball cleans up game after missed 2020 season

BY SAMUEL BREWER co-sports editor The boys baseball season, after a much longer break than ever expected, is finally back in full swing. Last year the team’s season was completely canceled due to COVID-19, meaning last year’s seniors were stripped of a season. Head coach Steve Strayer says that he took the loss of last season pretty hard.

“It was awful. It was one of my most talented teams and they were all great kids,” Strayer said.

Not only did this strip last year’s seniors of their season, it also stripped this year’s seniors and juniors of valuable (varsity) playing experience they would have gained last year. According to Strayer, that varsity experience was direly needed “There are lots of problems. The main problem is hardly anyone has experience and we make mistakes over and over. Usually we have returning players with experience that act like assistant coaches to help

eliminate many of these mistakes,” Strayer said.

One of the few players who did have varsity experience before this year is senior Cal Curiel. Curiel played on varsity his sophomore year, helping him lead the team this year.

“I feel like this being my second year playing varsity helps from an experience standpoint because I feel like I’m not as nervous before big games and that I can help be a leader on the team,” Curiel said.

One of the players who wasn’t given that experience was junior Ryan Hannan.

Hannan says that he was excited for his sophomore season and was devastated when it was taken away.

“It was tough having my second high school season taken away from me. We practiced all winter getting prepared for the season and it was taken away just like that,” Hannan said.

According to Hannan, the cancellation helped drive him to the place he is today. “ It made me want to come back and be even better. I didn’t stop when the season

29

was canceled and continued to train and better myself while being quarantined. I remained doing bands, PlyoCare, hitting and throwing on the daily. I remained optimistic for the future,” Hannan said.

Even though Strayer has seen a lot of mistakes, Curiel is happy with how the team has dealt with the circumstances they were given.

“I think that the team has adapted great to not playing last year, mostly because we’re all friends and get along great with each other and through that we’re learning more and more everyday how to play together,” Curiel said.

Curiel believes that with hard work the team has the potential to make it far into the postseason.

“I feel like as a team we can make a strong postseason run if we continue to get better and everyone involved can do something to help the team during that run,” Curiel said.

The team will continue their season with their next game against Portage tomorrow at home at 4:30 p.m.

Girls track prepares for DAC meet after one regular season loss

BY NOAH THOMAS co-editor-in-chief The girls track season is up and running with the team only suffering one loss this season.

Head coach Allison Florek said she’s pleased with her team’s performance thus far, especially during these challenging times.

“The season has gone pretty well so far. In the DAC, we have beat Michigan City and Merrillville and we have lost to LC. Despite this being a crazy year, the athletes have continued to work hard at practice and at meets,” Florek said. “We are constantly stressing to the athletes that masks must be worn whenever they are not engaging in strenuous physical activity. We also are outside now which makes a huge difference.

We also try to make sure that we are not congregating in enclosed places for long periods

of time and we do our best to socially distance.”

Senior high jumper Grace Wells says that she is enjoying the fact she is getting a senior track season. According to Wells, she really enjoys the idea of doing everything she can for her team.

“Something I really love about field events is that it’s about working hard individually. Field events also score a lot of points in meets so it’s nice to know that whenever I place, I’m helping the team out a lot with our overall score,” Wells said. “It’s nice to be able to have a senior track season.”

Purdue commit senior Jaelyn Burgos suffered a knee injury before the season started and hasn’t been able to compete.

Although she isn’t running, she continues to contribute by cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.

“I am completely out for

the season and didn’t even get to race one race, but, I’m trying to stay positive about my situation and be the best cheerleader I can be for my team,” Burgos said. “I expect myself to continue hyping up the girls at meets and practice and I think the team can do some big things this postseason.”

Burgos cheering on her team represents an aspect important to every team: team chemistry. Florek thinks that even through the pandemic, the team has had great chemistry.

Florek also believes that the upperclassmen play a big role in creating this chemistry.

“With such a big team, we really rely on our upperclassmen to help our new athletes.

We expect a lot out of our juniors and seniors. Oftentimes, they help lead workouts and stretches. Most importantly we expect them to lead by example both on and off the track,”

Florek said. “I expect to see them continue to lift each other up. We are constantly stressing the importance of celebrating each other’s accomplishments.

I expect all athletes to show up, work hard, and most importantly be good teammates. I also expect them to do what it takes to stay healthy and injury free.”

According to Wells, she is ready to show up for her team.

Her goal for the rest of the season is to work hard and see the best results for her final high school meets.

