MHS Crier 12 20 13

munster high school Vol. 48 / Issue 6 / December 20, 2013 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321

crier INSIDE LOOK Saturday 34/31

35/8

SWALLOWING

PRIDE

HER

“You never really start to think about the consequences of drugs until something bad happens to someone you know or yourself,”the sophomore girl said. “If you haven’t started, just walk away.”

continued on pg.6- 7

Sunday

Up and coming Boys’ Varsity Basketball plays tomorrow at Penn at 7 p.m.

Girls’ Varsity Basketball plays tomorrow at Griffith at 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ Varsity Wrestling competes against Highland at 6:30 p.m.

Monday

Finals schedule Final exams for Tuesday take place during first and fifth period Final exams for Wednesday take place during second, fourth and sixth period Final exams for Thursday take place during third and seventh period

Mustang pride

School has yet to receive grade for school year School receives A-F grade in January due to ISTEP, lawsuit complications Max Baker News Editor Currently all schools in Indiana have been graded, for the 2012-2013 school year; however, due to consequences made at the state level, the school will receive their grade in January.

“What essentially happened was ISTEP imploded. There wasn’t enough memory for all the kids in Indiana, so they had to expand the date. This caused computers crashing, complaints, and overall stress to the CTB (CTB/McGraw-Hill). It was a hot mess,” Dr. Phyllis Gilworth, Director of Instructional Programs and Assessment, said.

However, the ISTEP fiasco does not only

contribute to the prolonged postponing of the school grades. Gloria Ritz, State Superintendent, filed a lawsuit against the former State Superintendent Tony Bennett.

Bennett illegally entered the system and manipulated the grade of Christel House Academy, according to an investigation by the Associated Press (AP).

Several emails were uncovered by the AP and after an investigation discovered that Christel House’s grade was changed from a “C” to an “A.” “If the A-F accountability is valid, it should not be manipulated like that,” Dr. Gilworth said. “The results should be concrete in demonstrating what the test actually is.”

After the Bennett Scandal, several In-

diana schools received an opportunity to appeal their orginal school grades to the School Board. A-F accountability can decide merit pay, according to Dr. Gilworth.

“The state has had a boat load of appeals,” Dr. Gilworth said. “We have to wait until everyone has appealed and been dealt with. It’s a big deal because for many districts the A-F accountability is used as merit pay, so its a big hold up.”

Indiana’s A-F accountability model grade schools based off of four ideal measures; the passage rate of Algebra I and English 10 ECAs, the graduation rate, and the number of students in AP and advanced classes, according to Principal Mike Wells.

Students, teachers discuss the results of the referendum

page 2

Career scout Students attend career center to lessen the costs of college

page 4 In remembrance Students were surveyed on the top events of 2013

page 8 Unseen injuries Students discuss the affect of concussions, the decisions they took

page 10

2

NEWS Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

Quick Notes

SHOOTING FOR THE

Football

The Mustang Toy Round-Up donates the toys to over 750 children

STARS

The Munster Toy Drive will continue delivering toys donated to the Toy Drive well into next week according to Coach Marsh, health teacher.

“We received enough toys to give to at least 750 children.” Coach Marsh said.

Coach Marsh claims that the Toy Drive next year will be just as successful as this years.

“I am very satisfied with our students and our community for taking on such a project to help others,” Coach Marsh said

Science teacher participates in Mars satellite launch team William Hatczel Sports Editor

We the People

We the People returns from their State competition with second place

We The People took second at their state competition Dec. 15 and 16.

After placing first at Districts, Harris Kouklakis, senior, believed that the team had a good chance of placing highly at in first at State.

“I thought that we had a really good chance of winning,” Harris said. “We studied really hard this year by doing things in and out of class. It is disappointing that we didn’t make it to Nationals, but we did really good at State.”

Project X

Project X sells candy grams to help the less fortunate

Student Government sold candy grams for $1 during lunch. All proceeds will benefit local homeless shelters.

“Around the holidays, especially, it is a time to give,” Eashan Kumar, Student Government president said.

Project X chose candy grams as their method of raising money because of the benefits they offer to both the community and students, according to Eashan.

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

POINTING OUT THE MISTAKES Helping her students with their in class work, Mrs. Cara Germann, takes care to make sure her students understand and comprehend the information they were taught.“I do it to make

Red planet exploration With Mrs. Germann’s recent voyage to the MAVEN satellite launch, read some need to know facts about the MAVEN mission

The mission explores Mars’ upper atmosphere, ionosphere and interactions with the sun and solar wind

MAVEN mission to help explain how Mars’ climate has changed over time due to the loss of atmospheric gases

It will take MAVEN ten months to reach Mars orbit, afterward the MARVEN’s one year mission will begin

MARVEN stands for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution and will examine the loss of volatile substances

Corrections Although misconceptions arose in the last editorial, our intention was not to disrespect the custodial staff. The intention was to applaud the staff for all of the hard work they do with the limited time that they have. The Crier fully supports the Custodial staff.

sure people are working on it (their class work),” Mrs. German said. “I want to make sure they are on the right track and are understanding the material and not just filling in the blanks”

Sifting through her email one day while working at her previous school, Mrs. Cara Germann, Earth Space teacher, came across the acceptance letter she hoped to receive, which led her to watch a major NASA satellite launch into space November 18th.

Mrs. Germann applied to become a NASA educator ambassador which allowed her to travel down to Florida and watch NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) satellite launch into space.

“It has always been a dream of mine to go and work for NASA,” Mrs. Germann said. “This would give me the chance to work with NASA so, I gave it a try.

Although she knew the odds were against her, she hoped for the best since she has always been fascinated with space.

“I was excited because at the time, I was only a second year teacher and they only were picking 30 teachers from the entire country,” Mrs. Germann said. “So I figured they would have accepted more experienced teachers.”

