MHS Crier Issue 6. 12.15.17

Munster High School | 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321

Crier

Directions: Answer these questions about changes to school

Issue 6 volume 52 | Dec. 15, 2017

UPCOMING INSIDE LOOK Students discuss hunting | page 6 Finals | Wednesday: Periods 1 and 6 Thursday: Periods 3, 4 and 7 Crier staffer reviews “Star Wars: The Friday: Periods 2, 5 and 8 Last Jedi” | page 5

Semester 1 Final

Date:

Multiple choice section QUESTION 1

What is going on with MRT next semester?

A. It is the same as always B. There is no MRT C. If a student is on A/B honor roll and has a perfect attendance (no tardies or unexcused absenses) and disciplinary record, MRT is not required.

D. MRT is optional

Put to the test

Directions: Attempt to sort out new policies taking place nest semester and teacher evaluations Essay section

PROMPT If students meet the three requirements: a perfect attendance (medical or excused absences do not count), A/B honor roll and no disciplinary issues, they will have the option for a 50 minute lunch period next semester.

“You have to maintain it, because just because you earned it, doesn’t mean you can start slacking or goofing off,” Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis, Assistant Principal said.

QUESTION 2

What is the Munster Spirit Committee?

A. Students that run the student section B. A board of administrators that hand out balloons to students C. A group of teachers and students that formed to increase student involvement D. The cheerleading team

This past month, administration introduced The Spirit Committee, a committee comprised of MHS teachers and administrators looking to increase school spirit and student involvement.

“We just feel like there hasn’t been as much student participation within school events, and we are trying to brainstorm ways to increase that,” Mr. Mike Wells, Principal, said. “Going forward, we are trying to be unified as a school to show MHS has spirit and do different things throughout the school and school year so we can exhibit school spirit.”

Why do finals matter to students and teachers?

Story by Mercedez Williams Page Editor While students nervously study for their finals, teachers’ nerves match those of their students as teacher evaluations begin their final stages. The final stages of evaluations include the interpretation of student’s scores on their final exams. Starting this year, student’s finals grades account for 13 percent of a teacher’s final effectiveness grade.

Teachers can choose from three individual growth models, two of which are based on students passing the course final exam while the third compares growth between a diagnostic and final exam. This year is the first time the state has mandated that teachers be evaluated using this model.

“Mastery model is the one most teachers chose,” Mr. Michael Wells, Principal, said. “In this evaluation, 75 percent of a teacher’s students must master the final exam, or score a 70 percent or higher on the final exam.”

Similar to the mastery model is the AP mastery model. It is the same as the mastery model except

Short answer section

1) What happens when a teacher is ineffective?

2) What are the parts of the overall teacher evaluation and how much does each one weigh?

Teacher effectiveness rubric 75%

(Observations)

Individual Growth Model 13% (Finals)

School-Wide Learn Measure 12% (School Grade)

the requirements are lower than that of regular classes because of the complexity of AP tests.

“If a teacher has a final for an AP exam, the mastery percentage is 50 percent, because a passing test grade in an AP class is a 3,” Mr. Wells said. “So 75 percent of the students would have to score a 50 percent or higher for the teacher to be rated effective.”

Along with the mastery models, the targeted growth model provides insight of a teacher’s effectiveness on students learning using another method. In the growth model, students must get a certain percentage higher on the final compared to the diagnostic test for a teacher to have an effective rating.

“At the beginning of the year, teachers gave students a diagnostic test to see what they know going into the semester. And obviously, they didn’t know much. But, the test didn’t count towards their grade, but it is used to give the teacher an idea of what the students know in that subject prior to taking the final exam.” Mr. Wells, said. “Over time, as the semester progresses, you’d expect the students to learn and do better on the final exam than the diagnostic. So, the targeted growth model, depending on what the students scored on the diag-

3) What are the three individual growth models teachers select from?

75% or more of the students met the growth target comparing diagnostic scores with final scores

75% of a teacher’s students must score at least a 3 on the AP exam

75% of a teacher’s students must score a 70 % or higher on a final exam

source: Munster Teacher Evaluation Plan; Mr. Mike Wells, princpal

02 news dec. 15, 2017

Exceeding all expectations Students set, achieve their goals

Going down under

Chorale students Mitch Walsh, sophomore, and Anu Arora, junior, get chosen to participate in international choir conference

Story by Alyssa Bass Page editor Over 15,000 students internationally applied to come together and practice and perform at the Sydney Opera House. The two groups who get to participate are honors choir (mixed choir) and honors instrumental ensemble.

“Going to choir conferences gives me a chance to work with different groups of students,” Anu said. “Every group is unique so it’s nice to be able to hear different sounds. I also always learn a lot from the directors.”

Anu and Mitch have been accepted into the Honors Performance Series (HPS). HPS is an organization that brings together a selected amount of people to study music in Sydney, Australia.

“I want to go to Sydney because it’s amazing to work with other students who work so hard for music,” Anu said. “Many times during an event students will make groups before rehearsal and practice on their own without the director, and it’s great to

see how much motivation everyone has to improve. Even if we’re at the end of a long day of rehearsals and everyone is exhausted we keep going because we learn so much.”

The HPS accepted around 225 people from around the world to take part in and practice with their choir.

“I was pretty happy when I found out I got accepted, it was definitely something that made me feel really good about myself,” Mitch said. “It definitely the biggest accomplishment I have made as a vocalist.”

The conference lasts six days and includes rehearsing music, doing sightseeing, getting to know other students from other countries, and perform their concert music in the Sydney Opera House at the end of the trip. The conference is next year on July 18 to 23.

“I am very excited for Anu and Mitch! To my knowledge, they are the first Munster High School students accepted into this ensemble.

I am incredibly proud of them for achieving this recognition,” Mr. Andrew Robinson, choir director, said.

Put to the test nostic test first semester, they would have to show x amount of growth to meet the expectation of the growth model.”

If these requirements are met, the teacher is highly effective in the 13 percent of their summative teacher rating that is determined by the individual growth model. If 50 to 74.99 percent of the student meet the requirements, the teacher is rated effective in that area. When only 33 percent to 49.99 percent of students meet the requirement, the teacher is rated improvement necessary in that section. Lastly, if less than 33 percent of students meet the requirements, the teacher is rated ineffective in the individual growth model.

“A teacher rated ineffective might eventually be asked to leave or given assistance, depending on the situation,” Mr. Kevin Clyne, teacher and member of the evaluation committee.

Very few teachers are truly ineffective in the school system, according to Mr. Clyne.

Administrators and teachers now use Mastery Manager to analyze student’s finals grades. Mastery Manager also allows teachers to compare strengths and weaknesses in

Young Engineer Annie Ostojic, sophomore, makes it onto the Forbes 30 under 30 for her inventions From meeting former President Barack Obama twice being selected for the 2018 edition of Forbes Magazine 30 under 30, Annie Ostojic, sophomore, has accomplished a considerable amount of things. Every year Forbes features 600 people under 30-years-old from in different categories such as games, law and policy, music, and finance. Annie has been picked for the energy category.

“I was so shocked to find out I was picked, I was overwhelmed. I never thought I would get that far, there are so many people on there that have jobs, that are engineers, and that are in the field. To be put on a list with them was such a great feeling,” Annie said.

She created a microwave oven that cooks frozen food faster and is more energy efficient. The microwave reflects glass energy towards uncooked parts of the food or whatever is being warmed up.

“I really like dealing specifically with energy and engineering because those are two fields that are very current, engineering has a lot of math which I love,” Annie said.

Annie also has made a reflective device that takes in light energy and it stores up the energy to charge batteries. It uses ambient light that would already be shining on the side of a house to charge the batteries.

“I have loved STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) for a long time now,” Annie said. “I got interested when I was really young and there’s a lot of problem-solving, reading, and math. I’ve managed to be in STEM for a long time I don’t think I’m going to stop.”

their teaching areas and seek or give help to students.

