MHS Crier 2 14 14

munster high school Vol. 48 / Issue 8 / February 14, 2014 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321

crier INSIDE LOOK Tomorrow

Super search

22/8

The school board reviews applications for superintendent position

page 2 Bad romance

Sunday 26/18

Staff member reviews “Labor Day” based on a book by Joyce Maynard

page 8

Student Government hosts Awareness Week Cassie Eberle Editor-in-chief

photo illustration by Alisa Muñoz

BROUGHT UP TO DATE Students can now bring a date of the same-sex from a different school due to a change in the Turnabout rules; although a misconception, students view change as a step towards equality

A

pproaching the table during lunch her sophomore year, junior Chelsea Eickleberry’s nerves grew. Once at the table, she quickly scribbled her girlfriend’s name, senior Lauren Mintz, down on her Turnabout ticket, hoping no one would notice.

“I was really nervous,” Chelsea said. “I just hurried up and quickly scribbled it down so they wouldn’t notice.”

Chelsea believed that “secretly” taking her girlfriend to school dances as a couple was her only option if she wanted to attend the dance.

However, taking a same-sex partner to school dances have always been allowed, according to Mr. Mike Wells, principal.

“The only change that was made is that now student’s can bring someone of the same gender from a different school,” Mr. Wells said.

“We had issues in the past with that but we haven’t had any issues in a while. So we decided to give it a try.”

Although Chelsea’s actions proved unnecessary because Lauren attends this school, rumors circulating the school regarding same-sex couples attending school dances led her to be-

lieve this was her only option.

“My freshman year, it was kind of a debate on if we were even going to go,” Chelsea said. “I just heard that they wouldn’t let you go (with the same-sex as a date). It kind of sucks.

I am able to go. But, it is just frustrating because I have to go without permission, although I ‘had permis-

sion.’”

Student Body President Eashan Kumar, senior, initiated this change when “many” students approached him regarding this issue.

“I believe in equality,” Eashan said. “Not agreeing with the change, doesn’t mean other people can’t do it. Just because you don’t like my music, doesn’t mean that I have to stop listening to it.”

Even though students may view this as a step towards equality, that did not influence the rule change, according to Mr. Wells.

“Look at that mission statement poster, it states ‘All Will Succeed,’” Mr. Wells said. “If a student has anxiety and their best friend attends a different school, why shouldn’t they feel comfortable going to the dance?”

Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

Cassie Eberle Editor-in-chief

Continued on pg.5

Starting Tuesday, Student Government will host Awareness Week. This would serve as a Homecoming for winter and spring sports, dubbing it “Awareness Week,” due to the festivities that will take place.

Similar to Homecoming week, activities will occur surrounding the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team instead of the Boys’ Varsity Football team.

Each day, Student Government asks students to participate by strutting a specific color in support of a certain charity or foundation.

“We didn’t want it to take away from the Homecoming week,” Sponsor Ms. Kathleen LaPorte, family and consumer science teacher, said. “So instead, we wanted to take a look at different foundations and charities with the emphasis on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I know they are all aware of what an amazing community they are a part of. I hope they realize that just by wearing a certain colored shirt, they are standing for and supporting something much more than that. It is an amazing thing they can be a part of.”

With Tuesday starting the festivities due to President’s day Monday, Autism serves as the first awareness day, followed by Leukemia Wednesday and Cystic Fibrosis Thursday. Colors for each day, in order, include: blue, yellow and purple.

“We want to unite the students over diseases and foundations that affect the entire student body,” Student Government President Eashan Kumar, senior, said. “ We want to give them a sense of a greater purpose and a reason to come together as one student body.”

Friday will serve as a “Mustang Pride Day,” as well as, red for heart disease and students should wearred and white, according to Eashan.

Comparable to the Homecoming Queen, Student Government will crown Turnabout King Friday during halftime of the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Game against Andrean.

“Instead of queen during the football game, it will be king during the basketball game,” Ms. LaPorte said. “The boy’s don’t really get much love until prom. But this way, they will.

They will have an escort and a poster and will be treated just like the queens are. What a fun experience. They will get to be the king of the ball.”

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NEWS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

Quick Notes Art Club

Art Club decorates the annual chair for “Chairish for Children” Art Club continues the annual “Chairish for Children” tradition of decorating a themed chair for auction. The proceeds will benefit the Lake Country Prevention for Child Abuse Organization.

“I think it’s important for the kids to understand that there are many reasons for art and it’s nice for them to use what they love to help others,” Art club director Ms. Elena Lopez, art teacher, said. “It makes them feel really empowered because they can make a difference using just their art.”