Mrs. Germann not only witnessed the MAVEN satellite launch, but other exhibits like the space shuttle Atlantis and the Saturn 5 satellite.

“I was able to see the orbits that went into space,” Mrs. Germann said. “I also went inside the vehicle assembly building.”

Mrs. Germann also learned new projects from the scientists who gave her the tour and new teaching ideas from other teachers who had applied for the ambassador job as well.

“It was a place where we could share lesson plans,” Mrs. Germann said. “It was not just for MAVEN, but also for the 29 teachers I could go to for help.”

Mrs. German hopes that her teaching grabs student’s attention to learn about the topics she will teach in the future.

“I hope that my excitement will make students more excited to learn it,” Mrs. German said.

Passed with purpose: examining the effects of the referendum One year after the referendum passed, students, teachers reflect on the changes brought to their lives

Victoria Avina Associate Editor The last bell rings and students scatter out of the classrooms to get home or to after school activities while Mr. David Dausch, social studies teacher, sits and waits for the commotion to clear. He then leaves home to wait for his son Finley to get off the bus.

Although Mr. Dausch started teaching in 2009, he believes that the school would have had to let him go if the referendum did not pass.

“I was told that they go basically by experience,” Mr. Dausch said. “The newest people would be first to go, but that could have been speculation, but that was how I was informed.”

Mr. Dausch feels grateful about the referendum passing last year. He can now worry less about supporting his family financially.

“It would have affected me a lot if it wouldn’t have passed,” Mr. Dausch said. “I have bills to pay and a family to support; I’m paying student loans. Most

importantly, I wouldn’t have an opportunity to teach at Munster.”

Other than teachers, Marching Band, Orchestra and Speech and Debate would also have been cut.

Maddie Sharmat, senior, thinks the quality of the school would have decrease due to the loss of a nationally recognized program.

“We would lose one of the best clubs in the school because we are nationally recognized,” Maddie said.

“Us, as students would lose a huge skill.”

Maddie also believe that students would lose important skills such as critical thinking and on the spot thinking if the school did cut Speech and Debate.

“I personally use a lot of my debate skills, but also every single person on the team has made some of their closest friends from this club,” Maddie said.

Like Maddie, Mr. Mike Wells, principal, found that the community also did not want to see students losing valuable skills to do budget cuts.

“The community spoke loud and clear that they wanted to keep our programs,” Mr. Wells said. “The

community realize how important the school is to them.”

Other than programs, Mr. Wells feels relieved that the referendum kept classrooms sizes the same and saved programs from getting cut.

“We are able to say status quo,” Mr. Wells said.

“The expectation was that we were able to keep class size the same and not have to cut programs.”

While the school would have let teachers finish the year off if the referendum did not pass, Mr. Dausch plans outside the classroom could have changed.

“During the Referendum, I was actually living with my parents, but over the summer I bought a house,” Mr. Dausch said. “I would probably still be living with my parents.”

The referendum has lived up to expectations, but rumors about another one happening have sprouted.

“I’ve heard rumors about there being a cut in Lake County,” Mr. Dausch said. “But I think if there is the community would support the school because of how good the school is.”

speakout Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

BACKTALK

3

What holiday meal evokes the best memories and why?

“A tradition with my family is to make lasagna. We always make it and everyone loves to eat it.”

“Too bad I didn’t think this through better.”

editorial

A DIFFERENT PATH

“You’re not going to college?” a student says in disbelief to his classmate.

Although many students see college as the only path for after high school, a high school diploma can lead them in many different directions. College is not the only option.

Instead of going to a traditional four-year college, students may look to a OUR TAKE community college or trade More options exist school to develop specific than just college; skills for their line of work.

Students may also find however, those who choose to not attend themselves going directly college need a plan into the workforce, joining the military, volunteering, or following another path of interest.

However, students should not go into whichever field they choose with no sense of direction.

Students need to have a plan established in order to aid in their success.

Without a plan for a student’s future, he will

find himself lost. Instead of driving himself towards a successful future, he will do the opposite.

The more time spent confused and undirected, the more time wasted. If a student is not going to attend college, he needs to have a plan.

“My favorite meal All students need a plan for their future; while is turtle pie. It’s a some may choose college, others may find anoth- fundamental food for my family. er option better suited for themselves.

Someone always And not only do some students find these op- brings it.” tions better suited for them, but it is okay to take Harsh Jhaveri, a different path. Students need to think what will sophomore benefit them most, rather than what the social norm is.

For example, without going to college students save the thousands upon thousands of dollars they would have spent on student loans.

Not all students possess the resources to attend college and some entry-level jobs pay just as much as jobs that require higher education. Joining the workforce or going to a community col- “We have Polish sausage on lege is a plausible choice for some.

Christmas. That’s the only time we have it all year.”

Struggling to calm the panic Max Baker News Editor During winter break, students want to spend the days catching up on their sleep and enjoying family time.

However, for the past several years, students have spent their holidays attempting and often failing to retain information from the first semester.

As the crisp air of fall freezes into a harsh, unforgiving chill, high school students across the country cram for their final exams. However, many of these students take their finals before their winter break, sparing them from the stress of remembering their studies for exams that come after an almost two week break from school.

Winter break, a time of celebration and relaxation, has become a synonym for hair pulling, notes searching, and late night red bull drinking in a half starved attempt to study for exams that may determine a student’s final grade for the semester.

While some argue finals after the break help students get back into the school mode, many students often return to school as sleep deprived, panic stricken, caffeinated zombies.

Throughout the break students spend their time hanging out with friends, family, and enjoying the much needed break from the pressures of high school life, only for the looming threat of finals to fester in their brains until it explodes in a sudden frenzy felt by

Crier 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

Nolan Lomeli, freshman

students just days before their exams.

Pandemonium and tests do not mix well and while students attempt to calm their scattered nerves, many find it nearly impossible. While studying, students second guess themselves and doubt the information they are attempting to relearn for their classes, thus resulting in an alarm.