“Most teachers will give their finals on Mastery Manager, and it will allow them to compare questions and results,” Mr. Wells said. “Not only is it a collection piece, it is allows teachers to improve instruction in class, based on how students do on the assessments.”

Finals grades are not the only factor that goes into evaluating teachers effectiveness. A very large percentage of the final rating are the inclass observations.

“It is a combination, of some percentage, of observation, and that is usually the largest portion of the evaluation. Then there’s the school grade,” Mr. Clyne said. “Another part of the assessment, which has to be counted, by law now, is the evaluation of student test scores from the beginning of the class to the end of the class.”

Abigail Nita, senior believes that the range given to teachers is reasonable for teacher evaluations.

“If students are not averaging at a 70 percent for the final, overall, that shows fault in the teacher’s way of presenting information to the class. Or maybe the teacher is not adapting to the student’s way of learning. I feel like 70 percent is a good range or line for evaluations. It makes teachers step up.” Abigail said.

Sidenote

Lost and Found

Where: The Main Office Mrs. Lisa Wilson, Main Office Secretary, has started a Lost and Found log, where students are encouraged to visit the main office and write down their name, missing object, date, and where they may have lost the object so that the object can be returned to them.

“I receive 30 items in a typical week.

I have water bottles, two retainers, two gym bags with wet towels and bathing suits, jackets, and I get a lot of lunch boxes with or without spoiled food in it,” Mrs. Wilson said. “When students put their name in the log and something gets returned to me, the first thing I do is go through the list. Right now, it is about a five to ten percent return rate, could be better.”

Mrs. Wilson started the log to make sure that items were returned to their rightful owners, and to make sure the mass of items are overall more organized.

“I just want it to be more organized,” Mrs. Wilson said. “I don’t want kids to say ‘I lost a jacket’ then dig through and potentially take something that may not be theirs. I wanted to have a little bit better control because if it is a $100 jacket, I don’t want some kid walking off with it.”

Student Government Volleyball game Who: Student Government When: Tuesday Where: Fieldhouse Winner: Team Visor Team Visor, again, won the student government intramural volleyball tournament. The tournament took place Tuesday in the Fieldhouse.

The team included seniors Anusuya Bandyopadhyay, Tom Barron, Jeremiah Eaton, Olivia Foley, Josh Hoogewerf, Sarah Mavity, Connor Meyer, Kalie Miles, Abby Nita, Kate Radde, Adam Reinsma, Cody Reinsma, Jack Strimel, and Alex Weakland.

“There was a lot of energy in the field house, high spirits, everyone was excited. We didn’t even mention anything about themes for teams, but people showed up the Bill Hilly’s had there jean shorts and flannels,” Tara Layous (senior), Student Body President, said. “We had Black Eyed Peas decked out in black outfits, the Visors all wore visors. It was a really

Corrections In issue 5 of Crier, in “Sidenote,” Mr. Bret Winternheimer was incorrectly identified. On page 1, under “Inside Look,” it’s wrongly stated that students discuss politics. On page 8, the source for the parking lot information was Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis.

Crier regrets these mistakes.

news 03 dec. 15, 2017

Many happy

returns

Mrs. Samantha Ebert, science teacher, returns; Mr. Paul LaReau, Spanish and French, teacher retires

Story by Mercedez Williams Page Editor

Mrs. Ebert returns from maternity leave

Mr. LaReau retires after 47 years of teaching

Over the course of the school year, a few teachers did not return immediately at the start of school in August, such as Mrs. Samantha Ebert, science teacher. She was gone on maternity leave until Nov. 13, when she returned to her regular teaching duties.

“I was really nervous coming back, I knew the students had a crazy situation by the time I came back. I know their learning was all of the place, I was nervous if I could get them back on track,” Mrs. Ebert said.

The original substitute, Mrs. Tonya Bryan, fell ill, Mr. Mark Kolodziej replaced her. Then Mr. Kolodziej was replaced by Mr. Jerry Golvidis who was ultimately replaced with another substitute before Mrs. Ebert’s return.

After teaching at MHS for four years, Mrs. Ebert grew attached to some things and missed a few things and did not miss others.

“I missed my kids terribly.” Mrs. Ebert said. “I didn’t miss dress shoes, that is my least favourite thing about coming back. I hated having to get used to photo by Easan Venkat not wearing normal clothing. I just really miss being BACK ON BOARD Teaching chemistry class after returning, barefoot in my own home.”

Mrs. Ebert explains chemical equations “They do everything Mrs. Ebert also found unexpected things once she I ask them too. They were happy to see me back and that returned to MHS. made my job so much easier, when the kids want to learn.”

“I didn’t expect my parking lot spot to be taken! I Mrs. Ebert said. also had piles of paper all over my desk, so I had to Teachers leaving Teachers returning go through all of that” Mrs Ebert said.

• Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, • Mr. Nicholas Chemistry teacher, Now that Mrs. Ebert has resumed her regular Gron- replaced returning in January teaching duties, she feels a stronger responsibility

by Mrs. Nancy • Mrs. Kathleen to teach.

Quinn for LaPorte, FACS “Now that I have a son, I appreciate even more that • Mr. Paul teacher, returning in spring these are someone else’s kids and I am taking care of LaReau- To be • After completing his them. That responsibility is even more important to replaced by Master’s at IU, Mr. me now than ever And when I’m not here and they Mrs. Rosemary Mark Knight taking Mr. are getting a sub-par education, that is important to Nicholas Gron’s place Malagon in January me.” Mrs. Ebert said.

With Mrs. Ebert returning, another teacher will retire, Mr. Paul LaReau, Spanish and French teacher.

Mr. Jordan Mayer, English teacher, remembers his years as Mr. LaReau’s student.

“Mr LaReau was the greatest proponent of critical thinking out of any teacher,” Mr. Mayer said. “He came across as one of the smartest individuals that I have ever had as a teacher. It was apparent in how knowledgeable he was, not in only the language French, but also in so many other subject areas. What I remember more than anything is that he urged us to be critical thinkers, to think outside of the box, to question everything and to remember there are multiple perspectives.”

Mr. LaReau is remembered by some of his students by his interaction with his students.

“He would always engage in class and imitate the students. He would hear roasts in the class, and he would call then ‘LaRoasts’”, Nikolai Hoogewerf, sophomore, said.

Mr. LaReau will also be remembered by his classes and what was done during them.

“He has taught a lot of good years, frankly, my year with him was interesting, and I will miss him once he retires,” Nikolai said.

Throughout his many years of teaching, remembrance by his students was prevalent.

“He will be remembered by myself and others as an incredible teacher. Not just because he was an expert at his content, but because he was an incredible person.” Mr. Mayer said. “He truly cared, not just about you as a student, but you as a person.

And that mattered.”

Mrs. Rosemary Malagon, Spanish teacher, will be teaching many of Mr. LaReau’s classes next semester.

Learning

the ropes

The Media Center welcomes new staff member

Story by Erianna Sims Page Editor Last month, the Media Center welcomed a new Media Specialist, replacing the postition previously held by Ms. Twila Marsh.

Mr. Joshua Craig’s first day on the job was Nov. 20 and with him came skills and experience to fulfill the job of directing the Media Center.

“Coming from Hammond High School, I understudied with the library media specialist,” Mr. Craig said.

He has trained using a variety of technology.

“I have a lot of experience in their digital

innovation lab over at Hammond High, which is a makerspace,” Mr. Craig said. “When I saw that this position had opened up (at MHS), I jumped on it.”

So far, Mr. Craig says he’s enjoyed the first few weeks in the school.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, and this is such a wonderful environment,” Mr. Craig said.

“Being able to work with Mr. Wells, and being able to work with the staff, has been a really remarkable and rewarding experience already, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.”

photo by Robert Young

TELLING HIS STORY As he sits in the Media Center, Mr. Joshua Craig, Media Specialist, is interviewed by Crier, “My experience here has been uniformally positive. It is a great place to work,” Mr. Craig said. “I feel like MHS is quickly becoming my home”

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04 speakout dec. 15, 2017

Column

Separate art from the artist

Column by Mimi Brody Managing Editor I was shocked when I turned on the news and saw the name Kevin Spacey running along the banner on the bottom of the screen, directly adjacent to the words “sexual assault.”

