Inklings Sept. 2010

INKLINGS Sept. 27, 2010 •

Volume 75 Issue 1 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

New gym classes

Four different types of gym classes are now being offered for the incoming freshman class, two of them being new.

Football traditions

pg. 2

Jumping out to a 4-1 start to the season, the Bulldogs football team is in contention for the Duneland Athletic Conference title. Many players have individual traditions they follow, as well as those of the entire team, in hopes of continuing their winning streak.

High tech phones With the recent release of the iPhone 4, competitions may arise of who has the “biggest and best” smart phone.

pg. 12

pg. 15

Austin Atherton

IN know The Domino Effect the

Inklings earns finalist spot for national Pacemaker

Homecoming voting takes place tomorrow Homecoming court final voting is tomorrow. Prince and princesses will be announced by Thursday, The queen will be announced at the Homecoming game, and Mr. Football will be crowned at the Homecoming dance.

Peanut butter drive benefits needy families Charity Finders and Student Union are sponsoring “Spread the Love” to collect peanut butter for needy families in Northwest Indiana.

Jars will be collected in first hour classes until Sept. 30, The class contributing the most peanut butter will earn doughnuts and milk for their first hour class.

These are the words directly from School Superintendent Dr. Teresa Eineman. In the midst of a $2.2 million cut from our schools in 2008, followed by another 1.9 million dollar cut in December of 2009 due to the economy, and faced with another potential cut in 2010, Crown Point Community School Corporation has become one of the lowest funded schools in the state. This is the direct

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“ hen faced with this crisis, we have two options: Protect what we value, or dismantle programs that we’ve built. For me, there is only one option.”

$5,200

Per Pupil Revenue

By Lauren Cain / Kelly Rostin editor-in-chief and managing editor

Enrollment

Junior Leah Markowitz earned semi-finalist status in the Ayn Rand Institute’s 2010 Anthem essay contest.

Essays are judged on both style and content and must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of the novelette Anthem.

Budget cuts, low funding result in fewer teachers and oversized classes

(Projected)

The graph shows the enrollment levels compared to per student revenue, in the past, and as projected in the future. reason for the oversized classes and in some cases, a shortage of books.

The first cut that resulted in a $2.2 million loss was a result of the Property Tax Reform Act of 2008.

The money found in the General fund (which pays for teacher salaries, benefits, and supplies)

was funded by local property taxes up until 2009. At that point, the state took over the General fund and used sales tax to fill it in place of property taxes. “(The state) took away $16 million promising to give it back, but by 2010, they didn’t have the money to pay it all back,” said

Eineman. This resulted in a $2.2 million loss.

The second cut occurred in December of 2009 when $300 million was cut from schools across Indiana. This ended up taking $1.9 million from our school corporation individually.

With this reduction of funds, many decisions have been made as to how to accommodate the low funding, while not depriving our schools of excellence. In a press release sent out by Eineman, she states that in order to make reductions, the schools have not replaced any position that may have left due to retirement or resignation, resulting in oversized classes.

“My classes are so overcrowded that it’s hard to actually answer a question,”

story continued on pg. 2

What is your stance on Indiana’s school funding formula?

As the Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee, I feel strongly in educating every child equally. The current school funding formula, in my opinion, does not provide for that. Currently, there are schools that receive as little as $5000 a year per student and schools that receive as much as $8000+ per student. Unfortunately, Crown Point is one of the schools that is penalized using the current formula. Since our community and schools are desirable, the schools are growing more quickly than most, yet the funding formula does not allow them to be compensated appropriately.

“

One particular issue that concerns me about Indiana’s education is the school funding formula.

After talking with several legislators, educators and administrators, it appears that few, if any, have a full understanding about how dollars are distributed and spent. No one has been able to explain to me why some school corporations in Northwest Indiana receive nearly double the number of dollars per pupil than others. In addition, the ‘de-ghoster” provision in the formula is in serious need of attention. Schools with declining enrollment get to keep funding dollars for three years after the student has left. On the other hand, schools with high growth rates are unable to fund the much needed teachers and staff.

“

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Student honored in national essay contest

PHOTO BY MARY-KATHERINE LEMON

Jim Ingelhart’s economics class has a roster of 39 students. State budget cuts and low funding due to the state’s formula meant positions were not always filled as teachers retired, left, or as enrollment grew, which then led to overcrowded classes.

“

Inklings is the only high school newspaper from Indiana to be named a finalist in the national Pacemaker contest.

Co-sponsored by the National Scholastic Press Association and the Newspaper Association of America Foundation, the Pacemaker is the organization’s highest honor.

Entries are judged on coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the opinion pages, evidence of in-depth reporting, layout and design, and photography.

Editors of the 2009-2010 edition were then-seniors Cori Novelli and Deanna Sheafer. Pacemakes are announced in November.

Shelli VanDenburgh

Dan Klein

Democratic Indiana State Representative, District 19

Republican Candidate for Indiana State Representative, District 19

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News

IN IN the loop

Although the budget crunch left several spots unfilled as staff members retired or moved to other positions, three people came to the high school from the middle schools and one teacher filled a physical education vacancy.

Joining the high school faculty from the middle schools are social studies teachers Josh Graegin and Brooke Yeager.

Graegin has taught at both Taft and Wheeler middle schools and teaches psychology and world history. He said that the high school has an amazing faculty that is willing to work together to get the most out of all students.

The Purdue graduate said he hopes that his students walk away from his classes with a better understanding of why people do the things they do and how something that happened years ago can still have an impact today.

“Teaching is a way to connect with young people and help them realize succes beyond what their perceived potential is,” said Graegin.

Yeager has also taught at both middle schools, as well as Rich East High School in Illinois. She teaches government, U.S. history and is the

InterAct sponsor. She is a graduate of both the University of Illinois and Purdue.

“I like the students and the pattern of the day here. Everyone here has been so nice,” Yeager said.

Nicholas Byrd, a CPHS and Valparaiso University graduate, taught for 15 years at Hobart High School prior to joining the faculty here. He now teaches personal fitness and health.

Byrd said that not only is CPHS a great place to work but he also enjoys the community.

Wilkinson, a licensed school guidance counselor, has worked for the River Forest Community School Corporation and Taft Middle School.

“It’s a lot busier than the middle school and I haven’t really gotten into social or personal problems yet with the students,” Wilkinson said. “I enjoy watching students realize they can overcome problems they have and helping them along the way.”

The CPHS and Purdue graduate said that she wants the students to know that her office is always a safe place to talk and hopes they walk away from her office feeling enlightened. She chose to enter school counseling because she believes every student can be successful by making the right choices.

Nick Byrd Health/Personal Fitness “I look up to my former teachers and coaches who have inspired me.”

Brooke Yeager U.S History/Government “I want students to walk away from my class with the background knowledge necessary to be a good citizen.”

Josh Graegin History/Psychology “My goal as a teacher is to always get better...to always keep up to date with the latest ideas and principles behind effective teaching practices and apply them in the classroom.”

Kim Wilkinson Guidance Counselor “My goal as a counselor is to help each student find something they love about themselves.”

The Domino Effect continued from pg. 1

Top: Karen Cox’s art class consists of 40 students. This is a result of low funding this year. Bottom: This graph shows how many teachers could be hired if Crown Point was given the same budget as some of the schools listed.

School City of East Chicago Whiting School City Lake Station Community Schools

specific way.

In November or December of this year, Indiana schools will be receiving money from the jobs fund stimulus that was given in order to counteract the jobs lost because of last year’s recession.

However, this is only one time money.

“Expenses and salaries are ongoing so one time money is no help,” Eineman said. “It won’t help the deficit.”

Currently, no teachers have been cut from positions due to the low funding and budget cuts, however positions have been

absorbed due to attrition. Eineman also said that extracurricular activities will not be cut due to this crisis.

“I will do everything I can to protect extracurricular activities because I know the value that they provide our students and society.

The benefits for the investment are far more than the costs,” Eineman said. “To take them away would be criminal. It does nothing to offset our deficit but it harms our students.”

In an effort to gain some more money back, Eineman is intending on having a referendum

October 21

Girls Powderpuff Game 5:30 p.m. at CPHS

October 9 6:30 p.m. at CPHS fieldhouse

600

Gary Community School Corporation

October 5

Homecoming Dance

500

If CPCSC got the same amount of money as these schools, this is how many teachers could be hired...

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junior Joshua Ealy said. “I think it’s impacting my learning because it’s hard to hear teachers over all the students talking.”

In order to understand the significance of these budget cuts, one must first understand why it is happening. The Indiana legislature is responsible for the State Funding Formula that determines how much each school receives. Every two years, they tweak the formula. However, according to Eineman, this formula has no reason behind it. “(The state funding formula) is not based on research or science, but politics,” she said. “Successful schools are given unfair and inadequate funding.”

In Indiana, Crown Point is 269 out of 293 school corporations when it comes to funding, one of the absolute lowest due to the funding formula. If Crown Point were to receive the same amount of money per student as Gary Community School Corporation, 569 teachers could be hired in our school corporation, more than doubling the amount of teachers CPCSC already has.

“We’ve been at the bottom of the funding formula for a very long time,” Eineman said.

Another fault in the formula is that there is no accountability built into it. While schools may receive millions of dollars in funding in order to accommodate their low achievement levels, they are not required to use it in any

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In an effort to expand physical education options to freshmen, new classes have been added. Freshmen can now choose between summer gym, PE fit, PE athletic development, and non-traditional physical education to complete their four mandatory credits.

Non-traditional physical education is for anyone who plays a sport at the high school. Students can earn a credit for each season they participate in, up to two credits. Coaches and parents fill out a form that can be picked up in the athletic office and students are graded on their attendance, citizenship, and ability.

Students earn points for each category up to 750 points and need at least a 650, or A to receive a credit. If an A is not given, then it is an automatic fail and no credit is given. Any sport that is offered is qualified for this program.

Summer gym is still the same as it has been in the past, and PE athletic development was designed for athletes to help them in their sport while still getting the credits necessary to graduate. PE is the core gym class built for non-athletes who need their credits.

“We started this program because the state allowed it. It gives more options to athletes, band members, and highly academic people who try to take summer gym but still have practice,” said Athletic director Bill Dorulla.

Freshman Dylan Taylor is happy about the new options.

“I was very psyched about the news I could use sports as a credit because I really didn’t want to take a gym class,” Taylor said.

He’s using team participation in football and wrestling for his gym credits, but says that a lot of his friends were unaware of the new gym options that were available to them.

“A lot of people still don’t know about these options so we’re trying to get the word out,” said Dorulla.

By Garret Hogan copy editor

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By Kelsey Lennon staff reporter

New faculty welcomed for 2010-2011

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New gym class options offered to class of 2014

September 27, 2010

Cap / Gown and Announcement Orders for all graduating seniors

SAT’s hosted at CPHS

Report at 7 a.m.

in the spring. The referendum will allow community members to vote whether or not they would like to have a certain amount of their property taxes go to the school corporation. According to Eineman, they are doing the research now on the process and building capacity necessary for a successful campaign.

“I think the community would vote yes because we are a high ranked school and they want to see us do well,” senior Rachel Adams said. “By the taxes going to the school corporation, it would allow the school to get what they need to provide for the students.”

According to Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee and Democratic Indiana State Representative for District 19 Shelli Vandenburgh, referendums are going to be seen quite often around the state of Indiana.

