Ahmaud Arbery . Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle oct. 23, 2020 Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar m u n s t e rBenni h i g h sLee c h o oTignor. l Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin issue two | volume 58 Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio 8 8 0Legrier. 8 c o l u m bKeith i a a v e .Childress m u n s t e r iJr. n , 4Janet 6 3 2 1 Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Arbery. Tamir Rice. Breonna George Floyd. ForRichard the pastPerkins. few months Crawford. IndiaAhmaud Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael LeeTaylor. Marshal. Jamar Clark. Nathaniel Harris countless articles have begun in similar fashion. For the past few months, civil unrest has Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. culminated into a nationwide movement of protests and petitions. It has become a movement Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin heedless of race, religion or creed. The months from May until now have left a defining mark Roquemore. on Dyzhawn Perkins. Davis. Marco Loud. Torrey Robinson. Darius the nation, but theChristopher cries for equity across all races has Peter been aGaines. song already sung for Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevinthis Hicks. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton decades. The names that enumerate pageMary are a Truxillo. testament to this. Though the phrase “BlackCrutcher. Lives Matter” may bring uncomfortable sighs and head scratches, Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. it is a discussion that must be had. These past few months have shown that this is more Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana than a movement, and it is a conversation that will likely continue beyond our lifetimes. As Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna we navigate a time of numerous changes, it is essential to reflect on the events that have Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner.Culture JohnClub Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell brought us here. Like the African American officers that are illustrated below, we Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Laquan George Tanisha Anderson. Akaialso Gurley. mustCusseaux. recognize the changeMcDonald. happening around us,Mann. and decide whether there must be a Tamir Rice. change within.Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna =e.
CRIER
than aa More than More movement movement
Read more on pg. 4-5
illustration by cali petersen
2
news
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
Just one of those days
sidenote Adventures in Advocacy
School policies differentiate taking sick days and quarantining
photo by madi green LEADING BY EXAMPLE Members of YAT include Alison Lee, junior, Maddi Bell, junior, Carina Crisan, senior, Surajpal Singh, senior, Khusi Jhaveri, junior, Reena Alsakaji, junior
gage hoekstra
page editor
Following MHS’s reopening and in accordance with Lake County guidelines, many new policies with regards to sick days have been instituted for the student body. The main objective of these policies is ultimately to protect students, teachers, and Munster families. The administration has focused on ensuring that ill students are kept out of the school building, both sending symptomatic students home and suspending those policies which may incentivize sick students to come to school. “Almost everyone I know that has been sick stayed home this year; sometimes they stayed home even if it was just a cough,” Reena Alsakaji, sophomore, said. Many administration members also echoed this sentiment, with Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis and Mr. Brian Clark, vice-principals, both stating that sick students attending school have not been seen as a major difficulty this school year. While the administration is confident in their ability to safeguard the health and well-being of both students and staff, some students have raised their own concerns. “Most kids around this time of year come down with colds or allergies and it’s a normal thing to happen and normally kids would just go to, but this year it is different.” Jenna Kosco, junior, said. “Even if you have allergies or a runny nose you are supposed to stay home and get a COVID test to be able to come back to school. I just think overall it is a difficult situation to be in.” Many students have also expressed their belief that despite these efforts, they may still face negative repercussions for taking necessary sick days. “I do not feel encouraged to stay home at all.” Luka Stepanovich, junior, said. “It is very difficult, for me at least, to remain caught up with my work when I must be virtual.” Some students have also cited pressures from both parents and teachers as a deterrent to taking sick days. “I find it easier for me to learn in school, so it did suck when I was sick and had to miss because it made learning a little bit harder for me. I was tired of putting pressure on myself to hurry and try and get better to get back into school,“ Jenna, said.