“House of Cards,” which Spacey starred in, was my favorite television show. I had quickly consumed all five seasons of the gritty, political drama and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the sixth season. You could imagine the moral dilemma I was facing when the scandal broke. Can I still regard “House of Cards” with great esteem? Or do I have a moral obligation to consider the show and Spacey’s performance congruent to his multiple sexual assault allegations?

The dichotomy between art and artist is a very fine line, one that has been blurred, crossed and muddled. I think it is a grey area, but I do think some of our actions in rebuking art have been hasty.

Director Woody Allen has been accused of sexual harassment multiple times, once even by his daughter, yet his films are still watched and critically acclaimed. Popular rapper Kodak Black was indicted on a count of sexual assault, but his song “Tunnel Vision” is still regularly played on the radio. It seems even if we know artists have engaged in something morally wrong, if we appreciate the work, we will make exceptions.

This is dangerous. The issuing of pardons to some while others face consequences peddles the idea that some are above reproach, continuing the dangerous idea that if you are powerful or wellliked you can do anything.

Society has a decision to make. Do we enforce a zero-tolerance policy, in which a Sword of Damocles is constantly dangling above artist’s heads? Or do we accept art for art and let it exist free from the constraints of its makers?

I would argue the latter. If we constantly rebuke art associated with rotten people, we are losing an irreplacable cultural experience. Additionally, in cases like those of Harvey Weinstein or Woody Allen, blackballing their movies discredits the artists working for them.

Art must be placed universally above the transgressions of the artist to ensure that criticism is restrained to art and not the artist.

Crier

cartoon by Gavin Hamilton

BY NIGHT AND DAY Students work hard, not only in class, but after school at expensive tutoring sessions after school, which can cost hundreds. Students should not have to work night and day in order to maintain their grade.

Editorial

Working overtime Teachers have about 48 minutes everyday to give direct instruction to each of their classes.

In that time lessons are given, questions are answered, tests are adminstered and homework is assigned in preparation for similar actions to be repeated the next day. In that time, it is expected that students will have all of knowledge and/or resources to complete their homework and succeed on upcoming assessments. Today, an influx of students appear to be going to tutors. About a quarter of students reported seeing a tutor this year, according a survey by Crier.

While 26 percent is a minority, in a class of 30 students 7.8 do not confidently understand the material and feel like they must pay in order to do so. Is this a problem with lesson plans, or teachers struggling to adapt to larger class sizes and increased standards, or is it the result of students spreading themselves to thin and trying to expedite their studying process?

No matter the root of the problem, the sacrifices (monetary or mentally) are not acceptable.

Letter to the Editor Dear Crier Staff, In the latest edition of Crier, Mrs. Zemaitis has a quote saying: “You have to learn how to be able to express yourself and accept different opinions of people, So the more exposure you have to

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through 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, 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 welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and

Guidance offers free peer tutors through the National Honors Society, yet 64 percent of students who attend tutoring say they pay for private tutoring. It seems as if some students believe the only way they can succeed in class is with hours of paying a tutor outside of school.

Spending There are always alterhundreds of native that can help students understand mate- dollars on a rial. Private tutors are an tutor is not the option but so are NHS tu- only way to tors, study groups, MRT succeed or contact time.

This is not to say that going to a tutor is bad, each student is unique and learns differently, but that the current atmosphere of spending hundreds of dollars on a private tutor at every hour of the day seems like it’s having more negative effects on the student body than is worth the academic success.

different opinions, the better you can approach them.” The Crier staff should feel ashamed after hearing that quote, because they are very hypocritical. When I got interviewed for the “They is here” article, they purposely did not include my interview in the paper because it is a different opinion. We need other opinions and since we don’t, there

should be 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. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 13 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Ian S. Brundige Managing Editor Mimi Brody Section Chief Joseph Bermudez

Our take

is a huge bias towards your viewpoints. I strongly suggest opening your eyes to some actual different opinions, rather than only looking at ones you like.

—Ilija Manojlovic, sophomore Editors Note: Crier has space constraints, meaning not every interview we conduct appears in each issue.

Visual Chief Gavin Hamilton People Editor Carey Scott Page Editors Alyssa Bass, Erianna Sims, Mercedez Williams Social Media Manager Alex Kojich Business Manager Micala Boyd Head Photographer Kess Vaitkus Chief Photographer Easan Venkat Photographers Moira Glowacki, Lauren Kozy, Melanie Powers, Megan Szymanski, Robert Young Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

spotlight 05 dec. 15, 2017

Column

When enough is enough

Christmas lights and lightsabers

The beloved saga continues just in time for the holidays RATING: Review by Alex Kojich Social Media Manager

Column by Gavin Hamilton Visual Chief Last month, on Nov. 16, promising hip-hop artist Lil Peep died from an overdose of Xanax and fentanyl. Lil Peep was a rising star that left this world too soon and will be missed for a long time to come.

Lil Peep’s death is the result of the inevitable. With all the drug abuse and normalization portrayed in mainstream artists, eventually this tragedy would occur, and although I’m sad Lil Peep died, I hope his death will cause people to see the truth. If drugs weren’t so “normal” for artists and, really, anyone these days, Lil Peep could have been helped for the mental illnesses that led him to seek drugs to ease the pain.

Lil Pump’s song ‘Gucci Gang’ revolved around an after school program in which students drank lean, a mixture of prescription cough syrup (codeine) and sprite, which has been linked to deaths in cases of codeine overdoses. Why should Lil Pump promote a potentially deadly drug? Because it makes you look “hard” and “trendy” as an artist. I feel like this isn’t why Lil Peep talked about drugs in his songs. He was depressed and used music as an outlet to discuss his depression and drug abuse. However, I also believe that artists that promote the use of drugs should stop, for the safety of fans.

Drugs have, now more than ever, become a staple of hip-hop music.

Xanax, lean, percocets, all things that, if not promoted by artists, probably would not be so widely known and abused. I’m not blaming Lil Peep.

He was depressed and made bad decisions, but artists who promote drug use to gain attention and followers need to stop, before we lose more young artists to these drugs.

Maybe instead of thinking of people who use drugs as bad and pushing them away, we could give them the help that they need—help them to not NEED drugs to feel okay. I do not mean to disrespect Lil Peep by using his death as an example, but the number of drug related deaths is rising, as well as how commonplace drugs have become. We need to work harder on not only drug prevention, but helping after the addiction has started.

photo by Robert Young

POSTER CHILD “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” poster at the AMC Schererville 16 movie theater

Chronological order of the Star Wars saga 1999 Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Prequel Trilogy 2005 2002 Episode II: Episode III: Attack of Revenge the Clones of the Sith

2016

Original Trilogy 1980

1983

1977

Episode IV: A Episode VI: Episode V: The Empire New Hope Return of the Strikes Back Jedi

Sequel Trilogy 2015

2017

2019

Episode VII: The Force Awakens

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Episode IX: Unnamed sequel

Rating system explained

yikes watchable average wonderful

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

It’s that time of the year again: “Star Wars” blasts its way into theaters internationally with the eighth film in the saga: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

Director Rian Johnson picks the film up right where “The Force Awakens” left off, on the planet of Ahch-To as Rey (Daisy Ridley) hands Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) his long lost lightsaber from “The Empire Strikes Back”.

It’s up in the air for how Rian Johnson will follow the story, but to many fans, they’re just excited to see another Star Wars movie in the theaters, especially following the Skywalker Saga.

I’ll be giving my overall opinion on how The Last Jedi looks via all of the trailers that have been published.

Right off the bat, I’m glad that Luke has dialogue.

Ever since hearing him utter the words “It’s time… for the Jedi to end” I have wanted to know more.

Why would the last remaining true Jedi say his own kind has to end? Spooky.

It’s also heartwarming to witness the late, great, Carrie Fisher make it into theaters one last time, as she portrays the ever awesome Princess Leia.