School Board

The School Board appointed new board member this Monday

The school board members announced Melissa Higgason as a new board member Monday.

“I’ve been involved in education for about 15 years,” Mrs. Higgason said. “I became very involved with the School Town of Munster during the referendum. I was one of the social media chairs and it was a pleasure to work with such an exceptional group of administrators, teachers, community members and students which prompted me to become more involved.”

Project X

Project X raises money for Leukemia with Pennies for Patients

Project X looks to raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society with their annual Pennies for Patients drive.

The drive lasts until Feb. 21 and the club hopes to receive a lot of support from the student body, according to Sponsor Ms. Leigh Ann Westland, English teacher.

“National Organizations need schools to get involved,” Ms. Westland said. “It helps create more awareness for causes that children don’t know about.”

Corrections

In the last issue of Crier, it stated that the School Board accepts applicants from the age of 18-years-old, when in fact, the school board accepts applicants from 21-year-olds. The following misspelled names include: Connor Bubash, Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski, Mr. Patrick O’Neill.

In addition, Crier should have identified Emily Anderson as a senior and Jackie Dye as a sophomore. The caption covering the dance team misidentified the event; the event was their showcase, not at a basketball game. The Crier regrets its errors.

photo by Alisa Muñoz

STEPPING DOWN Discussing School Board issues, Mr. Richard Sopko (right), current superintendent, talks to Mrs. Melissa Higgason (left), School Board member, about various topics ranging from new teachers

and board members, the budget, and Mr. Sopko’s eventual replacement as superintendent. Mr. Sopko will retire after working with the School Board as superintendent for two years.

SUPERINTENDENT APPLICANTS IN Victoria Avina Associate Editor

REVIEW

bers from Purdue University, Indiana University, Ball State University and Indiana State University, will help the board members through the process, according to PurWith the application deadline passing, the school board due University representative Mr. James Freeland. members will spend the next few months reviewing can“We’re just trying to help them identify candidates who didates for the superintendent position. seem to meet their qualifications,” Mr. Freeland said. “If Mrs. Judith Florczak, School Board President, aims for there’s someone that we don’t recommend, we will exindividuals that will devote a large amount of dedication plain to the board why we feel that’s may be not the best and time to the School Town of Munster. She hopes to find match.” an applicant with a vision for the future.

Current Superintendent Mr. Richard Sopko will retire “We’re basically looking for dedication, someone who’s June 30. He hopes that the new superintendent will stay committed in education,” Mrs. Florczak said. “We also in communication with the teaching staff. want someone who would be involved “I hope that they maintain the positive in the community.” relationship with Munster teachers and I hope that they maintain Although this serves as the first time that they strive to maintain the excellent the positive relationship with any of the members participate in a education program,” Mr. Sopko said.

Munster teachers and that they superintendent search, they look for Looking back at his career as superinstrive to maintain the excellent applicants with experience in administendent, Mr. Sopko wishes that the School education program.” tration and teaching, according to Mrs. Town of Munster could have received Florczak. more funding from the state of Indiana.

-Mr. Richard Sopko, superintendent “It’s very challenging, but it’s excitHowever, he feels satisfied with all that he ing,” Mrs. Florczak said. “We’ve never has accomplished. done a superintendent search.”

“I wish that the state of Indiana would have been more New board member as of Monday, Mrs. Melissa Higga- equitable in the funding formula,” Mr. Sopko said. “I’m son, plans to dedicate much of her time to finding the new proud of the achievements and history of excellence in superintendent.

Munster. It’s been a real pleasure to work with the excel“I thought very carefully of the extraordinary responsi- lent teaching staff we have.” bility,” Mrs. Higgason said. “It’s a huge time commitment Although he enjoys working with the school board, Mr. with the superintendent search. I wanted to make sure Sopko looks forward to his retirement. that I could fully commit myself to finding a superinten“This is my 44 year in education and I just wanted to dent for our school district. “ take some time with my family,” Mr. Sopko said. “My The University Placement Team, which includes mem- wife and I are going to do some traveling.”

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speakout Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

BACKTALK

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How do you wish to be asked to a school dance?

“I’d want to be asked in person at a basketball game.”

Jajuan Cooper, freshman

“A guy would have to do a tumbling combination off of an elephant and give me a taco and a chocolate rose.”

Sarah Tenuta, freshman

editorial

A TIME FOR CHANGE A girl wants to go to Turnabout with her girlfriend from Lake Central.

Unfortunately, because they do not both attend Munster, doing so is not possible.

That is, until now. Munster students may now bring a student of the same sex from another school as their date.

Although not the reason OUR TAKE for the change, students perApproving a ceive the change as a major Gay-Straight step towards equality.

