Crown Point HIgh School, IN newspaper

INKLINGS Sept. 28, 2009 •

Volume 74 Issue 1 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

MEET THE NEW TEACHERS: Fun facts about the new faculty NEW LUNCH LINES: See what choices students prefer

page 2

page 10

HOMECOMING NOMINATIONS: Princes and Princesses named

page 9

News

9/11 Memorial Relive the Sept.

11 tribute on the square pg. 3

Entertainment B-dubs in CP The best movie ever? We think so. The best movie ever? We think so. And how about this caption font, ehh??? TNR, very classy.

photo by Georgia Otte

After school, junior Elizabeth Rettig texts in the parking lot before leaving for home. Due to a recent law change, no person under the age of 18 can use any electronic device while driving.

No driving while intexticated New law prohibits minors from using electronic devices while driving

By Deanna Sheafer and Cori Novelli co-editors-in-chief

L

ooking down momentarily to respond to your last text message, you don’t notice that the stoplight has changed to red up ahead of you.

With your foot to the pedal, you surge into the intersection, your focus still on a flirty text from your latest crush.

Glass shatters and tires screech as the cars devastatingly collide.

A new law came into effect on July 1 which states that no person under the age of 18 is permitted to use an electronic device of any sort while driving. The law was made to target the use of cell phones and iPods in order to prevent these types of scenarios. According to the Governors’ Highway Safety Association, twenty-one states have followed suit and put restrictions on the use of cell phones in particular for young drivers.

“I have texted while driving and so have almost all of my friends. I don’t look at my phone when I text, but I do agree that there are dangers to it,” senior Brianna Starzak said.

As the popularity of texting among

teenagers grows, so do cell phone related car accidents. According to Director of Security Milan Damjanovic, there were four accidents last year on our school campus alone involving the use of cell phones.

Damjanovic said that the primary danger with texting and driving is one’s lack of attention to the road. “[The driver’s] eyes are no longer on the road, so they aren’t paying nearly as much attention to their surroundings as they normally would,” he said.

Some have even compared the risks of cell phone usage while driving with that of driving while intoxicated.

Read a review of the new Buffalo Wild Wings pg. 12

Sports Cross country See how the cross country teams are performing pg. 15

continued on pg. 2

Dual Credit COURSES with Purdue Calumet and IUN

Pre-Calculus Speech World Composition AP Chemistry Anatomy and Physiology Cadet Teaching

Dual credit classes offer corresponding college credit

By Kelly Rostin opinion editor As promised last year, a few CPHS classes now have credits that are transferrable to college transcripts. This is known as dual credit.

This fall, students who were enrolled in the Pre- Calculus, Speech, World Composition, AP Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, or Cadet Teaching classes at CPHS can get corresponding credits on a Purdue Calumet or Indiana University Northwest college transcript. By taking advantage of the opportunity, students can earn college credits at a cost of $15 per credit hour, as opposed to the higher prices of college credit hours. The standards in the high school classes, however, have not changed from previous years.

“This opportunity has a strong relevance to students because their futures start here,” Principal Dr. Eric Ban said.

Students enrolled for the dual credit classes had to fill out and submit a Purdue Cal or IUN application in order to start the college transcript and get dual credit for the class. Now that the due date has passed, however, students can no longer submit the applications.

Senior Sarah Ballas is enrolled in both the PreCalculus and Anatomy and Physiology classes.

“I really like the fact that I am already ‘enrolled’ at the colleges, “Ballas said.

By taking advantage of these classes, students will be able to save money by spending $15 per credit hour as opposed to more than $200 per credit hours as a student at IUN. “It’s really great that I can get college credit for the classes, and save money,” Ballas said.

Even though Purdue Calumet and IUN are the only schools whose names are tied to this plan, the credits may be transferrable to other colleges.

This means that the students who are planning to

go to a college within the state can start building their college transcript now, regardless of whether they are planning to go to Purdue Cal or IUN. “In the state of Indiana there is a credit transfer library, which means that every state school accepts the credits,” Ban said.

Depending on the success of this year’s dual credit program, the course of future programs may be affected.

“We will look at the emerging job market, and accordingly plan for the students,” Ban said.

In the future, students will be able to take tests that will let them know if they are eligible to take these upper level classes.

“We will all be taking ACT assessments from eighth to eleventh grade. Depending on how students perform on the assessments, they will be able to take the harder classes,” Ban said. “Our mission is to give students a more focused vision of their futures.”

2

save the date

10.2

Homecoming Parade 5:30 p.m.

Homecoming Game 7 p.m.

News

September 28, 2009

Getting to know...

CPHS’s new teachers

10.3

By Mary-Katherine Lemon staff reporter

10.7

As Crown Point High School continues to expand, the need for new teachers rises. Nineteen new teachers have joined the high school faculty. With teaching experience ranging from none to 23 years, teaching everything from American Literature to Computer

Homecoming Dance 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Advanced Choir Concert

10.14

Intermediate Choir Concert

10.14

Softball Bean Bag Tournament

10.27

Photo Retakes

10.29-30

Fall Break - No School

in the know Royal Regiment earns gold The Royal Regiment marching band earned a gold level rating at the Rensselaer Bomber Battle of the Bands Invitational as well as the Kankakee Valley marching band invitational. Drum majors seniorRyan Farrell and junior Kelsey Emery were awarded the distinction of Outstanding Drum Majors at both events. At the KV invitational the band also captured Music Achievement and Visual Achievement honors. The band’s show is “Beatles a la Jazz,” which combines the popular music of the Beatles with sections of rock and swing styles.

Key Club walks for causes More than 20 members of the Key Club participated in the Northwest Indiana Lupus walk at Festival Park in Hobart, raising over $600 for the cause. Members also participated in St. Anthony’s Heart Walk to promote heart health awareness at the fairgrounds. Students raised money through pledges and bake sales to donate to both causes.

Five place in essay contest Five students placed in the 16th Annaual Essay Contest on Ayn Rand’s novelette, Anthem. Juniors Erin McNeil and Brad Qualizza earned finalist recognition and Victoria Connelly, Emily Featherstone, and Carmen Siew were named as semifinalists.

Students earn AP awards Over 50 Crown Point High Schoolstudents earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of exceptional achievement on the 2009 AP Exams.

About 18 percent of nearly 1.7 million students worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award.

New interact club forms Interact, a new club sponsored by the Crown Point Rotary Club, will meet on the first and third Monday of each month. For more information, please see business teacher Mary Backnak in room C201.

Excalibur yearbook available The 2008-2009 edition of the Excalibur yearbook may be picked up in the main office for those who have pre-ordered. Extras are available by contacting adviser Chris Gloff.

Vince Bauters American Literature and Composition, English 9H Indiana University • First year teaching • “[I like] using the English language to write stories and poems.”

Lindsay Cox 3D Art, Ceramics I Academy of Art, Columbia College, Ball State University • Two years teaching experience • “I like getting students excited about art!”

Mike Cronkhite Algebra I, Geometry Saint Joseph’s College, Indiana University • Six years teaching experience • Favorite hobby is playing golf.

April Miller Cripliver, PhD AP Computer Science, Visual Basic, Web Page Design, Advanced Computer Applications Purdue University • 23 years teaching experience • “[I] enjoy collecting a wide variety of clocks.”

Mark Garrett Personal Fitness University of Maine at Presque Isle • 13 years teaching experience • Plays the bagpipes Stephen Gill Algebra I, Geometry Butler University • Three years teaching experience • “I am the youngest of 12 children.”

Science, this diverse group of teachers has enhanced the faculty at Crown Point High School. Three teachers are musicians and two others are dancers. Five new teachers have been added to the math department, the largest increase this year. The English department had the second largest addition with three new teachers. The history department came in third with two new teachers. All but three teachers attended colleges in Indiana.

Chris Gloff Earth Space Science, Advanced Journalism, Yearbook DePauw University, Purdue University, St. Joseph’s College • 15 years teaching experience • “I spent the first half of my childhood on the east coast surfing and learning to play a number of instruments.”

Did you

KNOW?

Spanish teacher Stephanie Lamanna danced at the 2008 Olympics in China.

Adam Piaskowy Algebra I, II, Math Lab Valparaiso University • First year teaching • “Most people don’t know that I can juggle.”

Did you

KNOW?

Art teacher Lindsay Cox works with her mother, Karen Cox, who is also an art teacher.

Leslie Henderson ARR, Beginning Foods, Housing

KNOW?

Personal Fitness

Maryann Nicks Biology, Physics

Purdue University • 23 years teaching experience • “I wake up every morning at 3 a.m. so that I can feed my horses.”

Lisa Hanlon Special Needs Purdue University Calumet • 12 years teaching experience • Favorite hobby is reading

Did you

Sarah Liszka Algebra I, II, Math Lab Purdue University • First year teaching • “I was on the Purdue dance team for three years.”

Purdue University • First year teaching • “My eyes are two different colors.”

Jonateacher Mark Garrett thon Stephanie plays the bagpipes.

Haas LaManna Math Spanish 1, 2 Credit Purdue UniRecovery versity Plymouth State College • First year • 10 years teaching experience teaching • “Helping young adults achieve their • “I danced at the 2008 Olympics in career goals is very rewarding.”

China.”

Lindsey Pavlovick American Literature and Composition, Creative Writing, English 11 Purdue University • First year teaching • Has been playing the piano for 15 years Marsha Romanowski Government, US History Indiana University Northwest • 23 years teaching experience • Favorite hobby is reading mystery novels Misty Scheuneman English 11 Indiana University, Indiana State University • 6 years teaching experience • “I would like to go to culinary school one day.”

Josh Stierley Advanced Mixed Choir, Advanced Treble Choir, Beginning Choir, Intermediate Choir Ball State University • First year teaching • “My greatest skill is playing piano.”

texting and driving, continued from pg. 1 “I think that it [texting or talking on phone] is as dangerous as drunk driving because there lies basically the same problem: the driver’s attention is misdirected. The focus isn’t on the road, whether it is due to blurred vision from alcohol or eyes looking at a phone instead of the traffic,” Damjanovic said.

A British public service announcement warning of the dangers of texting and driving has also been in the spotlight recently due to its graphic nature.

The video shows three girls: two teenagers and a smaller child, in a car while the driver is texting. The car hits another vehicle head on and later a third car crashes into the wreckage causing a pileup. The girls are badly injured with obvious bruises, broken bones, and blood. A particularly disturbing image from the public service announcement shows one of the girls with shards of glass in

her face. The video’s attempt was to show the serious and dangerous effects that can come from texting while driving.

Despite these dangers, however, many students admit they will continue to text while they drive. “[Knowing about the law] I don’t act any differently than before. I use my phone every day when I’m in the car, and I’ve never known anyone to be caught doing so,” Starzak said.