“From myself, I expect to give the last few meets my all because after high school I won’t get the opportunity to do track ever again. From the team , I expect everyone to work hard and give the last few weeks their all and leave it all on the track,” Wells said.

The girls will compete in the DAC meet Tuesday at Chesterton.

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Girls tennis beats rival Munster to improve record to 7-1

BY SAMUEL BREWER co-sports editor At long last the girls tennis season is underway. The team has started with an impressive record of 7-1, with one of those wins coming against team rivals Munster.

Head coach Brian Elston was impressed with how the team played.

“It felt really good. I knew we had a good chance looking at the players we had versus the players they had back, but still when you beat a team who has won regionals the last seven years in a row without much of a tough time it feels good,” Elston said.

Senior Katherine Ho was surprised with the team’s victory, especially after seeing Munster dominate the region for her entire high school career, winning the last seven regional championships.

“It felt great. I didn’t expect that to happen. Going into the Munster match, I didn’t expect us to necessarily defeat them. . . . But from how we did in the previous years, there was still a chance for us to compete against Munster and possibly beat them. However, when we started hitting, we were shocked to see that we can compete with them in different spots allowing

us to claim the victory,” Ho said.

This win was a big achievement, especially after the team missed out on a year of experience beforehand.

Like most spring sports last year, the girls tennis team’s season was canceled due to COVID-19. According to first singles junior Gina Chiarella, the cancellation taught her to be thankful for the opportunity she gets this year.

“The season being canceled last year was very tough on all of us, but we are all just happy to be out there and competing again. It really showed all of us how important our time is together and I know we are all really thankful we could have a season this year,” Chiarella said.

Elston says he remembers the day last year’s season was canceled.

“It was one of the more depressing days in the whole experience. It was really heartbreaking, especially texting the seniors was very tough,” Elston said.

As for right now, Elston’s plan for preparing the team for the rest of the season is simple: small improvements each day.

“What I always tell them is we need to get better every day. If you look at one match you have to get better the next match.

That’s basically our goal so by the time we

get to the end of the year we’re playing our best,” Elston said.

Chiarella has bought into this message, making a strong work ethic the center of her goals this season.

“My personal goal for this season is to just play my hardest every time I walk out onto the court, whether it is practice or a match. Every time I play I know one way or another I need to do my part in benefiting the whole team so they can achieve their goals as well,” Chiarella said.

The team has fared well this season, only losing one match and picking up a tournament win at the Plymouth Invite. Ho hopes to continue the team’s success all the way into regionals, with a focus on improving during practice.

“My hope for the rest of the season is for us to continue to perform at our best, be DAC champion, sectional champion, and this year, regional champion. I plan to get the team there by telling them that every practice is to get ready for the next match.

Make all the mistakes you possibly could make during practice so that you know what not to do during a match,” Ho said.

Ho and the girls tennis team hope to add to their wins in a match at Lowell starting at 4 p.m.

Boys golf team shoots for state after hard work in offseason

BY NOAH THOMAS co-editor-in-chief The boys golf team teed off their season with a tied second place at the Harrison invite on April 10. Head coach Ryan Bishop said that the team worked a lot in the offseason and made goals for the team this season.

“In the offseason we worked on all aspects of the game, along with preparing mentally for the challenges we will face during the season,” Bishop said. “Our goals are to go undefeated in the DAC and advance to the state finals as a team.

In the offseason, due to the

cold weather, it can be hard for the boys to practice their game, but this was not the case for junior Issac Embry.

“I’ve prepared countless hours both in the gym and hitting indoor simulators to try to keep my golf game in check over the winter since Indiana isn’t the best place for a long golf season,” Embry said.

Sophomore Ray Filter believes that team chemistry is important if the team wants to succeed. Filter believes the team has mastered this.

“I would say our team chemistry is one of the best in the school and the state,” Filter said. “We all know each other very well, and we do not only

see each other at practice and tournaments, but we go out on our free time to practice with each other for long hours. Our team is like a family, and we are all very excited for this year.”

Embry says the team goal this year is to make it to state where the team can prove their status as the best.

“I would really like for our team to make it to state, so we can prove that we are one of the best teams in the state,” Embry said.

According to Filter, winning state is a top priority for him and the team.

“My individual goal for this season is to win the state title. If I keep working hard and

playing my game, I know I will have a chance on day two to bring home a state championship,” Filter said.

Coach Bishop believes that experience isn’t the strong point of the team; it’s the leaders who take the team to the next level.