“Some schools are discussing other local tax options that would put some funding back at the local level, rather than solely relying on the state and the current formula,” she said. ”Over the next year, voters around Indiana may be asked to vote on a school referendum that would allow for local taxing. The people that live within the school corporation would vote to enact the tax or not.”

By having the referendum pass, it will mean the difference between keeping our schools intact and harming students.

“If you have less funding, and you’re already at the bottom, there is no answer but to harm our students,” Eineman said.

miscellaneous • Six week assessments will take place on Sept. 29, 30, and Oct.1.

• There will be no school Friday, Oct. 29 and Monday, Nov. 1 due to fall break.

• On Oct.13, the seniors will take their annual panoramic picture in the gym.

News

September 27, 2010

Clubs urge student involvement P

arents and teachers are frequently urging students to get involved at the high school and share their talents.

With so many different options to choose from, students may feel intimidated by selecting clubs and activities that are compatible with their interests. Being informed of the events and goals of the various groups is a step in the right direction. Following is an inside look at a few of the high school’s clubs, including two of the newest.

By Katrina Zdanowicz staff reporter

BPA The competitive nature of Crown Point Bulldogs does not end on the playing fields and courts.

The compelling willingness to succeed is a trait that thrives in other aspects of their lives as well.

The drive to compete is alive and active in the minds of BPA members.

Business Professionals of America is a co-curricular club exclusively for students who have fitted business classes into their schedules. The main goal is to prepare students for competitions that can eventually be on the national scale.

Students can choose to compete in 64 different categories of competition, including speech, interviewing, and marketing.

Mary Bachnak, BPA’s teacher advisor and mentor, is committed to guiding students in deciding their strengths and weaknesses.

“I am not here to set anyone up for failure. My job is to help students succeed and reach their full potential,” said Bachnak.

The main focus of BPA is competing at the regional level.

From then on, members try to advance to nationals. With such pressure on competing at a high level, meetings will be devoted to preparation and practice.

The benefits of BPA can be extensive. If students pull through to the higher level competitions, they will be competing for college scholarships. According to Bachnak, the club is held in high regard by college admissions offices.

“One of the most rewarding experiences of leading BPA is helping students decide what they’d like to do in college. Last year, my three seniors told me that the experiences they’d gained

Animal Professionals

Best Buddies

Crown Point’s special needs students are just as appreciative of friendships as everyone else.

Sophomore Andie Miller, the club’s president, knows the impor-

Photo By D . Casillas Best Buddies president sophomore Andie Miller helps out student Danny Stevens in the classroom. Miller attended a conference this summer where she learned the methods to begin a Best Buddies club here. tance of this, and has been working hard to make sure the special needs student’s high school experience is a fulfilling one.

Over the summer, Miller attended an international conference of Best Buddies at Indiana University. There, she learned the methods used to implement the club at her own high school.

With the help of teachers Branden Lorek and Renee Miller, Best Buddies is well on its way to impacting our student body.

“About forty students showed up to our first meeting, which is more than I have ever seen in the special needs room,” said R. Miller.

Through the club, students, or Peer Buddies, are each matched

with a special needs student.

“We need to make sure that you and your new buddy have compatible personalities,” A. Miller said.

Soon, group activities such as football games and bowling nights will be planned for the entire club to attend together.

Miller said that individually, the two new buddies will be calling each other, texting, and hanging out. If this feels like too large of a commitment, students can join the club as an associate member, helping out whenever necessary A club meeting, or a Friendship Update, will be once a month; the compatibility test results will be completed at the end of September.

Truant students face possible court date

By Arley Gomez / Haajar Shaaban news editor and executive editor Students who don’t take attendance seriously may now face bigger consequences than just an after school detention.

“Crown Point High School is not a four-star school, only because of attendance. They qualify in every other way, so (administrators) wanted to take steps to improve attendance,” senior judge Julie Cantrell said.

A four star school is a school that has received the highest ranking a school can achieve in the state of Indiana. Last year’s attendance rate was 96 percent.

“The truancy court is just a place where the court and school work with families to try to gather to try to impose good attendance practices,” Marcinek said.

Cantrell volunteered to be the judge for the truancy court. As is Cantrell, everyone involved in the truancy court is a volunteer, so there is no funding required.

As stated in the student handbook, a student who leaves the school building without prior permission, who remains in the school building but who misses class time without permission, or who refuses to attend school in defiance of parental/guardian authority will be considered truant. This includes students who fraudulently cover for an absence, or if their parent/guardian covers for them.

CPHS ranked among top high schools nationally

By Katrina Zdanowicz and Melanie Zdanowicz staff reporters

through the club were the deciding factor in applying to business schools,” said Bachnak.

Any students who missed the callout meeting but are still interested should see Mary Bachnak in room C201.

Physics teacher Maryanne Nicks, a self-proclaimed animal lover, is hoping to help students translate their interest into skills that can be applied in today’s workforce. The Animal Professionals Club is here to stress that this interest doesn’t have to die as students begin applying to colleges and getting jobs.

The club, a brand new concept created by Nicks, is determined to opening the eyes of students to the many job opportunities involving animals that exist in today’s economy. The club is now in the stage of setting goals and planning events.

“I want this to be a simple club. There won’t be a lot of complicated meetings and fundraisers. My main focus is to assign students jobs that can be completed out in the real world, and then have them go out and accomplish them,” said Nicks.

The first meeting on Sept. 2 centered around the Police Canine Unit Development. The project is still in the works.

Animal Professionals has a small following so far, and the club would love to see its numbers grow. If there are students who would like more information on Animal Professionals, they can see Maryanne Nicks in room C231.

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“There is no set number of tardies or truancies that will get (a student) a referral. We monitor students who are habitually tardy (to first hour) or truant,” Marcinek said.

These students will be referred to court with Cantrell. The attendance court will take place at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point.

“Once a student is referred to attendance court, a hearing date will be set. The student, their parent or guardian and a representative for the school corporation will be present along with me and the court staff,” Cantrell said. “The student’s attendance record will be reviewed. The reasoning behind the student’s absences or tardies will be discussed. Either a contract to attend school will be fashioned or a sanction will be determined.”

Different penalties are given for habitually truant students after they are referred to court. Some punishments include suspension of driving privileges, loss of parking permit status, mandatory bus riding, banishment from extracurricular activities, reporting to truancy probation officer, prosecution of educational neglect, and contempt of court.

Currently, CPHS is the only school in Lake County that has attendance court.

“This is a pilot program, so it may extend to the middle schools as well as other schools in Lake County. We’ll see how it goes,” Cantrell said.

Alongside other top schools in the nation, CPHS recently received awards such as a “Best Buy School,”a “Spotlight School”, an “Exemplary School,” and an “Innovation School,” among others.

Newsweek chose 1,734 schools as worthy of receiving recognition as America’s Best High Schools. The honor is determined by taking the number of advanced placement tests given every year and dividing that number by the number of seniors graduating in June.

This accolade is shared by only the top 6 percent in our nation, 7 percent in Indiana, and only one of two high schools in the region.

“I feel like I am receiving the best education possible and that it is preparing me well for college. I like all my classes,” says junior Meghan Gulvas.

English teacher John Lambersie believes that awards are admirable, but the students are the reason for the high school’s real success.

“Awards and recognition are nice, but they pale in comparison to the sincere thank you of a student,” Lambersie said.

Principal Dr. Eric Ban is pleased with the recognition.

“Throughout the school year, there are so many things that people work hard on.

When people are pushing themselves to the limits, their accomplishments need to be recognized and celebrated,” Ban said.

The administration is pleased with the success, but would love to see our school reach a four star status.

Four stars are awarded to any public schools that meet Adequate Yearly Progress expectations under the No Child Left Behind act.

CP ranks in the top 25 percent in all categories except attendance.

Truant:

any student who leaves the school building without permission, who remains in the school building but who misses class time without permission, or who refuses to attend school in defiance of guardian authority.

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Opinion

September 27, 2010

Study hall reform benefits students

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 publication and must not contain personal attacks. Letters may also be sent via e-mail.

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

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 Lauren Cain editor-in-chief Haajar Shaaban associate editor Kelly Rostin managing editor Garret Hogan copy editor Arley Gomez news editor Abby Elston feature editor Kelsey Lennon entertainment editor Kayla Martisek opinion editor Milan Savich sports editor Frank Strino Samuel Beishuizen Alex McLean sports assistants Dani McCuan graphics editor Alyssa Blahunka advertising editor Sam Wright advertising assistant Joe Nejman Donnella Casillas chief photographers Ashley Downing Mary-Katherine Lemon photographers Staff Lacey Valois Katrina Zdanowicz Melanie Zdanowicz Alexa Grady RaeAnna Morgan Megan Walker Adviser Julie Elston

By Dani McCuan staff reporter

V

iew:

Budget cuts put strains on students who reach to achieve the high academic standard set for them by the Indiana school corporation.

editorial

Cartoon by Dani McCuan Newsweek’s “America’s Best High Schools,” Indiana Department of Education “Spotlight School,” Indiana Chamber of Commerce “Best Buy School.” Now one more title to add to the list: one of the lowest funded schools in the state.

With all of these awards that Crown Point High School has acquired, it would be natural to assume that some reward would come with them. However, despite all of these high achievements, our schools are instead getting money taken away from them.

This decline in budget can be seen every time a student walks into a class of 35 to 40 students, or in every class that doesn’t have enough books for the students. In order to keep up with the high standards that CP has set for students and faculty alike, students need the smaller class ratios and books to actually sustain and advance their learning.

The state changed the primary source of funding that came from property tax, and instead replaced it with sales tax.

However, sales tax is directly affected by a poor economy--people do not buy as much, which makes funding go down. Add to that the unfair process of giving less money to schools with increasing enrollment and high success, and it may lead one to inquire what exactly the state is trying to promote. By giving so much more money instead to lower functioning schools, it seems as though achievement is penalized. Must we, as students, stop taking as many Dual Credit Courses? Or maybe get lower grades on our AP tests? Maybe then we could get the money we not only need, but deserve.

Not only is the rationale of the funding formula a mystery but so, it seems, is the formula itself. Would you like to know what the formula actually consists of? Well, so would we. Try finding it online and one can see how hidden the formula truly is, to the point where it is near impossible to find. If the government is distributing funding unequally, the least it can do is publicize the formula so that it’s easy enough for the average citizen to find.

This funding discrepancy is now putting students in a position where quality education, for which Crown Point is so well known, is jeopardized; the state is promoting false ideals as well as discouraging future achievement and success. By showing students that in order to get what they need, they need to do poorly, the state is sending a strange message. Also, without providing the money that each school needs, it is near impossible to continue the level of excellence that the school corporation is accustomed to. As it stands, the current funding practice is putting the future of not only our schools, but our students, in jeopardy.

When I decided to add a study hall to my list of classes for the 2010-2011 school year, my initial plan was to eliminate the stress of having a massive load of homework every school night. However, not every student takes a study hall with the intention of getting their homework completed. It seems to me like many students who take a study hall are not using their time wisely, which may be a leading cause of poor grades.

This trend has been noticed by the school administration and action has been taken to prevent this occurrence. A crackdown has taken place to ensure that the only activities that occur within the study halls are studying and completion of homework. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however. These changes are aimed to help the student body with two of the largest factors that can either help or hurt their grade: homework, as well as test/quiz grades, which are influenced by a person’s study habits.