Students also disagreed with the age limit regarding the law. While the intentions of the ban seem like a reasonable effort to decrease the number of accidents involving an electronic, some students find the age limit meaningless.

“Yes, I think that it’s smart that they make teens wait two years so that they’re more experienced [drivers], but there are still always going to be dangers [involving tex-

ting] no matter what the age of the driver,” junior Katie Frank said.

Junior Travis Woosely, 17, agreed.

“It’s pointless. It’s not like someone will just get better at texting and driving once they’re 18,” he said.

Considering how vital a role texting plays in teen’s lives today, they will inevitably receive a text while they are driving a car. Starzak, Frank, and Woosely all admitted that they had used their phones at least once every time they were in the car.

In these events, though, according to Damjanovic, the best option is pulling over to answer it or simply answering it later.

“If it is an emergency text, then pull the vehicle over and text or call back. However, a conversation with a friend can always wait.

What is more important, your life and the lives of others, or returning a phone call?”

Damjanovic said.

News

September 28, 2009

C.P. gathers to pay tribute Sept. 11 tribute brings citizens together on the square

By Anna Ortiz graphics editor

People are taking time out of their lives to participate and we will continue to memorialize 9/11 and encourage schools to also participate in the future.

“

-Mayor David Uran Those that attended the memorial included Mayor David Uran, Indiana congressman Pete Visclosky, local 9/11 survivor Don Bacso, servicemen, policemen, firemen, as well as local organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, and the Lion’s Club, to name a few.

“Crown Point has always had a patriotic spirit and has always had a progressive spirit, but we also always remember our history. Those in the community such as the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Mayor wanted to make sure that the heroes of that day and those affected by it were never forgotten,” Crown Point Director of Events Jennifer Bzdil said.

The Memorial began with a speech

by Uran and the bells of the courthouse tolled in remembrance of September 11, followed by the VFW giving a gun salute and the playing of bagpipes as a somber tribute to those that perished eight years ago. A procession of police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances gradually drove around the square with lights flashing and sirens silenced for the servicemen that were involved at ground zero. Visclosky lent his voice to the gathering for a short speech and Bacso told an account of the day the Twin Towers and Pentagon fell.

Bacso locally lives in St.John, Indiana and at the time was at work in the World Trade Center on the first floor. When addressing the crowd, he began by thanking those that were in New York City who were committed to saving the innocent lives in danger. He also addressed the reason as

New “E” Wing provides larger capacity

By H. Shaaban and D. Casillas staff reporter and photographer

Eight years have passed since the devastating terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, yet for some the incident seems all too near. On Friday, September 11 at 8:30 a.m., Crown Point held their second annual tribute on the courthouse steps to those affected by the infamous terrorist attack.

“

3

photo by Georgia otte

The local VFW stood to honor the 9/11 victims and servicemen whose lives were affected by the attack eight years ago. to why he chose to share the event with others by responding “I speak for those that were silenced on that day… I speak on behalf of someone’s family so they are not forgotten.”

“Don Bacso found out about the memorial and offered to come as a speaker.

It’s amazing to have someone that can give a ground account and was in New York at work in the Trade Center when it all happened,” Bzdil said.

Also as a tribute to the victims of 2001, there were signs posted for the public with the names of the deceased listed on them.

A sizable crowd of citizens gathered at the east Courthouse steps to witness the memorial that morning. Among them was a young group of Trinity Lutheran students brought on a field trip to the event.

“Like Uran said, these children are the future. It reminds them of what happened, the importance of unity, and the value of

community,” Trintiy Lutheran fifth grade teacher Brenda Dean said.

President of the local Lion’s Club Alex Kleeman felt it was equally important for both organizations and the community to witness the event.

“It’s important to pay your respects and really appreciate what you have,” Kleeman said.

At the end of the memorial, Uran gave a speech. He thanked those who came and encouraged them to carry the sentiments shared that day with them in their daily lives.

“Looking around, we can judge from the crowd that it has doubled in size as each year passes. We were worried that people would forget, but that’s not the case. People are taking time out of their lives to participate. We will continue to memorialize 9/11 and encourage schools to also participate in the future,” Uran said.

for the June SAT. “The goal [of the SAT Bootcamp] was to have the test taking strategies and concepts fresh in their mind before taking the test.

[Miss Holtz and I] broke down the test and showed students what common questions are on it. Our belief was being familiar with the test is a major way to improve standardized scores,” Lambersie said.

In the class, students were split into two different groups (math and English) so there were smaller amounts of students. Lambersie taught the major points of the writing test and reading comprehension, while Holtz instructed students on the math section.

They also offered tips on how to succeed on the standardized test. Holtz said that in math there were a lot of “easier ways” to solve the problem.

“A lot of times the SAT isn’t testing your math skills, its testing your reasoning capabilities. We spent a lot of time on thinking through the problem and the

answers,” Holtz said.

Lambersie and Holtz are planning another SAT Boot Camp for the June SAT. Senior Jennifer Thompson took the SAT Boot Camp and found it very beneficial. “[Lambersie and Holtz] offered a lot of inside tips that helped me excel on the test.

I would definitely recommend students to take the SAT Boot Camp,” Thompson said.

According to Swan, one factor to low SAT scores could be a student’s curriculum in high school. “[I recommend students] to take challenging curriculum in both math and language arts. As school counselors, we encourage students to take rigorous courses to the best of their ability,” Swan said.

Though over 1.5 million graduating seniors took the SATs in 2009, ACTs are also an optional test for college. According to the ACT website, 1.4 million graduating seniors took the ACT. Principal Dr. Eric

Last March, construction workers put down their tools, stood back, and took a look at the final product. There stood the brand new addition to Crown Point High School. The new “E” wing has been added on to the east side of the school, next to the “C” section.

As Crown Point is a rapidly growing city, the new wing was added to accommodate the growing number of Crown Point High School students.

The new wing has significantly improved the school’s student capacity.

The school, which currently has over 2,400 students, can now contain 3,000 students.

“I don’t like how far away the “E” section is. [However,] you don’t see as many freshman in the hallways,” senior Felicia Kralek said.

Dozens of teachers have been moved to new rooms in the “E” section. Many were happy about the move, including math teacher Amanda Carlson. Carlson teaches her first hour Math lab class in rooms E219 and E221 in the new wing.

“The rooms are mostly the same, but I love that they’re nice and new.

They also have a great technology base which is really good for Math lab,” Carlson said.

Although the new wing is convenient for most, it does have some disadvantages.

In the beginning of the year, sophomore Patrick Becker had to get from a class in the “E” wing to his health class in the short six minute passing period.

Most of the time Becker was late and, as a consequence, got a tardy. “[Being late] didn’t happen every time,” Becker said. “But [the distance and tardies] made me change my schedule.”

Carlson, who teaches her first hour in the new “E” section, then moves to room D210 for the rest of her classes for the day.

“It is an inconvenience for me because I have to move between two different rooms, but it’s really nice,” Carlson said. “I wish I could stay [in the new room] all the time.”

SAT scores drop, ACT tests gain popularity

By Michele Bates associate editor As students prepare for upcoming SATs, the Collegeboard recently reported that SAT scores dropped for the class of 2009. Indiana’s SAT scores continue to be below the national average.

According to an article from The Times, Indiana’s graduating seniors reading scores remained the same as 2008 (496 points out of 800). The math scores went down one point with an average of 507. Seniors’ writing scores also decreased one point averaging of 481 points.

“I think as educators, we need to investigate [the decrease in scores]. If [Indiana] is below the national average, [educators] need to ask why,” guidance counselor Kim Swan said.

Last year, the administration heard there was a need for SAT test prep. Dean of Students Chip Pettit came up with the idea for a SAT Boot Camp and asked teachers to help lead the class. English teacher John Lambersie and math teacher Carol Holtz met with 42 students to help them prepare

Upcoming SATs • Oct. 10, 2009 • Dec. 5, 2009 • June 12, 2010

Ban said that though the high school recommends taking both tests, SAT is an achievement based test, while ACT is a standard based test.

“The ACT is very similar to how we organize and teach our courses (math, English, science and reading). SATs are not in the same alignment with what we do have. Since CPHS teachers do a great job with our core content, lot’s of our students are set up to do really well on the ACT,” Ban said.

The Collegeboard did recognize that the class of 2009 not only had the largest group of diverse students, but also had a history making turn out. According to a SAT press release, statistics show that more students are becoming interested in college. Ban said that with more diverse students going to college, the real gap is on the income level.

“In our society, education is the great equalizer; however, more students and families with low income levels are not gaining access to strong university programs.

A strong educational foundation will help prepare them for these transitions,” Ban said.

Opinion

4

September 28, 2009

Celebrity influence overshadows reality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Alyssa Blahunka assistant ads editor Teenagers, let’s face it we don’t know everything and we don’t have all the answers. Although, that doesn’t mean that we have to look up to celebrities for the

V

cartoon by

Anna Ortiz

Discouraging hand sanitizer seems implausable

iew:

Discouraging the use of hand sanitizer because of it’s ethyl alcohol content should be the least of a school system’s worries, especially with the threat of viruses such as H1N1 this season. editorial

It’s common knowledge that high schools ban items like alcohol and drugs for obvious reasons. However, this ordinary act has become justification for discouraging the use of a customary way to stay germ-free. Hammond schools have recently decided to curb the use of hand sanitizer on school property. The reasoning? Hand sanitizer is made up of about 60 percent ethyl alcohol, making the Food and Drug Administration label it an over-the-counter drug.

Hand sanitizer is not necessarily prohibited from the schools, but just strongly discouraged with the intention that student would use soap and water instead.

Most students would agree that the alcohol found in hand sanitizer is a far cry from the contents of a bottle of Southern Comfort; yet, it truly leads one to wonder, where do we draw the line when a simple, useful cleansing tool is classified a drug?

According to CNN, the H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as the “swine flu,” hits young children and young adults hard with large outbreaks predicted at schools. Experts also predict a comeback of this disease with a possible 30,000 to 90,000 deaths this year in the U.S alone. With these scary statistics, people are going to want to protect themselves any way possible. It is unreasonable to discourage students’ efforts to prevent the disease. Surely the school board has more important issues to deal with than monitoring how students choose to kill germs on a daily basis.

Besides, the practicalities of this recommendation would only create more problems for both students and administration alike. From a realistic standpoint, as high school students, we know the difficulty of arriving to class on time just pushing trough the bottlenecked halls. If a bathroom stop is necessary after every sneeze or accidental touch of a sticky substance under a desk, tardies will be administered left and right while students flock the bathrooms during passing periods. If they choose to maintain a decent attendance record and skip the crowded sinks, students would instead be losing valuable class time by getting a pass out. In any event, discouraging the use of hand sanitizer creates problems for all.

things that we do.