“We have one junior on the varsity team that has only played one season, so like most teams, experience isn’t a strong point of our team. Leaders show up in any grade so it will be fun to see who rises to the front of the pack,” Bishop said.

The boys will compete next at home in a dual meet against LaPorte and Michigan City tomorrow at 4 p.m.

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Junior Gina Chiarella serves in a match against Valpo on April 27.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

32 ENTERTAINMENT

“Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” gives new insight into famous scandal

BY EMILY HELMUTH co-editor-in-chief The college admissions world was rocked two years ago when an investigation that involved several wealthy Americans got their under qualified children admitted into top universities became public. The FBI investigation, code named Operation Varsity Blues, made national news as it involved several notable celebrities such as Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman.

Netflix’s recently released documentary, “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal,” divulges into this enticing scandal. It centers around the ringleader of the entire operation: college counselor Rick Singer.

The film reenacts several phone calls and conversations used as evidence in the case and shows viewers just how Singer created his “side door” into these notoriously exclusive universities, such as Stanford and USC. Singer’s career began in the late 90s, as while working as a college counselor he used methods such as over exaggerating details in college essays and lying about race on applications to further his clients’ chances of getting into these schools.

He evolved his deceptions into a self made approach that he called the “side door.” This approach involved his clients paying millions of dollars for Singer to help get their kids into schools. Singer would manipulate these kids’ way into schools by presenting them as recruited athletes for

less popular sports, as he had connections and deals with many coaches of these sports.

Oftentimes he would compensate these coaches to “recruit” his clients.

As the film continues, the immortality of these actions

by Singer, the parents and the universities involved becomes increasingly obvious and is painful to watch.

It is made clear multiple times that the parents and the universities involved know that their actions are wrong, as many of Singer’s clients go

through extensive efforts to ensure their kids do not find out about their meddling.

Besides the phone calls and reenactments, clips of real life high school and college students, including CPHS’ own senior Anne Gregg, are incorporated into the documentary as well. These clips are well placed and do an excellent job of capturing the emotion, hard work and dedication students put in when it comes to college admissions.

This film is very eye opening for many reasons. At

the end, it reveals what legal punishment these families and universities faced, and, needless to say, I do not feel it is fairly distributed. In my eyes, it seems as if many of the wealthy people involved in the scandal only got a small slap on the wrist when it comes to being punished for their wrongdoing, especially in comparison to other lesser involved parties.

Another take that I have from this film is that the college admissions process keeps elitism alive in society. This system is the perfect example of the wealthy throwing money at a problem instead of working to solve the problem.

As someone who worked hard to get into my first choice university, the fact that people like Olivia Jade, Lori Loughlin’s daughter, who expressed little to no interest in furthering her education, were accepted over students who worked hard to achieve the test scores, grades and extracurricular success needed to get into prestige universities; it is frankly frustrating, and it delegitimizes the entire admissions processes at these universities.

The documentary definitely achieved its goal: it got people talking. Hopefully, the conversations started by this documentary will revive the frustration felt by people when this scandal first came out, which will result in real life action being taken by evening out the college admissions playing field.

The wealthy, legacies and athletes, such as the ones created by Singer, should no longer be given this unfair advantage for college admissions.

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“Bridgerton” keeps viewers entertained with multiple story lines and colorful characters

BY ABBY GODSEN assistant editor “Bridgerton” has brought life back into the world of period dramas. This Netflix original series is set in Regency era London during the extremely competitive debut season. “Bridgerton” is characterized by lust, betrayal and mystery in a way that gets you sucked in immediately and searching for more.

The first season of the show is based on “The Duke and I,” the first book of the “Bridgerton” series by Julia Quinn. I have personally never read the books but I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I loved the emotional development between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings. The fact that their relationship has flaws is what makes them so likable and more human rather than just characters on a screen.

The couple originally creates a deal to appear as though they were courting so that Daphne would have suitors lining up for her and Simon would be able to evade the relentless mothers looking for eligible young men to court their daughters.

Simon does not desire marriage or children, with his reasons being a mystery to the characters and the viewers at first.

This is something the couple must work through, as Daphne wants nothing more than marriage and children. You can truly see how the emotions between the two begin to develop and, despite never intending it, they truly do love each other, which is really sweet and makes the bumps in their relationship much more impactful.

