10.24.14

crier

munster high school

vol 49/Issue 5 Oct. 24, 2014 mhscrier.com

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

Saturday 68/43

Upcoming

Sunday 68/55

n

STAND Diversity Dance: today from 4-6 p.m. in cafeteria

n

Boys’, Girls’ Cross Country compete at Semi-state tomorrow

n

White Sports Banquet: Tuesday at 6 p.m. in cafeteria

Creating

a strategy

With School Town of Munster $8 million in debt, community members search for solutions by creating strategic plan

Same-sex marriage recognized in Indiana page 4

Football team prepares to play first Sectional game next Friday against the winner of Mishawaka-South Bend Adams game page 11

Generally speaking The School Town of Munster’s budget is comprised of many funds, with the general fund being the main fund. The general fund’s revenue is generated from various sources and distributed among instruction, support services, community services, facilities acquisition and construction, and non-programmed charges throughout the district. The monetary amounts displayed reflect the activity in the general fund during the 2012-’13 school year.

$746,345

$22,264,408.58

Revenue from local sources

Revenue from state sources

$3,875,000 Revenue from other financing sources

$1,264,190.71 Revenue from other items

Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

GENERAL FUND

W

hile fighting an $8 million deficit, the School

Town of Munster works on revamping the budget with numerous plans of attack.

“We have a great school system, and we’re going to do everything we can to keep our programs and our people on top,” Dr. Jeffrey Hendrix, superintendent, said at the School Board meeting Oct. 13.

Community members and School Board members are working together to create a strategic plan for the future of Munster’s budget.

“The community feels welcome coming in and being a part of our school’s improvement,” Dr. Hendrix said.

In December, the committee will draft their official strategic plan, and in April they will present their final draft to the School Board for approval.

The board is trying to get all the support they can get in this new campaign for the school. Board meetings, podcasts, newsletters, Facebook and Twitter are just some of the resources the administration has utilized to give the plan more transparency.

“We’re trying to get our message out there about what’s going on in the School Town of Munster,” Dr. Hendrix said at the board meeting.

One element of the strategic plan is sending letters to Indiana legislation requesting a change in funding, according to Mrs. Debby Flahaven, PTO president.

The strategic planning committee and other community members listened to speakers from various Indiana school districts talk about the lack of funding in Indiana public schools.

“If the funding problem does not get addressed, the burden will be on the taxpayers who can’t keep making up the difference,” Ms. Twila Marsh, Media Specialist, said.

At the letter writing meeting, retired Merrillville superintendent Tony Lux shared his experience about how the lack of funding has impacted their schools, according to Dr. Hendrix.

“Down the road, this job, my job, the board’s job are going to get tougher and tougher if we don’t get the funding we need to continue doing what we need to do to keep us at the top,” Dr. Hendrix said.

For the time being, Munster is working on ways to cut down on spending and save energy, according to

Instruction

$19,135,013.77 Includes salaries for all teachers

Support Services

Community Services

$7,569,809.83

$497,357.14

Includes support faculty (counselors, administrators), staff training

Includes athletic coaches, funding for extracurricular activities

Facilities acquisition and construction

$63,046.11 Includes maintenance of buildings and grounds

Non-programmed charges

$3,875,000 Includes loans from one fund to another

sources: Indiana Department of Education; www.munster.us; Mr. William Baker, Town of Munster Plan Commission Chairperson

Mr. Michael Wells, principal.

Taking out unused light bulbs, buying LED lights and getting rid of extra appliances are ways the district is trying to save energy, according to Dr. Hendrix.

“We always start with cutting around programs,” Dr. Hendrix said. “Scheduling changes, rotating classes and reducing the number of coaches or sponsors might be some changes next year.”

Smaller classes mainly benefit low performing schools, according to Dr. Hendrix. As a result of this, teacher contracts will be negotiated next year.

Another possible change is the number of buses that are utilized. Because state law does not require bus transportation for students who live close to the school, walk zones are being considered for students who live in a one mile circumference from the school.

In order for Munster to stay on top, everyone must face the brutal facts that it is time for a change, according to Dr. Hendrix.

“I have learned that there is always something great going on in Munster,” Dr. Hendrix said. “But, if we are going to continue to be such a great school system, we will have to work very hard each day to keep it that way.”

Below average Public schools that rank academically among top ten schools in Indiana receive less funding per student than State average of $5,793 State Ranking

High School

District funding per student

#3

Zionsville Community High School

$5,044.27

#4

West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School

$5,309.75

#5

Carmel High School

$4,799.28

#6

Westfield High School

$4,963.76

#7

Hamilton Southeastern High School $4,901.17

#8

Fishers High School

$4,901.17

#9

Yorktown High School

$5,248.41

Munster High School

$4,988.43

#10

sources: U.S. News and World Report, Indiana Department of Education

10 sports

Cheerleading

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

With heads held high

finishes as runner-up

Cheerleading looks towards competition season Vrusha Patel Editor-in-chief

The cheer team placed second at the Lowell Oct. 18 invite with a one point difference, according to Kasey Luehrs, senior.

“We saw improvement because all of our stunts hit better than last time. Our dance was a lot cleaner and we showed more enthusiasm,” Luehrs said.

They will bring in a choreographer to improve their dance routine, because of a technique point deduction at the Lowell invite, according to Luehrs.

“I think we have a better chance this year than last year (at State) because the girls are more passionate,” Leuhrs said.

Although they have a competition team, Coach Szafasz places importance on raising school spirit at games.

“We take competition as a privilege outside our duties as a cheerleader for school and that’s how it should be,” Coach Szafasz said. “And with that perspective, the girls have jumped on board. They are excited for the games.

They promote spirit during school, and they are still top three.”

Boys’ Soccer ends season in Regional Championship Erin Gallagher Sports Editor “It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Dean Svolos, senior, said. “Knowing I won’t be playing competitive soccer anymore is one of the toughest realizations.”

The boys soccer team ended their season with a 2-1 loss to Chesterton in the Regional Championship Oct. 18 “I wanted to win so bad; it’s an awful feeling,” Nik Kajmakoski, senior, said.

Despite a hard loss, the boys had a successful season. They clutched a Conference title and their 13th consecutive Sectional Title, according to Coach Jim Prasopoulos, Westlake teacher.

The boys developed an unbreakable bond this season, according to Kajmakoski.

“Each and every player is treated as family.” Kajmakoski said.

Next season, 14 slots will be vacant on the roster as a large group of seniors are graduating.

“I’m really going to miss the seniors,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “It will be sad to see them go. This is my 13th year coaching, and I have stayed in touch

photo by Ray Ojel

SHIELDING THE BALL In a Sectional game Oct 11. against an East Chicago, Nik Kajmakoski, senior, battles for the ball “We prepare for games by Practicing technique drills, sprints and working on little details,” Kajmakoski said.

with most of my past players over the years.”