photo illustration by Anthony Young
Understanding the facts
Guidelines from Lake County Board of Health
Percent Positivity
0% to 5%
COVID-19 Middle and Elementry Saftey Level High School School
Green
6% to 10% Yellow
in-person in-person in-person hybrid
11% to 12%
Orange
in-person online only
13% and higher
Red
online only
online only
linda ramirez
page editor
Marching Band is traditionally performed as a live experience, especially when in contest. However with restrictions on mass gatherings, Band takes to virtual performances. A live stream was taped on the football field on Oct. 17, for Bands Of America, which brought the end of the season. Tuba section leader, Brook Maul, Junior, felt the event was anticlimactic. “It just felt like it was any other day,” she said. “This season was one of the most difficult motivationwise
Building Bonds
Lake county positive testing rates: Over last 7 days - 9.6% Over last 30 days - 7.2% Over last 90 days - 6.6%
For up to date Lake County and Indiana COVID-19 statistics, visit coronavirus.in.gov
Streaming to you live Band overcomes COVID related obstacles and earns gold
The Youth Advocacy Team was expanded from Louisiana to Indiana by MHS students, many of which have taken active roles in the. offering members the opportunity to participate in several specialized committees. “We do projects, suggest legislation, and advocate for policies involving education, mental health, criminal justice, homelessness, the environment, and civic engagement,” Ayush Arora, sophomore and the YAT’s Indiana Member Services Coordinator, said. Despite only having been founded in August of last year, YAT already boasts many accomplishments, including the writing and subsequent passage of legislation, the distribution of vaping awareness pamphlets to over 200 hospitals, and the holding of a joint town hall with the New Orleans Police Department. “We hope to have a chapter open at Munster in the next school year,” Carina Crisan, senior and YAT’s Indiana State Vice President of the and the Director of Public Relations, said.
because of COVID-19. Usually we were determined to go to state, feel the rush of competing. It was exciting, not knowing if we’d move onto state and regionals and all. But this year we didn’t get that. It was hard to take it seriously and give it our all like we were supposed too.” However, being disappointed did not mean being ungrateful. “Even though this season looked nothing like the ones in the past,” Jackie Bevil, senior, said, “I know that all students, directors, and staff are doing their part to make this year as memorable as possible. I’m just glad to have had some semblence of a season.” Band received gold with distinction in music and visual in ISSMA, and is now moving to winter concert. “We’re not sure how auditions are going to be, since everyones split up, but we’ll see in a couple weeks” said Brook.
photo by henry hofferth PREPARATION Ms. Fus holds up the URL code for the meeting sign-in.
photo by Cali Petersen DETERMINATION Playing the vibraphone in the pit, Shail Patel, freshmen, stays in time requiring major focus. Band has been performing virtually due to COVID-19 regulations, which have restricted their ability to perform inperson. “The virtual competition was like a real competition because there were still judges that viewed your performance in real time,” Shail said, “But it felt a little more relaxed than a real competition.”
Best Buddies started off the year with a match party, where the Peer Buddies got to meet their buddy for the year. This Oct. 25 is the Halloween themed event. “Best Buddies makes me really excited because of all the joy it brings to the kids at school,” Tyler Groen, senior and president of Best Buddies, said. “Sometimes it is tough to make friends at a big school, so having a club like this where everyone is welcome is truly exciting.” If you are interested in joining Best Buddies, email Ms. Fus at hcfus@ munster.us.
Corrections In Issue 2 of Crier, the fingertip length rule stated in the opinion column on page 3 was abolished two years ago. The page tops for 4 and 5 should read infocus. Crier regrets these errors.
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
opinion
3
A call for connection opinion by Atarah Israel
Instagram stalking and twitter retweets. Hashtags and cancel culture. Memes. We live in the era of the phone screen—a digital expanse of information lays at our fingertips. Despite this advancement in communication, however, a deeply disturbing sentiment of isolation has arisen. Considered in tandem with the new age of social distancing and mask requirements that we live in, our society is especially removed from meaningful connections. What implications does this hold for us, a generation that in 2019 the CDC reported to be the least likely to report good mental health? In a world already prone to isolation, expressions of despair, depression and nihilism are common.How do we as teenagers combat this problem? What power do we truly hold? These disorienting frustrations are manifested in the only easily accessible form of expression we have—our social media. In almost every situation we find ourselves, an endless cycle of isolation, despair and social media outpour resurges. This process has some benefits, but poses major threats to our mental states. In an arena where a meme is deemed more valuable than nuanced sensitivity, not only is our empathy under attack, but our ability to resonate with others. A major example of this is the overwhelming response and commentary concerning the global pandemic we now face. Although making light in dire times offers shining resiliency in the face of panic, other approaches to this method are bleak. Memes claiming dark humor that often declare 2020 as the end of the world resonate with elements of depression and cynicism. These memes spawn from a variety of angles, all with themes, such as “Why should I complete my homework? The world is ending.” In spite of the rising prominence in unmotivated views, social media also reflects the positive strides we have made as an online community. As the amount of negative comments consistently pile upon one another, guidance, activism and timely information also spreads from platform to platform. Whereas the conflicts we present online highlight our divided state, the immense amount of support and cooperation we display emphasizes our strength.