A simple and effective way to solve this mass anxiety would be to have school start earlier in August than it already does. This would provide enough time to fit an entire semester of education into a time period that ends just before winter break. While this may be difficult to accomplish, this must be an easier solution to the finals dilemma than a zombie breakout.

School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

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.

Subscriptions cost $4 per semester or $6.50 per school year. Mailed subscriptions cost $18 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 Cassie Eberle Managing Editor Jordan Cockrum Associate Editor Victoria Avina

“We have fried turkey during the holidays. I always get the drumstick and it’s the best part.”

Obiageli Oniah, freshman

“The food we have at Christmas is really good. My dad hunts the day before so the meat is fresh.”

Kory Gouwens, sophomore

“We have cranberry sauce and that is the most delicious thing ever.”

Jamie Deja, junior

Lily Hasler, junior

“My grandma makes potatoes with bacon. It has bacon.

What else do you need?”

“My favorite thing to have is pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition.”

Eliott Maul, senior

Mrs. Brynn Denton, Home School Facilitator

Lifestyles Editor Meena Kandallu Sports Editor William Hatczel News Editor Max Baker Infocus Editor Nikki Mammano Social Media Director Lauren Rouse Business Manager Vrusha Patel Head Photographer Gabrielle Dore Photographers Christopher Anguiano, Alex Baker, Ali Bauer, Natalia Bilek, Cesar Camacho, Chelsea Eickleberry, Casey Gouwens, Gage Knor, Lauren Koultourides, Pam Muangmingsuk, Alisa Muñoz Cartoonist Ryan Meyers Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman

4

NEWS Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

Setting careers

in moTion

Students plan for the future with help of Career Center Vrusha Patel Business Manager

photo illustration by Alex Baker

INVESTIGATING THE FUTURE Using the knowledge he learned from the Criminal Justice Program, which teaches police and detective work as well as criminal law, at the Career

Center, Micheal Jackson, junior, examines a faux crime scene. “When you investigate it is very interesting,” Micheal said. “You have do a lot of work to figure out and deduce what happened.”

While students receive their next semester schedules, sophomores are introduced to the Career Center. It allows students to receive specialized training in the career of their choice.

“I was really interested in the culinary arts, and I knew they had the program there, and so I thought, ‘why not try it out’,” Emma Jo Prucha, junior said. “My brother went there and he was in welding program and he really enjoyed it as well.”

Benefits of attending the Career Center consist of receiving college credit certification in specialized programs, such as, welding and the culinary programs, according to Emma.

In the future, Emma would like to Open a cafe called “Emma Jo’s” Attending the Career Center shortens the time period by allowing her to learn the craft of trade early on. She plans on attending Joliet Junior College for an associates degree as a backup plan.

“I think its way more beneficial than going to a regular seven period day because you get to focus on what you want to do and you aren’t being forced to be there. It’s more hands on,” Emma said.

On the same token, Robyn Flanagan-Seels also goes to the Career Center for the Culinary Arts program. Although this is Robyn Flanagan’s first year at the Career Center, she hopes that it will decrease the amount of money she will spend in college.

“It’s more cost effective, because most people go to college for culinary and find out they don’t like it and end up wasting thousands of dollars on something that they’re not going to do

in the future,” Robyn said.

Robyn leaned towards the career center due to the availability of hands on experience. Not only do the students learn hands on experience, but have the opportunity to have mock interviews, in which they learn how to interact with the interviewer as well has how to apply for a job.

Initially Janel Solis, senior, believed that the cosmetology course at the Career Center would be easy; however, the course work proved that it was more difficult than anticipated.

“Cosmetology is difficult because you have to build up a clientele and you have to live up to other people’s standards,” Janel said.

The cosmetology program proves beneficial due to the fact that it helps its students learn business and listening skills, how to run the their own salon and how to act professional, according to Janel.

The students compete with students from other Area Career Center to determine who attends the State level competition.

“The one thing that they do over there is that they have the time to take a field trip or do a job shadow,” Guidance Counselor Sharon Vail said.

During their two and a half hour period, students can do both book work, and work with actual equipment used in current day industries, according to Ms. Sharon Vail.

Three of the most common chosen courses consist of cosmetology, criminal justice, and culinary arts, according to Ms. Vail.

“I wouldn’t say it’s easier because it’s focused differently,” Ms. Vail said.

“They’re learning from a different perspective.”

Brains for business Some most common careers for high school students seek after their graduation

Real Estate Agent

Construction worker

Hard Laborer

Lawyer

Plumber

Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties

Do physical labor on construction sites

Pick up unwanted household goods and waste

Advise on many legal issues or disputes

Install and repair pipes in businesses, homes, factories

Salary: $42,680 per year

Salary: $28,410 per year

Salary: $22,560 per year

Salary: $112,760 per year

Salary: $46,660 per year

Education:

Education:

Education:

Education:

Complete a number of hours of real estate courses and a high school graduate

Education:

Short-term on-the-job training which includes how to handle equipment and

No education required for this job, but must be of legal age to work

Job Availability:

Job Availability:

Job Availability:

466,100

1,250,200

3,315,400

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Apprenticeship and start out by attending a technical school. Require plumbers to have a license

Job

419,900

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

5 MOVE MUSIC INFOCUS

Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

TO THE

Students discuss how their interest in music led them to produce their own, the difficulties they have endured Max Baker News Editor

photos by Cesar Camacho and Gabrielle Dore

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (top) In junior Luis Corral’s basement, The Trademarked practices their song “My Angel.”

Flynn LeMonnier, senior, hopes to get “Angel” along with other songs out there. “We’ve got a lot of friends we’ve met through networking who are willing to release it to other areas,” Flynn said. DREAM CHASING (bottom) At the age of 17, Christan Rangel, senior, already produced three mixtapes and now works on his fourth album“8 Ball Dreams.” “This album resembles how people cannot always get what they want. “I just keep working harder to get better than before,” Christian said. “I’m working to eliminate the errors and setbacks and start moving forward.”