As a part of that Response to Intervention (RTI), a program that is designed to provide aid to students who are having difficulty learning, the study halls have been organized into specific groups. The groups are divided between the freshman and upperclassmen; the upperclassmen are then sorted into specific study halls based on the need for study help. Currently, the freshman and other individuals are being specifically targeted for assistance with schoolwork.

Both are receiving academic and organizational support from adults in the guidance office. This step of the RTI program is planned to be expanded so that older students may also acquire help with their schoolwork. Since it is three weeks into the school year, the effectiveness of this program has not yet been determined.

However, it is expected to be a successful method to ensure that students use their time wisely and do not struggle with their schoolwork.

Although change is not always accepted, change can be beneficial to the entire student body in this case. I believe that study halls are meant to be used to a student’s advantage so that they are able to accomplish their work and get assistance if necessary. Now that the administration has stepped in, the study halls will be used for their intended purpose.

heard in the

halls

Favorite Class “My favorite class (this year) is AP Japanese.” senior Brian Berger

School Dances “I am excited to come back to school because of the dances.” sophomore Megan Chaussey

Assigned Reading “Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn is a really good book about a troubled teen.” freshman Zach Gordon

Favorite Hobby “My favorite hobby is marching band because of all the people and the music itself.” junior Josh Ealy

Opinion

September 27, 2010

5

Embrace new year, new changes

By Kelly Rostin managing editor

Cartoon by Dani McCuan

Is the dress code enforcement over the top?

By Arley Gomez news editor

Picture this: A student walks into school wearing a cute sundress. Instead of hearing the compliments she had been waiting for, she hears, “You can’t go to class dressed like that.” After 15 minutes of argument with an administrator, she decides to wear a big, ratty t-shirt instead of driving all the way back home to change clothes. By the looks of things, shoulders have become extremely scandalous. The administration has taken the enforcement of the dress code way too far.

Students are finding that they are not allowed to wear clothes that would have been acceptable last year. In the past three years, girls would have been allowed to show the top of their arms without being sent home. Now, suddenly girls are being sent home for nice sleeveless dresses while short shorts still roam the halls. Shoulders are not as indecent compared to the tiny scraps some girls call shorts.

The over-the-top dress code enforcement is also causing a shift in focus at Crown Point High School.

When the enforcement is over the top, students aren’t talking about their chemistry tests; they’re talking about how ridiculous the dress code is.

Instead of rushing to class, they’re being stopped in the halls for a little bit of shoulder peeking out.

This enforcement is inconsistent and the guidelines for punishment have been blurred.

No one is saying that we should “let it all hang out.” Understandably, there need to be limits set on what students can wear. But with such sudden enforcement of the dress code, we need some time to get used to the change. Warning of the new strict enforcement of the dress code would have saved grief for both students and parents.

Toby Taylor “If you didn’t contact the school (about an absence), you should have to face the consequences.”

Junior

Freshman

speak up Is the new truancy court a good idea?

I

The administration is focusing more attention on the dress code and enforcing the rules for students who are in violation. Are these restrictions necessary or should the school let up?

By Jordan Irons staff reporter

Sophmore

For a lot of students, the desire to rebel and find their own style is overshadowing the true reason for coming to school: to get an education. Since this is a place to get an education the clothes should be altered to fit the environment.

The dress code is structured to ensure that students are dressing appropriately for a professional setting. The faculty does not come to work with visible shoulders and showing more leg than up to midthigh. These expectations stem beyond this school though. When a business person is at work, the undergarments are completely concealed and they are showing minimal skin.

When anything is enforced on the masses, it cannot always be imposed evenly, but that is no reason to abandon the cause. Not every person who speeds is caught, but they are still breaking the law and should receive the legal consequences.

The dress code enforcement is being more heavily enforced this year; even so there are a few who wriggle through the system. At least the effort is being made to do something about the offenders.

The rules of the dress code have been the same for the last few years, but up until recently they have not been heavily enforced. The first few days of this year, administration and faculty gave warnings and informed students on where they stand for the dress code this year. After these initial warnings, students were reprimanded for inappropriate attires. There was nothing sudden about the enforcement.

Clothing leaves an impression on people’s impression. Following the dress code and “dressing for success” is a small sacrifice that will be beneficial in the end.

ssue:

Dress code enforcement causes avoidable disruption

Senior

Dress code promotes professional environment

Alex Trifunovic “I think that it’s pretty good. It makes kids try not to be late to school.”

Every August, the cycle of change we all know as a new school year shakes our world from what we knew the year before. New classes and teachers, more responsibility, and, often times new friends, all mash together to create a unique experience that gives each and every school year its own personal flavor. Personally, this first month of my senior year brought about the most change, and coping with it was one of the hardest things I’ve had to face.

The most prevalent change that seemed to rock my world at the very beginning of this year was the fact that some of my closest friends moved miles away from me while they moved on with their post high school lives (whether at universities or moving to different places) all over the country. At first I couldn’t accept the change. I was of the mindset that my high school life would stay forever frozen in the past, the time that I enjoyed so much.

I quickly learned, however, that that was not the case. As summer ended and friends started actually leaving for their college classes, I was confused on why life was moving on so fast.

Then I hit my own senior year.

The first day of school was obviously weird . Walking the halls without seeing all of the seniors from previous years was strange, and the halls seemed empty without the people that I spent so much of my time with.

After some time, however, I am now savoring every moment of this monumental year of high school before I move on with my own life. While I miss how last year was, I’m absolutely loving every minute of this year and having so much fun; more than I ever thought I would.

I’ve learned that I should enjoy this year instead of rushing and wishing my way out of high school. The real world is scary (or so I’ve heard).

The bottom line (which I’ve had to come to terms with) is this: change is inevitable. Life moves on, and the cycle can be a beautiful thing if you embrace it in the right way. And that right there is one of life’s most valuable lessons.

Sarah Maddack

Savanna Bordui

“The (number of) days that it takes to get to truancy court should be longer.”

“I don’t agree with it. It can cause more problems than we already have.”

I

ing

F ea st

Juniors Craig Eggen and Kevin Nichols break their fast at the Fast-a-Thon dinner on Sept. 8. The event, sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, had students sign up to abstain from eating while a sponsor donated money to the food pantry in the participants’ names.

on

life

Ask Laugh Explore Wonder Inspire Live

September 27, 2010

Studying

6

Junior Amanda Trent helps junior Jon Robbins with his homework after school in the media center. Students are able to take advantage of the quiet setting to get their work completed.

Lending a hand helping hand

by the

Students reach out to make a difference

1 in 110

children are affected with autism

1 million

By Ashley Downing staff reporter Kids are always told they can do anything they set their minds to, whether it is big or small. Setting an example are sophomores Anthony Flynn, Josh Tucker, and senior Jordan McRae. Flynn said he idolizes LIVESTRONG and wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Flynn sat down with family members and friends to make the choice to plan a bike ride around Indiana to raise awareness for lupus and autism.

The bike ride is scheduled for June 11. Flynn is making all the plans with help from his support team which includes: sophomores Patrick McLaren (team manager), Steven Medina (assistant manager), Evan Merkel, Tyler Welker (assistants), and freshman Henry Brandt (mechanic), who is from Munster High School. Also helping is the Lupus Foundation and Autism Society of America.

The bike ride will take 14 days and cover an estimated 1,160 miles. It will hit major cities such as Crown Point, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Crawfordsville. Along the way, he plans to make presentations about lupus and autism.

“I wanted to do something big, and I wanted to help other people,” Flynn said. “My sister and cousin are both affected by autism and my mother is affected by lupus. It was time for me to do something.”

In preparation for the ride, Flynn started conditioning. He is also doing all the planning and making a budget.

“The budget is currently in a preliminary stage and cuts are being made, but it looks to be around $20,000,” Flynn said.

Flynn is selling wristbands similar to LIVESTRONG bracelets but they say “Life around America.”

“Students can get involved by spreading the word by telling their extended families throughout Indiana about the ride. They can donate and receive wristbands as well,” Flynn said.

Students can buy bracelets or make donations through Flynn or anyone in the support team.

numbers

people in the U.S. have autism

Senior Jordan McRae (pictured below) and sophomore Josh Tucker traveled to Haiti over the summer on a missions trip with their church. Photos taken by Sarah Pena.

“I want to raise awareness and funds for both of these illnesses and it’s time to stop sitting around and dreaming about it,” Flynn said.

Making a difference on the other side of the world, McRae and Tucker took a mission trip to Haiti along with their church, Community Bible Church of Cedar Lake, this past summer.

With their missions group, AIM (Adventures In Missions), comprised of five teenagers from the youth group and four adult leaders, they led VBS (vacation bible school) at Haitian churches.

They helped with crafts, games, other activities with children, and “shared Christ.”

“We had no running water or electricity. We had no normal amenities,” McRae said.

Living without the comforts of home could be seen as difficult compared to normal American standards.

“The differences were actually easy to deal with. I never heard any complaining and can truthfully say I never complained, not even to myself,” Tucker said.

McRae had set a personal goal of touching someone else’s life before he came home, and he believes his mission was achieved.

“This trip made me grateful for everything I have at home,” McRae said.

He believes that the bigger impact was when he had to deal with the reality of the poverty of other countries. The earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12 and though

90 percent

of lupus patients are women

1.5 million people in the U.S. have lupus

80 percent

of Haiti’s population is living below the poverty line

the people lost a lot, he said they were still genuinely happy.

“Most of our poorest people in America have it better than their higher class people do. It just showed me that material possessions really do not matter that much,” Tucker said.

Tucker decided to overcome a fear of his own when taking the leap to go on the trip, and do something out of his comfort zone.

“I hate going places I have never been to, and even places I have visited numerous times if it

is not in my regular schedule. In the end, I decided to go because of my love for Christ and the feeling of need to share His love,” Tucker said.

English teacher, Vince Bauters, says that a student volunteering to help others is a sign of maturity.

“Students are gaining their own personal knowledge. They get to learn about themselves and it puts them ahead of their peers,” Bauters said. “I feel inspired by what these young men are doing.”

10 million people live in Haiti

$2

per day is what most Haitians live on All facts compiled by Inklings staff

7

Feature

September 27, 2010

Homecoming: then vs. now Many Homecoming traditions have evolved throughout the years 1969

By Abby Elston Staff Reporter

fire

Bon

1970 Pep Rally

1964

1964 “S

nake

Dance”

It used to be immediately after the football game. It used to be informal and cheap. However, it has always been called the Homecoming Dance.

This dance has been around for the duration of current students’ years at high school, and much longer in addition to that.

However, students rarely look back to how it used to be-back before they even set foot in the school.

Social studies teacher Paula Barancyk helped organize and plan the dance in her earlier years of teaching, when the high school was located on Joliet Street.

“At the old high school (location), tickets cost about $3 (for the dance),” said Barancyk.

Nowadays, it’s not so cheap.

Family and consumer science teacher Jan Rattazzi is a CPHS alum.

When she first returned to the building to teach, she was shocked when she heard about the ticket prices for Homecoming.

“There has been such an inflation since then,” Rattazzi said.

“We didn’t use limos or go to Chicago. We usually had picnics or went to the Dunes.”

“On average, I probably spend around $300 on the dance, including food, a dress, hair, de Para and shoes,” said senior Kristin Overbey.