CRIER
cartoon by daniel nozick
EDITORIAL
We stand with the BLM movement It began in 2013, after a national outcry that resulted from the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. An activist, Alicia Garza, first coined the phrase in a Facebook post. With the help of Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, the activists founded the movement we know today as “Black Lives Matter.” Seven years later, the movement has been reignited. In May, a video of a police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, resulting in his death, sparked public uproar. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, protesting for his killers to be persecuted. They protested for an end to injustice and racism at the hands of police. Attending protests has not been an option for many. Instead, they sign petitions and donate to the cause. Many have taken to social media, garnering awareness and support for the movement. In June, #blackouttuesday trended over instagram. Although many Gen Z saw it as a chance to show their support, others called it out for what it was: performative activism. It became the clearest example of showing minimal effort for a cause to gain clout or social traction. Many companies took advantage of it as well, claiming that they too supported
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www. mhsnews.net. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2. •Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. •Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are
the movement through baseless BLM is not a political stance. claims. While it has been made In recent months, these same political by its socioeconomic companies have fired employees implications, the movement who have expressed their support itself should not be a partisan for the movement through view. The value of the life of your apparel, claiming that “Black Lives Black friends and peers should Matter” is a political statement. not be a political discussion. Those who are in support BLM is not a trend. While the of the movement traction that support granting it gained over Our take basic human rights the summer to a group that allowed for The BLM movement has historically more change been oppressed is not a political to be made, the for centuries. It movement. The BLM support cannot is a movement movement is not a be temporary. working to end the trend. Sharing a black disproportional square on rate at which Black Instagram is men, women and children are not going to end racism. killed by police in this country. The abuse towards these It sheds a light on the major communities has been racial disparities in our country, normalized for so long that where Black people are exposed holding people accountable feels to COVID-19 at a higher rate, excessive. To make change, we where Black people are forced must hold ourselves accountable. into low income communities, Identifying where subconscious where Black people are denied bias and a compliance in the job opportunities due to their system exists. name on applications, where the We need to start having federal funding is decreased in constructive and uncomfortable schools in Black neighborhoods conversations. There will always due to gerrymandering, where be more to learn, so we need Black people are incarcerated to make ourselves more open at disproportionately higher to criticism and corrections on rates. This is deeper than police activism. Staying silent is no brutality. These lives matter. longer an option.
welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (lana.salahieh@gmail.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. •Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 10 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Copy Editor Alison Lee Design Editor Alexis Perez Page Editors Gage Hoekstra, Linda Ramirez, Thomas Zangrilli Graphics Editors Henry Hofferth, Anthony Young Head Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Cali Petersen
Our Staff
Chief Photographer Madi Green
Editor-in-Chief Lana Salahieh
Photographer Anna Evilsizor
Managing Editor Atarah Israel
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
infocus
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William
4
photo by lana salahieh
More than a
NO JUSTICE NO PEACE Speaking on a megaphone to a listening crowd, Kayla Prowell, class of ‘19, recites a poem during the protest that occurred June 5. Kayla also protest at the town hall. Munster saw a surge of students, graduates and adult support in response to the resurgence of Black Lives Matter this year, paralleling the p been sparked throughout the nation, “We’re tired of having to do this. We’re tired of having to fight for our rights over and over and over again. We fought for them 30 them 100 years ago, we fought for them 60 and 50 years ago. We’re always fighting, and I think that we’re tired of being our own advocates. We’re tired of people not
Join the club A helping hand Getting to know the African American Culure Club President Jaelyn Williams, senior
Co-Vice Presidents Taylor Graham and Uyai Edet, seniors
Public Relations Officers Sydni Branch, Zahrya Grimes and Aleena Mongerie
Sponsors Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo and Mrs. Charity Schmidt
Those interested are able to contact the club via Instagram direct message to @bsuofmhs
Clearing con
Students provide ways to be an ally to the movement “Speak up about it. Simply spreading a message along is something you can do if you are unable to attend protests or donate. I have tried to become a better ally by using my voice and speaking up when I can.”