To teenagers, some celebrities seem to have the “picture perfect” lifestyle.

They go to the best parties, eat at the most amazing restaurants, and have some of the most well known celebrities as friends.

In a celebrities life we don’t know every detail, so we may misinterpret the small details we hear. Teens who aren’t sure how to approach a situation may relate it to a similar situation a celebrity has recently faced, even if it might not have been the smartest choice.

Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Tyra Banks, and the Jonas Brothers are some popular names in entertainment today. These people are not popular for their lifestyle choices but for their talents.

For this reason, they are already set apart from us. They have some problems that we wouldn’t even think about, and we have some issues that they would even consider to be a problem.

Celebrities do make mistakes, and when we see that it brings the celebrity down to a more realistic level, like us. The Chris Brown and Rihanna relationship, Jamie Lynn Spears’ pregnancy and Miley Cyrus’ Rolling Stone magazine cover, took a major toll on each of their careers. These mistakes show they are human just like everyone else.

We should look up to celebrities for the things they are famous for, not for their mistakes. Teenagers shouldn’t be “monkey-see, monkey-do” with celebrities; instead they should learn from their mistakes, not repeat them.

heard in the

halls

Dual Credit Classes “Dual credit classes are really hard, but you have to pass them because if you don’t you start out college failing.”

Junior Martha Poulus

New Lunch Lines “There’s better food and atmosphere.

There’s not as much negativity yet.”

Senior Josh Rice

Homecoming Voting “The electric vote machines were incredibly efficient. Everything went smoothly in the voting process this year.”

Senior Needa Malik

Opinion

September 28, 2008

New policy lacks benefits

5

By Arley Gomez staff reporter

Cartoon by Dani McCuan

Two late start days or just one?

Reliable weekly schedule ensures success

By Becca Duggan entertainment editor Last year around this time, we were all adjusting to a dramatic change in our schedules.

These changes were known affectionately as “late starts.” This year another difference has been made, only this one not so dramatic- late starts occur on Wednesday. Instead of a paltry fifteen minutes, we get a whopping half hour of extra time. Despite this realm of opportunity now open to us on Wednesdays, there is more to these late starts than an extra thirty minutes.

Consistency is key in school. Last year, the start times changed twice in one week, whereas now it only changes once. This simpler school schedule will allow us to focus on more important aspects of school. The amount of time taken for adapting to this new schedule will take considerably less time than it did last year, thanks to its more simplistic form.

Not only will there be time freed up by the lack of confusion over the changed schedule, but there will be more time for zero period in the week.

Last year, there was no chance for zero periods on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This year, only one day does not have a zero period. This means that students will be able to seek teacher assistance more throughout the week. The lack of zero periods last year was a common complaint among students, and so that problem is amended by this year’s solution.

I will be honest- last year, I was completely in support of the Tuesday and Thursday late starts.

However, that was only because I did not know that there could be a better solution. Now that I see what good the Wednesday late starts can do, I look forward to the opportunities they will bring this year. The potential of the Wednesday late starts is currently untapped, and it is our responsibility as students to discover its lasting benefits.

Q

I

ssue:

Last year, the school implemented Tuesday/ Thursday late start days at 7:40 a.m. This year, there’s only one late start on Wednesday mornings at 7:55. Which is more beneficial to students?

Inconsistency causes confusion among students

By Garret Hogan staff reporter Last year, there was a late start on Tuesdays and Thursdays with first period beginning at 7:40 a.m. rather than 7:25 am. Now our only late start day is Wednesday with first period beginning at 7:55 a.m.

This change is not an improvement from last year; in fact it is counter productive.

The late start schedule was changed because of the policy of no more half days. Last year when there were 40 minutes of zero period on Tuesdays and Thursdays, teachers had collaboration. Teachers also used the time after half days to do this as well.

Now however, the Indiana Department of Education has eliminated half days, so the time for teacher meetings is now lost. In an attempt to fix this problem, administrations implemented a late start on one day, Wednesday, and have first period start at 7:55.

This change poses a serious dilemma for students who can’t drive themselves to school. For example, when we had two late start days last year, bus riders still got on the bus at normal time and entered the building at 7 a.m. Now however, the buses come much later and the schedule time becomes very confusing. This also applies to students who are dropped off by their parents. Since there is no need for the students to be at school 55 minutes before class begins, they can wait at home and use the extra time at their leisure; however parents who have to make it to work by a certain time are unable to take their children to school without them being ridiculously early. So while this change may be advantageous to some students, it poses a problem to other students.

Wednesday’s zero period is a step back from last year’s. It causes too much confusion for staff and students, and it creates problems at home with transportation issues. As a high school we need to make progress, but now with the change of late starts it seems the opposite.

Throughout the course of my school experience there has been the luxury of half days: something that was looked forward to as a way to get out of school for a couple of hours. This year the State superintendent of public instruction, Tony Bennett, has passed a new policy that states half days don’t count towards the total number of school days, which in other words eliminates half days.

By passing the policy, the Indiana Department of Education hopes to ensure we receive the maximum benefit of our time in school. I can see that the IDOE is trying to give us more time to learn, but teachers altered their lesson plans on those days to fit the shortened time period to ensure that we aren’t missing out on a lesson. Half days are not taking away from our learning experience in any way.

Although we do not generally think about it, half days are meant for teachers. These days are for the faculty to get training and information that is meant to benefit the students and the teachers. Now that the they are abolished, the teachers will have to get their training at a different time. Many teachers have obligations before or after school, and are unable to attend meetings before or after the school hours.

The students may not have stayed longer on half days, but we benefitted from them nonetheless. Teachers take the training and conferences to teach more effectively, which is then passed on to us in this two-tier system. We receive the lessons, and they receive theirs without have to stay after or come in early.

Going to school a set number of days is important, but it should be the very best education that is available. If the teachers lose their training days, then we lose out on the lesson they would’ve learned. The teachers will have to have shorter training without half days, with a fiftyfive minute meeting instead of the three to four hours of constant training. Half days are as much a part of school as homework or tests. Taking them away is not essential to the benefit of students; the priority should be on the quality of the education not just quantity.

Clayton Culber “I would want to pull the biggest school prank ever.”

Tyler Smith “I would want to take four years of Spanish.”

Senior

Junior

Sophomore

What is the number one thing you want to do before you graduate?

Freshman

speak up

Alex Angelich

Mary Jacobs

“I would want to graduate with academic honors.”

“I would want to go camping in my backyard.”

Look

I

Senior Kyle Leubke picks up his yearbook and flips through the pages after school.

on

life

Ask Laugh Explore Wonder Inspire Live

September 28, 2009

Typing

ng

i

6

Sophomores Morgan Frame and Kylie Mikus type on the new laptop computers.

A hard habit to break Students share their mannerisms that they just can’t kick K n uc k l e ki Crac ng

Texting

Hair Twirling

Nail Bit

in

g

by the

numbers

55

percent more girls than boys are more likely to pressure themselves to get good grades and do well in school.

50

percent of people who text while driving have an increased risk of getting into a car accident.

500

cans of pop are consumed by the average adult anually.

Photos By Alex Parrish

Juniors Matt Heiligstedt, Amber Higgins, senior Mike Miller, and freshmen Jordan Engal and Brittany Ash have an array of bad habits including nail biting, texting, knuckle cracking, and hair pulling.

By Anna Ortiz feature and graphics editor Quirks, glitches, off-set mannerisms, addictions, call them anything. They are, in a strange enough way, what make people all the more human. Everyone has a bad habit or two. If they deny it, just ask their best friend, girlfriend or boyfriend, parents or teachers. Yet there is a difference between a consistent routine and a bad habit.

“A habit is something that becomes a part of someone’s daily routine; however, a bad habit is something that interferes with healthy, daily functioning,” psychologist Kathryn Huls said.

According to Huls, it takes exactly six weeks to build a consistent habit, whether good or bad. For example, exercising at a certain time daily for six weeks tends to have the same effect as smoking everyday for the same amount of time. They both equally become part of daily life.

However, bad habits have just as wide of a range as the people that harbor them. “[Bad Habits] might impact

someone socially, like if someone has a habit to interrupt other people while they are talking, or they could affect someone physically, whether it’s a smaller habit like biting your nails or a bigger one like smoking,” Huls said.

Senior Ashley Young has a few confessional quirks, such as absentmindedly humming show tunes, arguing with people even when she agrees with them, and ignoring her friends’ personal space issues.

“My habits can cause conflicts. A lot of time my humming can annoy and distract people, especially at work, then obviously my friends can get frustrated or angry with me because I have a tendency to argue with them a lot,” Young said.

Junior Emily Ward-Smith has the common habit of picking at her nails.

“I’m usually not even thinking about when I do it. It’s just a nervous habit,” Ward- Smith said.

And then there are the chronic fidgeters, hair twirlers, loud gum chewers and obsessive texters, to name a few. Sometimes

the habits can be dangerous like substance abuse or the ever hazardous tendency to text while driving (which has raised some heads by Indiana law-makers lately). Yet ask any one of these repeat offenders about what bad habits annoy them the most and they could easily specify their top pet peeves.

“I hate when people chew with their mouth open, and I think that it’s really annoying when someone feels like they need to repeat themselves too much,” junior Stephanie O’ Connell said.

Then there are more odd brands of behavior.

“I’ve seen people walking around and randomly begin air guitar-ing. It freaks me out a little,” Ward- Smith said.

And teachers, no doubt, see a lot of behavior that can only be described as habitual as well as disruptive.

“Common bad habits of students are [using their] cell phones, gum popping, and throwing garbage,” science teacher Kelly Loving said. “If they are doing these things they probably aren’t pay-

ing attention.”

Yet as bad habits can easily form, they can be easily broken, too.

“Find a replacement behavior for your habit. Also identifying the trigger, or what makes you turn to that habit, can aid you in stopping your problem.

If it’s your surroundings, then change the environment, and if it’s specific stresses, then find another way to cope with them. Set a goal to change your behaviors and reward yourself for it,” Huls said.

Ward-Smith paints her nails frequently to help stop herself from picking at them. Young polices her bad habits with the help of friends.

“Usually one of my friends will remind me that I’m doing something that bothers them,” Young said. “Have others help you and tell you when you are going back to a bad habit, otherwise you won’t even realize you are doing it. Believe me, your friends won’t have a problem stopping you from doing something that annoys them if you ask them to.”

10

percent of children begin twisting their hair at a young age.

45

percent of teens bite their nails.

23

percent more teen drivers will be on the road in 2010 than there are today.

Facts from: infoniac.com, Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler, American Automobile Association, kidsgrowth. com, drivehomesafe.com, healthy-eating-madeeasy.com

7

Feature

September 28, 2009

“Meet new people, try new things, and get involved.”