“Guys probably spend around $150 maximum.”

In addition to the costs being different, the number of students attending the dance has varied. In fact, the number of grades at the school wasn’t even the same.

“The freshmen weren’t at the high school (when I attended high school at CP),” said science teacher Ken Witt.

Because of this, they couldn’t go to the dance like they can today, causing the numbers of students attending the dance to be smaller.

Today, a DJ provides the music for the dance. It seems like such a staple that some students can’t visualize the dance

HOMECOMING WEEK: monday Wear Your Class Color Day

. . . .

freshmen brown

sophomores yellow

juniors

tuesday Ugly Sweater Day

Wear the ugliest sweater you can find!

taking place without one.

“We just had a live band, no DJ,” said Rattazzi.

Other aspects of the Homecoming celebration as a whole have changed throughout the years. In 1964, it was celebrated with a bonfire and a “long snake dance” before the day of the game. The Homecoming Parade of Marching Bulldogs, as it was known then, was on the second day, followed by the football game.

In 1986, Grand Marshals led the Homecoming parade because of their perfect GPAs during their four years of high school. That year, the weather did not cooperate, and it rained during the parade and game. Because of this, the Royal Regiment wore their everyday street clothes instead of their new uniforms.

Contrary to all the variations, there are aspects to the dance that have stayed the same throughout the years, such as the hype of spirit week taking place the week of the homecoming game.

“We decorated doors at the old high school,” Barancyk said. This has been a tradition throughout the years that is normally honored.

“It was a big deal. Pretty much everybody went,” said Witt.

Overbey agrees, saying that Homecoming is a unique dance.

“Since (the homecoming game) is on Friday, the hype is built up all week.

It’s not like a normal dance because everyone is so excited for Friday and Saturday,” she says.

“There’s always going to be that group doing silly dance moves, the fun D.J. handing out glow sticks. Everybody likes to go to it so much because it’s the same.”

However, there is an aspect of the dance that has been implemented last year; instead of voting for Homecoming royalty at lunch via paper and pencil, students are now casting their votes on an electronic voting machine.

“It was something new and extremely successful,” said student council sponsor Rachele Raloff. “It was more high tech.”

2010

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Deco

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201

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w Flo

on

Float 2010 Parade

Preparations

The 2010-2011 Homecoming Week schedule. Wear your classs color, ugliest sweater, and Crown Point spirit gear for the week leading up to the Homecoming game and dance.

wednesday Lumber-Jack Day

Dress up like a lumber jack or in plaid!

green

thursday College Gear Day

Wear your favorite college gear!

saturday

friday School Spirit Day

Homecoming Dance

Dress up in your CP gear for the Homecoming football game!

Homecoming Dance starts at 6:30 p.m. in the fieldhouse

seniors

red

CROWN COLLEGE OF COSMETOLOGY INC. 192 W Joliet St Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 663-9444

HOMECOMING UPDOS starting at $15.00

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

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8

Feature

Forty hours of philanthropy

Opportunities in the community make service hour requirements reachable

By Melanie Zdanowicz and Katrina Zdanowicz staff reporters

editor-in-chief

Help at a local elementary media center

Assist with cleanup and beautification ArcBridges is looking for ten volunteers to assist with a fall cleanup and beautification service project on Saturday, Oct. 2. ArcBridges is conveniently located across the street from the high school. Those willing to help should contact Stephanie Spudic Ward at stephspudic@ yahoo.com.

Load containers for a good cause Hearts in Motion thrift store, which collects clothes to provide to people in Guatemala and Ecuador, located in Highland needs volunteers for loading containers at their storage facility on Saturday, Oct. 2. If that date does not work out, than they could always use help after school for anyone to come in and sort clothes or clean the store. For more information call 924-2446 or visit heartsinmotion.org.

Set up and take down tables at events The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students will be taking down tables after the Antique Show. They will meet in the Industrial Arts Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Volunteers are also needed on Nov. 26 to help with the Santa Luncheon at the Crown Point Civic Center. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers will be setting up for the event. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., help is needed with the actual event as well as clean-up.

Volunteer at school events Opportunities exist around the high school. Students can give up their time for the Special Olympics and other sporting events by contacting Brandon Lorek. Ask Coach Doug Norris about volunteering to time swim meets. Be aware as events are publicized throughout the year.

Goal setting pivotal tool for success

By Lauren Cain

With all the stress and bustle that accompanies a new school year, it may seem exhausting to some students to begin to think of the service hours they still need to complete. Forty may appear to be a big number, but when students are given the right venues and resources, those hours can begin to fly by. Compiled are different places for students to check out if they are seeking fast, easy, and gratifying ways to fulfill their hours.

The local elementary school media centers provide many service opportunities for those who would like to volunteer by reshelving books, straightening shelves, creating displays, preparing lessons and projects, processing new books and assisting with inventory.

September 27, 2010

PHOTO BY D. CASILLAS

Madi Walker-Carpenter volunteers her time by teaching French to MacArthur Elementary School student Emily Russell. Using one’s talents and interests to help others is a rewarding experience and makes community service hours attainable.

Assist a food drive During the season of giving, The Center Township Trustee holds an annual food drive in November and is in need of volunteers to help contribute to their effort. Contact 663-0250.

Help those affected by the flood damage Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana, or LARRI, is a longterm recovery committee that was established to assist those Northwest Indiana residents who were affected by the flood damage of 2008. “The only way we can help more people is if we get more volunteers,” said LARRI Director Jane Delligatti, “There are still people whose houses need to be repaired. Our need for volunteers is critical.” Contact 219836-1325, or visit larri.info.

Volunteer to help the wildlife The Moraine Ridge Wildlife Center in Valparaiso is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of native animals. Their mission includes rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. To keep their mission alive, they’re in need of volunteers. Their volunteers come from all areas of knowledge, so even if students are not animal experts, they are still able to lend a helping hand. Contact mrwildliferehab.org.

Share your smarts Crown Point High School and MacArthur Elementary are looking for after-school tutors. Contact 374-7866 for MacArthur Elementary, or Liz Hanlon here at the high school at 663-4885 ext. 11272.

A new school year is akin to a blank slate: a new opportunity to redeem oneself and start fresh. An essential part of this is setting goals in order to succeed.

“The nice thing about goal setting is you can monitor your progress. It allows you to problem solve and be proactive,” guidance counselor Kim Swan said.

For students, many of these goals can be oriented around academics or extracurricular activities.

“My goal for this year is to maintain my grades while still actively participating in my extracurricular activities,” said junior Elizabeth Stratton.

According to Swan, students’ biggest academic goal should be to challenge themselves, but not to the point where the challenge inhibits success.

“The biggest academic goal is to balance challenging yourself and getting a good grade. In other words, optimize curriculum but still be able to succeed,” she said.

For seniors, goals may be based around their future plans, such as getting into college.

“I want to get all my applications done and sent in by Nov. 15,” senior Marcus Trybula said. “The deadline for many scholarships is Nov. 15.”

Setting goals teaches students to succeed instead of take the easy way out.

“If you dig yourself in a hole, it’s easier to keep getting deeper. If you’re ahead of the game, it’s easier to make leaps and bounds,” Swan said.

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Feature

September 27, 2010

Students might have to pay the price for getting

9

energized

cup. To put this into perspective, a may think, energy drinks can 12oz. can of soda contains from 18 have some adverse effects in to 48mg of caffeine. The Food and the short term as well as in the Drug Administration long run.

School is starting again, “(Energy drinks) give the (FDA) limits the and that means no more body a false feeling of feelcaffeine content sleeping in until noon. of sodas, how- ing energized. Some students Students are adjusting ever there come to me with side effects of back into the school is no such tremors, anxiety, feeling jittery, year routine, which limit on en- headachy-y and restlessness generally includes An energy drink conergy drinks. and (they) can’t seem to calm sleep deprivation. tains about 80 mg of E n e r g y these symptoms down,” nurse Many students turn caffeine compared to drinks also Carrie Ready said. to energy drinks to the average 45 mg in a Energy drinks can induce contain large keep them conscious can of soda. amounts of agitation, anxiety, irritability, throughout the day. sugar and small and insomnia. Even in moder“After a long night doses of legal ate amounts, caffeine can cause of no sleep, (students) need anxiety, restlessness, nervousherbal stimulants. their boost of energy,” French Adenosine is a brain chemical ness, upset stomach, and headteacher Amy Berchem said.

Students drink these caffeine- that causes sleepiness. Caffeine aches. Caffeine is also a diuretic loaded substances for many rea- works on the body by blocking which means it promotes fluid sons, and at all different times of the effects of adenosine. When the loss. This puts people who drink adenosine is blocked, neurons in energy drinks while playing day. sports at a high risk of “(I usually drink energy the brain cause the body to react dehydration. drinks) in the middle of the school as if there is an emergency, In the long day and when I go bowling,” ju- initiating the body’s run, energy “fight or flight” renior Christian Lang said. drinks can sponse.

The body Energy drinks first became cause inpopular in Japan in 1962, when a releases adrenaline, somnia Japanese pharmaceutical compa- a hormone that An 8 ounce energy and disny released its Lipovitan D drink. makes the heart ruption drink can contain It was designed to help employ- beat faster and the in sleeping ees work hard well into the night. eyes dilate. Adrenfrom 5 to 8 teaspoons patterns. Too Lipovitan D contains taurine, the aline also causes the of sugar. much desame ingredient found in many liver to release extra pendence on of today’s energy drinks. Red sugar into the bloodcaffeine can even Bull, the first energy drink to hit stream. Caffeine also aflead to depression and fects the levels of dopamine, the U.S. market, was launched in serious heart problems. a chemical that causes pleasure.

1997.

Of course the best remedy for Energy drinks are mostly ef- The combination of all these bodifective because of the high caffeine ly responses makes one feel as if sleep deprivation is getting the recommended 8-9 hours of sleep content. Energy drinks contain an they have more energy.

Contrary to what students a night. However in high school, average of 80 mg of caffeine per

By Haajar Shaaban executive editor

Did you

KNOW?

Did you

KNOW?

tea contains theobromine, a subt h i s stance that helps lift the mood. is u n l i k e l y . Green tea is also a good alternaThankfully there are many al- tive, having only a third as much ternatives to energy drinks for caffeine as coffee. Fresh fruit juice sleep deprived students. or smoothies can give the body “Eating a good a healthy boost of fruit breakfast (helps me sugar rather than to stay awake durcaffeine. ing the day),” “Juices may senior Kaitlyn have a higher Edwards said. content of Eating sugar, so it Many energy drinks breakfast could help becontain small doses can improve fore practice alertness and of legal herbal or before studconcentration. ies, but it will stimulants.

Eating a combionly work for a nation of carbohywhile,” Ready said. drates for energy and Another take on protein for endurance can energy drink alternatives ensure you stay alert through- is the innovation of drinks conout the day. taining a variety of vitamins and Since dehydration is an- minerals, as opposed to caffeine, other large component of to give drinkers a boost. These students’ sleepiness. Drink- drinks provide the body with ing enough water throughout electrolytes, antioxidants, and the day will keep one feeling other immune-strengthening nulively. trients. Some examples of this are “(Drinking) several glass- Zipfizz and Eniva Vibe. es of water a day will keep “I would recommend sleep the body feeling hydrated and (for students). (Students should) will help you function better self discipline themselves to in general,” Ready said. take the time to do activities and If one is looking for some- homework, to make sure to eat thing other than water, other good meals: breakfast, lunch, and beverages can give a healthy dinner, and to eat the right kinds boost of energy. Yerba maté of food,” Ready said.