I get chills whenever I witness the scene of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) flying his spaceship into the Resistance fleet, and targets his own mother’s commander center. It’s intense watching him teeter on edge with the Dark and the Light, as his thumb rests on the trigger. First he killed Han, and now we’re being teased with him ending his mom? That’s harsh, but fits his character as the troubled Force user.

In both the prequels and original trilogy, the content was set, with one main villain and one or two heroes. However, it seems that “The Last Jedi” is going to go down a different route. The trailers showed us Finn (John Boyega) attacking Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) in a battle torn setting. I get the impression that instead of focusing on just Rey and Kylo Ren, it’s possible that we’ll also follow Finn, who tries to finish off Phasma once and for all.

“The Force Awakens” filled me with a lot of questions, and I don’t know if I enjoyed that. Sure, cliffhangers are a normal tool utilized by directors, but it left a big question mark and a hole in my heart.

Clearly, this review is only on how promising the trailers look. Based off what is available to us, the movie looks very entertaining. I know just enough about each character, but still crave more.

That’s the glory of this sequel: Finding out more about each and every personality.

The trailers do this movie right, giving away parts that are important, but still leave questions that will be answered in the movie-going experience. Seeing the movie with fellow Star Wars fans is all part of the fun, too, as toy lightsabers are waved around before the movie begins.

Only one major underlying fear rests within me: the expected reveal of Rey’s parents. If that’s not executed perfectly, backlash will overwhelm the galaxy far, far way.

see it now

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06 infocus dec. 15, 2017

ducks and decide you want to harvest one of the ducks you go for it,” Ben said. “Even if you miss, there’s going to be another group flying in about an hour later. You have more chances. Plus, the harvest amount is higher with ducks versus only Duck season began on Oct. 21 harvesting one deer.”

After James Shelton, sophomore, earned his hunting license, he went on his first hunt with his dad, his dad’s friend and his brother Ben at the Kankakee River Hunting Club. However, his’ first time did not go the way he had hoped.

“It was really annoying (to not see any ducks) because we got up at 4:30 and drove an hour, got our stuff into the blind where we shoot out of at 5:30, settled down by six and waited there,” James said. “We had our decoys on the pond. We had Allowed hours for hunting are at a the perfect conditions. It wasn’t too cold but cold half hour before sunrise until sunset enough that they would be moving, but it was just bad luck we didn’t see any ducks.”

Hunting since he was 11 years old, Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, believes in the values hunting provides and is a great way to earn perspective about nature.

“I wish more young people would get involved photo courtesy of Ben Shelton; source: in.gov ON THE WATER Brothers Ben Shelton, senior, and James Shelton, sophomore, set up decoy ducks for their hunt on Dec. 2. at the in hunting and in nature,” Mr. Nolan said. “I think Kankakee River Hunting Club. it teaches a lot of values that are tough to pick I wanted to go with him because I had just gotten up: failure, patience, perseverance, grit, thinking on your feet. All of those things go into hunting. my license.”

Though hunting other game like squirrels, You’re constantly working with mother nature ducks and coyote before, Colin prefers deer be- and against to try and figure her out. There’s a lot of failures with that, so it sort of shows you your cause he believes it is more personal.

“I enjoy (deer hunting) the most because any place on this planet and humbles you a little bit. other hunting you sit and wait and put up decoys, The value of conservation comes out of hunting. but when you sit outside deer hunting, sitting in The more people hunt, the more they value conservation. I think more a tree stand, it’s really cool and more people get because they don’t know Getting certified caught up in the hustle you’re there and it’s cool Two ways to become hunting certified and bustle of the modto see what happens in in Indiana ern-day world and lose nature,” Colin said. the values in nature and I Like Colin, senior Ben Saturday and Sunday class think people start to value Shelton’s hunting influtwo seven-hour days it more when you’re out ence was mainly through there and it’s just you and his dad, who hunting day one: classroom like setting the outdoors.” when he was younger too. day two: shooting guns, crossbows Ben shares a similar “I grew up around the walk through situations, safety procedures opinion on hunting, viewoutdoors. I’m in Boy ing it as a way to give back Scouts, and I go camping take test at end of second day, 80 to the conservation of the a lot. I also grew up around percent or higher to get certified source: Colin O’Brien, senior outdoors cause. firearms and shooting rec“People view hunting in reationally and compet- Online class a negative aspect, but the itively,” Ben Shelton, seabout eight hour course Story by Joseph Bermudez way the state sets harvest nior, said. “My dad grew up Section Chief hunting, so when I got old take test, 80 percent or higher to get certified limits and seasons when you can hunt animals and Family traditions, passing the time or just hang- enough and had enough print certificate limitations on how many ing out with friends: there are many reasons why experience with firearms, approve certificate at Gander Mountain, tags and certifications people hunt, but the aspect of getting in touch he took me out hunting a Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, etc. they issue every year,” Ben kind of like a next step to with nature seems to be a constant. source: James Shelton, sophomore said. “Also, all the money Since shooting his first gun when he was nine, take in the outdoors life.”

Unlike Colin, however, Ben prefers to hunt that is brought in from buying licenses and buyColin O’Brien, senior, longed to go hunting, and ducks and waterfowl due to the more opportuni- ing tags that goes directly back to state wildlife fulfilled that wish a year later. preservations and state parks. Hunting not only “When my dad was a kid, his friends hunted,” ties to harvest one.

“If you mess up on one shot at a deer, you might gives people the opportunity to go out and draw Colin said. “One of (his friends) worked at this store, similar to Cabela’s, and he got my dad into not see another deer for the rest of the day, ver- on the roots of really what made America, but also hunting. When I was about nine or ten, he asked if sus ducks, who fly in groups so once you see the putting money into maintaining the natural envi-

On the hunt Students, administrator, share their hunting experience, its importance

A new perspective Story by Erianna Sims Section Editor The beginning of freshman year can be full of surprises. From the excitement of being in high school for the first time trying to find their way around the school, the freshman class were halfway through their first official week of school. For many of them, this was a glimpse of what would be the next four years, but as for one freshman in particular, this seemingly ordinary Wednesday would change his life forever.

Demetrios Fotopoulos, freshman, came home from school one afternoon, unaware of what he would encounter. As he sat in his basement watching television, the paper filters

Different circumstances durring holiday season for student inside his furnace caught on fire, causing smoke to rise and cover the ceiling. The thick clouds of smoke that filled the house caused them to have to evacuate. His father decided to turn the furnace off, and when the firefighters arrived, they informed him that the entire house would’ve gone up in flames if he hadn’t turned it off. The thick clouds of smoke that filled the house caused them to have to evacuate.

Demetrios checked into the Homewood Suites by Hilton on Calumet Ave. on the next day: Thursday. At that time, he didn’t know his family wouldn’t check out for over three months.

“Since we moved into the house two years ago, we’ve always hosted

Thanksgiving,” Demetrios said. “We lucky to be going back to my house, have the entire family over, and I’m whereas these people might not even Greek, so it’s a big family. Those that have a house anymore.’ I’m very forlive in America come to the dinner, tunate and very thankful, especially and we’ll around this cook, they’ll Giving back time of year.”’ cook, and evThis expeeryone will How students spend time during holidays rience helped bring some- “We sometimes go to Chicago and if we’ve been eating at a D e m e t r i o s thing, but restaurant, almost all the time we would give our leftovers to better unthis year we homeless people, or give them enough money to go buy a derstand the didn’t have meal somewhere.” —Erin Bryce, sophomore impor tance that because “We always like to give back, and we’re all here for family, of family and we weren’t because we know what’s it’s like to have nothing. We al- treasure all at home. We ways go around helping each other out, we donate to kids that he had. ended up because I know what it’s like to not have that special toy, “This is goor not have Christmas at all.” —Messiah Cobbs, senior going to our ing to sound grandma’s so odd but rehouse for Thanksgiving.” ally, just be thankful for everything Living in the hotel for so long you have, because what you have is made Demetrios aware of how for- so amazing and you only realize that tunate he was compared to others until you don’t have it,” Demetrios living in the world today. said. “I’ve also realized how mini“I think to myself about all the peo- malistic our family can be when you ple who have suffered from hurri- don’t have anything.” canes this year, and I think, ‘Wow, I’m

infocus 07 dec. 15, 2017

Back

on

know math. Calculus is just algebra ramped up so we know a lot of algebra skills we can help with, but I know I couldn’t tutor someone who needed pre-calculus or trig.”