Seniors relay advice

By Matt Smith and Lauren Cain co-copy editors

W ith each departing class, a new class enters, fondly known as the “underclassmen.” While most freshmen enter the high school on

the first day with preconceived notions of how to handle the next four years of their life, there’s nothing that compares to the advice from those who have been through it all. After nearly four years in this building, seniors share their advice on how to handle high school.

“Be yourself. You

don’t need to lose yourself to find friends.

There are plenty of people in this school.

You can find kids who have the same interests as you and like you for who you are.”

-Tyler Dillon “Don’t procrastinate. Learn to successfully

manage your time.”

“

“

- Lucas Groff

“Keep it classy, keep it real, and don’t

put up a front.”

-Brandon Zakutansky

“If you join something, commit

participate in it.”

and

- Aaron Hensley

“Walk through the hallways with confidence. Keep

your head up.”

-Jon Vonegas “Cut your own path. Find what you want to do and go for it.”

-Jared Hayes

about

high school • “The biggest misconception is that they’re going to get shoved into their lockers, and that’s only a misconception because the lockers are far too small.” senior Ashley Veljko

Don’t waste any mo-

ments. But while you’re a freshman, stay out of our way.”

-Steve Polacek

balance schoolwork with all extracurriculars.”

• “All upperclassmen are mean.” senior Kyle Davis

“Make sure you’re able to

- Mitchell Aducci

-Kaitlin Vass

You’ve all heard high school is the best years of your lives, but it’s up to you to make it true. Meet new people, try new things, and get involved. And most importantly: never, ever stand still in the middle of the hallway.

“Have fun.

5MYTHS

“Don’t be afraid to join new clubs or

try new things. I regret not being

involved in activities and sports my freshman year.”

- Mary Jacobs

“Don’t get behind on homework, don’t let homework overwhelm you and don’t

take crap from teachers. Don’t let ‘the man’ push you around. Try not to

fall asleep in every class.”

-Needa Malik

• “You will remain friends with everyone you were friends with in middle school.” junior Mali Rios

• “You need to wear designer labels to be cool.” senior Lindzy Volk

• “All upperclassmen hate freshmen.” junior Justin Ritter

“Live life to the fullest.”

-Chris Furmanski

10 things to do before graduation

Students suggest goals to accomplish during high school 7. Go on a school trip

3. Figure out who you are

By Cori Novelli co editor-in-chief

The four years go by fast, believe me.

Start setting and accomplishing your goals right away before the time runs out, because like they say, you only live through high school once. Here are some ideas you might want to consider doing before you graduate.

1. Set a record “It’s a personal achievement if you do. I hope to set one for track for long jump. It’s cool because you have something to look forward to and you’ll be remembered.”

-junior Drew Horjus

2. Get on stage “Try out for something; the feelings you get when being in front of an audience are amazing. I love making a crowd laugh, it’s such an adrenaline rush.”

-senior Reece Merritt

“In college you’ll be by yourself without people such as your parents there to guide you. In high school, make your own decisions and be independent. It’ll help you in the long run.”

-sophomore Kaylie Slosson

“I really want to go on the marine biology trip. It sounds like a ton of fun and definitely something I want to do before I graduate. “ -freshman Kelli Wagner

4. Do something wild “I’ve always wanted to go sky diving. It’s been a life long dream. Students should do something exciting before they graduate because we only get to live once; live it up”.

-junior A.J. Roach

5. Play a sport “You can see if you like the sport in high school whereas in college it’s more serious. And it’s a good experience especially when you get to play the game that you love while being able to interact with your peers and coaches.”

-sophomore Danielle Harnois

6. Travel abroad “Visit a different country and experience their culture, especially if you’re taking a foreign language. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.”

- senior Leif Jansson

8. Don’t stress yourself out “I had a hard three years so I made my senior year less difficult. I also took summer government and economy to clear up my schedule; its all really paid off.”

- senior Maddie Chambers

9. Thank your teachers “Although during a class the teacher may be your worst enemy, later on whether it’s in other classes or college, you can definitely see all the benefits from taking that class with that teacher.”

- junior Carmen Siew

10. Get a job “[Students] can get the work experience before college that way they will be better prepared in the adult world” -junior Rebecca Reed

8

Q&A

Mother/daughter teachers, Karen and Lindsay Cox, share their unique experience:

Q : What is the best thing :

about being a teacher with your mother/daughter?

Lindsay: We can ride to work together. And we’re like best friends, so it’s fun to have your best friend around to work with all day.

Karen: A major advantage is being able to see first hand how she has matured and become a great teacher.

Q:

Has your mother inspired you to become a teacher? :

Lindsay: She is the reason I became an art teacher. I saw the relationship she had with her students and how much they respected and listened to her and I thought that if I could get just one student to care and get excited about art like she could, it would be worth while.

Q : How has working with :

your daughter helped bond closer with her?

Karen: We are both artists, even though we each have different styles, so we automatically have a close connection. I’ve learned to respect her as an adult- not just as my child, but as my peer. I admit that I was naive in thinking I would come [to CPHS] and show her what to do, but she teaches me something new everyday. I feel blessed that we work together.

From

Feature

Parent and Teen to

September 28, 2009

Teacher and Student

When the prospect of a parent-teacher conference takes on a whole new meaning

By Lauren Cain co-copy editor With one (or both) of their parents on staff at the high school, some students have to deal with the benefits and disadvantages of their home life being intermixed with school life. Senior Krysta Rodd and sophomore Kyle Rodd have mother Karen Rodd as school receptionist.

“It’s what I thought it would be like. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s still nice,” Krysta said.

Kyle has to deal with his mother’s instinctive parental nature to embarrass her kids every once and a while. According to Krysta, her mother sometimes finds out her test grades and other news before she finds out herself.

“It has good and bad aspects, but the good outweigh the bad,” Krysta said.

The good aspects for Krysta include the fact that if she gets sick, her mom can collect her homework for her and if she forgets to have something signed, she can just run it to the office.

Kyle finds the silver lining in other things.

“She always has food in there and she knows all my teachers so that I’m on their good side,” Kyle said.

Math teacher Mike David has both of his children in the school as well, senior Andrea David and freshman Joshua David.

“It’s great to have my daughter and son here. What parent wouldn’t want to be around to support their child if they needed it on the spot? I consider it an added benefit to my job,” Mr. David said.

Mr. David doesn’t take advantage of the connection between him and other teachers to find out things about his children.

“If I ever wanted to know something, like anyone else, I would call or e-mail their teachers,” he said.

Photo By Donny Casillas

Sophomore Kyle Rodd, senior Krysta Rodd, and receptionist Karen Rodd share school, work, and home.

Freshman Abby Elston not only has both of her parents as teachers in the school, but her uncle as well. Her mother, Julie Elston, is actually her teacher for journalism.

“It’s kind of hard because I don’t know to call her my mom or Mrs. Elston. When you’re at home, she’s your mom, but when you get into class, she’s then your teacher,” Abby said.

Abby is in Mrs. Elston’s journalism class and said that while they once had a project, she needed her mother’s attention and struggled to not call her mom. Her partner had to get Mrs. Elston’s attention for her because it was awkward, according to Abby.

Abby’s father, science teacher Brian Elston thinks that having his wife and daughter in the school with him helps them understand more about him, and why he’s a teacher.

“What’s neat is I get to show them the reason why I’m in education. They look at you differently, with a bit of respect,” Mr. Elston said.

Another parent-student combination is school resource officer Chuck Noonan and his son, junior Tyler Noonan.

“I know he’s going to get a great education here. Having him here is about what I expected and planned on dealing with,” Officer Noonan said.

According to Officer Noonan, it’s especially hard for him to not take advantage of the closeness to Tyler’s teachers.

“I try my best to not follow up with his teachers if I need to.

I do get a lot of positive feedback from his teachers,” Officer Noonan said.

Tyler doesn’t find the situation difficult for him, just stressful at times.

“I want to do better in school because I know he can look up my grades at anytime. Plus, he can talk to all my teachers and coaches, so I have to act correctly during school,” Tyler said.

For the most part though, Tyler finds the dichotomy between home life and school life.

“At school, he is just the resource officer, and I am just another student,” Tyler said.

Officer Noonan agrees.

“I came in with the mindset of I leave him alone, and he leaves me alone. I let him do his thing, and I only pull him aside or out of class if absolutely necessary,” Officer Noonan said.

While there are pros and cons to this close relationship, overall, the faculty members enjoy it.

“I was very excited for them to get here, and having them here is far better than I thought it would be,” Mrs. Rodd said.

Technology.

“Pro-Start stands for ‘Where the Professionals Start.’ The National Restaurant Association members noticed the need for management level employees in the Food Service Industry. The result was the creation of this course written by the National Restaurant Association,” Rattazzi said.

committees to prepare for their different events. There will be a culinary competition in March so the students will work with local chefs to prepare for the competition,” Rattazzi said.

In addition, the class will be opening a Coffee Café in the cafeteria during zero periods in the near future. Rattazzi plans to have special field trips for the students, and she encourages her class to participate in community service.

“I want this class to have an impact on the students, and I want the students to have an impact on others. I expect for them to act professionally and be role models within the school,” Rattazzi said.

more about fashion and sewing,” Rattazzi said. “I have had students who attended Fashion Design in Chicago and Indianapolis.”

According to Rattazzi, the classes were added based on responses from students who wanted to continue with advanced courses. She is pleased with the direction the classes will be taking.

“We have many students who have the passion to work in the industry. If the students meet the requirements, they can receive scholarships to go to college in this area. Also, we are helping them to acquire a variety of certifications through this class.

All of these will help them work into their careers more easily.

They can work with a mentor to get one-on-one training in this field. There are definite benefits in getting hands-on experiences,” Rattazzi said.

Even though there are only three new classes, students will be able to partake in a variety of opportunities presented to them thanks to these new courses.

New classes add more variety to the school year By now, most students know their schedules and are ready to experience the new teachers, rules, as well as learning practices. Many of the classes that have steadily been a part of CPHS’ curriculum remained, but this year, three new classes have been recently added.

Pro-Start Culinary Class, Advanced Fashion Technology, and Adaptive Physical Education are all original courses that are being implemented this year.

“Adding more class options definitely makes it seem like students have more freedom to choose what they want to do,” junior Catherine Myers said.

A class that is technically new however is not necessarily a new idea is Adaptive Physical Education. Health and P.E. teacher Lindsay Hattendorf is teaching the class and says that the class is new in the sense that

she is now working with Special Skills teacher Branden Lorek, and she hopes to change the way it is organized.

“Adaptive physical education is for students who have mental and physical impairments when it comes to physical exercise.

Some students have emotional problems, others have physical disabilities,” Hattendorf said.

“I’m teaching this class this year with the intention to have two classes- one for Mr. Lorek and the other class for medically-related, physical impairments.”