Lizzie Hill junior
“Educate (yourself) about Black history and the hows and whys of the movement, especially on websites that are approved and supported by leaders in the movement. (Additionally), attend protests, rallies or marches. I’d like to think I’m an ally to the Black community because I love talking about news updates, research and other information that deals with every aspect of the movement with my friends and family. While I’m at work, I make sure to be polite and fair to all, especially our Black and other minority customers because I know that not everywhere they go are they treated with kindness and respect.”
Laura Murguia junior
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Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar Clark. Richard Perkins. Nathaniel Harris Pickett. Benni Lee Tignor. Miguel Espinal. Michael Noel. Kevin Matthews. Bettie Jones. Quintonio Legrier. Keith Childress Jr. Janet Wilson. Randy Nelson. Antronie Scott. Wendell Celestine. David Joseph. Calin Roquemore. Dyzhawn Perkins. Christopher Davis. Marco Loud. Peter Gaines. Torrey Robinson. Darius Robinson. Terrill Thomas. Sylville Smith. Kevin Hicks. Mary Truxillo. Demarcus Semer. Willie Tillman. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Terence Crutcher. Paul O’Neal. Alteria Woods. Jordan Edwards. Aaron Bailey. Ronell Foster. Stephon Clark. Antwon Rose II. Botham Jean. Pamela Turner. Dominique Clayton. Atatiana Jefferson. Christopher Whitfield. Christopher McCorvey. Eric Reason. Michael Lorenzo Dean. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. David McAtee. Eric Garner. John Crawford II. Michael Brown. Ezell Ford. Dante Parker. Michelle Cusseaux. Laquan McDonald. George Mann. Tanisha Anderson. Akai Gurley. Tamir Rice. Rumain Brisbon. Jerame Reid. Matthew Ajibede. Frank Smart. Natasha McKenna. Tony Robinson. Anthony Hill. Mya Hall. Phillip White. Eric Harris. Walter Scott. William Chapman II. Alexia Christian. Brendon Glenn. Victor Manuel LaRosa. Jonathan Sanders. Freddie Blue. Joseph Mann. Salvado Ellswood. Sandra Bland. Albert Joseph Davis. Freddie Gray. Darrius Stewart. Billy Ray Davis. Samuel Dubose. Asshams Pharoah Manley. Felix Kumi. Keith Harrison McLeod. Junior Propser. Lamontez Jones. Paterson Brown. Dominic Hutchinson. Anthony Ashford. Alonzo Smith. Tyree Crawford. India Kager. La’Vante Biggs. Michael Lee Marshal. Jamar
later helped plan a second peaceful protests that have 00 years ago, we fought for t being tired of being racist.” munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
participants. “I have only attended the peaceful protests,” editor-in-chief and managing editor Laila Mosley, junior, said. “I’ve gotten to witness A sea of masked faces populate the street the racist people in my area. There were racial of Columbia Avenue. Signs are held firmly in slurs yelled towards us and curse words. It was the air, bearing phrases such as “neutrality terrifying. (But) in the end, we were the ones equals oppression” and “justice for George standing up for our people.” Though this divisive clash has become more Floyd.” Throughout the day, numerous people pronounced on streets, some say the stand in the midst, issue has been a problem for even megaphone in “Throughout my childhood I struggled longer and is located even closer—at hand. The crowd, with my identity and my self esteem school. though remaining “It happens within sports, distanced and because I was never enough for anyone, and I felt out of place when classrooms, hallways and even masked, stands in solidarity to listen. I didn’t fit into the categories that social media,” Laila said. “Some everyone favored.” students think it’s okay to say the “The main Amaya Dandridge n-word to our faces and make ‘black’ takeaway that I had from the protest is junior jokes. When students make these jokes, they (will say) ‘no offense,’ or that people care,” something they think makes us feel Kayla Prowell, class of ‘19, said. “(What) I hope that people can take away is, that this isn’t over. better. In reality, we still feel uncomfortable.” Racial implications, though now a national This isn’t something that happened once, and just because the news stopped covering it, it’s discussion, have been affecting students on an done. People are still out there marching and individual basis, some of them for a lifetime. “Throughout my childhood I struggled with my putting their lives at risk to try and ensure that other people aren’t going to lose their lives just identity and my self esteem because I was never enough for anyone, and I felt out of place when I for the way they look.” After attending the MHS protest that occurred didn’t fit into the categories that were