The secondary storylines portrayed in this series are just as gripping as the storyline with Daphne and Simon. The oldest Bridgerton son, Anthony, must quell with the responsibilities of being the head of the household after their father passed away while also being romantically involved with Sienna Rosso, an opera singer, who is disapproved of by the Bridgerton family for her lower class. The couple has an on-again-off-again relationship that leaves

you rooting for the unlikely couple, who are faced with a difficult decision at the end of the season.

There are also more secondary storylines involving Daphne’s two other older brothers, Colin and Benedict, which are unique in their own right as they too deal with their own version of high society London and its trials and tribulations.

The neighbors of the Bridgertons, the Featheringtons, become a crucial part of the story. The Featheringtons take in Marina Thompson, who is a distant cousin of theirs.

Immediately after Marina’s late arrival, she becomes intense competition for Daphne who was proclaimed the “diamond of the season” by the Queen herself.

Unbeknown to everyone outside of the Featherington home, Marina has a dark secret that could ruin her if exposed.

The second eldest Bridgerton sister, Eloise, is a constant force throughout the entire series. Unlike Daphne, marriage is not a priority for her and she struggles with not wanting to be “diamond of the season” but she has no way to get out of the constraints of the Regency era in London. In this situation, she looks for ways around this. Eloise begins to idolize Lady Whistledown, an anonymous gossip writer who is unmarried and lives a free, independent lifestyle.

Eloise becomes obsessed with finding the true identity of Lady Whistledown, and, throughout the season, she tries to investigate this mystery with her best friend Penelope Featherington, who is very disinterested. I love how it shows there were people who didn’t fit the social norm, even in the seemingly picturesque Regency era.

Lady Whistledown has to be my favorite component of the whole series. Her identity is not revealed until the end of the last episode, but, like Eloise Bridgerton and the Queen, I was constantly trying to puzzle out who could hear about all the latest gossip in London and yet be able to hide in plain sight.

When Lady Whistledown’s identity was finally revealed I was shocked, as the

answer was right in front of my face the whole time.

There are a lot of turning cogs that go into the “Bridgerton” series, making this show irresistible. There is truly a storyline for everyone whether you like enemies to lovers, hopeless romance, the fight for independence from societal norms or a tragic backstory. The costuming for it is well matched to the types of characters portrayed in the drama.

The historical accuracy of the clothing is not the most important, as none of the characters besides the most of the royals existed in real life, but it is nice to see some of the more intricate Regency era fashion staples, such as the empress cut dresses.

Overall, I really enjoyed the series. for this series in particular, I enjoyed the secondary storylines more than the main storyline between Daphne and Simon.

That isn’t to say I did not like them as characters, because I do, but there is something about the unconventional that always keeps me entertained.

34 ENTERTAINMENT

INREVIEW

BY ABBY GODSEN assistant editor

Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso This is probably one of, if not my all time favorite Starbucks drinks. It isn’t bitter at all and it isn’t overly sweet like a frappuccino. I also love how it already comes as a dairy free option rather than having to substitute in alternative milks.

I am a big fan of iced coffee so this is a real win on all levels for me.

“The Great” Although I really enjoyed the plot of this series and how it is rooted in real historical events, I didn’t think it was exceptionally comedic for being categorized as a comedy-drama. I understood the satirical commentary on Catherine the Great and the acting was excellent, but I don’t think the writing matched what they were trying to go for in regards to the movie category.

Dairy Belle ice cream chain opens up new location in Crown Point

BY NOAH THOMAS co-editor-in-chief For those who like ice cream or frozen treats, Dairy Belle, one of Northwest Indiana’s most famous ice cream franchises, recently opened a new location in Crown Point.

This new sweet spot is located at 1496 North Main Street.

Walking into the store, the new modern but retro theme is clear to see. Dairy Belle absolutely nailed this theme, with the colors used in the interior and the store even has a jukebox and an old fashioned soda machine.

The staff was very friendly and even recommended items to try. During my visit, I tried the pistachio soft serve, the non-dairy pineapple dole whip, strawberry short cake sundae and hot fudge brownie delight sundae.

While the pistachio soft serve is only available in April as it is the current flavor of the month, it was very delicious and sweet. If you like a nutty flavor, this soft serve is for you.

This soft serve is the perfect amount of sweet and salty. It comes in a bright green color that appeals visually to the customer and tastes just like a pistachio. They pile and swirl the soft serve and you get a lot of ice cream for your buck.

The non-dairy pineapple dole whip is available year round and it is also very visually appealing.

It smelled like a tropical paradise and you can almost envision yourself eating this treat on a warm beach with palm trees. This was better than the pistachio in my

Dairy Belle’s menu has a variety of frozen treats, including this non-dairy pineapple dole whip.