Hattendorf is excited for the new class and believes more class options should be provided for each subject.

“More classes broaden horizons, and every department would benefit from them,” Hattendorf said.

Another teacher who is helping implement new ideas into the curriculum is Family and Consumer Science Department Chair Jan Rattazzi. She is teaching two brand-new classes this yearPro-Start and Advanced Fashion

“

More classses broaden horizons, and every department would benefit from them.

“

By Becca Duggan entertainment editor

-Health and P.E. teacher Lindsay Hattendorf

According to Rattazzi, the course is a Culinary Arts Careers class, and it will have many aspects to it that allow for students to gain experience in the culinary arts.

“Students will be running a cafe, a business and a restaurant.

They run meetings and work in

The other new class that Rattazzi is running is called Advanced Fashion Technology.

According to Rattazzi, the class is designed for students who have taken the Beginning Fashion Tech class and would like to learn more advanced skills and projects.

“Fashion Tech is designed for the person who just wants to learn

Feature

September 28, 2009

Week’s

Activities Monday Dress like your favorite teacher

Tuesday Dress like your favorite Disney character

Wednesday Sports Day Powder puff game at 6 p.m. car demolition after in parking lot

Homecoming voting goes high tech “It was a positive change; it cut down on paper use and saved time,” senior Jenny Jacques said.

Student council members facilitated the There won’t be any more paper cuts, hours on end spent tallying votes, or results questioned. voting throughout the day. They expressed their Counting the extensive ballots determining the appreciation for the voting machines and said homecoming queen, prince, princess, and Mr. there were no technical problems with the voting systems throughout the day.

Football now takes just a few minutes.

“It is a lot easier than prior years, and it Ten voting machines were borrowed from the reduces the ability for people Lake County elections board last Thursday to conduct It is very efficient and to cheat,” junior Billy Brown said. voting for the homecoming a streamline to perfection.

The English teachers, court.

I loved stopping class however, had to take some All it takes is swiping a key card, pressing a few and going to vote. It is the time out of their classes for the students to go vote. buttons, and choosing a students’ patriotic duty to “It is very efficient and a candidate. In past years, go and vote, streamline to perfection. I loved only about 800 students had stopping class and going to the opportunity to vote. This vote. It is the students’ patriotic year almost 2000 students -English teacher John Lambersie duty to go and vote,” English voted. teacher John Lambersie said.

“This system is Homecoming Queen will be announced at the much faster, more efficient, earth friendly, and economical. Plus more kids get to vote,” student homecoming game on Friday and Mr. Football will be announced at the dance on Saturday’s dance, council sponsor Rachele Raloff said.

The voting machines are the same ones used by which carries the theme “A Touch of Class.” citizens to vote for elected officials, including the president. Lake County Elections Commissioner Student council member junior Billy Michelle Fajman contacted CPHS regarding the Brown swipes the key card to activate voting machines in the past and this year student the booth for freshman Megan Cantu council president Jenny Jacques decided to give during Homecoming voting. them a try.

By Hajaar Shaaban and Lauren McCarroll staff reporters

“

“

The

Homecoming Court 2009

Thursday

Queen candidates:

seniors Shelby Hesser, Ashley Romano, Jenny Jacques, Jeri Grevis, Brianna Starzak

Class Color Day

Seniors: red Juniors: green Sophomores: yellow Freshman: purple

Mr. Football candidates:

seniors Brad Pusateri, Ben Cottrell, Chris Shimley, Zach Breuckman. Not pictured: Steve Perillo

Friday Spirit Wear Day Pep Rally 7th hour Parade at 5:30 beginning at Taft

9

Junior Prince and Princess:

Nate Ellingsen and Victoria Connelly

Sophomore Prince and Princess: Senior Homecoming court (front row from left to right): Shelby Hesser, Ashley Romano, Jenny Jacques, Jeri Grevis and Brianna Starzak. Back row: Brad Pusateri, Ben Cottrell, Chris Shimley, Zach Breuckman. Not pictured: Steve Perillo.

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Arts & Entertainment

10

September 28, 2009

Transcontinental lunch lines

A Taste of Variety:

The new cafeteria set-up gives students the chance to cross cultural borders in no time

Favorite Dishes

By Becca Duggan entertainment editor

“The philly beef from the American line was awesome. It was a nice change of pace from burgers and fries.”

From chicken nuggets to chicken bruschetta, the cafeteria offers a wide array of food with different themes. With the new food court system now in place, students are offered a more diverse eating experience.

“We listened to the students last year,” Director of Food Service Pam Maloney said. “We understand that it’s hard to please students with only two items and some cold lunches. When we asked for feedback from students, they wanted variety. ” Former food committee president Needa Malik discussed the food court option last year at committee meetings.

“Some students weren’t satisfied with the current way cafeteria food was served,” senior Needa Malik said. “So we talked about a new system that was similar to a food court. A lot of the members really liked the idea.”

The new method of serving was thus put forth by Maloney.

There are six different lunch lines for students to try foods of different styles. The lines include Italian, American, Oriental, South of the Border, Homestyle Vegetarian, and Deli foods.

Students have had a variety of reactions to the new development.

“It confuses me,” junior Jordan Garvey said. “I never know what’s for lunch. I have to get the menus up front. Besides that, I like the food court.”

For students who are confused by the process, Maloney offers advice.

“Try something new,” Maloney said. “If you don’t know what to get just try something you haven’t tried before. There are free samples of new items that

- sophomore Jacob Vingua

“The veggie wraps are really good. If you want more flavor, dip them in ranch dressing.”

- junior Catherine Myers

“So far, the stromboli is my favorite. I didn’t know what it was at first, but it ended up being good.”

Photo By Donny Casillas

Sophomore Robert Ebbens receives his lunch as provided by the newly reformatted cafeteria. The new lines are American, South of the Border, Italian, Deli, Homestyle Vegetarian, and Oriental. students may try.”

Menus of the new food options are available at each lunch line for students to take and observe to see what kinds of foods are available on certain days.

Also, the school web site has a link to the lunch menu on the home page.

The system offers multiple options but is easy to follow, according to Maloney.

“It operates in cycles,” Maloney said. “The same kinds of food are offered in three week cycles” Other students realize both the potential and downfalls of the new food court.

“I can see both sides,” senior Mitchell Adducci said. “It’s good because there’s more variety. It’s bad because if one choice is better than the rest, everyone goes to

that line. Since there are a lot of lines though, it shouldn’t be that much of a problem.”

The new organization of the cafeteria will require some students to adapt or change their lunch habits, but it adds undeniable variety to an otherwise regular lunch plan.

The new system was implemented for a variety of reasons, but two reasons in particular were focused on, according to Maloney.

“We have a variety everyday now. This way you have many different choices on any day,” Maloney said. “Also, we’re preparing students for a college setting.

There are more options in college, so we have a system similar to that.”

Even though there are many

changes happening in the cafeteria, some things will remain the same.

“We will still concentrate on offering healthy choices,” Maloney said.

Maloney has high hopes for the food court.

“I’m confident the food court will stay for next year,” Maloney said. “Everyone seems to like it.

Several students tell me they like it because they have so many choices. Cost may play a variable, but if we do our homework, we’ll learn from this year. We’ll also try to keep it popular.”

Some students are optimistic about the new system.

“I think the food court will work out in the long run,” Adducci said. “Students will get used to it and appreciate it.”

Lake Driving School

- junior Chelsea Groff

“I buy a lot, and my favorite cafeteria item is the popcorn chicken from the American line. I really like the sauce that it comes with.”

- senior Ruben Barajas

“I still love the bosco sticks. I always buy them whenever they are on the menu. ” - freshman Matt Gunia

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September 28,2009

Arts & Entertainment

Woodstock remembered Concert gives people a chance for peaceful meeting

By Ammy Easto staff reporter Forty years ago, one single event seemed to change rock n’ roll forever.

“It was simply a music festival, a celebration, a chance to expand the mind,” Johann Sletto said, the Rock n’ Roll History teacher at the high school.

“It was one of the first concerts to bring people together who had the same feelings about the country.”

The acclaimed three day concert held in the rural town of Bethel, New York was known as Woodstock. It brought themes such as peace, unity, and love to the headlines of America. Now, some years later, the headlines are yet again soaring with those three words.

While the anniversary is celebrated each year with tours and concerts, this year is extra special. The Heroes of Woodstock tour brought bands together from the 69’ stage with big names such as Jefferson Starship, Country Joe McDonald, Mountain, and Canned Heat. This tour, which comes to a close on October, is not the last big concert of the

Woodstock celebration. “West Fest” which commemorates the original principles of peace, love, and spirituality comes to the San Francisco town on the October 25.

Held together with bands from the sixties, hardcore hippies, and Peace Corp. activists; this festival is said to be one of a kind.

Tours and concerts galore however are not the only thing that puts 2009 in a different category in anniversaries. Director Ang Lee, who brought films such as Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to theatres, has taken a new stab at the big screen. Taking Woodstock tells the story of Elliot Tiber, played by Demetri Martin, who played a main role in making the famed Woodstock of 69’ into the music breaking experience it was. It was a leap to place Woodstock in the limelight within the Hollywood business but commemorating this event is what America needs.

“It was the most influential music movement of the twentieth century,” senior Taylor Baran stated. “The release of Taking Woodstock may just be what America needs to see another movement like this. Or maybe, just to keep it going.”

Still looking for more about the 69’ Woodstock Festival?

- Woodstock (1970): Video documentary with live clips from The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. Also includes interviews from the hands behind the stage, sightseers from the time, and the aftermath of the festival.

- Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More - Woodstock 2: These albums include live performances from most of the bands that played that day and includes stage announcements and crowd noises.

Fans of Glee had long awaited the series’ return to television, and on Wednesday, September 9, they got just that. After its “sneak peak” shown last May after American Idol, Glee left viewers impressed and anxiously wanting more. The very next day, the cast’s cover of “Don’t Review Stop Believin’” was released on iTunes, instantly soaring on the charts to number one. Glee’s pilot was released onto iTunes during the summer, and quickly gained a buzz for the pilot to be shown in September.

So what is Glee? It could be

TOMS shoes

described as a tongue-in-cheek version of High School Musical, but much funnier and with a lot less of the cheesy Disney storylines.

It’s part comedy, part musical, and fully entertaining. It’s hard to put Glee into a box to label, so viewers will just have to experience it for themselves.

The story revolves around Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), a Spanish teacher with a dream -- to revive and run the Glee Club. “What, you want to captain the Titanic too?” is the principal’s reaction to his endeavor, and just a sneak peek at the humor viewers will find on Glee.

The members of the Glee Club, though, are what really make the show.

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes. Since their beginning, TOMS has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes to children in need. Shoes prices start at $44 and can be purchased at www.tomsshoes.com.