A great moment for the team was beating Lake Central twice, according to Kajmakoski.

“No one on the roster ever played in a Regional Championship,” Svolos said, “so it was great to gain that from the Lake Central victory.”

A Regional Championship trophy is the first goal for next season, according to Coach Prasopolous.

The boys’ relationships created an undeniable chemistry that produced great soccer, according to Coach Prasopoulos.

“They’re a great group of guys who are extremely passionate about the game of soccer,” Coach Prasopoulos said.

Setting up for Sectionals Girls’ Volleyball prepares for sectionals, improving their skills while still keeping team’s unanimous goal of winning State in mind Max Baker Opinion Editor

photo by Natalia Bilek

WITH PRECISION In the midst of a game against Kankakee Valley, Blaire Barnett (front), senior, bumps the volleyball and Lauren Adams (19), junior, prepares for the set. “The greatest feeling is succeeding and watching my teammates do well,“ Barnett said.

The girl’s volleyball team competed yesterday against Lowell, officially continuing their season.

They won with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-13 score overall and will play Highland this Saturday.

“This is a really exciting time of year,” Coach Tracey Summers, WWMS choir teacher, said. “We work all year towards Sectionals, and our goal is to go to State.”

Coach Summers has nothing but respect for the girls on the team who do so much for each other and the sport.

“Volleyball is a really fun sport to play, and these girls in particular are strong athletes and really nice kids. Many want to or plan to play in college,” Coach Summers said.

While on the court, Alex Sullivan senior, enjoys the intensity of the game along with its unpredictability.

“This is what I love,” Sullivan said. “That adrenaline you get when a good play is happening. It’s exciting when we get to the point of feeling we can do better than we ever have been before.”

After a relatively slow season, Quinn Harris, senior, hopes the following games will prove more of a challenge than previous competitions.

“Our first few games were hard, but we eventually killed every opponent we faced afterwards,” Harris said. “I hope that during Sectionals, we’ll find someone who might actually be a challenge.”

During her time on the team last year, Harris noticed several distinctive differences between last year’s team and this year’s.

“We’re a lot better than last year,” Harris said.

“Our seniors have more power and we have a great defense. It really raises our confidence. Last year we had weaknesses and knew how to hide them, but

this year we really don’t have any weaknesses, so we can work on getting better at the things we’re already great at.”

The team spends their after school practice working on various techniques to improve their blocking and keeping their serves consistent and aggressive.

“I feel like we’re intimidating the competition a little bit.” Harris said.

Despite their record, the team hopes to approach Sectionals with caution, according to Harris.

“We’re a little bit nervous,” Harris said.

“Perfect ACE” “We’re hoping to win, Conference recaps of the but it’s not a given.” season; volleyball ends 8-0 The entire volleyball team faces many rigor- record ous practices and tough n Aug. 28 Griffith score: 3-0 competition in the fu- n Sept. 2 Lowell score: 3-0 ture, but Harris and Sul- n Sept. 9 Andrean score 2-1 livan believe they will perform phenomenally. n Sept. 11 Hobart score 3-0 “We have awesome n Sept. 18 Kankakee score 3-0 players,” Harris said. n Sept. 16 Highland score 3-0 “We’ve got great seSource: maxpreps.com niors, more power in our players and a stronger defense. Even with better individual players, we’ve become a much more united team this year.”

The volleyball team’s seasonal victories lie in their incredible ability to come together, function as a team and win, according to Sullivan.

“We have incredible team chemistry,” Sullivan said. “There’s not one person on this team who doesn’t get along with someone else.”

Coach Summers agrees with Sullivan that the team is very compatible.

“I am so proud of the girls,” Coach Summers said.

“I know they’ll do great things.”

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

11 sports

photo by Peyton Puckett

PLAYING THE FIELD Defensive players react after a play during the Oct. 17 game against Kankakee Valley. Jacob Helmer (9), senior, Tim Krajci (42), junior, and

Jaylan Scott (18), sophmore, tackle a Kankakee Kougar. “My favorite thing about playing football is getting the chance to play with my friends and getting hyped up for each game,” Helmer said.

There’s a first time for everything

Football earns bye; will compete against winner of Mishawaka vs. South Bend Adams

How we measure up

Amanda Jones News Editor

Football averages compared to standing national average; Munster above average results for most

Average sacks National average Munster 16 % above

Average interceptions National average Munster 5% below

Average touchdowns National average Munster 37% above

Average tackles National average Munster 48% below

Source: Maxpreps.com

Football has their first Sectional game Oct. 31, they will find out their opponent after the Mishawaka vs. South Bend Adam’s game.

As a result of the 25-42 loss against Lowell on Oct. 10, the team has a bye, a week where the team does not have a game because of their record, for the first official week of Sectionals. Last Friday, the team traveled back home to beat Kankakee Valley (KV) 45-0, according to John Hulsey, senior.

“We got our confidence back (during the KV game).

I believe that during that week of practice, our coaches couldn’t have done anymore and they knew we could win,” Hulsey said.

The extra time from the bye will have its advantages for improving their skills that they have worked on all season, which is vital to a Sectional victory, according to Seth Gutwein, senior.

“Our defense can get better and hold the other team to less points,” Gutwein said.

The skills the team used against KV will be used against the other teams they play, according to Hulsey.

“Our offense is very explosive. They are fast and our linemen do a great job for our running back. We never gave up on them (KV),” Hulsey said. “We never slowed down because when you do, they come back. We continued to fight and score points. That’s just how our offense is.”

The team’s raking compared to other teams has increased, according to Coach Leroy Marsh, health teacher.

“We compare pretty well (to the other teams). We are one of the top level teams of the other teams in the area,” Coach Marsh said. “We’re ranked in the top 10 in Indiana for the entire season around the state.”

However, when Sectionals comes around, nothing else matters besides that particular game, according to Hulsey.

“Everyone is 0-0. Sectionals is a totally different season.

No other game matters. Your record doesn’t matter. That is why you never know who is going to win,” Hulsey said.

“In Sectionals, teams can be great because they don’t want to stop playing, you just never know. The games you play don’t matter. It’s about how you play in the playoffs.”

Split down the middle

After ‘devastating’ loss, one doubles team still en route to Semi-state title Danie Oberman News Editor

photo by Alexis Baker

IN POSITION During a Regional match against Crown Point, Alex Wisniewski, senior, anticipates Adam Richter’s, sophomore, serve. “The camaraderie that stems from a tennis season is undoubtedly the most rewarding part of tennis,” Wisniewski said.