Did you

KNOW?

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Saturday 10:00 to Noon for 4 weeks

Holiday Classes: December 18-23 & 27-30 from 1:00-4:00pm

Feature

10

Freshman expectations Things anticipated by frosh students prove different than reality

September 27, 2010

freshman

survival guide

Speed Limit

Speed up!

Don’t take your time in the hallway.

Fast!

Do not

block the hallways by talking with your friends. Take your conversation into the locker bays.

Ask for help

PHOTO BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

With the biggest incoming class Crown Point has yet to see, all 683 freshmen are often seen crowding the freshman locker bay.

Freshmen entered the high schools with fears of finding classes, teachers being hard on them, and expected a lot of hard work.

By RaeAnna Morgan staff reporter It is big, bursting with students, and its hallways are undoubtedly overcrowded; it is Crown Point High School. On Aug. 19, 683 freshmen, which is by far the biggest incoming class Crown Point has ever seen, entered the building for their first day of the next four years of their lives.

The anticipation for the first day of high school resulted in many students spending hours finding the perfect outfit; butterflies taking over nervous stomachs and many hours of sleep lost. Some students thought the high school to be a scary place, but once they entered the building their intimidating thoughts and fears subsided.

An issue most students worry about is finding their classes.

“The halls felt like one giant crowded maze on the first day,” said freshman Maggie Gelon. “After being in school for a couple weeks, I feel more comfortable with the school and I feel like I know my way around better.”

Having a tardy on the first day was not something most students want. Making it to class on time was a worry carried around by many new students.

“I was afraid I would get lost and be really late to my classes and get a tardy on my first day,” said freshman Zack Bucci.

Another common fear was teachers being harder on students and really cracking down.

“Coming into high school I expected a lot of hard work from the teachers,” said freshman Nick Faso. “So far the work hasn’t been as hard as I thought.”

Not only do these freshmen have their own ideas of what high school would be like, they also have upperclassmen telling them their version.

“People told me high school was much harder than middle school, but so far it isn’t bad,” said Faso.

Even Hollywood can influence people’s opinions of high school.

“When I thought of coming into high school I expected it to be like how it is the movies, exciting and filled with drama but it’s much mellower than that,” said Gelon.

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Looking back on the first day of high school as a freshman, upperclassmen wonder why they were nervous in the first place.

“I love high school now. It’s a blast,” said senior Michael Albrecht. “On that first day as a freshman I was nervous. I thought older kids would shove you in the halls or tease you because you were a freshman, but they were actually really cool and helped you through your day.”

Once at the high school, students found that everyone inside the school, from faculty to the seniors, were here to help and not to scare.

“After only a few weeks here I already feel like I have more independence and freedom,” said Bucci.

Albrecht agreed saying, “You have a lot more responsibility, but everything is geared toward your future.”

“High school is much better than middle school because it’s not too much stress, you’re independent, and the teachers are really cool,” said sophomore Nick Zaberdac.

Compared to middle school life, many students seemed to prefer what the high school had to offer.

?

as soon as you need it and before you get too far behind.

Stay organized Write everything down in your assignment book. Keep homework assignments in a folder,not your book.

Be on time to all your classes, otherwise you’ll miss out on valuable learning time and class lectures.

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MTV show portrays effective message

By Melanie Zdanowicz staff reporter “If you really knew me,” starts Leiken, a senior and a well-known asset to the popular crowd at Freedom High School, “you’d know that I have no emotional connection with my parents at all. I have a nice house, nice clothes, but I don’t want any of that stuff…

I tell my parents how I feel, but all they do is shut me out.”

She looks with pleading and tearful eyes at her peers as they reach out to the girl who they thought had everything, and pull her in Review an embrace.

“If You Really Knew Me” is MTV’s recent addition to their long list of teen-based shows. This one is different, though. It does not document the crazy partying antics of “Snooki” and the “Situation”, nor does it take us through the endless string of drama within “The Hills” cast. “If You Really Knew Me” is real with raw emotion, and looks into the lives of kids just like you and me. It follows “Challenge Day,” a program that visits high schools across America and tries to break down the barriers between cliques that keep students apart, and shows how even kids who are polar opposites all go through pain and struggle and may even have more in common than they thought.

Think of it as teenage group therapy. There are plenty of tears, and by the end of the episode people who have never even spoken a word to each other are hugging and crying together. Some of you may be thinking that crying means just a load of petty drama, but this is life for these teens and these are their real experiences.

The message is true and honest and applies to kids from all high schools: That no one’s life is ever pictureperfect, and that we suffer through pain and heartache.

However, if we took the time to really understand each other and the hardships each of us live with, then maybe we could lessen that pain and turn high school into an easier and more enjoyable place to be for everyone. Don’t think it can be done? Tune into MTV on Tuesdays at 10 and prepare yourself to be proven wrong.

Arts & Entertainment

Take advantage of offers at area establishments to save hard-earned cash Monday

1

MC at A kdays! s ie v e $5 mo rs on we e t thea

Tuesday

Thursday

Wednesday

2

3

quila Si $1 Tacos at Te on tuesdays!

Free Pie Wednes day at Baker’s Squa re!

4

ess onel lo B t n 60 Ce at buffa wings wings! wild

Tuesday

By Kelly Rostin managing editor While summer ends taking away summer jobs and student income, some may feel that they can’t go out very often in order to save money. While it’s true that going out can be expensive nowadays, there are tons of daily deals that can please even the most frugal of students, and save a lot of money in the long run. Some of these deals, offered close to home, make socializing a whole lot easier.

Monday

Ever since AMC bought out Kerasotes theatres, 2590 Southlake Mall in Merrillville, the infamous five buck club was replaced with the weekday $5 movie. All day, everyday, all work week long, (starting with Monday) anyone can see a movie for just $5. On weekends prices vary depending on what time the movie is seen.

“My friends and I like to go to the movies a lot, but it’s really expensive on the weekends.

By going on the weekdays we can save a ton of money and I can still afford going to the movies. I like that I don’t have to completely give up the movies because of the expense,” senior Hannah Schutter said.

Tequila Si (formerly located on Broadway) is a new addition to the restaurants on the Crown Point downtown square located where the Circle had been previously, at 110 S. Main St. On Tuesday, one dollar tacos are offered, bringing large masses of customers to the new establishment.

“Taco Tuesday is the highlight of my week. I really like their guacamole there too, but it’s kind of expensive. One dollar tacos on Tuesday are especially convenient because that way I can afford the great guacamole,” senior Patrick Kvachkoff said.

Wednesday

What some students claim to be their favorite day of the week, Pie Rush Wednesday (more popularly referred to as “Free Pie Wednesday”) at Baker’s Square, 8140 Mississippi St. in Merrillville, offers an opportunity for a cheap snack.

With any purchase (whether it’s as simple as a drink or as large as a full meal), each customer gets a free slice of pie.

“I have been religiously attending free pie Wednesday with my friends since last summer. I found out about it before it was even famous at the school. I love pie,” senior Tyler Triumph said.

Friday

5 t 10% off meal a ar we u yo if schoops ar!

Crown POint Ge

Thursday

Buffalo Wild Wings (commonly known as “Bdubs”) seems to be a hot spot on the weekends and on Friday nights after games. However, on Thursday nights, the restaurant offers a great deal with 60 cent boneless wings (any flavor). Any amount of wings can be ordered with a minimum of five wings.

“I love going to Bdubs Thursday, junior Kelsey Ingelhart said. “ I earn my own money and have to pay for my own things and the wings are cheap on Thursday. I feel better going there knowing I’m going to get a good deal. Plus I love Bdubs.”

In town diners can find Bdubs at 1600 E. Summit St.; the restaurant also is located near the mall at 500 E. 81st Ave. in Merrillville.

Friday

Schoop’s Hamburgers, another popular spot after sporting events, supports Crown Point spirit and super fans alike. Any customers who go into Schoop’s at 1124 N. Main St. wearing CP spirit wear on Fridays get 10 percent off their entire purchase.

“I think that this deal is a really good idea,” freshman Julia Abbott said. “Schoop’s has really good burgers, and it’s smart of them to give deals on the days that games are. A lot of people go there after football games.”

“Easy A” easily achieves the grade

By Lacey Valois staff reporter Throughout the last few years, teen flicks have been described with words such as raunchy or crude. “Easy A”, however, is one of the few that can be described as clever and witty. Sure, just like any other teenage movie, sex, rumors, and partying is involved, but unlike those before, the new comedy approaches these in a clean, humorous way.

The film’s star, Emma Stone, brings her character to life with her sassy remarks and quick comedy.

All of Olive’s (Stone) high school life, she has been completely ignored and Review virtually invisible, although that portion of her life is barely ever seen. Her best friend, Rhi (Aly Michalka), is the school’s rumor mill, and when Olive is somewhat forced to say she hooked up with a college guy, when in reality she didn’t; it’s no surprise the whole school knows about it the next day. Her life virtually gets turned upside down when her reputation goes from not even on the map, to the school’s newest trampy girl. Unrealistically, she becomes almost popular because of her new reputation.

She’s thrown into a life led by lies in order to

The “Big Bang Theory” is NBC’s new highest rated sitcom, and for good reason.

It showcases a type of ‘intelligent comedy’ that features four socially awkward science nerds and their attractive blonde neighbor across the hall. The characters play off each other effortlessly and are enjoyable to watch. The funny one-liners and attempts to fit in socially keep this show amusing and the overthinking manner of the characters keeps it fresh.

The Big Bang Theory

11

Daily deals and weekly steals

boost both hers, and her dates’ social status in school. She begins to be considered as a good luck charm to guys who can’t get girls.

After she “hooks up” with guys through false rumors, they are able to get girls much easier than before.

The premise is surely unrealistic, but theflick is definitely one that will give a laugh.

The storyline can be confusing at first over the fact that there is little to no back story to begin the movie. Right away, the lies have begun and Olive’s reputation is already going downhill, with almost no time to breathe in between each plot and scene. It doesn’t fit that the guy she had been crushing on for years finally notices and likes her due to her new reputation, or the fact that her family hears and sees their daughter’s transformation but takes it lightly. However, I and the other moviegoers in the theater, found ourselves laughing at these unrealistic aspects.

Overall, the movie provided laughs, even though some aspects of the film were unrealistic and unable for most to relate to. It’s no “Mean Girls,” but it is a guarantee for a good laugh and time at the theaters this fall.

Stars: 4 out of 5.

a few of our

favorite things Silly Bandz

September 27, 2010

The average, everyday rubber band has undergone a major transformation, a change which children across the nation are now enjoying. The tiny, wrist-sized Silly Bandz are formed into every shape imaginable. Buyers can choose from letters of the alphabet, safari animals, rock star instruments, their favorite sport teams’ logos, and thousands more. While younger kids are likely to be seen with their forearms buried under mountains of colorful bands, high school students are clearly not immune to the trend. Cute and bright, Silly Bandz have become a cheap way to accessorize.