‘Taking Woodstock’

takes theatres by storm

By Cori Novelli co-editor-in-chief

Some Staff Favorites played at Woodstock See Me, Feel Me - The Who Star Spangled Banner - performed by Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Proud Mary - Creedence Clear Water Revival Pinball Wizard - The Who White Rabbit - Jefferson Airplane With a Little Help from My Friends - Joe Cocker Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat, and Tears Suite Judy Blue Eyes - Crosby, Stills, and Nash Dance to the Music - Sly and the Family Stone My Generation - The Who

Glee hits the right note with viewers

By Brittany Curtis managing editor

review

11

Rachel Berry, the Sharpayesque shining star of Glee Club is played by Lea Michele. Next is Kurt (Chris Colfer), the cliché gay member of Glee Club. Mercedes (Amber Riley) has all the talent(and sass) in the world, and is reminiscent of a young Jennifer Hudson. Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), a skater-punk Asian girl with a stutter, and Artie (Kevin McHale), the geeky wheelchairbound jazz guitarist wind up the last of the Glee Club members.

Together they occupy, in the words of cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), the subbasement of the school’s caste system.

Lynch alone makes Glee worth watching. Sue is the most

feared, loathed and secretly admired coach of the Cheerios, a high-pressure, high-performing cheerleading squad.

Providing contrast is Emma (Jayma Mays), the big-eyed, germaphobic teacher who clearly loves Will. Following her advice, Will “recruits” quarterback Finn (Cory Monteith), a young man with a passion for excellence and, it turns out, Journey.

Together the group faces many trials, including peer pressure and the Amy Winehouserockin’ local competition, all while Will struggles to figure out if his desire to lead the group. comes from a true calling to teach or the need to relive his own high school glory days.

a few of our

favorite things Pie Rush Wednesdays

Economic times are tough, and in an effort to boost their sales, Baker’s Square is offering a free slice of pie every Wednesday with every dine-in purchace with a promotion they are calling “Pie Rush Wednesdays”. That’s right, buying even a cup of coffee on a Wednesday can get you whole slice ofpie. No coupon is required, and the offer is only valid on pies, not specialty cakes or other desserts. So eat up, economists.

With Ta k i n g W o o d stock’s trippy scenes and hilarious ‘life embracing’ characters, this light comedy is actually more of a documentary than a music film. The movie captures the essence of what went on backstage, depicting all the events that would lead up to the legendary New York festival which took place 40 years ago.

The story comes from Elliot Tiber’s book about a young Jewish man’s attempts at saving his immigrant parent’s motel from being shut down— attempts that would miraculously lead to the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts festival.

Coinciding with the concert’s 40th anniversary, the movie portrays all the hippies and teens of the music and free-loving generation that made Woodstock so renowned.

Despite its name, it is not a music film. Instead, director Ang Lee decided to incorporate a great story line, fun characters and unbelievable visual effects into the movie. Viewers watch as Lee uses the split-screen technique, a very popular practice of the time, dividing the screen into unequal halves with each half showing the same scene but viewed from different angles.

Also, other scenes illustrating the presence of some drugs at the concert showed brilliant colors swirling together as lights danced in and out of focus across the screen. Such effects caused viewers to feel like they were really there, sharing their own experience of Woodstock.

So some might be disappointed to find no Jimi Hendrix or The Who in the movie, but with the great story line, interesting characters and unbelievable visual effects, Taking Woodstock will capture any audience ready for a free-loving film.

Tropicana Rescues the Rainforest Though Tropicana is not a new product by any means, their new focus on the environment is making it easier than ever to keep the earth healthy. If the purchaser of aTropicana carton enters the code found on the item onto Tropicana’s web site, 100 square feet of rain forest will be preserved. For more information, go to http:// www.tropicanarainforest.com/.

Information compiled by Inklings Editors

Arts & Entertainment

12

September 28, 2009

Bring on the premieres

By Marwa Nour staff reporter

Photo by Georgia Otte

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar is now located at 1600 East Summit Street in Crown Point. Students spend time enjoying great American food and a fun, sporty atmosphere close to home.

BW3’s impresses many Restaurant chain provides great food, fun environment

By Brittany Curtis and Kelly Rostin managing and opinion editors

When Buffalo Wild Wings opened on August 31, 2009, local wing-lovers rejoiced. No longer did they have to make the 15-20 minute drive to the Merrillville location; instead they had their very own location in Crown Point.

The restaurant has a sports bar-esque style, with pictures of Crown Point athletes providing the wallpaper and one idea is abundantly clear: the restaurant was clearly made with sports fans in mind. The walls are adorned with flat screen HD televisions, with various sporting events airing continually.

It provides a fun, laid back atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends after a sports game. Or, you can just watch the game there.

Buffalo Wild Wings has 15 different sauces including: sweet BBQ, teriyaki, mild, parmesan garlic, medium, honey BBQ, spicy garlic, Asian zing, Caribbean jerk, hot BBQ, hot, mango habanera, wild, blazin’, and pepper infusion.

The service was certainly up to par: friendly waiters and waitresses provide speedy service with a smile. They were even gracious (and patient) enough to let us try all 15 sauces without complaint. They seemed happy to serve us and their goal was for us to thoroughly enjoy our BW3 experience.

Each of the sauces were delicious; though, as you got to the hotter ones, they were harder to handle. Ranch and Bleu cheese dipping sauce is provided to calm the “sting” of the hotter wings. Some that were surprisingly tasty were parmesan garlic, mango habanera, and Asian zing.

We never thought that barbeque sauce would go well with fruit flavoring, but BW3’s managed to prove us wrong.

One of our personal favorite flavors, honey BBQ, definitely did not disappoint. A sauce that was another staff favorite was spicy garlic.

Manager David Asseola said that they decided to put a BW3 in Crown Point because of its great location and hometown feel.

“We opened on August 31, and since then the customer re-

What’s on your iPod?

sponse has been great. We’re excited to be in Crown Point because I grew up here and we love the community,” Asseola said. “The town continues to grow, which makes it an ideal location to open a Buffalo Wild Wings.”

Many students like to go to BW3’s after Friday night football games, and you can usually find a packed parking lot on their special promotion days. Boneless Thursdays (when boneless wings are 60 cents apiece) and Wing Tuesdays (when wings are 45 cents apiece) are great for meeting up with friends after school or on the weekends.

The only hiccup in our service was when we went to pay, we were unable to use a gift card. However, we were told that this was only because they had not yet received the machines from corporate.

All in all, you get what you come for when you go to Buffalo Wild Wings. Is it gourmet service that will knock your socks off? No. Is it a fun atmosphere that’s great for after the game or just meeting up with friends during the week? We’d definitely have to say that’s a yes.

Ashley Jones freshman

Tear Jerker Chart Parmesan Garlic Mango Habanera Asian Zing Honey BBQ Spicy Garlic Blazin’

Carl Wendt sophomore

Down Jay Sean

Slide to the Vibe Voodoo and Serano

I Gotta Feeling Black Eyed Peas

Thunder in Paradise BassHunter

So What Pink

Fire Burning Sean Kingston

Robert Heplar junior

When you’re tired of going to the mall and sick of pretending to have a blast uptown, you can turn to your always available option stationed conveniently in your house that usually goes by the nickname “TV”.

We’ve been hearing about these great new shows since last year and formulating opinions on them the closer they get to premiering.

A highly accredited blockbuster joining our TV guide this season is the daring and edgy The Beautiful Life.

TBL is an upcoming drama series starring High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu and Return to Halloween Town’s Sara Paxton along with Mischa Barton and Elle Macpherson. The show premiered on Sept. 16 and introduced us to a group high fashion models living the “glamorous life” in New York City. Though the life of a high fashion model is typically portrayed as glamorous and sexy, each model quickly learns otherwise. TBL goes beyond the surface of modeling and reveals a world of insecurity and die hard competition.

Also premiering this season is the long awaited Vampire Diaries. The show first premiered on Sept. 10 and was expected to be a huge success.

Judging from last year’s box office success Twilight, vampires have become almost every teen girl’s favorite monster.

Hoping to attract love struck teens, the storyline is like any other “damsel in distress” type that we are more than used to. Girl falls for boy, boy has a dark past and an evil brother who keeps attempting to end his life but never succeeds, to make boy appear as a hero. Apparently throwing vampires in is supposed to give it a new twist.

If you’re like me and have had enough of cheesy fangs and bloodsucking to last two lifetimes, try checking out a TV guide classic like the ever entertaining and helplessly sarcastic, Dr. Gregory House. The first episode of the new season of House aired August 31 and reunited us with House and his quick witted medical team. If you enjoy a good puzzle weaved in with real medical facts, House will most likely have you Tivo-ing the next episode.

Whether you’re eagerly anticipating Melrose Place, anxiously awaiting The Vampire Diaries, or TiVo-ing the next House episode, each show offers a different kind of entertainment.

So next time you feel like you need a break, sit down and watch a show and offer your personal critique. No experience required.

Josh Perry senior

Ladies Love Country Boys Trace Adkins

The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie Mewithoutyou

Big Green Tractor Jason Aldean

I’ll Make a Man Out of You Mulan

American Soldier Toby Keith

Handlebars Flobots

Sports

September 28, 2009

13

Football off to up and down start

Boys tennis finishes season strong

By Colin Likas / asst. sports editor

Junior Brad Qualliza scores a receiving touchdown from sophomore quarterback Joe Hopman in the game against the Hobart Brickies. The final score was 14-7, giving the Dogs their first win of the season. At press time the Bulldogs were 2-3 and fourth in the DAC. They will face LaPorte Friday at 7 p.m. for the Homecoming game.

By Hunter McKee sports editor The football team is currently 2-3. The offense is struggling in conference play, currently holding a 1-3 record.

On September 18, the Bulldogs lost to the Portage Indians 43-22.

Sophomore quarterback Joe Hopman scored the Bulldogs first points of the night on a four yard run. Seniors Mason Popovich and Chris Klein both had running touchdowns for the ‘Dogs.

On the defensive side, the ‘Dogs had a hard time containing the Indians. The ‘Dogs surpassed the Indians in the passing game, but were blown away in the running game with Portage racking up 329 yards.

“We gave up too many big

plays and too many big runs,” senior linebacker Steve Perillo said.

In the season opener, the Bulldogs traveled to Lowell to take back the Leather Helmet.

The Bulldogs were unsuccessful in their attempt and were shut out 19-0.

The ‘Dogs offense racked up only 84 yards in the game.

“On the offensive side, we have two returning starters, all the skill players are new, and we have just been playing inconsistently lately,” head coach Chip Pettit said.

“We didn’t have a lot of confidence in our first game,” senior captain Ben Cotrell said.

The following week the Bulldogs faced off against the Hobart Brickies.