After winning their 33rd consecutive Sectional Championship, the longest streak in Indiana for any sport, Boys’ Tennis lost to Crown Point in the second round of Regionals.

“We knew it was going to be tough,” Coach Steven Lopez, history teacher, said, “but all we can do is double, triple our efforts going into next year so it doesn’t happen again.”

During the match all three of the single players lost, knocking them out of the tournament.

“So, while the loss is devastating because it was our goal the whole season, we have to keep things in perspective. It really is just one match that we lost. It happens to the best of them,” Alex Wisniewski, senior, said.

However, the season is not over yet. Wisniewski and his doubles partner, Adam Richter, sophomore, have continued onto the individual tournament.

Wisniewski and Richter play Pendleton Heights to-

morrow for the first round of Semi-State.

“I think they’ll (Pendleton Heights) pose a good challenge, but I think we can overcome it,” Richter said.

Wisniewski and Richter are currently one of the top six teams in Indiana.

“We’re just doing everything we can to get the team back to State,” Wisniewski said. “Even though it might not be the whole team, we’re still playing on behalf of the team.”

The loss was bittersweet. Knowing the team could not move on with them made the win a little harder, according to Wisniewski.

“It’s not like ‘everyone’s done, go home,’” Arlo Detmer, junior, said. “Munster still has the chance to make its mark this season in spite of losing at Regionals.”

Preparation is key and the team is ready for the upcoming competition because of so much practice, according to Wisniewski.

“I feel good,” said Wisniewski. “I feel like we’ve been preparing very well and it’s gonna be tough to beat us when we’re playing at the top of our game.”

2 news

Crier/Oct. 24, 2014

Quick Notes

Speech Novice speech team members prepare for first competition of season The Speech team’s novices have their annual Homewood-Flossmoor competition Nov. 1.

The team is fully prepared, according to Speech and Debate Team Director Mr. Jordan Mayer.

“While we are certainly prepared, beginners tend to feel that there is more work to be done,” Mr. Mayer said. “The best advice is when you feel fear, take the step anyway. They are ready.”

The novices come from a variety of different backgrounds and talents, according to Mr. Mayer.

“There is a great amount of talent on our novice team. There are so many students that bring a variety of experiences with them to our team,” Mr. Mayer said.

Marching Band Marching Band will compete in Semistate, Bands of America competition The Marching Band had a successful start to the season, winning their first two competitions and placing second to Concord in the Elkhart Memorial Marching Band Invitational.

“In the grand scheme of things, it would be nice to be playing at State Finals again, but there’s no guarantee,” Mr. Bret Winternheimer, band director, said.

The Marching Band will compete tomorrow against over 60 other bands in the Bands of America competition and Semi-state next weekend.

“I think as long as we keep working hard and doing what we have been doing we will be very happy with the end results this year,” Mr. Winternheimer said.

Spell Bowl Spell Bowl starts their season with new software for new study techniques Spell Bowl’s first competition will take place Nov. 3. To prepare, the team will study with new software called Caltutor.

Caltutor will provide a new way to study, according to club sponsor Mr. Dusan Vidovic, math teacher.

“They will see the definition of the words, hear them.” Mr. Vidovic said.

“It will be easy for them to study. Much, much easier for them to study.”

The software will hopefully improve the team’s study habits and skills, according to Mr. Vidovic.

“I expect after that software gets used that I’ll see more of that (improvement),” Mr. Vidovic said. “It highly depends on the software.”

Corrections

In issue four of Crier, senior Maddy Purcell’s name was misspelled on the front page. On page two, the National Commended Scholars should have been named. They are Chetan Chauhan, Kathleen Gonzales, Shawn Mahoney, Alexander Megremis, Sean Pruzin, Noah Schlossberger, Conor Taylor, Martina Trivunovic and Garrett Zuck. Also on page two, Mr. Thomas Barnes’, English teacher, was misquoted. The quote should read “90 schools will win $25,000 grants, the top 10 will win $100,000 grants and the top schools will receive a concert from The Band Perry.”

Crier regrets these errors.

Breathe Easy Students, staff take on projects to raise money, awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, honor Colleen Lusk, ’15 Erin Gallagher Sports Editor A life was celebrated and remembered Oct. 20. One year ago, Colleen Lusk, ’15 , lost her life-long battle to Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The community mourned the loss of a strong and inspiring young lady, according to Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, Student Government sponsor.

One year later, Student Government commemorated Colleen’s life and affect on the community by planting a tree in her remembrance last Monday.

“It’s another form of closure for the seniors who were close with her,” Student Government member Lauren Koultourides, senior, (also a Crier photographer) said.

The tree is planted in the courtyard outside of Mrs. LaPorte’s room. In the spring, the rosebud will bloom with purple flowers, the official color of Cystic Fibrosis There is a plaque next to the guidance office that gives information about Colleen’s tree.

“It’s a chance for the school to move on,” Mrs. LaPorte said, “but it is also a constant reminder of Colleen’s importance and impact on the community.”

Ms. Leigh Ann Westland participated in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for Cystic Fibrosis Oct. 12.

She joined 75 other people in the Team CF Super Heroes campaign that raised $138,000 for the Greater Illinois Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis.

“It was something I really wanted to do,” Ms. Westland said. “I wanted to honor Colleen and continue to help (Colleen’s sister) Erin (Lusk, ‘13, who also has Cystic Fibrosis).”

Each individual on the team was required to raise $1,500 to participate. Because Ms. Westland raised $2,300, she was allowed to wear a yellow cape during the race.

CF Super Heroes is a great way to bring awareness to Cystic Fibrosis and recognize those fighting it, according to Ms. Westland.

“Going into the race, I wasn’t focused on finishing at a certain time,” Ms. Westland said. “I was focused on finishing the race for those who can’t.”

Dana Handler, senior, focuses on advocating Cystic Fibrosis awareness in memory of her best friend Colleen.

“As her anniversary approaches, the best way for me to deal with her passing is to focus on fundraising,” Dana said.

Her first order of business this month was selling purple lanyards that gave 100% of the proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The lanyards sport the Cystic Fibrosis slogan “Breathe Easy.”

“The lanyards are a simple thing that a lot of high

photo by Rachel Bishop

REMEMBERING COLLEEN Standing before Colleen’s tree in the court-

yard, Claire LeMonnier, junior, and Casey Terry, senior, join the crowd of students at the dedication. According to Casey, the dedication brought closure to everyone there.“It was helpful for everyone to see that Colleen had so much support, and I think it will always be like that,” Casey said.

schoolers use,” Dana said, “Even though it’s small, it adds up to a lot of money.”