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Taking a deep breath, rhythm guitarist Zach Brum, sophomore, listens to the drummer count him in before him and his band, The Trademarked, explode into piercing guitar riffs and heavy vocals.

“My life basically revolves around music,” Zach said. “I can’t see myself doing anything other than music. It’s my passion.”

The Trademarked, a heavy metal and rock band founded in 2009, self-released their four track extended play (EP), “Axis,” today. However, production on the EP started in early June.

“It was stressful, but it’s kinda fun at the same time to see the songs we’ve been working on to sort of come together,” Lead vocalist and guitarist Flynn LeMonnier, senior, said.

“You’re never really satisfied with how it sounds and its always a work in progress, but its been really cool to see the whole process without any professional studio help.”

“Axis” includes three original songs that were written, composed, and produced by the band.

The Trademarked make constant attempts to incorporate new genres of music into their own.

“It’s hard to define

your own music,” Flynn said. “Right now we’re classified as heavy metal/ hard rock, but we’re experimenting with different styles of music like dubstep and metalcore.”

The Trademarked played in multiple venues in the Chicagoland area such as the Congress Theater, Another Hole in the Wall, and the Metro Theater.

“Being in the band and playing these shows has changed my life and given me so much confidence.” Bassist Patrick Loseniski, junior, said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without this band. I’ve done things I could not imagine myself doing if I wasn’t in this band.”

However, not everyone who creates music has the same intentions as The Trademarked. Christian Rangel, senior, has created three rap mixtapes, under the name Master Cumulus. He started recording songs during spring break last year using only his school laptop and a microphone.

“Honestly, I just make them for me,” Christian said. “I don’t care about what people say. I like what I say and hearing my voice played back to me.

It gives me something to do and focus on. Plus, I like entertaining people.”

Christian often writes and raps about the interactions he encounters throughout the day. Past experiences also influences his writing. While he does not wish to make rapping his career, he still hopes to inspire people with the words he says through his microphone.

“Everyday life inspires me,” Christian said. “I write every single day, even if it’s just little tid-bits of lyrics, and when I feel like I have enough I pull out the microphone and record them.”

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INFOCUS

INFOCUS

Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

LIVING for the

PAIN

Whether it is abuse or dependency, addiction to illegal prescription pills proves a common issue among American teenagers. Students discuss their addiction to illegal prescription pills, such as opiates, their transition to finding help

Nikki Mammano Infocus Editor

As the sophomore girl sits around the bonfire, the words “They won’t do anything, you’ll have a fun time and it will go away” echo through the smoke.

J

ust like this sophomore girl, illegal prescription pills spill into the hands of 2,000 new teenagers every day, according to the Rx Safety Matters Organization.

Although the abuse of prescription drugs proves an ongoing issue, for many teenagers, addiction stands as a real struggle, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“After a while it started to become an everyday thing,” the sophomore girl said. “I started to realize it was a problem when I used to spend almost all of my money on it and I could not do simple things like go out to eat at Wendy’s with my friends.”

The reason drugs become addictive are due to chemicals tapping into the brain’s communication system and disrupting the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information.

Addiction has two different meanings though. Dependency means thinking about it constantly, while abuse usually happens before. For example, abuse is where someone thinks

that in order to have fun at a party they must take drugs, according to physiatrist Dr. Brett Plyler.

“There are not a lot of long term organ problems,” Dr. Plyler said, “However, with drugs like opiates, it can affect their ability to think rationally, grow, and handle situations. Once someone starts abusing, say at 15, brain develop stops. If they are still abusing and now 20, emotionally they are still 15.”

Not only did the addiction drive the sophomore girl to spend all of her money, but they took a toll on her overall physical health as well.

“It started to become hard to control my muscles,” the sophomore girl said.

“It also made me sick and I could not eat anything. Even if I ate one of my favorite foods I would just throw up.”

These health issues usually occur from withdrawal due to abusing or having an addiction for awhile. Symptoms for withdrawal can happen anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, or even sooner depending on the conditions

and last up to a week, according to Dr. Plyler.

“Withdrawal symptoms lead you down the path of wanting to feel better,” Dr. Plyler said. “This is because someone can sometimes feel anxious, have muscle aches or spasms, hand tremors, or even seizures.”

Although peer pressure did influence the sophomore girl to start taking the pills regularly, the first time she took them occurred when they were prescribed to her after a knee surgery.

Dr. Plyler does try to avoid prescribing to teenagers. When it is necessary though, instead of giving them directly to the teenager, he gives them to the parents.

He does this because teenagers are usually uninformed about the risks, which can lead to experimenting with them and then to addiction, according to Dr. Plyler.

“It does happen where teenagers get addicted from it being prescribed, but it’s not common,” Dr. Plyler said. “If it does happen, start with a school coun-

selor, regular doctors, or treatment centers can help.”

The risks of abusing prescription drugs also includes getting in trouble with the law. If illegally caught with them, a minor can go to a juvenile detention center, be put on probation, or receive fines, according to Officer Joseph Pacheco.

“People abuse prescription drugs just like any other drugs,” Officer Pacheco said. “Some people do not think about what the consequences will be or that they are as dangerous as street drugs because they are prescribed by a doctor and made in a facility.”

Although the sophomore girl has had close encounters with getting in trouble with the law, she has never been caught.

However, the sophomore girl has been trying to cut back on how much she takes them and for six months now, she has been clean.

“After realizing that I took prescription drugs almost every day, I realized you can’t run away from your problems or escape life,” the sophomore said. “It’s better to face your problems than to keep running.”

Another reason besides the health issues that led her to stop abusing happened only a few months ago when one of her close friends overdosed.