PHOTO BY EMILY HELMUTH

opinion, but if you prefer a nutty flavor, pistachio is the way to go.

The strawberry short cake sundae was amazing as well.

The sundae’s presentation was superb. The dish had freshly cut strawberries and cold vanilla ice cream on a short cake topped with chilled whipped cream. The greatness of these sweet flavors combined truly encased Dairy Belle’s fantastic take on this classic treat.

If you like a chocolate-themed dessert, the hot fudge brownie delight sundae is the special for you. It has pieces of brownie, peanuts and hot fudge mixed in with

the vanilla ice cream, with whipped cream topping it all off.

The hot fudge brownie delight sundae was my favorite out of all the things I tried, as it was super sweet and the chopped up pieces of brownie were so good.

It was nostalgic going to this new Dairy Belle location and the flavors invoked happy memories of when I went to the original Hammond Dairy Belle as a kid. The atmosphere of the retro cafe, the friendly staff, great location, convenient prices and delicious ice cream will certainly keep me coming back.

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“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” continues to show Marvel’s new dominance on the small screen

BY ANDREW POESCHL reporter After the relative success of Marvel’s last show, “WandaVision,” expectations were high for their next show “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

The show follows two previously established characters Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, played by Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan respectively, as they travel across the globe in search for the leader of an international terrorist organization.

In their search, they run into many other roadblocks, such as Falcon’s reluctance to take up the title of Captain America and Bucky’s attempts to make amends with his violent past as the Winter Soldier.

With the series having six episodes and each episode being an hour long, the show is able to explore all of these conflicts and themes thoroughly without feeling rushed.

In general, the show has a much darker tone than many of Marvel’s other projects, especially their most recent one “WandaVision.” The show tackles several serious topics throughout its run, such as modern day racism in America and the government’s inaction towards the homeless and refugees.

P L AYI N G FAVORITES

The show handles these topics very well and is able to accurately portray them.

While this is a nice change of pace for Marvel, it may make this show a bit less enjoyable for people who are looking for a more lighthearted show to relax with.

The show’s story is extremely well written as

well. The story provides many twists and is able to keep you interested throughout the entirety of the series. The characters are well done and each one has an interesting arc as the show progresses.

The plot of “The Falcon and the Winter Solider” does not have as unique of a premise as “WandaVision.” I advise

Squishables These are probably my favorite type of stuffed animal because they are incredibly soft and they are made to be squished and hugged which makes them even better. $42 to $48 on Squishables website

WE’RE SO

O V E R

to not go into it expecting it to be a one-of-a-kind type of show, but this does not take away from its entertainment factor or production value of the show.

The show’s entire cast gives phenomenal performances. Both the leads, Mackie and Stan, have great chemistry together and are able to sell their complex relationship perfectly.

The show also has Daniel Brühl reprise his role as Zemo from “Captain America: Civil War,” which was met with excitement from Marvel fans.

We are also introduced to the new character of John Walker played by Wyatt Russell.

John Walker is who the government decided to name as the new Captain America, and Russell is able to masterfully portray the complex character of John Walker.

Overall I would say that “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is a great show. I would recommend it to any Marvel fan or anybody looking for a quality show to watch.

It may be hard to get into if you are not a follower of the MCU, but, even with that in mind, I think anyone could figure it out pretty quickly. Although it may not be as unique and whimsical as “WandaVision,” it is still a well written and complex series that is worth watching.

Improper Hallway Etiquette Since when has it ever been socially acceptable to walk three or four people across in the hallway super slow? Some of us have places to be, and it does not help when the freshmen class and even a few sophomores don’t know how to walk in the hallway.

36 ENTERTAINMENT

Taylor Swift releases “Fearless: (Taylor’s Version)” after losing rights to original “Fearless” album

BY ROSALIE DEGENHART assistant editor Taylor Swift has been knocking out album after album since the summer of 2020; it is safe to say that no one saw it coming, but, when she began hinting to upcoming album releases, fans began to thrive off of the anticipation.

Swift released “folklore” last July and its sister album “evermore” last December.

“Fearless: (Taylor’s Version),” a rerecording of her 2008 album “Fearless,” was released this April.

Taylor’s motive to rerecord “Fearless” came upon in 2019 after Scooter Braun, the big music manager for stars such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, obtained the rights to Swift’s old recording company, Big Machine Label, and with it Swift’s first six master albums.