New iPod Nano 2010 Apple’s newest addition to their ever-growing family of iPods is their new 2010 nano. This is the smallest one yet, measuring 1.54 inches across, and also the simplest, with only three buttons. It may seem that Apple’s key for success is to keep it simple and small, but there are other reasons that make this new generation a hit. The new nano has a rotating touch screen; a new fitness app that can be synced with Nike+ to keep track of your steps and help set weight goals; and an FM radio that users can pause, play, and even fast forward. Priced from $149 to $179, this new generation is a must-have for music lovers of all kinds.

Arts & Entertainment

12

Anything your phone can do, my phone can do better

Tech

shabby

By Kayla Martisek staff reporter Technology is all around students, from computers, to iPods to cell phones. These devices may help throughout the day in an infinite amount of ways.

Cell phones may be the most popular device of all.

Competition may erupt from students when trying to “outdo” each other.

While it may be serious at

1 New Message

Tech to Savvy

times, other times it is

just banter.

“When I first got my iPhone, I’d make fun of my mom because she had a brick for a phone at the time. I told her I was cooler than her,” said sophomore Maddy Kurgan.

Competition can occur over what applications a consumer has, how many people they text, and how “cool” their phone is. Even when a student thinks he or she has the coolest new phone, it seems that a new one comes out the day after.

Expensive, complicated phones are usually what intrigues most buyers.

Some, however, stick with the basics. Calling, texting, and sometimes even an app or two is all certain people need. French teacher Amy Berchem, has a basic Motorola.

“I think I would consider myself old school when it comes to technology. If it has the basic features; it’s all I need,” said Berchem.

Even though her phone doesn’t have a single app or internet, Berchem still gives it an eight out of ten. This isn’t so true for some consumers. They need

Message Sent! √

to have the newest phone and be the first one to have it, however, cost can sometimes pose as an obstacle.

“I get excited every time a new (phone) comes out. I wish I could get a new phone anytime I wanted,” said freshman Jacob Niermeyer.

When phones are so attractive, sometimes it’s hard for purchasers to resist the buy, but applications may produce a bigger temptation.

Phones like the iPhone 4 by Apple can feature virtual newspapers with the NYTimes app or schedules for the school day with the iStudiez Pro app.

Although th iPhone 4 is a smart phone, there are plenty of cell phones that arent so complicated. There are generally four groups of cell phones; Camera/Video Phones, Mp3/Music Phones, PDA Phones and Smart Phones.

Camera/ Video Phones have

the ability to take pictures and/or videos. These cell phones are very basic. They may or may not have extra features such as a QWERTY keyboard or touch screen.

An Mp3/Music Phone can save music files on the phone’s memory. Like an Mp3 device, students can choose between songs and transfer the music from their computer to their phone.

PDA phones and Smart phones are similar in the fact that they both have the capabilities to have features like email, personal organizer, Bluetooth, and the ability to synchronize with a student’s PC. With so many choices and prices, it may be hard for consumers to purchase a cell phone, but it can certainly be a fun and exciting experience to do so.

“The best thing for me is always having to learn something new about my new phone,” said junior Allison Julius.

Pizza places pop up around Crown Point

By Lacey Valois/Donnella Casillas staff reporters It seems as though Crown Point has been taken over by a pizzeria-producing monster these days. Look left and one can see Da Brothers, added to The Square earlier in the summer. Glance down the road near the Halls of Justice and diners can find Faustino’s Pizzeria. Traveling north, behind Jewel Osco, lies Oven Pizzeria. With all Review Loven these new restaurants open and ready for business, it may be difficult to keep track of them.

Diners searching for a dine-in experience with a Main Street Café feel may find satisfaction in eating at Da Brothers. Racking in a vast amount of customers because of its position on the square, Da Brothers allows patrons to enjoy the sights of the Court House while enjoying their meal. The restaurant offers pizzas, burgers, salads and a variety of appetizers. Da Brothers lies next to a bar attachment and you can hear the patrons

What’s on your iPod?

next door speaking. Not only did that add a louder atmosphere, but added slower service because the waitress was the bartender too.

Although the service was slow, the wide variety of food added extra points in our books.

The Loven Oven could be compared as Buffalo Wild Wings Italian counterpart with items on the menu that range from ziti, a dish similar to mostaccioli, and lasagna, to wings, pizza, and sandwiches. All orders are inexpensive, ranging from $3.50 to $6.00. Not only is the Loven Oven a restaurant full of bargains, but is also designed for a speedy dine. However, we felt a vibe the resembles a fast food place rather than an authentic Italian restaurant. Also, sauce used on the dishes gave us mixed reactions at first. Our first bite, we didn’t exactly know what to make of it, but the more we continued to consume the pizza, the more we liked it. The service provided us with the quickest dine out of the three.

Opened June 18th, the day of the Corn Roast, a business move to get the word

Zoey El- Nimri freshman

out and customers flowing, Faustino’s has acquired some fans among Crown Point’s citizens. The pizzeria offers an indoor and outdoor dining experience along with carry out and catering services for group parties as well. One bite into its signature deep dish pizza and we could instantly think of one thing: Gino’s East, but with a twist. The sauce used on the pizza is the family’s top-secret recipe and really adds a kick.

All of these different pizzerias give different options when it came to surroundings and food. If you want to satisfy your hunger while seeing a historic landmark outside the window, choose Da Brothers. Rather have both pizza and delicious wings while saving some cash? The obvious choice would be The Loven Oven. If you’re searching for a romantic dine for a date or a friendly family event, the best choice would be Faustino’s.

Even with the competition, each venue will be sure to satisfy you no matter what your craving shall be.

Kyle Muna sophomore

Nicole LaMantia junior

September 27, 2010

Lady Gaga becomes the new Madonna

By Kelsey Lennon staff reporter Lady Gaga is currently one of the biggest pop sensations that has swept the nation with her catchy songs, outrageous outfits and stage antics. This caused a media storm and people began comparing her to Madonna. Both women have had two Number One hits on the “Billboard Hot 100” and seven entries on the “Top Ten”.

They obviously know how to succeed in the music business but they have more in common than that.

First off, Gaga and Madonna had a similar up-bringing.

They are both Italian- Americans who were raised Catholic, began their careers struggling in New York, and after gaining popularity, dyed their hair blonde.

Their major comparisons are between the controversies they have caused. Gaga and Madonna have come under fire for almost the exact same reasons; mixing religion with sexual content. This has been exhibited most in their music videos. In the 80’s, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” video caused public outcry especially from the Catholic Church much like Gaga’s video for “Alejandro.”

From this, it seems Lady Gaga can be called the Madonna of the new millennium.

But there is one thing that sets them apart, and that’s talent.

Lady Gaga clearly has more natural talent. Gaga learned how to play the piano at four, wrote her first piano ballad at 13, and began signing at open mic nights at 14. When she was 17, she was accepted early into New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, but dropped out a year later to work in the New York underground music scene.

Another point is that Lady Gaga obviously has a much stronger voice then Madonna.

It also helps that Gaga writes her own songs unlike Madonna and that shows she can hold her own in the music business.

We would have to wait until 2030 to actually compare the two women. Madonna has been in the music industry longer then Lady Gaga but as long as Gaga continues making music, she will likely pass Madonna in number of hits, influence, and shocking moments.

Joe Rivich senior

Open Wounds Skillet

Cheated Mike Posner

Respect Aretha Franklin

California Gurls Katy Perry

Emotional Drought Chevelle

Play Ball Lil Wayne and Drake

Breaking Free Gorilla Biscuits

Love the Way You Lie Eminem and Rihanna

This is War 30 Seconds to Mars

Alive Kid Cudi

Swimming with Sharks Touche Amore

Knights of the Round Skylit Drive

Sports

September 27, 2010

13

Tennis team faces Munster today in last match

By M. Savich /A. McLean sports editors With only one meet left in the regular season the boys tennis team (7-5-0) is looking to move on to sectionals.

“We’ve met our pre-season expectations with the exception of a couple matches of weaker performances,” assistant coach Greg Branda said. “Our biggest competition is Highland. We’ve lost to them earlier in the season. Our doubles really need to step it up if we want to beat them.”

“Highland is a tough team and we’re going to have to practice hard and keep a good focus if we want to

beat them in the post-season,” senior Alex Angelich said.

Angelich also commented on how the team feels confident nearing the end of the season.

“It’s really tough playing in the DAC but we learned a lot from playing against all the great competition,” Angelich said. “Playing the schedule we had this year really helped us to develop and learn what we need to do to be sucessful individualy and as a team.”

“We really have got to play our ‘A’ game if we want to advance in the post-season,” junior Daniel Smith said.

Smith (6-6 individual record), who played as number two in dou-

CHIPPING IN

bles last season, moved up to be the Bulldogs’ number one singles player.

“Our main goal all season has been to win sectionals,” Smith said.

“I feel like we have a pretty good shot at winning because during the course of the season we have beat Lowell, Kankakee Valley and Rensselaer who are all teams that we will have to play again in sectionals.”

The Bulldogs finish up their season today at Munster.

“We’ve learned a lot and worked really hard over the course of the season. our main goal at the beginging of the year was to win sectionals and that’s what we’re set out to do,” Smith said.

Junior Paul Kendall warms up before a match at home against Lake Central on Sept. 7. The Bulldogs will take on Munster on the road this afternoon at 4 p.m. before closing out their regular season schedule and moving on to the sectional tournament.

S

On a DAC sectional championship team, one golfer battles more than just the course

W

hile most golfers may have trouble working on different aspects of the game such as putting, chip shots and keeping it straight of the tee, sophomore Zoie Matthews faces a diverse challenge everyday which proves to be more difficult than simply learning how to reading the green.

Before moving to Crown Point, Matthews lived in Phoenix, AZ where she was diagnosed with Lupus, a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body.

“I got Lupus from my mom,” Matthews said.

“I was at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for four months. After staying there for two months the disease began to affect my brain so I was forced to stay even longer. I missed a lot of school and was on 21 different medications.”

After being released from the hospital, Matthews moved to Crown Point where she began to golf competitively for the first time.

“My aunt got me into golf. I had played a few times when I was younger and I thought it was fun so I decided to try it out in high school,” Matthews said. “Back in May I took some lessons from a pro.”

Matthews tried out for the Lady Bulldogs golf team for her sophomore year and played on the JV squad but also managed to get in some varsity time.

“Playing varsity (as a first year player) was really exciting,” Matthews said. “I gained a lot of experience and learned a lot about the game from the other girls because they have been playing for so long.”

One of Matthew’s main individual goals this season was to lower her score over the course of the year down to the low 50’s or high 40’s. “(Senior) Carolyn Kupchik really helped me get my scores down,” Matthews said. “She was really helpful when it game to working on my form and my chip shots. It was really tough at the begining but I’m continuing to work hard and I’m comfortable with the position that I’m in with my golf game.”

“Even though Zoie has lupus, it doesn’t seem any different playing with her,” Kupchik said.

“She’s a lot of fun to play and hangout with. She blends in with team easily and she’s very talkative. Any mistakes that she makes are basic, just like all the other freshmen and sophomore girls on the team. Zoie is a very fast learner and a great addition to our team.”

Kupchik, a fourth year varsity member and The Lady Bulldogs’ number one golfer on the

team, helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to a sectional championship , shooting an 81, (the best score for of the day for the lady dogs by 13 strokes). The team managed a score of 375, which was enough for the Lady Bulldogs to pull away with a sectional title on Sept. 17. This was the teams first sectional title since 2004.