Jess agrees that while NHS tutors can be useful, they have their limitations.

“Honestly no (it is not an equal experience as attending a tutor) because Mike has just had so much experience, but I think it is a good option if you cannot afford a $65 session for one person because that is really pricey.”

For Calculus students, Ms. Val Pflum, math After the sudden leave of their calculus teach- teacher, holds a group tutoring session for five Story by Mimi Brody er, calculus students like Ryan Thometz, senior, dollars after school in her room, an opportunity Copy Editor have found the transition from teacher to teacher Ryan has taken advantage of.

The trash can is filled with paper coffee cups difficult and have relied on tutoring to help main“A lot of the students found that the transfer and candy wrappers, the whiteboard scribbled tain a good grade in the class, and obtain a better from Mr. Gron leaving to our new teacher was with derivatives and inverses. Mr. Mike Graczyk understanding of the subject. Ryan has a stand- very hard, and many of people are struggling, so is gathering his things, ready to leave Academic ing weekly appointment with Mr. Graczyk at Aca- a lot of people went to Mrs. Pflum for help. Mrs. Pointe after a long day of tutoring high school stu- demic Pointe.

Pflum realized that there was a problem, so that dents. The clock reads 2:30 a.m.

“We go lesson by lesson is why she decided to help us “I once had a student who had a soccer game each week and we just start this tutoring,” Ryan said. “I until 11:30 one night, then he texted me “Can I get keep progressing,” Ryan go there maybe twice to three in for Trig?” I said ‘I am done at 11:30, so that would said. “In school, the lesson times a week because it is trebe past midnight you know’ and he said he need- we are taught everyday is Have you attended tutoring mendously less (money than ed to come in, and he came in,” Mr. Graczyk said. kind of difficult to undertutoring) and she knows what “When he left, I thought ominously, ‘This will nev- stand because our teacher this school year? is going on in the class so that’s er happen again,’ but little did I know, of course, is trying to explain it to like what we focus on.” that it would just boom like that. I am willing to 30 different kids, so it is Calculus students will see do it because I feel like if students are willing to kind of hard. With Mike, it yet another shift in instrucdo it as well, if it is going to help, I am willing to is more one-on-one, or I go tors come the new year, as Mr. do whatever I can to be that source of encourage- with a partner so it is more Mark Knight returns to teach ment.” two-on-one, and we focus Calculus. Although shift in inof students To many students, the name and face of Mr. more on what we need struction is not ideal, Ryan is Mike Graczyk is familiar. individually instead of a attend understanding and excited for “I would say at least 80 percent of my kids (that more general lesson like a Mr. Knights return to. tutoring I tutor) go to Munster,” Mr. Graczyk said. “I have teacher would.” ““I am looking forward to it been told in the past that 80 to 90 percent of my Fellow Calculus student (Mr. Knight’s return) because students, before they have had their first session Jess Weiss, senior, also I, like a lot of my classmates, sources: Crier survey of 453 students on Yes No with me, have seen me on someone else’s Snap- has a weekly time slot at Google Forms from Dec. 4-11 am struggling this quarter. chat story acting ridiculous. It is probably the Academic Pointe. Jess Last quarter was good, but this unusualness and the brightly colored room and has been going to Academic Pointe for years, but quarter is sloping off so I am hoping to end this everything else that makes us ‘not your typical tu- the tough transition from teacher to teacher has quarter how I started,” Ryan said. “I wouldn’t blame toring center’ that sort of attracts people to us and caused her to go more often than her standard the school because they were left in a tough posithink ‘Oh, we are trying to make math fun’ but also weekly appointment. tion because our previous teacher left kind of unmake sense.”

“I have been going to tutor- expectedly, it is not like they had time to plan to ing every year because I am find a new teacher. The teacher there now is doing just not that great at math, so the best she can, it is just different from what we I have a standing spot at Aca- are used to.” demic Pointe with Mike every Wednesday for an hour, but sometimes I will go more than that, depending on the workload.” Jess said. “I would say the course (calculus) is getting harder. I think definitely transitioning from (Mr. Nicolas) Gron to (Ms. Nancy Quinn) was, well it was just bad. It is just hard learning with a whole of students who new teacher, so I have been goof students who ing to tutoring once to three are in honors, are not in honors, times a week.” advanced or AP advanced or AP According to Jess, tutorclasses and attend classes, but do ing is the only thing keeping tutoring attend tutoring her from failing her class.

“Tutoring has helped me tremendously. Without Mike, I would probably be failing these quizzes and tests, not going to Do you think students lie,” Jess said. should have to go to Of course, paying for a sestutoring to succeed in sion at Academic Pointe or school? other similar tutors is not the only option, and it certainly is not the cheapest. Students can take advantage of National Honors Society (NHS) tutors, free peer tutors that can help Do you think honors, students in certain problem advanced or AP classes areas. Both Jess and Ryan are warrant a tutor more than NHS tutors. regular classes?

“As a tutor, I would say I tutor people about once a week photo by Megan Szymanski No A NEW CHAPTER “I think a lot of students come here because they are very proactive for about two hours on aver- Yes and want to get ahead, they want to make sure they stay on top of the subject,” Mr. Mike age,” Ryan said. “I think it is a Graczyk said. “I have often joked that I am like the ‘similar exercise’ button on MathXL, I just good alternative because there sources: Crier survey of 453 students on have the ability to think of different problems very fast.“ are a lot of smart people that Google Forms from Dec. 4-11

track

Students discuss tutoring at Academic Pointe, with National Honors Society

Agree to disagree

26%

70%

15%

15%

61%

08 infocus dec. 15, 2017

What is the

‘G’word

Friend groups, entrepreneurs brand themselves as ‘gangs’ Story by Ian Brundige Editor-in-Chief

Scooby Gang, Kool and the Gang and now the Pink Gang. The word “gang” does not always equal violence, yet it has become surrounded by negativity due to gang violence that fills the media.

At the beginning of the year, students sat through a presentation informing students not to wear gang related clothing at school, but after an accidental bulk purchase of pink bananas on Amazon, one group of friends have started referring to themselves as “the pink gang.”

“I feel like it was another cool thing but in a way I guess it’s kind of brought us closer,” Steven Black, senior said. “Everyone carries (their bandanas) with them.”

Administration has not said anything to members of the group like Lucy Torres, sophomore, who keeps her bandanna in her backpack everyday, if it is not tied around her head.

According to Resource Officer Gabriel Isenblatter, this is because the threat of gang violence is not very prevalent in MHS. “Traditionally we don’t have a lot of gang problems here in the high school like you would see in other schools,” Officer Isenblatter Another gang started by David Dafiaghor began as childhood friends.

The “Southside Gang” (SSG) was originally the Somerset Buddies

(SSB) until David’s sister Mega Dafiaghor, class of ‘16, gave him the idea to change it to SSG last year.

Since then David has began selling SSG merchandise designed on Customink to students. The merch is primarily crewnecks with the SSG logo: bold black or white graffiti-like lettering topped by a crown.

“The first shipment was just beige because we didn’t know you could do multi-colors in one shipment,” David said.

After David sold his first limited shipment of nine beige crewnecks, Bryce Bullock, one of his friends who lives on the other side of Munster, followed up the idea with the Northside Gang (NSG).

“There hasn’t been any conflicts between the two sides. It’s kind of just a business to make money,” David said. “We marketed pretty well by making people choose sides, I even have some people who live on the Northside that’ll buy Southside material because they like it. So it’s more about fashion, rather than it being ‘I hate, you live on the Northside’.”