Alliance should be the next This decision serves as a step taken major step in the right direction. However, many of the Indiana state legislators attempted to strip samesex couples of their rights with House Joint Resolution (HJR)-3, which aims to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman, diminishing all legal benefits of marriage recognition.

Several polls showed the majority of Hoosiers do not support this legislation, and many Indiana colleges and universities denounced HJR-3 as

“harmful to our communities and our families,” including Indiana University, DePauw University, Ball State University, and more. Luckily, yesterday the Indiana Senate shot it down.

These schools understand that rights for samesex couples are the way of the future. Munster has taken the first step, but they can do more.

In particular, Munster can approve the GayStraight Alliance (GSA), which goes up for approval Wednesday with other potential clubs.

Students with access to GSAs at their schools tended to show less depression, higher self-esteem, and higher success in education. Also, GSAs improve school safety, according to a study by the Family Acceptance Project.

With these benefits and more shown in other studies, a GSA can only prove beneficial.

One facet of the school mission statement includes “U-Understanding different viewpoints, cultures, and abilities promotes acceptance.”

Anything less than allowing a GSA would be the opposite of “promoting acceptance.”

Teaching the right lesson Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor A room full of students sit wearing expressions of fear as their English teacher recounts the punishments for plagiarism. She threatens a severe grade reduction as well as disciplinary consequences, which will stem from even the slightest infraction of the ethical code that governs essay-writing.

Students everywhere have grown used to hearing this lecture, which has become almost a pre-essay requirement in all high school English classes.

By employing this scare tactic, teachers hope to scare students away from com-

mitting the act of plagiarism.

However, despite these efforts, plagiarism is still very prevalent. A study performed by Rutgers Professor Donald McCabe of over 4,500 high school students showed that over 52 percent of them had copied a few sentences from a website without using proper citation. Although certain students do intentionally plagiarize, how many of these instances were truly purposeful?

A New York Times article brought to light the situation of a University of Maryland student. This student was recently caught with portions of his essay copied directly from Wikipedia, but stated that he did not think his

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 School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

actions were plagiarism because the Wikipedia articles he used consisted entirely of “common knowledge.”

But how can students be expected to avoid plagiarism if they are unclear on what it is? With words like paraphrasing, summarizing, direct quotes, and common knowledge, each with their own citation rules, it is easy to confuse how each piece of information needs to be cited.

If teachers truly want to be effective when it comes to preventing plagiarism, they should spend more time explaining to students exactly how to use proper citations and sourcing instead of threatening consequences.

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 Lifestyles Editor Meena Kandallu

“I would want to be asked in private because I don’t like drawing attention to myself.”

Ryan Larimer, sophomore

“We don’t get any dances after high school so you might as well go all out.

I’d want something cheesy, cute and over the top.”

Anaria Riggio, sophomore

“Definitely surprise me—get my locker combo from a friend and completely deck it out to ask me. Then when I opened it, it would be decorated and cool.”

“I would want him to bring me flowers and surprise me with balloons.”

Xavier Hofferth-Pettis, junior

Madeline Purcell, junior

“I’d want to do a scavenger hunt that leads me to a huge sign that says, ‘Will you go to turnabout with me?’”

Ryan Brickman, senior

“I don’t really care about all the extravagant things.

You don’t have to do anything special, so just ask.”

Megan O’Brien, senior

Sports Editor William Hatczel News Editor Max Baker Social Media Director Alisa Muñoz Business Manager Vrusha Patel Head Photographer Gabrielle Dore Photographers Christopher Anguiano, Alex Baker, Natalia Bilek, Cesar Camacho, Chelsea Eickleberry, Casey Gouwens, Lauren Koultourides, Pam Muangmingsuk, Alisa Muñoz Cartoonist Julia Torres Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman

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NEWS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

THREE-PEAT Science Olympiad competes in regional competition tomorrow at Purdue Calumet Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor Science Olympiad finalizes preparations to compete in Regionals tomorrow at Purdue University Calumet.

This year, Science Olympiad introduced a third team as opposed to the typical two.

“There are three co-equal varsity teams,” Science Olympiad Coach Keith Koszut, science teacher, said.

“We felt we not only had enough interested people, but enough talented people so we could make three teams that were equal to each other.”

Rather than organizing the teams as a Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman structure, the teams consist of BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE Working after school, Joe Yurek, senior, prepares his scrambler, a device which uses weights and an overall balance of talent. counter balances that will eventually launch a car towards a wall.