favored,” Dandridge, June 5, Kayla decided to plan “(What) I hope that people can take Amaya one at the Munster Town Hall away is, that this isn’t over. This isn’t junior, said. “I wouldn’t anything to in celebrtion of Juneteenth. something that happened once, say everyone that made me The demonstrations the town and just because the news stopped has seen are one of the many covering it, it’s done. People are still feel less than, I would that sparked over the summer. out there marching and putting their just hope that when With this growing community lives at risk to try and ensure that they look back on that involvement, students have other people aren’t going to lose event they realize it was found themselves more invested their lives just for the way they look.” wrong, and that they’ve grown and changed and involved in the movement. Kayla Prowell since then.” “This past June, I attended my Class of ‘19 The racial inequities first BLM protest in Lansing, students face has Illinois,” Laura Murguia, junior, been a longstanding issue that has only been said. “I went into the march thinking ‘ALM’ was for anyone who is consistently discriminated recently discussed. With school sponsored against. While at the protest, activists and organizations such as this year’s student-led educators of the movement gave us their stories, African American Culture Club, and the newly insights and feelings about the movement. coordinated Minority Committee, school efforts (They) taught us what ‘ALM’ actually meant and to troubleshoot ingrained disparities are clear. how it is extremely offensive. I was so moved Sydni Branch, senior, was not only invited to by the speakers and all those who attended the attend the minority meeting, but is one of six protest that I began educating myself more at officers of the African American Culture Club. “I really appreciate MHS for inviting me to be home about the Black community and educating a part of such a momentous committee,” Sydni those in my family about it too.” The overwhelming support for the movement said. “The formation of this committee shows has not been without backlash. Local protesters that the School Town of Munster is dedicated can recount numerous scenarios in which to all of its students. Change will never be made passersby have yelled threateningly at peaceful unless there is action, and with the creation of this committee, change is bound to happen.”
lana salahieh and atarah israel
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infocus
Students speak on Black Lives Matter and against racial discrimination
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infocus
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
Students discuss mental health struggles and the stigma around it Content warning: this story discusses mental health issues and mental illness
alexis perez
design editor
ental health is often joked about in our generation. These seemingly harmless jokes have the ability to lead to leaving people hurt due to peers who do not understand what others go through. Despite this students often find themselves forming a community of help. Mental health incorporates emotional, psychological and social well-being, therefore, it is common when students undergo stress and anxiety from tests and homework. “A way I try to help others going through a tough time is showing them that they are loved and important. I try to give them as good advice as I can, and just being there to listen or for a shoulder to cry on,” Olivia Evilsizor, sophomore, said. The trend of isolation among teenagers is an expanding issue. With a study by San Diego State University psychology professor revealing that the percent of high school seniors who said they often felt lonely increased from 26 to 39 percent from 2012 to 2017. Some students also expressed overwhelming thoughts of fear, such as fears of losing the people they love. Many are scared that their thoughts or scenarios might actually come to life. “I think that quarantine damaged everyone’s mental health because we didn’t get to see any of our friends and experience social interaction,” Jim Ferguson, sophomore, said. Mental illness, however, is slightly different—people would have to be diagnosed with one or more of the over 200 classified types of mental illnesses. Students have cited suffering from different types of mental illnesses or disorders. “I personally struggle with severe OCD,” Olivia said. “I can go through OCD ‘episodes’ where my anxiety is spiked and I have many panic attacks where I feel like I’m drowning in my own thoughts. They usually last from an hour to days at a time. I have certain rituals that I have to do to make myself feel at ease. It feels like you can’t shut your brain off and your thoughts never stop going. Depression Photo illustrations by anthony young and alexis perez