As a police officer, Officer Isenblatter has access to the law enforcement community, including the Gary Gang Response Team and officers based in the FBI who can help him identify official gang activity.

The National Institute for Justice states: “There is no universally agreed-upon definition of ‘gang’ in the United States.” For Officer Isenblatter, it can represent his fellow

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police officers in blue. For Lucy and Steven, it is just a funny story to laugh about with their friends. For Bryce and David, it is a business.

However, in surrounding areas like Gary and the Southside of Chicago gang violence is a larger threat. Officer Isenblatter warns students of the dangers.

“We still have gangs that are loosely assembled around the area and actual gang members that are in the community,” Officer Isenblatter said.

“I could see that being a problem if one of these actual gang members sees one of these kids doing that and decided ‘Hey, that resembles something that someone else is doing’

What makes a gang?

PRETTY IN PINK Pink gang is one of three groups in the school to openly identify themselves as a ‘gang.’ In contrast with violent image of gangs portrayed in media the students are just group of friends who all carry pink bandanas.

and then wants to take some sort of retaliation towards them.”

In the beginning, when David was creating his brand around the word, ‘gang,’ he considered the danger but after the first shipment was conflict free those worries went away.

“It obviously is a big deal because gang violence is not to be taken lightly, but after the first shipment nothing was actually wrong with it,” David said. “There were no conflicts, people were just reppin’ wherever they are from. I do believe maybe in a couple years, like after I have graduated, this could rise up to something crazy. But for now the originators know the basis behind it was just kind of something for fun.”

The National Institute for Justice list the federal definition as meeting the following standards.

While SSG and NSG call themselves ‘gangs,’ they do not meet most of these definitions

✓ ✓

An association of three or more individuals

Whose members collectively identify themselves by adopting a group identity....

Which they use to create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, frequently

by employing one or more of the following: a common name, slogan, identifying sign, symbol, tattoo or other physical marking, style or color of clothing, hairstyle, hand sign or graffiti; While each group does have identifying sign or logo they are not used to create an atmosphere of fear

Whose purpose in part is to engage in criminal activity and which uses violence or intimidation to further its criminal objectives.

NSG and SSG are business while Pink Gang is just a group of friends; none of the gangs participate in crime Source: nij.gov

photo illustrations by Easan Venkat and Lauren Kozy

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sports 09 dec. 15, 2017

Ready to charge Boys’ Basketball travels to Crown Point tonight, hopes for repeated student section support Story by Joseph Bermudez Section Chief Beginning their season with a record of 3-2, Boys’ Basketball will play their second Sectional opponent in consecutive games when they travel to Crown Point tonight at 7 p.m.

Since starting with two straight wins, Tyler Zabrecky, junior, says the team will gain momentum in the beginning of their season and will build off it as the season continues.

“We expected to be pretty good this year, especially in the first part of our schedule. We expected to get some wins under our belt,” Zabrecky said.

Though comfortable with the start of their season, Coach Mike Hackett, health teacher, recognizes the problems the team will need to improve on in practice moving forward before Sectionals in March.

“We need to keep improving everyday, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Coach Hackett said. “It hasn’t really been too big of a problem but it’s where we need the most work. Defense and rebounding. We address those concerns everyday in practice.”

Zabrecky believes the team’s size is the reason behind the defensive and rebounding struggles.

With the focus on these aspects in practice, however, he is certain the team will improve as the season progresses.

“I think we’ve done a decent job on defense and rebounding considering we’re a pretty small team,” Zabrecky said. “I think we’ve done alright there, but there’s some work to be done. There’s

Building

photo by Kess Vaitkus

STRIDE FOR GREATNESS With the basket in his sight, Tyler Zabrecky, junior, (2) pushes his way past East Chicago defender E’twan Moore. Despite the 52-57 loss to East Chicago last Friday, Zabrecky believes the team can succeed with the right mindset when practicing. “We have to stay focused, that’s the main thing, in practice and in the games,” Zabrecky said. “When the games come, we have to just make sure we’re poise and ready to go and we play all 32 minutes.”

different drills we do. Each practice is about two advantage atmosphere the crowd created and deand a half hours, and probably a good hour is feat East Chicago instead of losing 52-57. spent on defense and rebounding.”

“We were disappointed in the East Chicago loss Facing a different Crown (last Friday),” Coach HackPoint team than they are Get in the game ett said. “We’re normally a used to in previous seasons, Drills Boys’ Basketball run in practice to pretty good shooting team, Coach Hackett is confident strengthen particular parts of game but we just shot terrible the team has the ability to Defense that night. We had a great beat Crown Point on their crowd that game, the stuDrill: one-on-one full court home court. dent body really came out “The type of team we are, What it helps: stick to opponent guarded and supported us and we our personnel, Crown Point Rebounding kind of feel like we let them and us are very similar,” Drill: three players line up under basket, down.”

Coach Hackett said. “They Despite the loss, Eric three others behind 3 point line may be a little bigger than Jerge, junior, believes if the What it helps: ability to box out opponents us, but everyone seems to student section continues effectively be a little bigger than us. Offense to support the team like The last couple years the Drill: shooting stations on different courts last Friday, the team will Crown Point teams have What it helps: free throws, layups, jump perform better. been really good and you “(The student section) is shots, 3 pointers knew going into that game a lot more important that source: Eric Jerge, junior that they were probably the students think,” Jerge better than us. That’s not necessarily the case this said. “There’s that saying that goes around that year. I think we’re pretty equal teams.” the student section is the sixth man and that is Though playing with the support of what he be- 100 percent true because they hype us up. All of lieves to be an extremely helpful student section, the momentum that we have is because of them Coach Hackett wishes the team could have taken and they help us out a lot more than they think.”

momentum

Story by Alyssa Bass Page Editor Despite losing by one point at their first meet on Nov. 1, Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming are feeling confident in their abilities for their upcoming meet tomorrow at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Points from every event are added up to determine the scores for each team.

“I feel really good, the meet at Hamilton going to be fun time with the team and I feel like we’re going to do great at the meet. Everyone always loves the meet, it’s a great for everyone,” Aidan Smith, sophomore, said.

The swimmers are feeling the excitement for their upcoming meets

Boys’, Girls’ Swimming travels to Lowell tomorrow; discuss difficulties in practicing away from home pool

and are expecting to do well throughout the season.

“Majority of the days we’ll get here at 5:30 (a.m.) and train until 7. We’ll go to school and do our stuff then we’ll be deck and start practice from 3:10 (p.m.) to 3:30 up to 5:30,” Martin Barnard, sophomore, said.

Swimmers usually prepare for meets with practices that coaches Mathew Pavlovich, P.E. teacher, and Johnathan Stamper, elementary P.E. teacher, design to ensure that swimmers focus on certain areas that might help them swim better during the meet. Preparing for bigger meets usually includes tapering, which are easier practices with less distance closer to the meet to reserve their energy for their meet the next day.

“I feel like throughout the season schools’ pools, according to Barnard.

“During all of this while the pools we’re going to a lot better as time goes on. I’m already seeing major down, our team has woken up earlier improvements from the team and to get to buses and to go to surroundthey’re only going to get better,” ing teams to practice in their pools because they are generous,” Barnard Smith said.

Because of recent events, the pool said. was drained and all the swim meets had to be rescheduled. On Dec. 7, the pool was drained and all this week, the pool underwent repairs. By Dec. 22, the pool repairs should be finished, but photo by Kess Vaitkus until then, the DEEP BREATH At practice, Lindsy Vanek, junior, swims the freestyle. Of the team will connumerous strokes, Vanek has a preference. “I swim the 100 back,” Vanek tinue to practice said. “Backstroke is my favorite stroke to do. It is just one of my better in neighboring strokes, and I really try to work hard on it.”