Although it added a competitive edge to the team, The car should have enough speed to get it near the wall, but not the change to the team did cause some confusion. actually hit it during a Science Olympiad competition. “Being in “It’s been a lot more competitive, but also a bit of a pain with figuring out who your partner will be,” Joe Along with an additional team, Science Olympiad Yurek, senior, said. holds strength in their returnOther teams, such as Blooming members. ington High School North, also Teams of three “It’s our junior class,” Taylor enter with several teams; how- Science Olympiad travels with three said. “I guess you could call ever, they do not divide their teams to regionals for the first time in them superstars. They’re so talent pools up evenly. In the history. strong.”

Whiting Invitational, BloomInvitationals possess a similar ington North placed first and Allows more discussions regarding structure to Regionals, accordfourteenth with their two competitions ing to Kimberly Wang, junior. teams, according to Mr. Koszut.

More space for cooperation “Honestly, it is not that dif“They (Bloomington North) between team members ferent than invitationals,” Kimloaded their one team to be the berly said. “We’re just trying to best of the best but we have More people competing for a spot on perform the best we can.” three equal teams,” Mr. Koszut the State team, which only allows 15 The majority of the team’s said. members to join competition lies within other The three equal teams proSource: Taylor Merkel, junior parts of the state. Therefore Revide Science Olympiad with the gionals does not pose as much opportunity to go for the top spot with each, rather than making a “super team,” of a challenge as State will, according to Mr. Koszut “We would not expect Regionals to be necessarily according to Mr. Koszut.

“The teams have performed brilliantly at tourna- as tough just because there’s less teams,” Mr. Koszut said. ments,” Mr. Koszut said.

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

Science Olympiad is a lot of fun. It’s gotten more confusing since we now have three teams instead of two, but it’s great competition for us,” Joe said. “Right now we’re doing a lot of building which is great since I want to go into something like mechanical engineering or something like that.”

State requires one team of 15 members, so after Regionals Mr. Koszut and Mr. Patrick O’Neill, science teacher, will have to select the members of the final team. To aid them in their selection process, they look at results of past tournaments and practice times.

“We also keep track of practice times so kids have to clock in and clock out,” Mr. Koszut said.

After making it to Nationals for the first time in Munster history last year, the team remains hopeful that the season will lead to Nationals yet again.

“I think we’re more experienced,” Kimberly said.

“We’re definitely more motivated to try to win a trophy this year.”

The experience the team possesses will aid them in their goal of competing in Orlando for nationals.

Between this year and last year, the team lost only three seniors, meaning that 12 of the 15 members of last year’s record-setting team remain, according to Mr. Koszut “We are probably better than we were last year,” Mr. Koszut said. “From what we know about ourselves, we’re really strong.”

Vocalizing Competition; students take gold in ISSMA Regionals After receiving a gold rating at the district level, students who participated in ISSMA continue to practice and prepare for their eventual performances at the state competition Feb. 22 the students, especially the soloists, because they get the chance to sing by themselves in front of someone who is intently listening to just them and they Students competed at the Indiana can use the critiques and rankings to State School Music Association (ISS- improve.” Mr. Woods said.

MA)) district voIn addition to cal/piano solo and performing for Being able to get up ensemble competijudges, students there and perform in front tion Saturday, Feb. perform for au1. Thirty-two of dience members of that many people is an the 34 entries from who can enter the accomplishment all on its Munster received room freely, and own. a gold rating, the these audiences -Mr. William Woods, highest possible can grow to over choir director rating, which qual50 people, accordifies them to pering to Mr. Woods. form at State Feb. 22.

“Being able to get up there and per“When you have over 90 percent form in front of that many people is an of your students receiving golds, you accomplishment all on its own,” Mr. know they’re doing a great job,” Mr. Woods said.

William Woods, choir director, said.

Elliott Fuhs, freshman, performed a Mr. Woods believes that ISSMA horn solo, vocal solo and an vocal enserves as a good learning experience semble. He believes that ISSMA will for all students who have an interest in help him in the future. expanding their abilities.

“I’ve been playing and singing ever “It’s a great opportunity for all of since I was a little kid, and I want to be Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

“

a music major, so I’m hoping the experience will help me,” Elliott said. “The more competitions you have, the more experience.”

Practicing well serves as the most important thing that a musician can do in order to succeed at ISSMA, according to Elliott.

“You just have to keep practicing every day,” Elliott said. “I make sure to keep doing run-throughs of all the music I prepare.”

Although he practices his violin on a daily basis, Elliott feels that the time he puts into practicing proves worth the reward of competing.

“It gives you a rush of energy just to step up and do really well,” Elliott said. “Doing ISSMA is just a really great thing to do.”

Despite having three different events, Elliott does not allow the stress to bother him.