“I was devastated,” the sophomore girl said. “It was like losing a close family member, a brother. That very night before he passed away, we were even talking about how we were going to hang out the next day. It made me do a lot of thinking; that no matter how young you are, you are not invincible to anything.”

photo illustration by Casey Gouwens

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LIFESTYLES Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

1

The unfortunate passing of Munster students

Carly Peilet, sophomore, and juniors Priscilla Rivera and Mary Bridget Baeza attended a candlelight vigil held in Colleen Lusk’s honor Oct. 24.

To honor Colleen, students, faculty and friends sang and released balloons with written messages in her memory.

Throughout 2013, Munster mourned the loss of several alumni and students, including Colleen Lusk, Ryan Yates and Jason Grimmer

photo by Alisa Muñoz

MOMENTS OF

2013 Results from survey of 518 students conducted from Dec. 9-Dec. 12 reveals most significant 13 moments in Munster during 2013

Seven period day Munster switches to a seven period day for the 2013-2014 school year

2

3 photo by Natalia Bilek

4

Football team qualifies for final round of sectionals Lawrence Gaines, senior, prepares to play in sectional game against Mishawaka Nov. 8

6

New AP classes added due to $25,000 grant from Google, Students can now take classes such as AP physics B, AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science

Acquiring a new principal Mr. Mike Wells accepts new position as principal after serving as assistant principal

7

9

Passing of the Referendum Mrs. Jennifer Johns, Communications Co-chairman promotes the referendum

10

Science Olympiad qualifies for Nationals for the first time in history and places 18th

11

Fro-Yo moves location Fro-Yo moves indoors from its former seasonally open location.

58

Munster High School ranks 5th of Indiana public schools

photo by Gabrielle Dore

photo by Alex Baker

Marching Band places 8th in State after advancing for the third year in a row The team gathers in a huddle before performing at Lucas Oil Stadium Nov. 2

To view results to the remaining survey questions, visit @MHSCrier daily over winter break

photo by Alex Baker

First informal dance in 5 years Jenson Huang, sophomore, attended the DECA- hosted dance Nov. 25 to support the fight against Cystic Fibrosis

12

Munster High School named a Riley Miracle School Riley Childrens’ Hospital named Munster a miracle school for their donations during the 2012-2013 school year

13 Gaining six new teachers New additions to the teaching staff for the 2013-2014 school year include Ms. Katherine Riddell, math teacher; Mr. Mark Knight, math teacher; Ms. Cara Germann, science teacher; Ms. Brianne Rubesha, biology teacher; Mr. William Lilley, resource teacher; Mr. Jaime Barba, foreign language teacher

LIFESTYLES Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

9

Leading

ROOKIES with

experience

Senior Marko Lekic, CEO of clothing brand Rookies Apparel, manages his company through hard work, hopes to expand into major national and worldwide brand CEO caliber While average age of Chief Executive Officers drops yearly, standards for CEOs remain high Amount of CEOs who hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD

74%

Percentage of CEOs in America Less than under the age of 40.

1%

Approximate number of total CEOs in America

400,000 Median age for CEOs in the US (in years)

55

Amount of CEOs who named creativity as most important leadership quality

60%

Percentage of top CEOs with Less than degrees from Ivy Leagues

10%

source: www.businessinsider.com

Lauren Rouse Social Media Director Hands shaking from the caffeine that he ingested throughout the day, Marko Lekic, senior, sends texts out at an alarming rate, photo by Alisa Muñoz checking on the movie and album he currently produces, along with the company BRAND LOYALTY Reviewing a worksheet in World Literature with Kevin Yurasovich, senior, Levi Sasek, senior, wears a sweatshirt featuring an original Rookies Apparel design. “I wear Rookies Apparel because its a brand he runs. from skateboarders for skateboarders,” Levi said. “I’m friends with the owner and the creators so why not wear it.”

“I manage everything very carefully,” “This is an awesome company,” Levi Marko said. “I don’t get a lot of sleep and out products more consistently. said.

“I’ve been a fan since Marko told drink a ridiculous amount of coffee. What “We weren’t getting products out me about it and showed me the products.

I do - it’s ridiculous, mental, insane. It’s enough,” Marko said. “So, as a result we They’re doing everything perfect right 24/7 and encompasses my entire life, but have to redefine the brand and make it a now and I wouldn’t be surprised to see I love doing what I do.” new company with the same name. We’re them as a major brand in the next couple As CEO of Rookies Apparel, a street- concentrating more, the style is more foof years.

That would be super awesome.” wear clothing brand that has it’s origins cused, which will ultimately add a lot to David Wittkamp, senior, bought a in Hammond, Ind., Marour image. We are plansweatshirt from Rookies due to the style of ko constantly multitasks, ning a whole new line of The message is that everyone clothing that the company produces. which can make his schedclothes for the relaunch.” is a rookie. Muhammad Ali, “Marko had been talking to me about ule hectic.

After the relaunch, Barack Obama, Frank Sinatra, the new merchandise,” David said. “He “I do a lot with the comMarko hopes to move the Andy Warhol: they have been showed me the sweatshirt and I really pany,” Marko said. “With headquarters of Rookies called legends and we see liked the design of it. The company is defiour latest long sleeve, I to Chicago and eventualthem as images and icons.

But nitely going places and I can see it being shot the picture on the ly to the Los Angeles and they were rookies once, kids really popular like DGK, DC Shoes, Eleshirt, designed the printSan Francisco area. with a dream, audacity, a bit ment, etc.” ing on the back with Joey “Chicago has such a of stupidity and a ridiculous When creating a new product, the comMatias, our designer. Then huge art scene, which amount of drive to do pany makes sure to portray their message, I put in orders, went to is our demographic,” something great. according to Marko. printing shop, picked up Marko said. “Ultimate-Marko Lekic, senior “The message is that everyone is a rookthe shirts, did two photoly our goal is to get on ie.