10sports dec. 15, 2017

Column

A place for everyone

photos by Kess Vaitkus

Column by Ian Brundige

SECOND NATURE (left) Jaycee Helmer, senior, drives into the paint. “I love basketball so much (because) it clears my mind completely,” Helmer said. “When I play its mostly just pure instinct. All the skills I have picked up, it’s just kind of become second nature to me.” CHARGING AHEAD (above) Taking advantage of a slow defense, Taneigh Boyd, senior, rushes up the court. “The defense wasn’t back quick enough” Boyd said, “I thought pushing the ball up the court would give my team a better opportunity to score.”

Editor-in-Chief It is time for the Winter Olympics, an exciting time when we get to watch athletes race down snowy hills in 20 different events.

Regardless of my condescending tone, it is actually an exciting time.

A platform for the world’s best athletes to show-off their prowess and, much to my pleasure, a time when athletes of every color and identity can be celebrated as long as they perform well.

The first openly gay athlete to be on the cover of the ESPN magazine was Gus Kenworthy, an Olympic Skier in 2015. The award for 2017 Male Athlete of the Year from the Association of National Olympic Committees was given to Robbie Mason, an openly gay rower from New Zealand.

And maybe the inclusion of LGBTQ is not actually the most important thing, especially with the international controversy surrounding the event currently, but personally, as a gay male relatively interested in athleticism, I wonder why it seems like there is not a place for gay men in American sports. If there is no problem having or talking about gay athletes on the world’s biggest playing field, why can’t they be welcomed and celebrated in American leagues?

We rarely hear about the gay football or basketball star. Instead, headlines about athletes involved in domestic abuse or sexual harassment cases dominate much of the public eye. Further establishing the image of the brutish masculine jock.

Yet, those are not the only people interested in sports. The is a prom created historic intolerant atmosphere of sports and is amplified by the media’s’ coverage, or lack of coverage, of LGBTQ+ athletes.

But maybe it is good thing because an athletes sexuality should not make headlines. But the complete lack of visibility and acknowledgment makes it seem like they are not there.

Something has to change and it can start on any level of sports.

It doesn’t take a big action to show that the door to sports is open for anyone.

Last month athletes from every level, recreational to professional, in the United Kingdom laced up their shoes with rainbow laces to tackle homophobic, biphobic, transphobic attitudes in sports. The movement or similar moments can be repeated even here in Munster as a small act to show solidarity.

Their final

quarter

Seniors compete in final season in high school career Story by Ian Brundige Editor-in-Chief Coach Jim Davidson, PLTW teacher, prepares to say goodbye to the first class of seniors he has coached throughout their entire high school career. The seniors, Taneigh Boyd and Jaycee Helmer, come from different beginnings but now are both leading their team on the court.

“They both are great leaders. They lead in different ways,” Coach Davidson said. “Jaycee is not the most vocal person in the world, but she leads by example on the floor. Taneigh a little bit more vocal and they are both playing extremely well.”

For Taneigh Boyd up until she joined the middle school basketball team the sport was just a hobby she would use to pass time with her dad.

Moving

“I have been playing since the age of seven, but I really didn’t start playing for like a team until my eighth grade year,” Boyd said. “That’s when I realized I was going to be serious about it (playing basketball). That it’s something I want to pursue.”

Boyd has spent each year since, on and off season, working with her dad to get where she is today. They worked on a variety of skills as Boyd has grown and become more dedicated to the sport.

“As a younger kid, it was mainly just shooting, just a lot of shooting, a lot of shooting. Then the older I got the more, you learn more of the fundamentals, the dribbling and the passing skills,” Boyd said. “But for the most part he taught me—he is the reason my shot is so good for what it is now.”

indoors

Story by Alyssa Bass Page editor

When people think of Winterguard they usually just think of people waving flags or nothing at all, but what they do not think about is all the hard work and practice that goes into it.

Practice will usually go from 5-8 p.m. and is filled with learning new choreography, body training, and staging.

Body training consists of stretching and cross the floors, which are exercises that help build up your stamina and help body composition.

“I’m planning on working out more so come performance time I have enough endurance to get through the show,” Monica Herrera, junior, said.

The main difference between Winterguard and color guard is that in winter guard you stay inside which for color guard you practice and perform outside. Perform-

Helmer’s story also began with a basketball in her hand but competing on the court from the beginning.

Around third grade she began playing AAU, Amateur Athletic Union, with her dad as the coach.

“When I started playing basketball, it was always my favorite sport,” Helmer said. “Especially when I was on an AAU team my sixth and seventh grade year, my AAU team went to nationals and we placed like sixteenth in the nation, so basketball was always my favorite sport.”

Helmer describes herself as competitive in every aspect of her life: playing on the court, working on school work.

Since last year the teams record has improved from 9-15 at the end of last season to already 9-3 this year.

Coach Davidson credits much of this change to the seniors on the team.

“They are big part of our success right now. They are big part of the building of our program,” Coach Davidson said. “They have been big part of that.”

Going forward Boyd is planning on going to two years of Junior College to continue improving at her game and get used to the college atmosphere. Helmer is signed to Butler University to play Division I soccer.

Winterguard begins season ing inside eliminates being outside practicing in the wind or in the cold.

“The first two major differences are we aren’t with the band and we’re inside. The same basic rules apply, that we learned from parade camp,” Chynna Vaughn, junior, said. “I started off with Winterguard and not color guard and making the transition was hard because I had no experience with marching.”

The timing of shows are a lot shorter with color guard shows are around seven or eight minutes long and winter guard shows being about three and a half minutes to four minutes.

“The audiences are a lot more up close, it’s just guard performing so the judges are paying closer attention,” Vaughn said. “It’s a lot easier to see if one person is off or lagging behind the rest of the group. It’s nerve-wracking to perform, but after it’s a very satisfying feeling to know you worked as the team to accomplish something,” Herrera said.

sports11 dec. 15, 2017

Shaking things up Dance team, coach discuss season, losing players from last year, recent competition

Pom FEATHER FOOT During last Friday’s basketball game against East Chicago, Emma Harvath, senior, performs with the dance team in their competition routine.

“We’ve only had one competition so far, which went really well, and we have another this Saturday,” Harvath said.

“We made some good changes this week and we’re excited to see what happens this weekend.”

Story by Gavin Hamilton Visual Chief

photo by Kess Vaitkus

Eight seniors lost. Eight new dancers, ready to prove their worth. After their invitational at home last Saturday, the Dance team competes at Kahler Middle School tomorrow. The team has been practicing since May and had lost half their team members from the last year.

“Every year is a new year,” Coach Cynthia Banas, WWMS math teacher, said. “You always have new people on your team, so you always have to adapt to it. I know that with so many new members we had to take a little bit more time with explaining the process and making sure they understand the level of competition and dance that they will be in and making sure that they are prepared.”

This year, the team has many new members because of a large amount of seniors on the team last year. Despite having many less experienced

The spotlight Four of Dance’s routines performed at invitational, half time show

Solo

GLITZ AND GLAM (left) At the dance competition last Saturday, Stephanie Niemiec, sophomore, performs her solo routine. IN THE AIR (middle) Performing their Jazz routine, Alexandra Vjestica, junior (left), and Jamie DeJoan, sophomore (right), lift Reem Alshamaileh, senior, into the air. FRIEND IN NEED (right) At their competition last Saturday, sophomores Abby Ruckert and Payton Paulston perform their duet piece.

“During out duet, I was lifting Payton off the ground,” Ruckert said.

“Throughout the dance, the qualities of a good friendship are shown.”

“(Lake Central) has never been defeated in Jazz, so that’s definitely something that we’re working towards,” Jill Cuvala, junior said. “We’ve won Pom for the last couple years and Crown Point is our main competition, so I hope that we stay undefeated in Pom and hopefully take the title for Jazz but that is unlikely as of now.”

After placing well at this last competition, Cuvala is confident in the team’s ability to make up for the previous year’s losses.

“It’s definitely been a struggle so far because the eight seniors that we had last year were amazing,” Cuvala said. “I think we will get there eventually with this team as long as we continue to push them. With our success from the first competition, it’s been going well so far.”

members, the team is working hard to improve and excel this year, according to Emma Harvath, senior.