To Swift, this was a shock and an extreme let down, for she left Big Machine Label in late 2018 and knew her music would be sold, but not to the bully of the music industry.

Therefore, since November of 2020, Swift has been allowed under her contract to rerecord these albums, only having to wait five years after their original release to begin the production process.

This rerecording of “Fearless” has given her fans high doses of nostalgia and astonishment; being a major Taylor Swift fan from the beginning, myself and other fans included can hear how Swift’s voice has matured over the years.

Songs like “White Horse” and

“Love Story” sound even more magical than before. No longer sung with a naive southern twang, Swift’s voice is smooth and complete as she narrates stories, fairy tales and young love.

Other artistic changes in this rerecording can be heard in the beginning of the song “The Way I Loved You.” In the 2008 version, listeners can hear a strumming guitar keeping the tempo, but, in the most recent version, the beat is kept with a drum, giving the song a more compelling, electrifying sound.

Another artistic shift can be heard in the song “Fearless.”

In the 2008 version, the song is sweet with delicate instrumentals. However, in the rere-

corded version Swift doesn’t hold back instrumentally or vocally; she truly was fearless when rerecording this song to its fullest potential.

These subtle artistic changes may not mean much to the average person, but to fans who have been listening to her music since the beginning, it makes these original songs so much more meaningful than before. The changes Swift made in her musicality only highlights the talent young Swift had all those years ago, and, after years of self discovery and vocal growth, Swift had the opportunity to transform these songs into “Taylor’s Version,” an opportunity she took boldly and fearlessly.

Recently prone to surpris-

ing her fans with music drops, Taylor Swift included six, never before heard songs on “Fearless: (Taylor’s Version).”

These songs were intended to make it on the original Fearless album, but they never made it on, and they are listed as being from “The Vault.”

“Mr. Perfectly Fine” is an upbeat song from “The Vault” with lyrics that capture the inner indignation and boggling of one’s mind after a break up. In lyrics like, “Hello, Mr. perfectly fine/ How’s your heart after breaking mine?/ Mr. always at the right place at the wrong time/ Hello, Mr. casually cruel/ Mr. everything revolves around you/ I’ve been Miss misery since your goodbye,” the word play with “Mr.” is clever and catchy, but the lyrics are profound and real.

“You All Over Me” and “That’s When” are both simple but beautiful songs also featured on “The Vault,” and they both feature musicians like Maren Morris and Keith Urban. Swift dug into her country roots it seems like in these songs, but, nevertheless, the lyrics and melodies are a Swift signature.

Taylor Swift is deemed as one of the most revolutionary and talented artists of this generation. From country, to pop, to alternative, she has done it all, and has award winning albums to prove it.

Reviving “Fearless” to make it even more outstanding than before takes patience and ambition, and Swift achieved just this, as well as harboring love and nostalgia from her fans.

Highly anticipated “Godzilla Vs. Kong” meets fans’ expectations

BY NOLAN CHASE co-editor-in-chief “Godzilla Vs. Kong” is just about everything you would expect from a two hour monster movie crossover with a fun surprise near the end. While the story in this one is tolerable and gets the job done, we really watch these types of movies for the clash between the monsters.

While I haven’t seen the first two “Godzilla” movies such as “Godzilla: King of The Monsters,” I have seen “Kong: Skull Island,” which I really enjoyed. The movie spells out what is going on enough to where I wasn’t confused by what was happening even though I haven’t seen those movies.

There are some callbacks to plot points from those movies such as Millie Bobby Brown’s character so those would probably work more for someone watching “Godzilla Vs. Kong” if you have seen the previous movies.

The actors also get the job done well, but that really isn’t saying much. I really didn’t care too much about any of the lead human characters but that is how these movies usually go. The main characters just talk nonsense about the monsters and explain what is going on but that is typical for a movie like this.

The actors are there to take up screen time until the big monsters decide it is time to fight, which was okay with me. I probably won’t rewatch “Godzilla Vs. Kong” anytime soon because of the exposition slog at the beginning, but that is fine because that is what these movies are and the action sequences more than make up for it.

Speaking of the action sequences, they really do deliver with them in this movie. The action sequences are the only

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INSIDER PICKS BEST APP Reflectly Reflectly is a “personal mental health companion app” that helps you structure and reflect upon your day.

It’s basically a virtual journal that can really help you release stress and feel better.