Muhammad Ali, Barack Obama, Frank shoots with the shirt and Fairfax Avenue, which Sinatra, Andy Warhol: they have been then put it into different is basically the hub of called legends and we see them as images advertisements. As CEO, you’re everyone streetwear in America and maybe even the and icons.

But they were rookies once, kids and that makes it more stressful, but easy world. Getting there; it’s pretty much like with a dream, audacity, a bit of stupidity is boring.” you’ve succeeded as a company. However, and a ridiculous amount of drive to do Rookies Apparel started as a company there’s no definitive success because it’s alsomething great.

Our message is that you in 2011, with ties to the local music scene. ways changing.” can do anything you want because everyMarko will relaunch the program in JanuLevi Sasek, senior, hopes to see it as a one is a rookie at some point.” ary and hopes that the company will put major brand across the world.

“

Thank you

for supporting

Crier 745 Ridge Rd. Munster, IN 219-836-4009

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10

SPORTS Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

Friendly match

Vertical challenge

With winter approaching, students tackle snowboarding hills of different height, skill levels EXPERT SLOPE

Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Boys’ Varsity soccer players form indoor soccer teams with friends and fellow teammates to play in Dyer

DIFFICULT SLOPE

Vertical Descent: 820 feet

Extremely steep avalanche chute.

EXPERT SLOPE

Mount Lutsen, Minnesota

Groomed slopes EXPERT SLOPE

Vertical Descent: 760 feet

William Hatczel Sports Editor Watching his teammate trip and fall while running in the middle of the game forces Ricky Delgado, senior, and his other teammates to erupt into laughter while mocking their fallen friend.

“The most embarrassing moment came when Scott Farley (junior) who runs in Track and Cross Country lost his balance and fell on his face during one of our games,” Delgado said. “We told him that his one of job was to run and he could not even do that.”

Delgado, along with many of the other players from the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team, enjoy forming their own indoor soccer teams in the winter after their high school season. Delgado enjoys playing with not only his teammates, but also his friends that do not play.

“It is more fun to play with your friends,” Delgado said. “It is more fun to watch them try to play.”

Demetri Georgalas believes the formation of indoor team has become a team tradition.

“Since my sophomore year, a lot of people were playing,” Georgalas said. “You wait until your senior year to form your team.”

While enjoying some quality time with friends, they still try to win the eight games they play, according to Georgalas.

“Every week we have fun, but try to get the win too,” Georgalas said. “We have actual soccer players out there at the end to keep the lead or to make a comeback.”

Win or lose, Jack Arnold, senior, cares more about the experience than the results.

“We lost 9-4 last week, but it was probably the most fun in my life,” Arnold said.

After playing eight games at the Dyer indoor soccer arena, the teams play in a tournament where they play eight to ten minute games. If they make it to the final then they play a 20 minute game, according to Georgalas.

“Our team plays five games so each team plays each other,” Georgalas said. “You have to score right away and then defend. The top two teams play in the 20 minute final and top two teams get a trophy and dog tags.”

Georgalas enjoys playing in a familiar, comical environment.

“I always play high school soccer, but then i get to play for the Dyer indoor league with friend to have fun,” Georgalas said. “Seeing them play makes me laugh.”

Although the players and their friends can we both the tournament and its prizes, Arnold looks to gain more from this experience than just hardware.

“I don’t really want to play for competition, but for fun with friends,” Arnold said. “It is nice to win tournaments, but having fin with friends is a better price.”

Super-steep slopes, demanding hazards

wide, groomed slopes

Mount Spirit, Minnesota Vertical Descent: 700 feet Source: Mountainvertical.com

HEADING TO THE HILLS Students discover winter hobby at young age; credit their families for introducing them to activity while snowboarding on vacation Lauren Rouse Social Media Director Ten year old Kailee Loughlin, senior, gazes out across the snow covered slopes. She smiles, latches her boot into the borrowed snowboard and takes off down the mountain, racing both of her brothers.

“It was my first time ever snowboarding,” Loughlin said. “We went to Timber Ridge, a ski resort up by my old lake house. My brothers and I picked snowboarding up right away and had a blast out on the slopes. We stayed until they closed and my mom had to send out a search party because she had no clue where we were.”

An enjoyable sport during the offseason of soccer, Loughlin believes that snowboarding helps her exercise while giving her a fun activity.

“It’s a side hobby that I really enjoy,” Loughlin said. “When I was little I enjoyed extreme sports. My family owned a lake house and I would wakeboard every summer there. Snowboarding was kind of the next step with extreme sports.”

Like Loughlin, Kyle Hansen, senior, also snowboards for enjoyment. Flying down the slopes on a dangerous run remains snowboarding’s biggest thrill, according to Hansen.

“The speed is an adrenaline rush,” Hansen said. “It’s not so much doing tricks or flips on the board but the thrill of just being on it. Snowboarding is a constant surprise. You never know what you’re going to get with each run.”

While the thrill of the sport ultimately attracted Loughlin, the sport promised extra bonding time with her older and younger brother.

“I snowboard with my two brothers, Nick and Logan,” Loughlin said. “Nick and I have always been really close, especially when we were little. When we would go on a snowboarding trip, my mom would always say, ‘You guys can each bring your best friend.’ Nick and I would instantly look at each other, because we were each other’s best friends. That’s one of the reasons why I enjoy it so much.”

Snowboarding also acts as a family bonding activity for Loughlin. He believes that his family remains one of biggest influences in why Loughlin continues to snowboard.

photo by Gabrielle Dore GLIDING DOWN While sliding down a hill at Centennial Park, Kyle Hansen, junior relies on the bindings on his bored to keep him upright.

“Bindings are what hold you down,” Hansen said. “Keeping balance, you just do it, it is just something that is kind of understood.”