also plays a toll on me due to the ongoing OCD. I could go through periods of a depressive episode due to my OCD.” Mental illness is not a trend, something one can just snap out of, a choice, attention seeking, an excuse or always visible. Anxiety and depression is becoming a more open discussion among students. Indiana’s Youth Advocacy team also works as the education and mental health super committee. Among their goals, YAT works towards making the social environment better for students and staff, as well as bettering mental health in school. According to members, this committee strives to provide other students with resources, and to be able to speak out about how they feel. Among their efforts, they have created a website, Feelitpostit. org, for students to share frustrations, as well as see others do the same. Ultimately, this helps battle the prevalent fear of isolation. “Feel it, Post-it is a website where anyone can share any feelings or frustrations they have about COVID anonymously,” Emily Sun, junior, said. “It was created to allow students to see that they aren’t alone during this difficult time and be able to vent about their experiences anonymously. They can either submit a response or view mental health resources where they can learn about the importance of it and access resources to help them.” Students say that they often go through much in silence. The unwillingness to share is due to fear that students or administrators will not understand or know how to help them. “I personally think mental health used to be quite a taboo topic to talk about but since more people have started to open up with their experiences, it’s slowly becoming more socially acceptable to talk about.” Olivia said. In spite of the grim outlook expressed by some, students also feel empowered to better their mental states over time. Factors such as stress and personal priorities have a huge role in this. “I always listen to music when I need to better my mental health.” Isabel Rodriguez, senior, said. “I think it’s hard to talk about since we think someone is going to judge us.”
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
sports
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sidenote Boys Tennis closes season after semi state
photo by max lindenmayer POCH AT THE NET Nick Stephan, junior, anticipates where the serve will return.
Boys’ Tennis comes to a close after winning their 40th consecutive Sectional title, 37th regional title winning Semistate against South Bend Saint Joseph, and placing third at State. Peyton Specht, senior, reflects upon photo by max lindenmayer his season. OVER THE NET At the game last weekend against Penn, Emily Banaszek, senior, jumps to hit a slide set and get the kill. The girls “Overall I think personally and celebrated the point and the three set victory over Penn. Regionals are at LaPorte High School this Saturday. “I knew I had to get team-wise we have had a great sea- around the block to be able to get the kill, so I took the opportunity when I saw it,” she said. son.” Specht said.
Girls Soccer ends early with 8-5-1
State of the court Girls Volleyball talks about their efforts in qualifying for state linda ramirez
page editor
photo by max lindenmayer
CROSSING THE BALL Piper Swope, sophomore, crosses the ball to set up a score.
Girls’ Soccer ended their season Oct. 8 by losing the second game in Sectionals to Crown Point High School 3-0. “I think we had a great season in the circumstances we were in with COVID,” Piper Swope, sophomore, said. “It was upsetting to end our season as early against Crown Point.” In the division the girls are ranked 31 a51st in state. The team didn’t expect to have a full season but still managed
Boy’s Soccer ends season with a record of 14-4-1
Currently ranked fourth in state, Volleyball continues to bring home victory. The season offically ended with a record of 30-2, with postseason having started on Oct. 17. The girls now prepare themselves for regionals, the first match of which is Oct. 24. “We are practicing every day besides the weekends for close to three hours, freshening up on our skills and preparing for the games ahead,” Emma Miles, junior, said. Brushing up on skills and techniques after a long break from quarantine is important to success, but
Taking the high road Girls, Boys Cross Country runners discuss challenges and solutions as they begin to wrap up their season lana salahieh
editor-in-chief
photo by madi green DEFENDING THE GOAL Playing at Goshen High School, Max Marich, senior, defends the goal from Chesterton at regionals..