Aside from the “Breathe Easy” lanyards, Dana will participate in the CF Climb Nov. 9, a 58 floor stair climb at the 300 North LaSalle building in Chicago.

“Our team is called Trekking with Tutus,” Dana said.

“Anyone can participate with our team or donate online; I like to think of this as a community effort.”

For Dana, however, Oct. 24 is not about Cystic Fibrosis: it is about Colleen.

“Colleen was a person before the disease,” Dana said.

“There has to be a part of this that is only Colleen—no medications, treatments or hospital visits, and I think fundraising allows people to make that separation.”

If Colleen were here today, she would be surprised by how much the community has done for not only her but for Erin, according to Dana.

Colleen impacted Munster in so many ways and still continues to inspire community members today, according to Dana.

“I think everybody knew what an inspiration she was when she was here,” Dana said, “but she had always refused to believe that. Today she would be so surprised about how true that actually was.”

Students work toward Pegasus’ comeback Students work to bring back Pegasus, school literary magazine, to publish student art, writing; hope to start creative writing group Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor The first meeting of the revamped Pegasus literature magazine took place Oct 16. A club that started in the sixties and ended in the early eighties, this group publishes a magazine that allows students to submit their own creative writing and artwork.

“Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the school, but it would be a good thing to have,” club member Julia Chael, junior, said. “We wanted a place to share our writing and have a place for students to help them grow as writers.”

Julia Torres, junior, will run the meetings, and Serena Patel, junior, will design the magazine. Julia Torres thought of forming Pegasus again after talking to friends and teachers about starting a creative writing club, according to Julia Torres.

The club had an unofficial callout meeting Oct. 16. They plan to publish a short magazine before winter break and one full magazine of students’ creations every quarter afterwards, provided they get approved by administration.

Students can submit their work to Julia Torres and Serena for them to consider and for Pegasus members to edit the

students’ work before publishing it in the magazine. In addition, Julia Torres plans to start an informal writing group that will meet in Mr. Kevin Clyne’s, English teacher, room for further advising on their creative writing.

“It (creative writing) helps you develop your own (poetic) skills because you can see others’ errors and what they did well, so I hope that helps people a lot,” Julia Torres said.

Ian Brundige, freshman, who attended the callout meeting, looks forward to helping with the effort of publishing the magazine.

“I like to see all visual art, poetry and stories being showcased,” Ian said.

Helping students take their creative writing skills to a higher level was a motivational factor in jump starting the club, according to Julia Torres.

“It’s really great when students are able to come up with really big ideas and put them into words,” Julia Torres said.

Pegasus will serve as a creative outlet for many students, according to Julia Torres.

“I think it helps relieve stress from school, so I think if more kids did that, it would be good for them,” Julia said.

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

3 speakout

BACKTALK

Are you dressing up to go trickor-treating? Why or why not?

Visit MHScrier.com and read a column on how old is too old to participate in trick-or-treating.

“I probably will because I’m spending time with my friend.

Still deciding what I want to be.”

Students need not apply

“No, because I don’t have a costume, and I don’t know who’s going.”

graphic by Chelsea Eickleberry

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that the national unemployment rate dropped to a rate of 5.9 percent last month. This announcement marks the first time the unemployment rate has dropped OUR TAKE below 6 percent since July 2008.

But for a largely overlooked Businesses should portion of the nation’s worknot deny high schoolers work force, this announcement is relexperience simply atively meaningless. As many due to their age high schoolers try to get jobs, they find that local businesses such as Target and Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Stores are unwilling to even consider hiring them.

Businesses may worry that high schoolers are not as competent as adults; however, all high schoolers are not lackadaisical, headphone wearing, mumbling procrastinators.

Many are willing to work hard, but are denied

the opportunity to prove themselves based on arbitrary “no high schooler” policies.

Furthermore, by refusing to hire high schoolers, businesses stunt the growth of the next generation of workers. If businesses want responsible adults as workers, they must be willing to take a chance on hiring high schoolers. These businesses need to ask themselves if there is truly a difference between an 17 year old high schooler with no previous work experience and a 18 year old high school graduate with no previous work experience. Responsibility and skill are not cultivated merely by aging; they are created through experience.

Businesses need to reject preconceived notions regarding high schoolers and realize that the lose-lose system of not hiring high schoolers is simply illogical.

Not what we signed up for Meena Kandallu Copy Editor Red Ribbon Week must be stopped.

This national campaign against drug abuse has gained too large of a following and has simply gotten out of hand.

Okay, maybe that is a little ridiculous. The idea behind Red Ribbon Week, in itself, is perfectly acceptable.

Drugs have, after all, been proven to cause brain damage, depression, hallucinations and a slew of other side effects.

But when Red Ribbon Week began and joined the host of other campaigns against drug abuse, it encouraged a frenzy of politicians, parents and teachers who were willing to go to any lengths to stop all drug usage everywhere. These politicians, parents and teachers crusaded. They created policies. They questioned everything.

But there is one question that never got asked.

How far is too far?

I discovered the answer to this question through my own experience with the school’s random drug testing policy.

In the haze of my freshman year, I had semi-consciously scrawled a signature on the consent form that contained the random drug testing policy. I would not fully understand the magnitude of this seemingly trivial action until I was pulled out of class one day, escorted into a bare, cell-like holding room.

I was forced to sit in that holding room for four hours, drinking Dixie cup after Dixie cup filled with water until I was able to produce a suitable urine sample. I was not allowed to leave for any reason—eating lunch or attending my classes was simply out of the question. I felt like a criminal being

crier

held against my will.

It didn’t matter that I had given the school absolutely no reason to suspect me. It didn’t matter that I have never done drugs. It didn’t matter that if a ziploc bag filled with marijuana were placed in front of me, I might mistake it for oregano. I was punished for a crime I had not committed and made to feel like my own school could turn on me at any moment.

I had become just another sacrifice made by the politicians, parents and teachers who thought that maybe catching someone who had maybe done drugs in the previous three weeks and maybe preventing that person from continuing to do drugs was worth more than my feeling of security in my school.

How far is too far?

This is too far.

Munster High School

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Published by the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes, and extra-curricular involvement.

•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, truthfulness, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

Jenna Sell, freshman

Letters to the Editor are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Pub, 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.

Mailed subscriptions cost $20 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 14 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Vrusha Patel Copy Editor Meena Kandallu Opinion Editor Max Baker Sports Editors Erin Gallagher, Jordan Szymanski

“Probably not because I’m going to a state convention for Student Gov, but we might dress up just for fun on the bus.”

Jack Jones, freshman

“No, it’s too crazy. It’s a little scary in my neighborhood. I feel like I’m too old to go.”

Perima Shah, sophomore

Maggie Vaitkus, sophomore

“Yes, I’m going to glue a zipper to my face with liquid latex and create the illusion my face is unzipped.”