“My parents are the reason why I started snowboarding,” Loughlin said. “They suggested that my family should take a trip up to Michigan to try it. I tried snowboarding and loved it. Now, we take trips out to Colorado as a family and they’re the only people that I have snowboarded with. I would definitely love to snowboard with my friends though.”

Despite the positive effects of bonding, snowboarding comes with the possibilities of concussions or broken limbs. However, these dangers do not drive Loughlin away from the sport.

“I’ve never broken any limbs,” Loughlin said. “Last winter, my family and I went snowboarding Vail, Colorado. My brothers and I were racing

each other down the mountain and I ran into a lady skiing, which caused us both to roll down the mountain. It was the funniest thing ever but I bruised my tail-bone really badly and could barely walk or sit for at least a month.

That hasn’t stopped me though.”

However, Loughlin believes the fear of injuries should not stop one from trying out the sport.

“When you’re going to try it out, take a class at a resort,” Loughlin said.

“The classes are really resourceful and the instructors are professionals or close to professionals. But a big thing to remember is to be confident and not worry about falling while you snowboard, because if you do, then it’s not enjoyable.”

SPORTS

Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

11

Sporting news

19

percent of boys’ soccer players that suffer from at least one concussion

percent of girls’ soccer players that suffer from at least one concussion

21

33

percent of boys’ basketball players that suffer from at least one concussion

percent of girls’ basketball players that suffer from at least one concussion

39 Sources: momsteam.com

BOYS’ SWIMMING

Concussions by the numbers

Statistics show that females stand out as more likely to suffer from concussions than males in multiple sports; the population of female athletes have a greater chance at suffering a concussion than males.

GIRLS SWIMMING

Unbalanced and disoriented, Jeffrey Proctor, sophomore, stumbled towards the sidelines to get tested for a concussion. There Dr. John Doherty conducted a balancing test.

Proctor felt pain behind his ear and as if his head was bleeding.

“Ever since then I have been more cautious,” Proctor said. “I don’t play with my head down to get extra yards anymore.”

Although Coaches warn players not to run with their heads down, Proctor chose to do so anyways. After the impact, Proctor could no longer tolerate the cheers from the crowd and he could no longer walk at a regular pace, which resulted in a loss of balance. “ Any quick movement I would do felt like my brain was moving around and it would start hurting,” Proctor

said.

In those two weeks, any kind of stimulation would cause migraines. For example, bright lights, music, long conversations which lead to stimulations and headaches.

“I couldn’t focus on school work,” Proctor said. “It would hurt my head really badly.”

As a result of the concussion, Proctor missed one week of school and one week of playing time. Proctor had to work an additional two to three hours a day in order to make up all of the missed work.

When the neck or the head gets jarred, it may result in a concussion depending on the symptoms, according to Dr. Doherty.

“A Concussion is largely a chemical injury to the brain,” Dr. Doherty said. “Your brain chemistry goes crazy, electrolytes that are supposed to be inside go rushing out and the ones belong outside go inside. The positively charged potassium leaves the cell, while the positively charged calcium gets stuck in.”

Currently, universities try to create tests to identify definitely if a person is concussed due to the fact that concussions do not show on MRI and CAT scans. If concussions do appear on a MRI or CAT scans, there is another problem, according to Dr. Doherty.

“I think you will see a test in a hospital within five years,” Mr. Doherty said.

On the side lines, athletic trainers and Dr. Doherty may perform a series of tests to identify concussions. However, Dr. Doherty tries to limit the amount of testing on the sidelines.

“When you stress somebody out of a game you are going to make it (the concussion) worse,” Dr. Doherty said.

75 percent of concussion are not treated with medications. Since, concussions are mainly a chemical imbalance, doctors are hesitant in prescribing medication due to the fact that it might cause more problems with the chemistry in the brian, according to Dr. Doherty.

“I wish that I found out about more concussion then I am told about,” Dr. Doherty said.

Although, Emily Johnson, senior, did not hide her concussions, earlier in her soccer career, she believes she may have received four concussions in addition to two concussions during her high school career.

This year she received a concussion while heading a ball during a game against Griffith. As a result of multiple concussions, she decided to retire from playing soccer this year, even though she started playing in fourth grade.

“My team this year was so loving and caring,” Johnson said. “They would cry because they were sad for me. My trainer kind of, sort of let me run but have no ball contact during practices.”

Johnson believes that she had played through concussions as a younger athlete. Due to the fact, that she showed symptoms, such as moodiness and headaches at a young age.

“I would have to say it’s affected my life big time,” Johnson said. “During my young time, we didn’t really realize that I had concussions. We realized that a lot of my moodiness was caused by concussions.”

Having multiple concussions has caused Johnson to succumb to concussions easily.

“Right now, I’m choosing to retire,” Johnson said. “My parents and I talked about it and if I don’t show symptoms I might play.”Proctor still enjoys many aspects of the game, such as working with the team to win, and the energy of the crowd and the team after a win.

“I’m going to play as long as I can,” Proctor said. “Because I love the sport and I can’t see myself not playing it.”

BOYS’AND GIRLS DIVING

Vrusha Patel Business Manager

BOYS’ JV HOCKEY

Athletes discuss how they received concussions, their symptoms; their decision whether or not to continue playing their sport

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

With winter season underway, sport teams prepare for upcoming games, meets After losing to Lake Central Tuesday, the team looks to face Penn tomorrow “Our whole team knows what it takes to win and what we need to do to do so,” Drew Hackett, junior, said.

The team watched film and played in some intense practices, according to Hackett.

“We have to be prepared for all three of those teams and play Munster basketball,” Hackett said.

After starting off the season with a record of 3-1, the Boys’ Varsity swiming team looks to use early competition to their advantage.

“We opened up with the season with Penn one of the best in the state,” Coach Pavlovich said.

“We didn’t really get beat, they just swam swam better. Great competition early is good.”