BEST FOLLOW @user505429517019 Kyle Thorn, also known as the lengthy default username above, creates videos with his brother Tucker. Both are insanely hilarious; they create the most random and oddest videos, but they always make me burst out laughing when I’m having a bad day.

BEST TWEETS

thing that I really cared about in this movie. If the movie was just a 30 minute action scene that cut out all of the unnecessary filler, I would still watch. The special effects are great and the action is engaging and exciting.

Personally, I was rooting for Kong to win because I liked the movie he came from, and I don’t like lizards. Treating it like a spectator sport made this movie feel more like an event than a movie but it was a very fun watch once the action got rolling. This is the kind of movie that would be fun to watch with friends at the movie

theatre. I opted to watch it on HBO Max, but I can definitely see it being a fun theatre experience.

Although seeing these types of movies with friends is awesome, It is equally cool to have new movies like this streaming from your home the second they release. I would like to see movies release like this even after COVID-19.

In the end, “Godzilla Vs. Kong” is a fun experience that definitely isn’t for everyone, but I think people who like these types of movies will get a lot of enjoyment out of it if they can look past all of the exposition.

“all bottled water brands have different tastes and ice mountain is the worst. i will not be taking criticism.”

junior Rachel Florkiewicz @rachelflorkie

“Oh to have a friend group that dresses as oddly as the X-men.

They never coordinate and that’s perfect.”

freshman Ethan Ogrentz @EO2099

38 PEOPLE

Tom Reed poses with two of his milking does in his main goat barn. All of his does are nursing their babies, who were born in the past six weeks.

PHOTO BY ROSALIE DEGENHART

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE HERD KIND

Orchestra teacher Tom Reed raises goats on his farm

BY ROSALIE DEGENHART assistant editor Orchestra teacher Tom Reed is no stranger to living the rural life. Growing up, Reed lived on a small farm only three miles from where he currently lives.

“We had a small barn; we had sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits and a few other things when I was growing up, so it all made sense to me to do that at my house,” Reed said.

When Reed and his family were in the beginning stages of their farm, Reed comments that they used to have a variety of different animals.

“As time went on, we downsized to the point where we are just dairy goats now.

We also have a bunch of baby chicks. We have a couple of barn cats and our dog, Copper,” Reed said.

Reed has nearly 50 baby chicks, several chickens and 21 goats. Of those goats, Reed has five milking does, two yearlings, three two year olds, or first timers as Reed calls them, two bucks and 11 babies. These does have recently given birth in the past six weeks, after being pregnant for five months, and all of their milk supply is being used to nurse the babies. “. . . (the does) had their babies right when we wanted them to: early March or

late February. The first babies were born the first week of February. Our last babies came not more than two weeks ago,” Reed said.

The two bucks are their males goats, and their two yearlings are defined as being too young to have babies. Their “first timers” had their first babies in the last six weeks or so. Reed notes on how playful the baby goats are.

“The babies are very playful right now.

They’re jumping and running and doing all the fun things that babies do,” Reed said.

“They jump on each other, and they are hard core players.”

Raising goats has been a learning ex-

perience throughout Reed’s adult life.

“We started with sheep, but the goats have great personalities. They will walk right up to you and be your friend. I’ve been learning as I go for 20 years now,” Reed said. “We got our first goats around 2002, and in 2005 we made the decision that we wanted to raise purebreds and show quality animals. Instead of just having goats, we have goats that can go to a show and be competitive with other breeders.”

Unlike last year, when Reed and his wife were unable to attend any goat competitions, Reed is hoping to attend six or seven shows. Reed believes that his goats this year are of high quality, which will benefit them in the competitions.

“We have the right buck, the right females and we have gotten some really nice looking babies. And that matters because those are the babies that are going to grow up, and they’re going to be considered for show quality,” Reed said.

The physical features of their goats are also important. If needed, Reed will bathe his goats and clip their hooves. Training is also another aspect that is important for goat showings. Currently, Reed is focusing his attention on training the babies to walk on a collar, which accustoms them at a young age to being handled by humans.

“The (baby) goats are almost getting too big to be held now. They’re 45 lbs already. They’re really growing like crazy,” Reed said. “We’ll still hold them by the collar, and, now, we’re working on trying to get them to walk on a collar. We’ll walk very slowly, and they fight us, they resist, and we don’t push too hard; we don’t fight back. You can’t train an animal by fighting with it.”

Laying the training foundations down at a young age can be effective on the goats’ behaviors in the future.

“It’s one thing to have a barn full of goats, but if you can’t handle them and can’t catch them, so we work hard to try and tame them when they’re young,” Reed said.