“I was really excited that we won sectionals,” Kupchik said.

“I thought that we would only get second or third (place at sectionals) but everyone has been working really hard all season to lower their scores and we played hard at sectionals and came out on top.”

“Our team gave a very quality performance (at sectionals),” head coach Mike Cronkhite said. “Anytime a team can win a sectional championship is a definite testamony to the players’ work ethic.”

Although, Kupchik was not a medalist at the sectional meet, she may still contend for state seeing that the Lady Bulldogs will be going to regionals as a team.

“I just wanted our players to golf to their full potential (at regionals). When they do, then we have the ability to do something special as a team,” Cronkhite said.

Even though Matthews did not compete at regionals on Sept. 25 she, like the other team members who are not competing, is supporting the team and pushing them at practice everyday after school.

“Zoie always wants to make herself better.

She practices non-stop and is definitely trying to improve her game. That’s definitely a good quality for a golfer to have,” Cronkhite said.

Regionals was held at Beechwood golf course.

Results were unavailable at press time.

“Playing on the road can be tough,” Matthews said. “I really like playing at our home (course) Youche Country Club because we practice there

Number one golfer commits to Indiana University

IN

the game

Senior Nick Grubnich has committed to Indiana University and will be golfing there beginning with the 2011-12 season. Grubnich is a past state qualifier and has been the Times athlete of the week on multiple ocasions. Grubnich has also been the Bulldogs varsity number one golfer since his freshman year, where he traveled to the state meet in Indianapolis and took fourth place as an individual.

scoreboard Football CP-48 Hobart-14 CP-21 Merrillville-24 Lake Central-21 CP-45 Portage-7 CP-24

Volleyball CP-2 Boone Grove-0 CP-3 Portage-0 Chesterton-0 CP-3 CP-3 Merrillville-2

Girls Soccer CP-2 Chesterton-4 Valparaiso-2 CP-3 Andrean-1 CP-7

Sophomore Zoie Matthews

Merrillville-1 CP-7

Boys Soccer Penn-3 CP-2

and since we play the course so often I feel like we definitely have a big advantage.”

Matthews commented how even though she had to do a lot of hard work to make the team and compete as a first year player, she enjoys the game and the company of her team and she wishes to continue to golf for the rest of her high school career.

“I have a lot of fun golfing and being part of this team,” Matthews said. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m going to do my best to keep getting better.”

Story by Milan Savich / Sports Editor Photo by Ashley Downing

A date in ‘Dogs history In September 1991 quarterback then-senior Chip Pettit passed for 157 yards in a 35-7 victory over Lake Central. Pettit was named Mr. Football that year and finished the season with four Crown Point football records including 121 pass completions, 1670 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes and 244 pass attempts which has yet to be broken.

CP-2 Valparaiso-1 CP-2 Morgan Township-2 CP-3 Merrillville-0

BoysTennis CP-4 Kankakee Valley -1 CP-0 Valparaiso-5 CP-4 Wheeler -0 Hobart-1 CP-4

Girls Golf Loss vs. Chesterton Loss at Hanover Central Loss at Wheeler Win at sectionals at Lake Central

14

Sports

September 27, 2010

Soccer shows family ties, start season strong

By M. Savich and F. Strino sports editor and staff reporter If you ask a given soccer team about on-field success, they will typically talk about practice, strategy and hard work.

However, when it comes to Bulldog soccer, both the boys and girls teams will tell you that their on-field success stems not only from their dedication to the game but their close off-field relationships.

On Tuesday afternoons, Tequila Si Restaurant in Crown Point hosts its regular Taco Tuesday special, where it isn’t uncommon to run into the boys soccer team.

“We’re together every day after school,” senior Matt Wentz said. “We always go out to eat before we play and our favorite food is Taco Tuesday at Tequila Si.” The Bulldogs usually catch a meal together after school before they head to a game or practice.

“We’re like a big family,” Wentz said.

“I think it’s safe to say that we’re closer than any other athletic team (at Crown Point High School).”

“Because our season is so condensed, we spend a lot of time together and the team gets an opportunity to become very close,” head coach JR Rosenbaum said.

“We also have a great group of parents that make sure the team has opportunities to get together outside of soccer. This is one of our biggest strengths because when you’ve worked so hard for something together, you don’t want to let down the people around you.”

Not letting the team down includes supporting one’s teammates through hardships. During the summer, sophomore Alex Fenn was involved in a car accident with his mother. Fenn received a concussion and was unable to play during the start of the season. In honor of Fenn and his mother, the team wears blue warm up jerseys printed with “Fenn” and his number 20 on the back along with his mother’s initials in a heart on the front. The team also wears black arm bands during games.

“After Alex’s (Fenn) accident this summer, we took a few days off from soccer,” Wentz said. “Mrs. Fenn was like the ultimate soccer mom and she would want us to keep playing and for us to be the best that we can be.”

Photo By Joe Nejman Juniors Brett Bayer (left) and Daniel Naumoski (right) congratulate sophomore Zach Sneiderwine (center) on one of his two goals at home, against Chesterton on Sept 7. The Bulldogs current record is 7-1-3.

“Matt (Wentz), Tony (Zervos), (Kyle) Spisak and I designed the blue warmups that we wore in honor of Mrs. Fenn,” Sneiderwine said.

“One of the keys to our success this season is the fact that everyone on our team is so close with each other,” Wentz said. “Our team is there for each other on and off the

field. The situations we experience off the field help us build team chemistry.”

“Last year we may not have been the best of the closest teams, but this year we had a change and we know how to play,” Sneiderwine said.

The Bulldogs jumped to an undefeated start to their season going 7-0-3 before los-

ing to Penn at home on Sept. 11.

“Being undefeated felt good. It made us stronger as a team,” sophomore Zach Sneiderwine said.

Sneiderwine is the Bulldogs leading goal scorer with 13 on the season.

“We all know what we want on the field,” Sneiderwine said. “We know how each other plays and where and when everyone will be on the field at anytime.”

The Lady Bulldogs also say they have this advantage of being close.

“Having a team that works well together leads to success,” girls coach Chris Mikrut said. “In the past, I had teams that did not work too well together. Teams that struggle getting along usually don’t play as well as a team that works together.”

The team demonstrates this by sharing playing and leadership positions.

The Lady Bulldogs have two starting goal tenders: junior Kelsey Shoemaker and senior Christa Hendrickson. Both Shoemaker and Hendrickson start in goal by using a game-by-game rotation system, which Mikrut uses to work with both players.

“Sharing the position of goalie is really hard, as is any position. Both Kelsey and Christa want to play, but I can’t play both of them at the same time. They both work extremely hard, and it is hard to choose between the two, so rotating them is all I can do,” Mikrut said.

Their rotation has proved itself effective as the Lady Bulldogs hold a current record on 7-1-2. The girls next matchup is at home against DAC rivals Michigan City Like the boys team, the Lady Bulldogs started off their season with an undefeated run until taking a loss to Duneland Athletic Conference rival Chesterton.

Senior Beth Rothrock, the leading scorer, managed a hat trick in a DAC win over Portage. Rothrock currently has 11 goals on the season.

“I don’t give the title of captain. I expect all of my players to be leaders,” Mikrut said. “If everyone works hard they should be able to have the role of leader. Though seniors are typically looked up to more often, I enjoy seeing other kids become role models.”

The Lady Bulldogs finish off their regular season schedule on the road in a DAC game against Lake Central.

Lady ‘Dogs welcome Duncan to the Duneland

By Sam Beishuizen asst. sports editor

Photo By Joe Nejman New head volleyball coach Allison Duncan instructs the Lady ‘Dogs as she oversees the game from the sidelines against Valparaiso The girls lost 3-1. Seniors Gabby Raspopovich and Sofija Cucuz each recorded nine kills in the game.

New program, new plays, and a new direction--all part of the transition after the hiring of new volleyball coach Alison Duncan.

Duncan is leading the Bulldogs in her first year as head coach. She brings with her a large amount of success as a coach at Andrean where she led the 59’ers to a Northwest Crossroads Conference Championship in 2008. During that same year, she was named Northwest Conference coach of the year.

After a brief leave from coaching to have her first child, Duncan has returned to coaching. “(Volleyball season) is my favorite time of the year,” Duncan said. “I’m glad to be doing what I love.”

Duncan, an Andrean graduate, had a lot of success during her playing career. During her time as a collegiate player at St Mary’s College Notre Dame, she was named an all-conference player, and now she looks to use her own playing experience to help the ‘Dogs chase after a DAC title. “(Being a former player) gave me a lot of knowledge of the game and allowed me to experience a lot of methodologies,” said Duncan.

The key to success for the ‘Dogs (13-5, 7-2) may be experience. The squad boasts a starting rotation that includes six senior players. Having a large amount of older girls can make it difficult for a player/leader to emerge, but that does not bother Duncan.

“I stress leadership within your own role. I want the girls to perform to their abilities and give 100 percent.”

The team’s abilities were tested over the last month during the beginning of the season.

The ‘Dogs got off to a good start with a win against Andrean, Coach Duncan’s former team, on the road in their first game.

One positive that has developed over the season has

been phenomenal blocking. The team has been working on implementing swing blocking, which means the players swing their arms down at the ball. This technique is used by experienced teams on very high levels of competition.

The team began to hit their stride during a win over rival Munster. Geisen had a clutch performance with her game high 17 digs while Cucuz went a perfect 34-34 hitting with 16 kills and 3 digs.

“We are communicating a lot more and we are speeding up our games,” said Cucuz Senior Zarah Cecich led the way during the win over Merrillville. Cecich filled up the statistic sheet with 8 kills, 13 assists, 3 aces, 5 digs, and a perfect 17-17 hitting.

For years, Lake Central has been a challenge for Crown Point. The current senior class had gone winless against them for their entire high school careers. That losing streak came to an end after beating them in 4 sets 25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-23. “(Beating Lake Central) was amazing and thrilling. I was so proud of how hard we played,” said Cucuz.

The girls could not take advantage of that momentum, losing to the area’s best team, LaPorte, in three sets, and then losing to Valparaiso in four. Cucuz says she is not letting the losses bother her.

“Even though losing in close games can get frusturating, it also shows us that we can compete with every team out there.”

After the loss against Valparaiso, the team traveled to Chesterton for the Chesterton Volleyball Tournament. The girls won the tournament beating host Chesterton in the finals 25-20, 25-19. Senior Zarah Cecich led the ‘Dogs and was named tournament MVP with 19 assists and 5 kills in the final.

The girls look to end the regular season strongly before sectionals start later next month. As for her team’s chances, Duncan is pretty optimistic.

“We are going to get there and when we do it will be quite a show,” Duncan said.

September 27, 2010

A Minute With

Sports

15

Bulldog traditions and superstitions

Players hope routines allow success to continue

By Milan Savich sports editor

Mil

Free agency frustrates fans

By Milan Savich sports editor Before free agency existed in the National Football League, fans usually went into a new season with great expectations.

After all, a starting quarterback, tip-top defensive player and stud offensive lineman would often return barring a season ending injury.

But today, things like salary caps and the greed of player’s agents can easily separate a squad which had the looks of a dynasty.

Even powers from the 1970’s and 80’s such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49er’s could easily reload the season after landing a Super Bowl title.