“I will not. I usually just watch movies with my friends, like scary movies.”

Christina Sanchez, junior

Fred Beckman, junior

“Yes, I am because I bought a cheetah onesie for random costume day and I’m going to use it until it can’t zip anymore.”

Kaitlin Battista, senior

“It’s tradition in our neighborhood to dress up and hand out candy. Afterwards all the adults have a costume party and bonfire.”

Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish teacher

News Editors Amanda Jones, Danie Oberman Infocus Editors Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger Web Editor Elena Piech Web Managing Editor William Hatzcel Web Designer Alex Baker Graphics Editor Chelsea Eickleberry Head Photographer Natalia Bilek Photographers Arianna Adams, Alexis Baker, Rachel Bishop, Lauren Koultourides, Kyra Marriott, Ray Ojel, Peyton Puckett, Savannah Shaver Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

4 news

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

Indiana allows same-sex marriage

Making the Circuit

Same-sex marriage has had its ups and downs throughout time

Supreme Court denies state appeal, couples free to marry

2004 Indiana legislature proposes

Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor

idea of banning same-sex couples right to marry

2011 House, Senate approve proposed amendment 2013 Supporters promote launch of Freedom Indiana, coalition of Hoosiers to protect same-sex couples June 2014 Same-sex marriage temporarily legalized

Sept. 2014 Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals rules in favor of same-sex marriage Oct. 2014 Supreme Court denies review, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage source: freedomtomarry.org

The Seventh Circuit of the Supreme Court recently struck down the same-sex marriage appeal from Indiana as well as Wisconsin, Virginia, Utah and Oklahoma, making it now possible for same-sex couples to receive marriage licenses.

Some students in an open same-sex relationship, such as junior Dylan Bugajski and his boyfriend, realize the significance of this moment in the fight for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) rights.

“I think it’s pretty important (for LGBT rights),” Dylan said. “Especially since gays are majorly accepted, the government’s now just starting to accept it too.”

Though Dylan sees himself as too young to really think about his marriage, knowing that he now can marry whom he wants reassures him.

“It’s nice to know I’m not restricted because of laws,” Dylan said. “At least I have the option. (It’s) something other couples have (that) I have.”

Junior Dustin Crull, Dylan’s boyfriend, recalls being simply happy when he heard this news, recognizing what it means for LGBT rights in the future.

“I definitely did smile knowing more and more states are turning over and allowing gays to marry,” Dustin said.

Partners Niki Quasney and Amy Sandler, Munster residents, have been legally recognized as a married couple since be-

fore same-sex marriage was legal without appeals; a federal judge ruled an exception for their marriage to be recognized before any final decisions happened.

“Luckily, the final verdict was marriage equality for all in Indiana. That was the main goal of being involved in this, and the goal was met,” Ms. Quasney said.

The couple has worked for this moment, whether through showing others that they are like an everyday family or serving as plaintiffs for a national civil rights group to help legalize same-sex marriage, according to Ms. Quasney.

“Anything we could do to help initiate progress in the state we live in is something we feel very passionate about,” Ms. Quasney said.

Change

in Management

New town manager takes on Munster Max Baker Opinion Editor

photo by Alex Baker

STEPPING UP Sitting in his office during an interview, Mr. Dustin Anderson,

Munster’s new town manager, discusses his new position in the community. “I look forward to serving the people of Munster,” Mr. Anderson said. “I treat the Town of Munster with the utmost respect. My hire is a reflection of the council and the council is a reflection of the town and I take my position seriously.”

The previous town manager, Tom DeGiulio served the community for 30 years before the council chose not to renew his contract in July. In early September, the council found a new replacement in Mr. Dustin Anderson.

Mr. Anderson has a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Political Science and Criminal Science with a Master’s degree in Public Affairs. After three years as the special project manager in Greenwich, Conn., Mr. Anderson will bring his knowledge and skill set to the Midwest.

“My time in Connecticut was pleasant,” Mr. Anderson said, “but I was ready to bring my skill set and expertise in professional and local government back home.”

The responsibilities of the town manager will range from assisting in public works to running the day-to-day operations from a project management perspective, according to Head Councilman John Reed.

“His focus will mainly be on the major operations and developments of the town,” Mr. Reed said. “I think he’ll do really well because he’s one of those people who’s really good at meeting his goals and understanding what we need.”

While he understands his position of authority, Mr. Anderson would prefer to remain unknown to the public’s eye.

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“My job is to be an effective steward of the public servant,” Mr. Anderson said.

“My goal is to remain anonymous and not be known unless something is wrong. I want the focal point to be on Munster and what it will entail.”

When the time came to choose a candidate, the decision to elect Mr. Anderson was undisputed, according to Mr. Reed.

“It’s not every day that we’re unanimous about something,” Mr. Reed said. “We had talked about it for such length of time and we knew what we were looking for, so we knew we were making the right choice.”

Despite a new man in the office of the town manager, Clerk-Treasurer Mr. Dave Shafer believes the citizens of Munster will accept Mr. Anderson.

“There is one thing those who were familiar with the previous town manager will realize he is different from (Mr.) DeGuilio,” Mr. Shafer said, “but once they can listen and talk to him, they will gain an appreciation for him like the Town Council.”

Mr. Reed hopes the town will accept him just as the council has.

“He’s a new energy and a real go-getter type of attitude,” Mr. Reed said. “He’s a self-starter. We wanted to find someone who we can show the starting line to and have him be able to find the finish line on his own. Dustin is that type of person, and they’re not easy to find.”

Crier/Oct. 24, 2014

Miss-

5 infocus

conceptions With recent sexism cases in the news, students share views on feminism, reasoning behind possible misunderstandings of feminism Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor Last Monday, Shamil Tarpischev, president of the Russian Tennis Federation, made sexist comments towards Venus and Serena Williams’ looks, resulting in his suspension from the federation for a year. Feminism contests how society conditions people to view women as sexual objects, allowing inappropriate sexual comments towards women according to Julia Torres, junior, who considers herself a feminist.

“Some people think, ‘Oh, it’s a compliment. You should be thankful for that,’” Julia said. “They don’t realize that, speaking from personal experience, it can be hurtful towards a person.”

Not only does feminism challenge inappropriate social norms, it challenges inequality towards issues such as sexuality and pay as well, according to Ayesha Khan, senior, who identifies herself as a feminist. “(Feminism is) a strive for gender equality,” Ayesha said. “Women still make 77 cents for every dollar a man makes, and there’s so many double standards (that) I don’t even know where to start. A girl who is seen as promiscuous is a sl--, and a guy who is seen as promiscuous is a ladies’ man.”