The offense finally came to

life on the first drive of the game, when the Bulldogs marched down the field and scored on a one yard touchdown run by junior Cody Bacon.

“Our preparation was key against Hobart,” senior Zach Breuckman said. “We were more mentally prepared.”

Hopman passed for 147 yards and one touchdown. Junior Cody Bacon lead rushers with 74 yards on 22 attempts.

On September 11, the Bulldogs traveled to Lake Central, where they pulled off a nail-biter, surpassing the Indians 23-21.

Hopman passed for 153 yards on 20 attempts, with one touchdown and one interception.

Hopman also had a good game on the ground, leading the team in rushing with 126 yards.

“Joe is a good player, and he

is just going to keep getting better, “Pettit said. “For this team to play well, Joe is going to have to play well.”

Last Friday the ‘Dogs faced off against a DAC foe, the Valparaiso Vikings.

Going into the game the Bulldogs looked to stop the Vikings running game, which boasts three running backs.

“Valparaiso is loaded in their skill positions,” Pettit said.

“I think we really need to have sound tackling,” “We have to stop their three running backs,” senior Steve Polacek said. “We will have to contain well and tackle in the open field. What it comes down to is who can block and tackle the best.”

The results of the game were unavailable at press time.

There are teams that are good, and then there are teams that could be considered something special.

The boys tennis team is falling into the latter category this season.

The Bulldogs are currently 14-2 overall and 5-2 in the DAC, good for second place.

“It’s a big accomplishment to have actually had a shot at a DAC title,” head coach Chris Korzenowski said.

The boys put up good performances in their five conference wins. They defeated Chesterton, Portage, Michigan City, and LaPorte by 5-0 margins and also tapped Merrillville 4-1. Their two conference losses came against DAC leader Lake Central (5-0) and Valparaiso (32).

The key players this season for the ‘Dogs have been senior Thomas Vanderplough at singles and the combo of seniors Nick Vlassopoulos and Scooter Jacobus at doubles. Vanderplough met a major to his challenge to his season when his mother passed away.

The match against Lowell on September 14 was dedicated in Vanderplough’s mother’s memory.

“Before the match coach led us in prayer and stated how important the game was,” Vanderplough said.

Vanderplough won his match 6-4, 6-3 and the team won by a score of 5-0.

With the post-season fast approaching, the boys looked primed to make a deep run. Assistant coach Joe Reid says the team has a couple of goals for the post-season.

“We want to win sectionals and play tough in regionals,” Reid said.

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Sports

14

September 28, 2009

Soccer teams looking towards post-season Girls look to capture DAC crown; boys working towards .500 record

CP-23 Lake Central-21 (Sept. 11) CP- 22 Portage- 43 (Sept. 18)

Boys Soccer Portage-3 CP-2 (Aug.26) CP-5 LaPorte-3 (Sept. 2) CP-1 Chesterton-2 (Sept. 9) Valparaiso-4 CP-0 (Sept. 16)

Girls Soccer CP-4 Portage-1 (Aug. 25) LaPorte-0 CP-7 (Sept. 1)

photo by vinnie needham

Senior Jake Tasher runs down the ball in a game against Portage on August 28. The Bulldogs are 4-5-3 on the season and 1-3 in the DAC. Their next game is against Michigan City on September 30. advance in the post-season,” Mikrut said. “Even though we are a young team, we know how to play. If we are going to win, we have to play our absolute best.”

The Lady Bulldogs will play at Michigan City on September 29 at 6:30 p.m. A victory against Michigan City will give Crown Point a chance to win the DAC title if they are also able to beat Lake Central.

Over on the boys’ side, the team is off to an up and down start. As of press time, they have an overall record of 4-5-3 and a 1-3 record in the DAC. Seniors Sylvestre Lomeli and Alex Menn and sophomore Dan Naumoski have led the team thus far.

The team opened up the season on a high note, beating Lowell at home 4-1 on August 18.

Juniors Aquid Bernard and Daniel Relinski and freshman Johnny Kabella scored goals for the Bulldogs while Relinski and three of his teammates also had assists. Sophomore Matt Torres made nine saves in the net.

The following week featured three games for the boys. They played to a 1-1-1 record for the week with a win against Boone Grove (3-2) on August 24, a loss to Portage (3-2) of August 26, and tie against Highland (1-1) on August 28.

The boys then played Munster on August 31, losing to them 1-0.

They rebounded against LaPorte the following Wednesday, downing the Slicers 5-3. Relinski and Lomeli scored goals along with seniors Edgar Flores and Jake Tasher.

Assistant coach Michael Bazin feels the LaPorte game, among others, was an important game for the team.

“We put an emphasis on conference games,” Bazin said. “We also want to build the team to do well come post-season.”

Following the game against LaPorte, the team went into a bit of a tailspin. Their next match was against Chesterton on September 9. They fell to the Trojans by a score of 2-1. The ‘Dogs also lost their games to Concord (3-1) and Valparaiso (40) on September 12 and 16, respectively. A game against Penn on September 19 produced a 0-0 tie as well.

Although the ‘Dogs are currently struggling, Bazin says they haven’t yet faced their main goal.

“We want to have a quality post-season showing this season,” Bazin said.

The boys will play Michigan City on September 30 and finish up the regular season at Lake Central on October 5.

Volleyball hopes to improve DAC standing

photo by Jeremy rex

With the second half of their season on its way the girl’s volleyball team is looking to wrap up the year with a winning conference record. The girls hold an overall winning record on the season going 117, however, they are 3-5 in the Duneland Athletic conference.

“We’re a good team,” junior Zoe Huizenga said. “A lot of our issues come from not being able to finish out games the way we start them.”

With seven games left to play the girls will try to improve on their DAC record before going into sectionals.

“It is our goal to improve all season pointing toward sectionals and the state tournament,” coach Rick Ashmore said.

The team in the lost first round of sectionals last season and may have a rough time ad-

vancing in the sectional round this year due to injury in their line-up.

“

It is our goal to improve all season pointing towards sectionals and the state tournament.

“

By Milan Savich asst. sports editor

Freshman Ashlyn King sets up for a kill against the Merriville Pirates.

Varsity Football Merrillville-38 CP-14 (Sept. 4)

By Colin Likas and Milan Savich asst. sports editors Sometimes it’s easy to tell when a team is doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.

By simply looking at the girls soccer team’s record, you know that the Lady Bulldogs are on the right track.

The girls soccer team has been fighting it out with Lake Central and Chesterton for the top spot in the DAC this season. As far as conference competition goes, the Lady Bulldogs have defeated Portage (4-1), LaPorte (7-0), Chesterton (2-0), and Merrillville (5-0) thus far.

Thanks in part to Chesterton losing to Portage, the girls are only in tight competition with only Lake Central, who has a conference record of 3-1. The Lady Bulldogs currently hold a 4-1 conference record. The girls will do battle at home with the Indians in their regular season finale on October 6.

“Our team goal has been to perform our best in every game,” sophomore Amy Adams said.

“I think that we’ve had a pretty good season so far. We’ve had some unlucky losses but we know we could have beaten the teams we have lost to.”

Adams is a second year varsity player who, in her season thus far, has scored five goals and dished out six assists.

Three of those assists came in a high scoring victory over the Lowell Red Devils on September 29. The girls won the match 9-1. Senior Sammy Vercellino had two goals and fellow senior Shelbie Hesser-Loonam scored a goal as well.

Although the girls have several senior players on their roster this season, the makeup of the team is a bit different than teams from previous years.

“We have six seniors on the team but only two of them [Vercellino and Missy Phillips] have had quality playing time in the past,” head coach Chris Mikrut said. “The other four players are relatively new to varsity.”

“Some of the new varsity player are really nervous but I tell them that its okay to make mistakes and to just go out there and have fun,” Vercillino said.

Mikrut says he does not name captains for his team. However, Vercellino is one of the team’s most experienced players and is also one of the Lady Bulldogs’ biggest team leaders.

“We really want to win the DAC title and then move on to sectionals,” Vercellino said. “To beat Lake Central we’ll need to keep the ball on the ground and pass a lot.”

Mikrut explained how the Lady Bulldogs potential success in the post-season could give them the chance to compete in the semi-state match, which is going to be held in Crown Point this season.

“We need to finish more goals and play with more enthusiasm and consistency if we want to

Inklings Scoreboard

- Head coach Rick Ashmore “Coming in [after being injured] has changed the line up quite a bit, sometimes for the better but its hard re-arranging the line up when we lose other players,” Junior Zarah Cecich said.

With reoccurring line-up changes, the Lady Bulldogs have been unable to settle on a steady group, forcing five DAC loses courtesy of Michigan City, Valparaiso and Chesterton.

“We want to win the second half of the DAC. To do that, our coach is expecting us to finish the season 7-0,” Huizenga said.

Ashmore said that the team has a large number of juniors on the team and they have worked hard to blend the other players into the program.

With injuries to Cecich and sophomore Natasha VanGilder younger players have had to step up to fill the void. Sophomore Julia Czerwinski and freshman Ashlyn King have seen varsity time joining team leaders seniors Tori Welker and Blythe Redman and juniors Sofija Cucuz and Gabrielle Raspopovich on the court. The Lady Bulldogs will end their regular season October 17 at Penn.

CP-2 Chesterton-0 (Sept. 8) CP-2 Valparaiso-3 (Sept. 15) CP-5 Merrillville-0 (Sept. 22)

Boys CC 1st Place @ Crown Point Invite (Aug. 25) Wins vs. Valparaiso and Michigan City @ Valpo (Sept. 1) Loss vs. LaPorte and Win vs. Portage @ Lemon Lake (Sept. 8) Loss vs. Lake Central @ LC (Sept. 14) Wins vs. Chesterton and Merrillville @ Chesterton (Sept. 22)

Girls CC 1st Place @ Crown Point Invite (Aug. 25) Wins vs. Valpo and Michigan City @ Valparaiso (Sept. 1) Wins vs. LaPorte and Portage @ Lemon Lake (Sept. 8) Loss vs. Lake Central @ LC (Sept. 14) Wins vs. Chesterton and Merrillville @ Chesterton (Sept. 22)

Volleyball CP-3 Merillville-0 (Aug. 27) CP-2 Michigan City-3 (Sept. 1) Lake Central-1 CP-3 (Sept. 3) LaPorte-3 CP-0 (Sept. 8) CP-2 Valparaiso-3 (Sept. 10) CP-2 Chesterton-1 (Sept. 12) Portage-3 CP-2 (Sept. 15) CP-0 Chesterton-3 (Sept. 17)

Sports

September 28, 2009

Badger’s Boast

Cutler is the answer

By Hunter McKee / sports editor What a relief to see the NFL start the regular season. As a Chicago sports fan, nothing could make me happier to see what the Jay Cutler can prove as a Chicago Bear, than to see both the Cubs and the White Sox fail miserably in their divisions.