However, as we head into new season, injuries and roster changes can have much of an effect on teams which were solid in 2009. In addition, when other teams are hit with off the field troubles it only adds to the puzzle which will take us to the half way point of the NFL season.

Even as fans, there are All-Pro studs such as Brett Favre or Terrell Owens who have caused fits with the change of replica jerseys which run anywhere from $50 to $150. Besides, the $100 jersey you may spring for this year could easily be obsolete in a year or two due to free agency.

It’s always humorous to notice students walking the halls at our school with a jersey of a flub like former Chicago Bears reject Rex Grossman. But the sports retail stores were able to laugh all the way to their corporate bank.

It only makes sense that those retailers are fully convinced they’ll sell a whole new stock of jerseys to replace the outdated ones.

Friends at school certainly expect me to wear Steelers’ colors whether the game was successful or not. At least one of my investments held up when Antwaan Randle El decided to come home and I was able to convince my mother to dig to the bottom of the closet to find that old black and gold number 82 jersey.

For Bears fans, I guess the most important thing is wearing blue and orange jerseys come January. Let’s face it, it’s only September and the Cubs and White Sox jerseys seemed to have hit the moth balls pretty early in the year.

In any case, I’m excited with each start of a new football season, even though I often lose track of players who have moved on to teams that could’ve been considered as past rivals.

While exiting the far end of Bulldog Turf’s far end bleachers on a Friday night, don’t be surprised if you hear John Frusciante’s techno hit ‘Murderers’ coming from the Bulldogs’ locker room.

“It’s our song,” senior Evan Wilson said. “We have a postgame tradition to play this song after each home game.”

Even though the team’s postgame tradition is shared by every player, many of them have their own individual pre-game rituals.

“I wear the same exact clothes every Friday,” senior wide receiver Austin Atherton said.

Along with his game jersey, Atherton, or the ‘Mouse’ as he is known by his teammates, wears the same shirt, pants socks, shoes and underwear to assure himself good luck.

Other players such as seniors Tight End Jordan Jurasevich and Offensive Lineman Alex Zagrocki like to spend some time alone to reflect before the game.

“I like to go home by myself after school before each game,” Jurasevich said. “I don’t like when anyone else comes with me, I use the time to get ready for the game.”

“I always eat my lunch in the training room on Fridays,” Zagrocki said. “Then before the game, I spend some time alone in the locker room before anyone else gets there.”

Wilson, who normally doesn’t listen to music during school, only brings his ipod to school on Fridays.

“I like to listen to music

Photo By Ashley Downing The Bulldogs prepare to snap the ball in 24-7 win over Portage on Sept. 17. In the game, senior Jordan Jurasevich caught five passes for 90 yards and added two first-half touchdowns. during school on Fridays to get pumped up for the game,” Wilson said. “Then after school I go out to eat, usually at Jimmy John’s. Before the game, Mitch (Kositsky) and I use Goody’s headache powder.”

Even though many players have their standard Friday agendas to help them prepare for the game of the week, not all of these traditions take place on Fridays.

Seniors Kositsky, Andrew Wrecsics, and Travis Woosely along with a handful of other teammates go to Carriage Court Pizza every Thursday after school.

Woosley himself also enjoys heading home after school on Fridays alone, however his pregame tradition is a bit unusual compared to most other players.

“I chew 4 pieces of my favorite gum before each game,” Woosely said. “I’ve done this before every game since my junior year.”

After the first five weeks of play, the Bulldogs improved from their back-to-back three win seasons (2008 and 2009) losing only one of those games in week three to Merrillville by a score of 24-21.

“We’re still in the race for the DAC title,” Wilson said. “We just have to play our game and win out the rest of the season.”

The Bulldogs have three Duneland Athletic Conference matchups (against LaPorte, Chesterton and Michigan City) to end the regular season .

“We have some good games coming up,” Zagrocki said. “We’re

going to have to practice hard and have our minds set going into each game. We have to keep a good focus and strong mental attitude all the way through the regular season.”

The Bulldogs were tied for second place in the DAC with Chesterton as the Inklings went to press and the team travelled to face undefeated Valparaiso on Friday, Sept. 24.

“The Dogs have enough talent to win. We’ve been working towards this year since we were little,” Wilson said.

“Both the players and the coaches have been excited for this season since we were freshman,” Wilson said “and when our opportunity to win arrives we’ll be ready and we’ll take it.”

Cross Country team hits ground running

By Alex McLean asst. sports editor

After starting conditioning back in June 7, the Boys Cross Country season is well under way.

For many athletes, the season started the first week of summer with conditioning lasting the whole length of summer. Official practices started on Aug. 2.

On Aug. 16, they made the journey to Lafayette High School for a Hokum Karem relay race. A Hokum Karem pairs athletes up, and run a relay of sorts where each athlete runs legs of one mile.

The team again travelled to Lafayette for another meet on Aug. 28. Head Coach Keith Iddings doesn’t think travelling affects the team, “It gives our athletes a chance to run against guys they normally wouldn’t run it against, and it helps them build confidence by racing new people.”

Senior captain Ryan Santelik thinks the travel does have a small effect, “Every now and then we have a meet where we have to get up earlier or we have a longer bus ride, and it’s just a little tiring. Our performance as a whole barely suffers.”

The team was unaffected on September 4, when they journeyed to Manchester for a meet. All of the top seven finished with a time under 18 minutes.

Of the 28 athletes on the team, the ‘Dogs are being led by younger members.

“Sophomore Alex Ray was injured last year, and he’s come out very strong so far.

He’s the number one runner on the team. Daniel Walters, who is also a sophomore is number three on the team, and we have some very promising freshmen. But our upperclassmen perfrom at a high level as well,” Iddings says.

Santelik credits much of the team’s suc-

Photo By Joe Nejman Sophomore Travis Kucic runs in a meet a Rensselaer on Saturday, Sept 18. The boys hold a record of (3-4). cess to the chemistry, saying, “This year’s team has gotten along better than other sports teams I’ve been on in the past. The comradery is definitely there. I feel like that has helped us out, you try harder when you want to win for your teammates as well as yourself.”

The girls cross country team has also gotten off to a tremendous start. Official practices started on July 5 after the moratorium, or a

time period when coaches can’t have any contact with the athletes, and they’ve been having six practices a week since.

The team grabbed second in the Hokum Karem meet in Lafayette along with the boys team.

The girls also have done their own fair share of travelling, adventuring to places like New Praire, Culver, and Manchester.

Unlike the boys, the Lady ‘Dogs are being led by a strong group of upperclassman, while still having support from the younger athletes on the team, “I am extremely proud that our upperclassmen take great pride in their positions on the team. It shows not only how much we’ve improved as a team, but also how much we’ve matured as a program,” said head coach Patty Begley.

The team has had a successful season, but it was hard to achieve. Senior Laicee Pierce says, “ We have had to overcome more obstactles this year than in years past, with things like injuries. This season is so much more challenging because nothing is handed to us. We have to work really hard for everything we get. It just makes winning so much more exciting.”

The Lady ‘Dogs have high hopes to make the travel to down Terra Haute for the State Meet. Pierce has very high expectations for her team “I think our team really has a chance of winning most, if not all, of the post season. I definitly see us finishing in the top five, we have all of the necessary pieces. If we can keep up the hard work we’re putting in now and all stay healthy, I feel like we can (win state).”

Begley also has very high hopes for her team. “We’ve got all the tools to be successful.

It’s just a matter of everything coming together. It should be very exciting.”

September 27, 2010

Personalities

16

Student model featured on Oprah show

By Megan Carpenter staff reporter

“I always wanted to be different and not follow trends,” said senior Katrina Hoernig, who has made her ambition a reality.

At just 17, Hoernig has started modeling just like her family knew she could.

With their support, Hoernig received her first contract with a Chicago agency last November. Later she signed with an agency in New York, where she spent three busy weeks last summer, meeting new clients of the agency and rushing to a myriad of photo shoots and castings.

What was a typical day in New York?

“Wake up early and take the subway from castings to shoots to new clients, like everyday. Every day was ‘get up and run.’ New York is the Olympics of modeling. I only had two days to be a tourist,” said Hoernig.

After her trip to New York and working with the agency in Chicago, Hoernig learned something important to modeling.

“Modeling is not all that it’s cracked up to be on TV. It’s not drama, it’s a job,” said Hoernig.

So far, Hoernig has done three main shows after just starting runway this season: a show for Donna Karan at Neiman Marcus, a twentieth anniversary show for Salon Blonde, and Vera Wang on Oprah.

Her favorite job was a shoot for British magazine Wonderland both because it was her first time in Los Angeles and because of what she learned.

“I learned so much from the photographer about playing characters,” Hoernig said. “It is acting without speaking. It isn’t just a pretty face, it is the story of a character, and her clothes hint at her character.”

Hoernig knows not just any high school student can afford top designer clothing, so she gave some advice.

“You can get these clothes without spending (a lot of) money. Find something old and make it new,” she said. “I go to a lot of thrift stores and boutiques.

I like things that bring back memories from my family.”

Not only is Hoernig developing her style, but she is also forming friendships as well. She has met countless people from models who were in “Project Runway” to Oprah Winfrey.

“Everyone was waiting for her. They heard her voice, and everyone turned around, saying ‘Oh my god, it’s Oprah,’ and Vera Wang was right behind her,” Hoernig said.

On Friday Sept. 17, Hoernig aired on the Oprah show, where she modeled Vera Wang’s wedding dresses for millions of Oprah viewers.

“There were so many screaming women. You are wearing these beautiful gowns, but you have to keep smiling. It was almost overwhelming, but such a great experience, like once in a lifetime,” Hoernig said.

Although modeling is becoming a major part of her life, her post high school plans include attending college for interior design. However, she wants to travel and earn her own money, and she said modeling is the best way for her to do that.

“I always wanted to travel everywhere, and I can make money, so it would be the best of both worlds. You only live once, so why stay in one area?” said Hoernig.

Though, she may miss a day of school or miss out on senior year events, Hoernig is sure of her modeling.

“It does take a lot of time, but I am doing it for a good reason,” Hoernig said.

Hoernig said she has learned one important rule.

“You have to realize the line between work and party. You may have to go to a lot of parties, but you can’t make a fool of yourself in a client’s clothes,” Hoernig said.

Though negative modeling stereotypes exist, Hoernig knows she will never be a part of them.

“If that’s what modeling is going to come to, it’s not for me. I am doing this because it is my dream. I am not going to fall into a stereotype,” said Hoernig.

Take

FIVE

Wes Dault Sophomore Future Goal When I get older I would love to become a Physical Therapist.

Special Skill I’m really good at making people laugh.

I like to make people smile.

Light Reader I actually enjoy reading for fun when I have the time.

Pet Peeve I hate when people walk slow in the hallways. It’s really annoying.

Hand Shaker

I would love to meet Peyton Manning. I’m a huge Colts fan.

Photo Provided

Photo By M.K. Lemon

You know it’s Homecoming week when...

“A bunch of people start saving money for their suits.”

“ I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off when there’s a huge line out my door.”

Junior

Hannah Raspopovich

Sophomore Tim Claus

Senior Jeremy Hartman

Class Sponsor Lindsay Cox

“You see people dressed up for spirit week.”

“I’m sitting at home playing ‘Call of Duty’ while everyone else is at the dance.”

Photos By M.K. Lemon