Reed has noticed how valuable this human interaction has been on the baby goats, and he recalls a moment one morning where this valuableness expressed itself.

“I went into the pen where the goats are, and five or six of the baby goats came

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One of Reed’s milking does, Liberty, gets a close up shot in the goat barn.

PHOTO BY ROSALIE DEGENHART right up to me. That’s kind of what we’re trying to develop while they’re young that they get over that fear of humans, and it’s like, ‘come on by and I’ll scratch your head,’ and they like that,” Reed said.

Reed wakes up at 5:30 a.m. everyday to check up on the goats before he heads to work. During this time, he gives the goats fresh hay and water. Reed also does a quick overview of the goats, just to make sure they are healthy and are not harmed in any way.

‘‘

We started with sheep, but the goats

have great personalities . They will walk

right up to you and be your friend.

orchestra teacher Tom Reed Most recently, Reed and his wife have started allowing high school students to come to the farm and help take care of the goats. They receive community service hours and immerse themselves in an instructive, therapeutic environment focused on nurturing young animals.

“Mrs. Reed and/or I will always be with them to supervise. They’ll walk the babies, they’ll clean out the water buckets,

they’ll feed hay to the goats, they’ll pour feed in the feeders,” Reed said. “We have to guide them. It’s a learning process right down to, ‘make sure you close the gate after you walk through it.’”

Since the does are currently nursing their babies, Reed hasn’t been milking them, leaving their automated milking machinery untouched. However, when the babies are old enough to be separated from their mothers, Reed predicts that they will collect three gallons of milk a day.

“Our (milking) equipment is stainless steel; it gets washed everyday with soap and hot water. When we’re done milking, we carry everything into the house, where we have a big sink. We’ll strain the milk, we’ll bag it up into quart size freezer bags, we date them and in the freezer they go,” Reed said.

Selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Indiana, so Reed sells his milk to people who have varying needs, including one customer that buys it to make his own dog food.

“It’s quite an operation. (It’s) small scale. I like what we’re doing because our numbers are very manageable, they’re not so much,” Reed said. “We’ve been to that point where we have had nine or 10 does that we’re milking, and it’s a lot of work.

This is a fun hobby of ours, and I don’t want it to become such work that we hate it.”

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT TYLER KUEHL SENIOR Q. Are you involved in any clubs at CPHS? A. I’m involved in CASS but that is

definitely a little different this year. (We are) not able to go anywhere, and I just make videos so it is a little weird.

Q. If you could do anything right now, what would it be?

A. If I could do anything I would proba-

bly graduate and start taking classes for my college career. Just to get a head start on everything and see how it starts. Get a little bit of a grip.

Q. Do you have any plans for after high school?

A. I plan on going to Purdue in Lafay-

ette and majoring in nursing. I had an internship in the hospital and it just kind of grew from there. I just want to be a nurse.

Q. Do you have a job?

A. I do have a job. I work at the YMCA and with kids from the age of six weeks to 12-years-old in the kid zone and kids club areas. I interact with the different ages to bring them a safe and fun environment to grow social skills with friends and be able to express themselves after school.

Q. What is your favorite sports team and why?

A. My favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs. Their quarterback, Patrick

INKLINGS

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What Do You

THINK?

If you could time travel, where would you go? “ I think I’d go to the 80s or 90s because so many good movies came out around that time, and it would be great to get some friends and go see all those movies together for the first time.” freshman Zander Abraham

“I would go to London in the 1600s so I could meet William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton and Johann Bach.” junior Rachel Clausing

“I wouldn’t go to the past because if I said something from Gen-Z lingo they would probably think I’m a witch or a devil worshiper and try to burn me at the stake. I would want to see what I end up doing in life in the future instead.” senior Jenna Milosh

“If I could time travel, I would visit New York or New Orleans in the 50s because jazz swing was the most popular music genre in that era and jazz is one of my favorite genres. I want to see historic bands play their heart out in one of the most iconic eras of the 1900s.” sophomore Jeremiah Arona

Mahomes, is a very good leader of that team and they all respect him. Every game they play is always entertaining and never boring.

Q. Who is your favorite musical artist and why?

A. My favorite artist is Polo G because I like his style and lyrics. The topics

he raps about are for different people and can be applied in most settings and he is just a very versatile artist.

“I would travel 30-40 years in the future to wherever I’m living at the time to see how life turned out for me and to see if it has been fulfilling.” sophomore Ali Byrne