After winning the Sectional title against Lake Central, the team moved on to the Regional tournament. They won the play-in game to advance and compete for the Regional title, but lost 0-2 to Chesterton in the Regional championship. “Making it to the elite 8 in the top class in the state is special and means a lot,” Gavin Kinsella, senior, said.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country team members. After a challenging season, the runners prepare themselves for Semi-state at New Prairie High School. “This year our season has had its ups and downs,” Katie Hemingway, senior, said. “(Due to injury), We lost the fastest girl on our team, Hannah Robbins, so it has taken a lot of hard work to try to fill that void. We’ve placed in the top six at almost every meet this year and qualified for Regionals at Lemon Lake on Oct. 17.” Regionals went well overall, with three girls (Mary Buck, Riley Jorge,
being informed is just as important. The girls study their opponents to gain a better understanding of the challenges to come, and expand their skill sets accordingly. “We are going to be studying some tactics of the teams that we will be facing,” Nicole Sullivan, junior, said. “We figure out what can be done to overcome most of the obstacles we encounter.” As a reward for their hard work, the team has had a continuously triumphant season. That includes going up against some notably tougher schools more regularly. “We just started to see some more competitive teams like Penn and McCutcheon, and we were very successful during those matches,” said Nicole. While as of now the girls are officially qualified for state, in the period before confirmation they were already confident in their skills and determination. “This year, everyone on the team is putting in their full ef-
and Katie Hemmingway, all qualifying individually for Semi-state. However, due to an error in the point system, after being awarded in the top five, the girls’ team learned they did not in fact place for Semi-state. “Our team was not happy about the results, but at the end of the day we all ran our hearts out on the course,” Hemingway said. The team is not too sorely beaten over it though. By finding comfort and support in each other through challenges they grow stronger. “I feel like the atmosphere created on this team is one that’s accepting. Not many teams can say that they know each and every one of their teammates and I believe that because we are so closely knit, we’re able to connect very well as a group,” Hemingway said. The boys, on the other hand, did exceptionally well and will continue to battle onwards this weekend. “At Semi-state, our goal is to finish (as) one of the top 6 teams which would advance us to state in Terra Haute on Halloween,” said Jacob Cipowski, junior. “Our goal this year is to make it to state, which Munster has not done since 2014.”
fort, not only to help themselves but to help everyone,” Nicole said. The The main obstacle for the girls to overcome this season is covid-19. Precautions have been taken already to help ensure that the season continues to last. Social distancing remains a priority best as they can on the court, and temperatures are taken every day. Masks, are not to be left out the supply list. “Your mask always has to be somewhere on you during practices. Some girls tuck it in their knee pads.” Emma said. Although time to adjust was needed, it is now the normal for our lady mustangs, and normlaicy reassures them they are doing everything they can to keep safe and the matches going. “Any changes that we have to make that can help our team continue to have a season is a change that I and everyone else is willing to make,” Nicole said.
photo by henry hofferth INTO THE WIND Striving for the finish line, Charles Iverson, junior, runs during the Sectionals meet at Highland. “Even though cross country doesn’t involve passing a ball back and forth between teammates like other sports, you still have to have that team mentality and support your teammates because that is how success is achieved,” Iverson said.