The Bears have been looking for a true leading quarterback since Sid Luckman era during World War II. It has been 59 years since Luckman’s departure; however, I think the Bears have found what they have been looking for in Jay Cutler.

What makes me believe this is first, Cutler has is coming off a probowl season. 4, 526 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions is much more acceptable than a quarterback who is always injured or one who randomly decides to change his throwing arm during a play.

Second, Cutler can.

Last season Cutler ran for over 200 yards. His quickness will allow him not to be sacked 27 times, as the case was for Orton. It always helps when a team has a quarterback that can make a play on their own, when the offensive line can’t hold their blocks.

Third, the Bears receiving core looks to be improved. Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox look to be some of Cutler’s favorite targets during the course of the season.

We had a glimpse of what Cutler and Bennett can do together in 2005 when both Cutler and Bennett attended Vanderbilt. Cutler connected with Bennett 79 times and scored nine touchdowns. Rookie Wide Receiver Johnny Knox ran the third best 40 yard dash time at the 2009 NFL combine with a time of 4.34 seconds. And as we saw in the Pittsburgh game, Knox looks to become a big target for Cutler. Knox caught six passes and had one touchdown against the tough Steelers defense.

Chicago fans it should be time to rejoice. The 2009 Chicago Bears season should be an exciting one to watch, hoping that the team is not plagued by injuries. I believe we have the right man lined up under center. (In a southern accent) “Jay is our quarterback.”

15

Cross country teams prepare for postseason

By Colin Likas asst. sports editor Winning meets is main goal for most if not all cross country teams.

However, according to the old saying, you can’t win them all.

Early in the season, the girls cross country team has been defying that adage.

The Lady Bulldogs are firing on all cylinders thus far this season.

Sophomore Lauren McCarroll has been leading the charge for the girls along with junior Laicee Pierce and senior Augusta Schrader.

The girls opened the season with a win at the West Lafayette Hokam Karem on August 17. They followed that up with wins in the Crown Point Invitational on August 25 and the Purdue Invitational on August 29.

“The Purdue meet gave the girls confidence as a team and as individuals,” assistant coach Lindsay Hattendorf said.

The girls continued rolling along by defeating DAC oppenents Valparaiso and Michigan City on September 1 and LaPorte and Portage on September 8. They also threw in a victory at the Rich Dust Invitational in Illinois on September 5.

Season perfection ended at Lake Central on September 15. The Lady ‘Dogs lost by four points.

However, they rebounded in a big way by taking 1st place at the New Prairie Invitational on September 19. They defeated Portage and Valparaiso among other teams.

“Winning New Prairie was a good experience for the girls and coaches,” Hattendorf said. “It was a stepping stone for the tournament.

The girls’ most recent victory came against Chesterton and Merrillville on September 23. They finished the dual meet season with a record of 6-1.

Things are going fairly well on the boys’ side also. Senior Chris Shellenberger has been the undisputed number one runner for the team thus far. A small pack of runners including junior Ryan Santelik and seniors Kyle Davis, Andrew Facemyer, and Jake Masolak coupled with Shellenberger has created a strong team.

“I improved in the offseason by increasing my mileage,” Santelik said. “I also upped the intesity of my workouts.”

The Bulldogs started off their season on the right foot by winning the West Lafayette Hokam Karem on August 17. They followed it up with a win in the Crown Point Invitational on August 25. However, they couldn’t maintain their success at the Purdue Invitational on August 29, finishing sixth overall.

“We were at our beginning point in training,” head coach Keith Iddings said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to beat those teams in the postseason.”

The boys bounced back, however, at Valparaiso against the home team and Michigan City on September 1. They then proceeded to pick up a victory at the Rich Dust

Senior Augusta Schrader finishes her race at the New Prairie Invitational on September 19. The girls finished first as a team at New Prairie.

Invitational on September 5.

The ‘Dogs then had a race against LaPorte and Portage on September 8. They defeated Portage but fell to LaPorte by three points.

“I was disappointed that we lost to LaPorte,” Santelik said.. “I knew we would get a chance to beat them later in the season, though.

The boys then traveled to Rensselaer on September 12 where they took two of the four “grade races,” the sophomore and senior races. The following Tuesday the ‘Dogs went to Lake Central, where they lost to the Indians.

On September 19, the team competed in the New Prairie Invitational, where they finished sixth as a team. They defeated all of the teams in the DAC except for Chesterton. They also finished fourth overall out of all of the teams that they will see at semistate.

“Hopefully New Prairie showed the boys that they can compete with excellent competition,” Iddings said.

The boys also upset Chesterton and defeated Merrillville in a dual meet on September 22. They finished the dual meet season with a record of 5-2.

Girls golf face Lake Central, Munster at regional meet

By Hunter McKee sports editor Last Saturday the Lady ‘Dogs golf team completed their regional round of playoffs.

Going into the regional meet, the Lady ‘Dogs were low on their hopes of making the top three to qualify for the state tournament.

“It’s going to take a lot for us to move on to the state meet, so I just want to focus on the team doing their personal bests,” senior Angela Roberts said.

Instead of making the top three at regional meet, the girls focused on doing individual bests.

Senior Laura Dexter practices on her swing before regionals.

QuickHits

“We did very well, junior Carolyn Kupchik did exceedingly well, we placed third which got us into regionals,” Roberts said.

At the sectional meet at the team shot a combined score of 295. Kupchik shot a 79 “Our only goal was to get into the top three and make regionals,” Roberts said.

The Lady ‘Dogs finished the regular season with a record of 7-4.

At the DAC meet, the Lady Bulldogs placed fifth. On Sept. 8 took on LaPorte at Youche in a match where the Lady Dogs barely out shot the Slicers 228-222.

Junior Carolyn Kupchik shot a 44, Senior Ashley Villarreal shot a 60, Roberts finished her round shooting a 61, and senior Laura Dexter ended up shooting a 63.

Junior Varsity and Freshman scores and notables

Achievements

-Senior baseball players Scott Donnely and Josh Negle have committed to Virginia Tech and Indiana State.

JV Football- Sophomore Drew Breuckman had three interceptions en route to a 24- 16 win against the Portage Indians.

- Adam Nowak, class of 2009, recieved a manager’s position on Indiana University’s basketball team.

-Senior Sammy Vercellino was accepted to High Point University in North Carolina over the summer. She will play soccer for the Panthers.

“Whenever you place third at a sectional meet, the chances of making the top three at regionals are slim,” head coach Scott Vlink said. “We are concentrating on shooting our absolute best round of golf and wherever that puts us, puts us,” head coach Scott Vlink said.

Carolyn Kupchik looks to be a contender at making the state meet individually.

“If Carolyn plays the same way she in the sectional she will have a great regional,” Vlink said.

“If she does that she has a great shot a qualifying at the state tournament.”

The girls golf team wrapped up their sectional play at Bishop Noll’s Lost Marsh course, finishing third behind Lake Central and Munster.

Senior Sammy Vercelino

JV Tennis- The boys junior varsity tennis team has attained a record of 9-2 being led

by Alex Angelich, Paul Kendall, Daniel Maginot, and Jamie Cook.

Freshman Aaron Lugo returns a shot during a recent tennis match. The junior varsity team is coached by English teacher Joe Reid.

Personalities

16 Getting to know...

Nikola Markoski

September 28, 2009

Hear the strings ring

Sophomore Caroline Hamilton plays the harp, composes music

By Matt Smith co-copy editor

said. “We met, and I began taking lessons with her.”

Now, nearly three years after she began lessons, and over a

The crowd is silent as the conductor raises his baton and the orchestra readies itself. They sit there—the violins, the basses, the cellos— every inCaroline was first strument introduced to the that one would exharp at age three pect, plus one more.

It is the only deone of its kind on cade since stage- a harp. she first saw the harp Sophomore Caroin Massachusetts, line Hamilton was first Hamilton is a harpist in introduced to the harp the Crown Point High at the age of three, School orchestra, diwhen she visited a Rerected by Mr. Jim Deal. naissance fair in Mas“She’s really an assachusetts. As soon as set to the orchestra,” she heard the music, Deal said. “Quite a few she was drawn to it. pieces of music have a “I saw this pretty part for the harp. Harp woman with blonde, players are rare, and curly hair playing a it’s nice to have one concert grand harp,” with us.”

Hamilton said. “I was Hamilton has so fascinated, and I was played harp in both the really excited when she symphony and pit orlet me play it. Since chestras. that moment, I knew Aside from the I wanted to play the harp, Hamilton plays harp.” the cello, the piano, About a year after and the violin. Howevshe moved to Indiana, er, she doesn’t simply Hamilton began to purplay these instruments, sue the instrument. but composes her own “I went to a conmusic as well. cert soon after I moved “I love to crehere, and I met a harpate,” she said. “When ist that was playing people stop dreaming, in the orchestra,” she that’s when they die. I

Did you

KNOW?

photo by Mary-Katherine Lemon

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

I have always wanted to go to the Alps in wintertime because to me, Switzerland is the most beautiful country in the world.

Who are three people you would love to spend a day with?

Mother Theresa, my father’s dad, and Alexander the Great.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would rid the world of disease because no one deserves to suffer through the grief of fatal diseases such as cancer.

Name a major issue you think teens deal with every day.

I think the greatest is peer pressure. Most teens feel the need to fit in, and often their choices are influenced by peers.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I can play multiple intstruments. The one that surprises most people is that I can play the bagpipes.

What is one of your biggest fears?

I am mortally terrified by snakes.

photo submitted by Caroline Hamilton

Caroline Hamilton practices on the harp. She plays for the Crown Point High School orchestra. never want to stop.”

Although Hamilton loves composing, she is not sure what the future holds.

“My dream job would be a worldtouring harpist and composer,” she said.

“After I leave Crown

Point High School, I’m definitely going to pursue the harp. When I leave, I promise you’ll hear my name again.”

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

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CLASS OPTIONS:

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Evening Classes:

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

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

2 Days a week for 7 1/2 weeks

Tuesday & Thursday 6-8 p.m.

Starting September 3 Ending October 22

October 1 November 19

October 1 December 17

(Minumum of 15 students needed 9/3-10/22 amd 10/27-

11/17. Minimum of 10 students needed 10/1-11/17. No

class November 26.)

Sunday Classes: 10 Sundays from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Starting September 13 Ending

October 18

November 22

December 27

January 31

March 7

(No class April 4 or May 9.)

Saturday & Sunday:

November 15 December 20 January 24 February 28 April 11 May 23

Weekend only 1 - 4:00 p.m.

Starting April 24 Ending June 5 (Minimum of 15 students needed. No classes May 9, May 29, and May 30.) *Possible time and date changes. Call for confirmation.