Besides all of the insufficiencies feminism strives to break, not everyone supports or believes in the movement due to confusion about the topic, including those who think feminism contributes to hatred towards men, according to Ayesha.

“I think that they don’t understand the definition of feminism and think that it’s misandry, but there’s a difference between the two ideas,” Ayesha said. “Misandry is the hatred of men, while feminism is about giving females the same opportunities that men have.”

People can find misinformed statements almost anywhere, from daily conversation to even social media, according to Julia.

“I see a lot of stuff on Facebook that is wrong and gives

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HAVING HER SAY Sitting in the Publications room, Julia Torres, junior, answers questions during an interview. Julia identifies herself as a feminist and advocates for others to follow suit. “I promote it by always talking to my friends about feminism,” Julia said. “I point out when they make subtle sexist comments, especially to my guy friends.

They get annoyed but at least it gives them awareness towards it.”

feminism a bad image,” Julia said. “I think part of it is that people don’t really feel a need to educate themselves about it. I see a lot of jokes about feminism, and they don’t take it seriously because they think it’s a dumb concept.”

People can also believe against feminism because of the feminists who misrepresent the movement by antagonizing people they believe are opposed to women’s rights, according to Tim DeRolf, sophomore, who identifies himself as a feminist.

“There are some extreme feminists that try to make something an issue when it’s not an issue. They think that everyone is against women, when really, that’s not true,” Tim said.

Many uninformed feminists do not consider the lack of women’s rights around the world and only focus on their own immediate needs; these feminists give a bad reputation towards feminism, according to Julia.

“Those ‘feminists’ exclude women in other countries, and they only care about issues that only concern them, such as abortion rights or pay scales, but they don’t realize the whole scope of the issue,” Julia said. “There are still some places where women can’t go out alone, can’t vote yet or aren’t allowed to drive.”

Survey shows

Poll shows how 1000 adults associate with the word feminist 3% identify as strong anti-feminists

5% identify as anti-feminists 6% identify as strong feminists

28% identify as either feminists or anti-feminist

71% identify as neither or not sure

14% identify as feminists

source: HuffPost/YouGov

6 infocus

Crier/Oct. 24, 2014

Change of pace

Updates in High Ability program cause change in curriculum; high school to expect more transparency, links high ability, AP classes Meena Kandallu Copy Editor

Vrusha Patel Editor-in-chief

At the last School Board meeting Oct. 13, Dr. Phyllis Gilworth, Director of Instructional Programs and Assessment, announced changes to the High Ability (HA) program, which parents, counselors and HA teachers began auditing in the 2013-2014 school year.

“School Town of Munster is a high performing district committed to continued improvement,” Dr. Gilworth said in email. “The audit was done to identify strengths, challenges and areas to focus on as we continue to strive to deliver an excellent academic program to our students.”

As a result of the examination, HA students in kindergarten through second grade will receive daily HA instruction instead of the former system,

photo by Peyton Puckett

EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE Teaching her honors Chemistry class, Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, science teacher, discusses a lab experiment with her students. Mrs. Nolan points out the main difference between her honors classes and her regular classes. “Our topics are not that different, but they are covered to a little more depth at a faster pace,” Mrs. Nolan said.

which only allowed them to receive this instruction once a week. The appeals process for students to enter the HA program now requires more parent input and quantitative data, as well as less involvement from teachers.

Students in the district will also have multiple opportunities to qualify for the HA program due to yearly testing in kindergarten through eighth grade. This will allow a more accurate measurement of students’ abilities throughout their educational careers, according to Dr. Gilworth.

“A lot of what we found, at least in

my one year of experience, was that there was a lot of confusion,” Dr. Gilworth said. “That was a primary goal of the committee—that we wanted something that is comprehensive that laid everything out for the parents that also provided resources for our parents and (is) easy to follow. It’s going to be a work in progress, but if you don’t take the first step it’s never going to happen.”

The examination also resulted in multiple curriculum changes at various grade levels.

Middle school HA English classes

now follow the William and Mary curriculum, and high school HA English classes now use the College Board pre-AP program called Springboard, which places a larger emphasis on critical reading and thinking skills.

“We’re trying to bridge that gap where the honors students didn’t have the right amount of preparation to go into AP classes ready. Before, there was a huge difference between honors and AP,” Mrs. Kelly Barnes, honors English 9 teacher, said. “We are trying to better prepare the honors students for AP level, but also for college.”

Crier/Oct. 24, 2014

7 infocus

Do this, not that: how to get a job Due to national unemployment rate dropping to 5.9% last month, Ms. Sharon Vail, guidance counselor, offers advice, edits mock resume as example

source: Ms. Sharon Vail photo illustration by Chelsea Eickleberry

Climbing the employment ladder

Jak’s Warehouse General Manager Ed Krygier provides further advice for job applications Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor

Q

I know that there are teenagers who work at your business, so are teenagers capable of fulfilling the commitment required by a part time job?

fun center (for) children from the ages of two to roughly 15. I think that’s what we want: someone that’s positive, presentable, social, honest and committed.”

Q: Some businesses do not hire teenag-

ers because they could be considered “Sure, you know there are some as “irresponsible” or “immature.” What very intelligent teenagers out do you think of that?

A

brings value to the application if they also attach a resume. It shows a person is organized, (but) there’s really nothing that would raise a red flag. Maybe the way somebody is dressed or the way somebody answers a question, I think that would be something that would raise a red flag.”

sometimes there are employees (who find) it’s easy to fall into a different line of thinking. We just want someone who keeps their commitment.”

Q: Do the little things matter on a resume, like handwriting or the overall neatness?

A: “Yes, I think the details really go into

Q: What is Jak’s hiring process? it. I would notice the handwriting. We there, and we know we are look- A: “Everybody deserves a chance if A: “At Jak’s, the person comes into the look at whether they’re in high school

ing for somebody with a lot of ambitions and is reliable and knows how to make decisions. Personally, I want to see that they know how to socialize with children as well as adults, always have a smile on their face and want to come to work every day.”

Q: Do you find that you hire a certain type of student?

they fill out an application and if we are currently looking for people and if we feel that the high school student is qualified, we are going to give them a shot until they prove (to) us otherwise.

Jak’s likes to employ high school students. Most of the time it could be their first job; it’s a great, fun place to work as opposed to other jobs out there.”

fun center or goes online, prints out an application and fills out an application.

It goes into a file if we’re not hiring at the time. If we are looking for somebody, (the manager) looks for criteria, certain questions that apply to see what they are most apt to do.”

or college, how old they are; we would look at experience, whether you have worked before. We do hire people who have never worked before.”