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student life
munster high school crier — oct. 23, 2020
Left or right? With Nov. 3 presidential election, students discuss partisan politics “In the past few years the divide amongst Americans Biden has been an elected official copy editor has grown. Hate has grown for 47 years. I have never liked the stronger and the idea of what idea of career politicians because “Look at the world around you. It is tolerable has changed,” may seem like an immovable, implait means one of two things: they Uyai Edet, senior, said. cable place. It is not. With the slighthave been lying to voters about “Hate for people like me (as est push—in just the right place—it a Black, female student) has the effectiveness of their policies can be tipped.” —Malcolm Gladwell been shown tremendously.” from “The Tipping Point: How Little every election cycle, or they’ve It is imperative that there Things Can Make a Big Difference” contributed to the problem. is a discussion between all o one could have guessed that perspectives to promote un-Brink Wolak a pandemic would come and derstanding and unification. senior flip life upside down. The world When a conversation is made, seemed immovand communica- between politics and human rights. able, unlikely to “I think it is important to idention occurs, these undergo drasI like Biden’s views (and opposing view- tify the difference between potic change. The points can work litical views and human rights; how he) continuously COVID-19 pantogether towards without doing that I don’t think demic has dis- expresses his viewpoint (of) a common goal there is a place for a conversaproven that. equality for all. I’ve heard for the coun- tion,” Uyai said. “I think there is Now, there might try as a whole. a difference in disagreeing and little to none from the be another tip“When dis- seeing someone as less than.” ping point for other candidate. Under the cussing politics, it Politics impact all the lives of the the United States current administration I feel is very important people in the United States. Thereand all of its into listen,” Mal- fore participating in politics in any that America has moved lika Keralavar- form is both our right and duty. habitants. On Nov. 3, voters “Voting is a tremendous way to ma, junior, said. backwards. will cast their “Often people hold our elected officials account- Uyai Edet jump to state ballots to detersenior mine who will be their opinI like that Trump is a the president for ions without businessman. I think he the next four years, and they will be listening to opposing opinions or pivotal in turning this crisis around. understanding where someone knows how to make money. But which candidate is The One? is coming from. This tendency to Most students being unable to vote jump to conclusions and not lis- His first three years, we saw can only hold their breath and hope ten to other sides often obstructs Americans make money. It for a good outcome. Deciding on the idea of having open dialogue.” is something our country which candidate is the better choice Listening is important in a disneeds, especially now. I has generated more heated discus- cussion with others. Respect is sions, and in some cases have led to a equally important, no matter the feel like we need to get a profound diview they may balanced budget to start vide between be upholding. I am for Biden primarily fixing our issues. students. “Politics are because allowing Donald divisive - Niko Zaromitidis “I have had and senior times where now more than Trump to remain in office people know ever disagreement able,” Brink said. “We are extremefor another four years is that I am a of ideas leads to ly fortunate to live in a state where conservative name calling, in- there is no excuse to not vote or be an attack to this nation’s Republican sults, and smear concerned about the accuracy of it.” democracy. and Trump campaigns,” Brink Editor’s Note: While writing this - Mallika Keralavarma Wolak, supporter senior, story, Crier struggled to find sources and they’ll said. “My goal has willing to openly state their political junior treat me difalways been to views. Crier strives to include all ferently,” Niko Zaromitidis, senior, stray away from that. While there are viewpoints when discussing an issue, said. “Which to me, I think, is wrong.” some who don’t like me because of and takes pride in informing its Niko’s worry about the mis- mine; some of my closest friends have audience with neutrality, integrity, treatment he undergoes due to the vastly different takes on politics than I responsibility and care. We hope views he has is shared by many do, and I think that is truly what makes that in the future students feel more Trump supporters. Other groups this the greatest country in the world.” comfortable expressing their opinions. also fear deeper repercussions While political discourse is importfor the things they cannot change. ant, there must be a clear, defined line graphics by Anna Evilsizor
alison lee
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BACKTALK Halloween is in eight days. What was your favorite Halloween costume growning up?
“Tony Topaz from Riverdale.”
“My favorite costume was definitely a pilot.”
—Logan Compton —Charlie Olmstead freshman freshman
“My favorite costume growing up was me dressing up as Captain America in the 4th grade.” —Gaby Ruiz sophomore
“I would say either Sleeping Beauty or Raggedy Ann.”
“A football player with a mustache.”
“I was Piglet and my dad was Tigger.”
—Will Moell junior
—Emmaline Miller junior
—Mia Buono sophomore
“I was Elmo when “My favorite I was around 2.” costume was being a pumpkin.” —Sydney Frantal sophomore
—Gavin Kinsella senior
“My Cookie Monster costume from when I was four, for sure.”
“When me and my brother couldn’t decide on SpiderMan or a clown.”
—Peyton Specht senior
—Tyler Groen senior