The team now prepares for the Hamilton Invitational this weekend in Indianopolis.

Like the boys, the Girls’ Swim Team opened up their season against two strong opponents.

The team with a 5-2 record, now travels down to Indianapolis to swim in the Hamilton Invtitational, accordin to Nikki Smith, junior.

“Hamilton is always a hard meet for us since we are in the middle of our hard training,” Smith said. “It is still fun to go to and race other competition we won’t see until state.

Girls and Boys Diving team competed against Lowell Tuesday and they will compete at Hamilton Southeastern meet tomorrow.

A main concern for the team stands as winning Sectionals and the biggest competition stands as Lake central at Sectionals, according to Anderson.

“Our new Coach is really making us stronger and have more depth as a whole,” Anderson said. “We’ve already made drastic improvements since last season.”

Boys’ JV Hockey lost against Crown Point Sunday by 8-6.

“We usally beat them,” JV hockey captain Micheal Cuvala, sophomore, said. “It was a tough lost. We played them three times and we beat them two times. I feel like we should have won.”

Cuvala thinks that the shortage of players caused problems.

“I think we didn’t play as well as we should have,” Cuvala said.

12

SPORTS Crier / Dec. 20, 2013

photo by Alex Baker

WATCHING INTENTLY With all eyes on the court, Johnathan Azar, senior, along with the student section and cheerleaders, hold their arms up hoping that the player makes his free throws

successfully. “It is just something goofy we decided to do,” Azar said. “We do it because it is fun and we like to be creative while cheering on our team.”

RAISING THEIR VOICES The student section looks to continue on cheering; supporting Munster basketball throughout the season despite the administration restrictions placed on them earlier this year Victoria Avina Associate Editor

A

t first, the crowd all in wife beaters, stood still in silence when the East Chicago Central Cardinals, down by 59-54, gained another

point.

Jonathon Azar, senior, along with the rest of the student section then lift their hands up to participate in the spirit fingers.

“It was a lot of fun and everyone had a good time being creative,” Azar said. “Hopefully we will be able to keep cheering for them long into the post season.”

Though the students kept their spirits up, it seemed as if the team started a downward spiral when the referee penalized Cody Grzybowski, senior, for traveling.

“They’re (East Chicago) ranked fourth and we’re ranked fifth,” Cheerleader Alison Franklin, senior, said. “It was really nerve-wrecking because they haven’t lost an in season game in two years.”

With a few seconds left in the game, the students section jumped up and down cheering for the team to stop East Chicago from scoring more points.

“I get excited,” Franklin said. “Especially being on the court right next to the team. It makes me feel more into the game. You feel like you’re in it, like your a player.”

Although, Paul DeRolf, senior, enjoyed cheering for the team, he felt limited when supporting the players because of the restrictions the adminstration puts on the student section.

“Even with the restrictions that they put on us,” DeRolf said,“I think we will be a top student section in the area because we have such high support and our basketball team is very good.”

One of the restrictions include the students no longer participating in the banana cheer due to the bleachers breaking at Sectionals against Gary Westside high school last year. Joe Yurek, senior, considers the banana cheer one of his favorites and disagrees about the decision to ban it.

“It was a lot of fun and it really got the crowd going,” Yurek said. “It would be a shame if we can’t do it anymore.”

The seats of the bleachers here also have cracked due to the banana cheer and had to get

fixed in the beginning of this year. Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, notes that the cheer has injured students by making them fall on other students.

“They’re not meant to be jumped up and down on for extended periods of time,” Mr. Nolan said.

Azar may not agree with every restriction they put on the students, but he understands why.

“I think that everything they restrict us from doing is for a right purpose and it makes sense for safety reason,” Azar said.

Administrators also met with a few students that consistently support the teams to help them spread the message that they would stay strict on rules this season, according to Mr. Nolan.

“We met with a small group of students fans,” Mr. Nolan said. “These are a group of kids who go to the game a lot. One of them was a leader of the super fan page.”

While the administration restricts the banana cheer for safety reasons, they also made it clear that students do not say inappropriate cheers to the other team.

“We want to cheer for our team,” Dean Mr. William Melby said. “We don’t need to ridicule or put down the other team.”

Other than the cheer, students cannot bring noisemakers and props like confetti and baby powder to the games because the janitors have to clean it up afterwards. Although those rules applied last year, administrators will actively enforce it this year, according to Mr. Nolan.

“They brought those things to the football season this year. We had two incidents, one incident was confetti and one incident was baby powder,” Mr. Nolan said.

For DeRolf, wearing costumes gives the student fans a way to help the team win, but the administration also restricts it.

“The costume is just a distraction,” DeRolf said. “There are funny costumes people can come up with. Certain costumes stand out from the crowd if you get a player’s attention on the other team then it gets in their head.”

However, Matt Specht, senior, sees why administration restricts costumes.

“The whole costume thing is cool, but it could get out of hand easily,” Specht said. “I understand where the administrators are coming from.

So, as a student we’re going to respect what they say.”

Specht feels that students should take pride in their school and come to the games. He tries to make it to every game and support all of the sport teams.

“I’m very proud to go to Munster athletically and academically. It doesn’t get better than this,” Specht said. “I think more people have school spirit than don’t have school spirit. I think every student here knows that’s their privilege to go here.”

Fans will continue to cheer loudly and show spirit because of the tradition, according to Specht.

“You’re only in high school once and the high school atmosphere experience is just a cool scene,” Specht said. “There’s college sports but it’s just not the same as high school. It’s even cooler because Munster’s athletics are so respected and good. It should mean something to be a Mustang.”

photo by Alex Baker

SENDING MAGIC On the far left side of the bleachers holds the loud, rowdy student section who looks to help Nikola Mandic successfully make his free throws by staying quiet and participating in the spirit finger cheer.

The student section cheers on their team with spirit and much more.