Q: What are some of the top things you

A: “I worked at Wicker Park, and there should be no mistakes or cross-outs (on the resume). It should be filled out neatly and accurately as it could be.

My personal opinion (is) you should always bring it with you (in person).”

look for in your workers?

A: “It depends on what we’re looking Q: Are there any major things that tend A: “Responsibility, show up to work on for. People who are comfortable with other parents and also children. Our business caters to children; we are a

to make you wary of hiring a student?

time, come with a good attitude, those

tailed or brings a resume, I think that

honest. Honesty and integrity (are big),

A: “No, not really. If somebody is de- (types of things). We like them to be

Q: Were you a student worker in high school? Do you have any personal tips for confused students?

8 spotlight

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

ONLINE EDUCATION In the media center, seniors Bushra Fatima (left) and Himali Patel (right) use websites, such as Quizlet, to study. “It (Quizlet) really helps me study because if you’re studying from the book, you’re just memorizing the information. If you’re studying from Quizlet, it actually helps you learn through recognition.” Himali said. photo by Peyton Puckett

Searching for better online resources Education has entered 21st century with multiple online websites for students to help improve English, math, foreign language, memorization skills Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor

W

On the sides of each webpage, videos and articles are offered called “study breaks” these study breaks are a good concept, but students can find it very easy to look at all of the study breaks and forget the actual studying.

If parting with the website proves too painful, use the following tips. Tip one is to read the book actually. Tip two, go on Sparknotes and take some of the ideas to different websites, such as Cliffnotes or Shmoop.

These websites have the same ideas as Sparknotes, but might present them in new ways or with a different perspective.

Combining the initial knowledge of the book with concepts from other websites helps more than just reading Sparknotes.

ith Google search at a student’s fingertips, multiple study websites become available from looking up a single word. These three websites provide different levels of helpfulness for studying.

HHHHH Sparknotes has a multitude of study guides for popular books read in high school. These study guides include fea-

tures such as summaries and analyses of each chapter, explanations of motifs and themes and practice quizzes.

That sounds great, but the worst study habit a student can acquire is skipping reading the book and skimming Sparknotes instead.

We are all human, and we have most likely done something similar to that in high school; however, Sparknotes has been established as only a semi-helpful guide for high school’s hardest literature.

Sparknotes does not compare to what students learn from actually reading the book and annotating it themselves.

The teachers really are right if they’ve ever warned to not use Sparknotes.

All the correct ideas show up on Sparknotes. Many teachers know that the number of students using Sparknotes instead of the actual book outweigh the number of students using the site as a reference. Although some students do use Sparknotes for its intended purpose.

Another downfall to the website is the distractive links and photos provided all over the site.

HHHHH Quizlet proved as a better help website than Sparknotes, but is a bit too

particular for the amount of subjects that can actually be efficiently studied, due to how the focus is put on memorization and not learning.

A go-to among students for memorizing vocabulary and translating foreign language words, Quizlet holds the techniques for studying those particular things and not much else.

Quizlet functions worldwide through users that create “sets” made of various questions and answers involving all types of school subjects.

However, if a student wants to truly learn subject matter, Quizlet should not be his singular study aid website. Quizlet consists of memorization methods that students forget immediately.

Students should also be careful with Quizlet as with so many sets to study from, it becomes easy to study one that may contain slightly different information than what could appear on a test.

To use Quizlet proficiently, students need to create their own study sets and

double check the information they enter. Studying an incorrect set all night can prove almost as bad as studying a Sparknote page. Almost.

Quizlet provides a sufficient study method to cram last minute for any matching quizzes or tests the students might have the next day.

HHHHH Coming out on top of all three websites was Khan Academy, and for good

reason; Khan Academy had the best design, mission statement and study content for students.

Khan Academy, also known as the holy grail of online help for sciences and math, provides exactly what a student needs from a study website: explanations and applications of the subject matter.

And on top of that, it’s free.

Based on it’s mission to act as a non-profit organization “with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere,” Khan Academy gives students an extremely useful resource for their toughest classes.

A student then continues on the extremely user friendly website by signing up and picking out the class he wishes to study.

Immediately, an array of basic skills to that class and warm-up quizzes pop up, which allows students to see how far ahead or behind they are.

This adds to the main point of Khan Academy, which is discovering their users’ knowledge and going from there to help guide each student specifically in the subjects they need the most help with.

Students can also add certain lessons, which include video tutorials and practice problems, to an already established class if need be.

Khan Academy is instrumental in learning concepts fully the day before the test that a student has struggled throughout the chapter.

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

Pumpkin

9 spotlight

Smashing Pumpkin fad is not all it’s carved up to be just the right balance of cream and spice, the pumpkin pie seals its place between the turkey and the cranberry sauce during on Thanksgiving dinner table.

Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

Pumpkin Pie Bakers Square When thinking of fall, the items that come to mind are football games, falling leaves, bonfires, Ugg boots and pie, specifically pumpkin.

It has become a tradition to have pumpkin pie during the extensive holiday season at least more than once, but how much is too much pumpkin?

One of the most famous places for pumpkin pies is Bakers Square.

With a wide variety of pies, Bakers Square clutches the title of best pumpkin pie. Fighting the crowd of elderly people in the hours before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a price many pay to lay eyes on Bakers Square’s many holiday specials, including those of the pumpkin variety.

The pricing raises eyebrows at $9.99 a pie. However, the pumpkin selection does taste exquisite.

The filling is the right balance of thickness and cream. With hints of pumpkin bursting from the crust and

Jewel Osco When searching for a local supermarket, the customer has a few options. However, there stands a popular choice among customers, Jewel-Osco.

The market offers a variety of seasonal treats year round. However, during the fall months, pumpkin flavoring oozes out of all the display cases.

Most commonly the pumpkin pie is a popular product. Costing a little less than $5.50, the pie is a great deal and feeds at least up to eight people.

The filling is neither too thick nor too mushy. It holds firm in midsts of the crust, which is, of course, what makes the entire pie.

The flavoring holds its ground while taste buds battle the spice of pumpkin along side the sugary sweetness of pie. As far as local supermarket baked goods go, the pumpkin pie definitely takes the cake.

Donuts Dunkin’ Donuts A popular tradition for many pastry shops is to produce seasonal treats, and Dunkin’ Donuts is no different.

Due to fall being the food-oriented season with Thanksgiving being the point of focus, Dunkin has brought back its pumpkin donuts, which taste exactly like plain glazed donuts but have a lovely orange food coloring tint.

The cheaper donuts, munchkins, has an odd, doughy texture and the orange tint disappeared halfway through eating the treat and left a uncooked plain batter in the center.

Munster Donuts Munster Donuts is a staple among the suburbanites of Munster and surrounding towns, and it is best known for its homemade treats.