“I think (the season) looks pretty good. This is definitely a growing year for us because we lost half the team. We lost eight seniors last year so we took eight new girls, which is more than we’ve had in the past,” Harvath said. “It’s been a big adjustment for the team and trying to get everyone else ready, but everyone’s working really hard and I think it’s looking pretty good.”

At the competition last Saturday, the team placed first in Pom, Large Ensemble, and Duet, also achieving second place in Jazz and Solo.

Jazz

Duet

photos by Emily Mudroncik, Kess Vaitkus, and Sydney Pastor

A different lane Students discuss passion for bowling, their scores throughout career Story by Alex Kojich Social Media Manager Bowling: a sport that’s full of family fun and great for birthday parties. As a high school sport, though? To some, this may be an oddity, but for a select few students, it is a proud pastime.

Since he started bowling seven years ago, Ryan Greep, junior, finds that the activity can help with focusing on tasks.

“My cousin was in a bowling league, and he got me into it,” Greep says. “Most of my family bowl, and have been for a while now.”

The competitions take place between teams of

five. Each bowler on the team has an opponent come to enjoy it. they face, and whoever gets the highest total “I ended up having fun while bowling in a score gains the point for their team. league,” Michalski said. “I’ve been bowling for six There is also a total years now.” pin fall for the team as a According to Greep, whole, which gives the bowling is much different team five points out of than the other sports that the total possible of ten. take place at the school.

Matches vary from alley “This takes time and to alley all around the Repractice,” Greep said. gion, and take place twice “Also, unlike the other a week. sports (in the school), you “We normally face othare facing an unseen ober schools around Lake ject, which would be the County,” William Michaloil on the lane.” ski, senior, said. “Teams Michalski’s highest like Bishop Noll, Griffith, score was a 199, which is photo by Megan Szymanski Lake Central, Morton, STRIKE IT DOWN Competing in a tournament with multiple out of a total of 300.

Highland and Calumet.”

“That’s a score that I’ve schools, Carrington Sanders, senior, bowls a frame at StarThe team bowls at Star- dust bowl. “If you get really tense, and you down yourself, never gotten before,” Midust 3 in Merrillville, Star- that can really mess up what you’re doing,” Sanders said. chalski said. “I’m still dust 2 in Dyer, Plaza Lanes working to get a score like in Highland, and the Olympia Lanes in Hammond. that again.”

Games normally take place Mondays, Tuesdays, Greep’s highlight of his time bowling came reand Wednesdays, but can vary every week. cently, when the team ended up doing very well, Michalski’s family bowled, so he decided to try and he ended up scoring a 257. it out and joined a bowling league in fourth grade.

“That was exciting,” Greep said. “That’s my highUnknown to him at the time, he would actually est score I’ve had so far.”

12 student life dec. 15, 2017

Seasonal

stressors

Story by Carey Scott People Editor

I

t’s December, and right now, temperatures are getting colder, and days are getting shorter. Plus arguably one of the most stressful times of high school.

During December, students responsibilities increase as they must wrap up the semester, study for finals, and deal with the potential stress of winter holidays.

While certain responsibilities can be difficult for all students to deal with, some students have specific mental illnesses and physical conditions, that make these months even harder.

For students like Casey Meldgin, junior, who has been diagnosed with anxiety, social anxiety, and depression, winter makes her mental illnesses even more difficult to deal with.

“It can affect my grades. Depression genuinely kills my motivation. Any motivation that I have just dies and winter just makes it that much worse,” Casey, said.

Academic stress increases the already existing stress that not only Casey’s mental illness brings, but the anxiety that comes with this certain time of year as well.

“I feel very rushed. I end up studying at night up until I go to bed and in the morning, I’ll continue to study. I’m studying as I’m walking to classes, I’m starting at the beginning of class is last-minute and I’m always trying to get it all done, ” Casey, said.

For Zoé Short, junior, the holidays (and her lack of endorphins) are more stressful than any academic pressure she is feeling. Zoé lost her grandfather to suicide in January of 2011, which makes from Thanksgiving to the anniversary of his death painful to handle.

“If the holidays weren’t around this time of year I feel like 75 percent of my stress would be eliminated,” Zoé said. “With what happened to me, the holidays were a massive factor and played into it and so around this time of year I tend to just drift back to the mindset that I had then when all of that occurred. Just the buildup between Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s, this traumatic event happening two weeks into the month of January. This time of year I have a hard time dealing with my mental illness and coping because what happened was just so difficult.”

Zoé’s grandfather played a large part in her life

students describe how they feel through winter in one-word

Students prepare for holidays and finals during the winter months, discuss stress related to time of year and she had a very strong relationship. On top of the fact that she was already dealing with the stress her mental illness put on her, losing her grandfather greatly added to her struggle.

“For someone to have to deal with that with one of the only people who is constantly rooting for me to pass, it’s very very difficult thing and it truly shapes you as a person,” Zoé said.

Zoé’s lack of endorphins and mental illness also contribute to her many difficulties that she deals with throughout the season.

“If people aren’t going through this, if they don’t have a lack of endorphins, or depression where it affects them daily, they don’t understand they get mad,” Zoé said, “but certain people are suffering and certain people do have problems like this during this time of year.

For people like me it’s hard to wake up in the morning, it is a battle to even get up and brush your teeth, everything is negative.”

A main part of what specifically Zoé struggles with during the winter months is the shortening of days, and finding time in the day to get her work done.

“The days are shorter and when you pile so much stuff on and you don’t complete it you feel like a failure,” Zoé said. “It feels like you had no time to get things done but you still have these responsibilities you didn’t finish. I feel very melancholy that’s why say it’s hard for me to wake up it’s hard for me to get started it just looks gray and depressing outside. Any snow that was pretty eventually gets dirty and depressing. It’s very hard balancing what it’s like outside with everything else going on in your life because your day will just go away and you’ll feel like it never even started.”

Unlike Zoé and Casey, Carsyn DeLooff, senior, says her mental health is at its worst during the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

“In the summer and the winter there is so much to do, and spring the point of the year after the holidays there’s nothing to look forward to,” Carsyn said.

Carsyn also feels there are more things she can do to combat and manage her mental illness during other seasons.

“Not being able to do anything about it is the worst part. In the summer I can go to the beach and in the winter I can snowboard, but there’s no way in the spring to outlet my bad vibes,” Carsyn, said.

Sad

—Mark Caraher,

Tired

freshman

Cold —Michaela Marcotte, junior

BACKTALK

Winter holidays are growing near. If you could get any present what would it be?

“I could really go for a new pair of running shoes.”

“I would get a Nike Oklahoma Sooneers windbreaker because its my favorite college and I like it a lot.”

Jacob Alvarez, freshman

Evan Stevens, freshman

“World peace because that’s what everyone else asks for.”

“I would want a $100 gift card to Jimmy Johns.”

Ben Blaesing, sophomore

Abby Ruckert, sophomore

“I’d want an iPhone X because those things look cool.”

“I’ve been thinking about getting an electric guitar because I’ve just started getting into music and it’s something I really want.”

Sage Sweeney, junior

Brendan Bleza, junior

“I would really want a jeep because they are just so cute. You can skrrt around in your little jeep.”

“An ‘A’ in Government.”

Bella Blackford, senior

Amy Kaniewski, senior

“I hope to go from bald to beautiful. I hope to get some hair this holiday season.”

“I hate to be cliche, but I have a friend whose daughter is really sick and I would give anything for her to be healthy.

That would be my biggest wish.”

—Austin Lynn, junior

Light therapy is a common treatment for SAD

Low seritonin levels are often associated with SAD SAD is diagnosed four times more often in women than men.

People with SAD also may produce less Vitamin D People with SAD may overproduce the hormone melatonin.

graphic by Carey Scott and Ian S. Brundige

What is SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.

Younger adults have a higher risk of SAD than older adults

Common symptoms: having low energy feeling hopeless loss of interest source: National Institute of Mental Health, nimh.nih.gov

Donald Fortner, Deb DeLooff, social studies teacher guidance secretary