Sadly, actually obtaining one of these treats is very difficult. Fighting the crowd of caffeine deprived teenagers early on a Monday morning is one of the struggles countless students endure to sink their teeth into a pumpkin flavored donut.

But, here pumpkin flavoring fails to impress once again.

photo by Rachel Bishop

Lattes

Starbucks It is a well known fact that Starbucks drinks cost an arm and a leg. But, it is also a well known fact that most of them taste like gifts from the coffee bean gods.

One drink that fell short of this expectation was the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

For this particular venti latte the only thing about the drink that remotely resembled pumpkin was the whipped cream on top layered in the spice.

Once that was gone, it could have easily been the same coffee that pools in the coffee pot after eleven on a Saturday morning at home.

Dunkin’ Donuts “America runs on Dunkin’.”

Well if this is true, then America has obviously been avoiding Dunkin’s selection of pumpkin drinks. The two that stood out were the iced latte and the hot latte pumpkin swirl.

The coffee smelled of fall, but the liquid “squirt” of pumpkin flavoring makes the customer want to run away from Dunkin’.

The hot latte contained the same sour and disgusting artificial taste as the iced latte.

Both coffees had an overpowering smell of the familiar liquid pumpkin flavoring and was accompanied with the familiar disappointing taste.

photo by Arianna Adams

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12 sports

Going

Crier/ Oct. 24, 2014

the

distance

Boys’ Cross Country prepares for successful Semi-state Meena Kandallu Copy Editor After winning Conference, Sectionals and Regionals, Boys’ Cross Country begins Semi-state tomorrow with a clear goal in mind.

“We really want to perform well at the State meet, and a key step in getting there is doing well at the Semi-state meet,” Tyler Keslin, junior, said. “Semistate will be an indicator of how far we can really go as a team, which makes it very important.”

At Conference, the team began its post-season bynot only winning, but by placing its top five runners in first through fifth place and therefore achieving a perfect score.

Despite this perfect score, the Sectionals win a week later and the Regionals victory last Saturday, Coach Aaron Brown, WWMS science teacher, acknowledges that continued hard work will prove necessary for the team to achieve its ultimate goal: becoming the best Boys’ Cross Country team in school history. To achieve this, the team must beat the current school record of ninth place at State.

“Whatever our place is at State is what really matters. How well they do just depends on how much they want it,” Coach Brown said. “Can they do it? I think they can.”

Although the team faces tough competition at Semi-state this weekend, Keslin remains hopeful that it can continue its post-season winning streak.

“My prediction is that we will take either one (first place) or two (second place), depending on how well Munster as a team races that day. There is a possibility for us to take first, but we will have to strive really hard to achieve that goal,” Keslin said. “Our team is

photo by Natalia Bilek

GAINING GROUND The Boys’ Cross Country team competed in the Hammond Gavit IHSSA Sectional meet Oct. 11, Scott Farley (left), Tyler Keslin (center) and Theo Burgwald (right) run in the meet. “We were happy with it. You can’t not be happy with winning, but we still need to improve a lot to achieve our goal,” Farley said.

hoping to overthrow West Laf (West Lafayette), the number one ranked team in the state.”

Coach Brown considers the experience of many of the varsity runners a major factor in the team’s success so far in the season.

“We’re kind of a juniors and seniors dominated team,” Coach Brown said. “They’ve worked hard for

3 or 4 years, and that’s what got them here.”

Scott Farley, senior, believes that these runners’ talent and motivation will prevail and allow the team to succeed at both Semi-state and State.

“We have a lot of work to do, but it (the team’s goal) is achievable, I think,” Farley said. “We just have to get out there and do it.”

Crossing the finish line

Girls’ Cross Country gears up to compete with top seven varsity runners at Semi-state and plans to continue with strong times Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor

photo illustration by Kyra Marriott PRIDE AND HUSTLE Mackenzie Peirick runs in the Hammond Gavit sectional meet Oct. 11. tions

The Girls’ Cross Country team placed first at Conference, then went on to place second at Sectionals and fifth at Regionals.

The team will compete at Semistate this Saturday.

The new team members have contributed to their success by making extra efforts, according to Coach Kyleen Nolan, science teacher.

“Our returning runners are stronger this year, and we had a lot of help from freshmen and newcomers on the team, so we had a little more help than last year,” Coach Nolan said.

Winning first place at Conference resulted in the girls feeling optimistic in their abilities, according to Mallory Grim, sophomore.

“My favorite meet was probably Conference because it was very cold outside and everyone was eager,” Mallory Grim. “The colder it was, the faster I ran. There was a lot of positivity in the atmosphere.”

The team did well at Conference, but the girls knew it would be difficult to win Sectionals, according to Emily Johnson, junior.

“We were known as the dark horse this year, which was motivational to us,” Johnson said. “But we ended up (getting) second (in Sectionals), and we’re pretty happy with that accomplishment.”

Conference resulted in mixed emoamong the team based on their times, according

to Johnson.

“Our runners failed to run their proper time,” Johnson said. “We were all pretty upset, but we were pretty excited for qualifying for semi state.”

The girls plan to train for Semi-state by practicing at New Prairie to get a better feel for running on an inclined surface.

“The races that we’ve been in so far haven’t had a lot of hills,” Johnson said. “It’s supposed to be a harder workout and to remind our legs that we’ll be running a harder race. We were all used to running a flat level race. It doesn’t really give us a good idea of what it’s like at Regionals and Semi-state.”

The coaches show their support and dedication by training with the girls and running along side them at practices. “(The coaches) even run with us to make sure that we beat our times,” Emily said. “They’re very supportive.”

Overall, the support of the team makes the girls feel more confident in their racing abilities, according to Johnson.

“You end up doing more of the races not for the team, but for yourself,” Johnson said.

The girls have confidence that they will compete well at Semi-state.

“We just had a bad race with a not so strong mindset; we’ll be able to pull it out next weekend,” Johnson said. “We’re going to have to push hard because we have to redeem ourselves from this weekend.

Despite wanting to do well at Semi-state, the overall success of this season caused the girls to be proud of their accomplishments, according to Johnson.

“We had a lot of great competitions, so win or lose, we will be able to come out with a smile on our faces,” Johnson said.

On your marks...

Boys’, Girls’ Cross Country runners rank by times among other schools at Regionals

Top three times for boys #1: Ryan Kritzer, senior

16:45.00 #3: Theo Burgwald, junior

16:52.00 #4: Tyler Keslin, junior

16:56.00

Top three times for girls #28: Melanie Mooney, sophomore

21:57.00 #29: Brittany Barajas, senior

22:00.00 #35: Emily Johnson

22:22.00 Source: athleticnet.com