“I’ve been competing for years and I’ve kind of gotten used to the pressure,” Elliott said.

Rachel Jamrose, junior, competes in

the vocal solo, vocal ensemble, and barbershop quartet categories and thinks of ISSMA competitions as learning opportunities.

“It’s good to get critiques from judges so I can improve,” Rachel said. “I can prepare myself for choir and also to be better in the future.”

However, Rachel not only competes at ISSMA to improve her skills, but also for the experience.

“Its a lot of fun and I just like to perform,” Rachel said.

Performing with her friends proves an enjoyable aspect of ISSMA, according to Rachel.

“I really like working with other people because you can teach others stuff and it’s more fun working in a group,” Rachel said.

Mr. Woods feels pride in his students’ performances.

“They did extremely well and they’ve always done extremely well,” Mr. Woods said. “That’s been par for the program for years now and it’s great to see the kids keeping it up.”

INFOCUS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

Speaking Up Colleges voice opposition to Indiana State Amendment defining marriage and restricting

“The rivalry between Wabash and DePauw is longstanding and hardfought,” said DePauw University President Brian W. Casey and Wabash College President Gregory D. Hess, referring to the Monon Bell football game.

“But today we stand together to join this coalition and lend our voice to support this campaign.

DePauw University and Wabash College understand that HJR-3 is harmful to our communities and our families. HJR-3 would also have an impact on the legacy of both schools, by potentially deterring graduates from remaining in Indiana. If HJR-3 were to pass, many employees, students, and alumni of both universities would be affected, and DePauw University and Wabash College are dedicated to ensuring that all Tigers and Little Giants are respected.

“Our students come from around the country and around the world, and our fundamental goal is to educate them to think critically, exercise responsible leadership, communicate effectively, and tackle complex problems,” said President Casey and President Hess. “This depends on attracting talented faculty and staff, a task that is made more difficult by the passage of this amendment. We are also engaged in the enterprise of fostering ideas and innovation, a mission which inherently depends on an environment of openness and inclusion that would be compromised should this amendment be enacted.”

“Freedom Indiana’s goals are consistent with Indiana University’s longstanding and deeply held commitment to diversity and equality that serves as a foundation for our educational mission,” said IU President Michael A. McRobbie. “Furthermore, HJR-3 sends a powerfully negative message to prospective employees of Indiana as a place to live and work that is not welcoming to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. As a major employer in the state, IU competes with universities and companies around the world for the very best talent, and HJR-3 would needlessly add challenges to our ability to attract employees to our campuses around the state.”

“Ball State University reaffirms our commitment to diversity and tolerance. We believe that providing a welcoming and supportive environment is not only morally right but also economically sound. To attract the best and brightest students and the most talented faculty and staff, we need to recognize the diverse needs of the university community. On behalf of its faculty, staff and students, Ball State opposes adoption of House Joint Resolution 3 and supports the goals of the Freedom Indiana organization.”

“Butler University is an institution where all people are welcome and valued, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity; a culture of acceptance and inclusivity that is as old as the University itself,” said University President James M. Danko. “Continuing to attract diverse and talented students, faculty, and staff to Butler is of the utmost importance as we seek to provide an education that prepares our students to succeed in a multicultural workforce and global society.”

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continued from pg. 1

“Brought up to date” “The price of two singles tickets and a couples ticket are the same price.” Mr Wells said. “So, taking another girl from our school isn’t much of an issue.

Problems we have had in the past have prevented us from allowing someone to bring the same gender from another school.”

Although the discovery of the old misconstrued rule of the allowance to bring the same-sex partner from this school to the dance excites Chelsea, the new rule change seems more important.

“I mean, I can go up there and scribble my date’s name down, avoiding this issue,” Chelsea said. “But someone who wants to bring a date from another school can’t do that. They already have to go through student services and can’t just scribble down a name.

Being able to bring someone from a different school is huge.”

In addition to changes made on a state and federal level, students hope changes will also occur on a local level here at the school.

All year, Destiny Sabo, senior, has continued the fight to add a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) to Munster’s official clubs. Before she attended Munster, Destiny went to T.F. South in Lansing, which offered a GSA. Seeing that Munster did not inspired Destiny to start one herself.

“Before I came to Munster I went to another school (T.F. South) and they allowed one there,” Destiny said. “I personally am a member of the LGBTQ(IA) community and seeing that they didn’t offer one here honestly offended me.”

The GSA would serve as a safe place for all students, according to Destiny.

“It’s not even only for people that are LGBTQ(IA),” Destiny said. “It’s a safe haven for support.”

Indiana legislators recently revived House Joint ResA GSA provides students with a safe place to reolution (HJR)-3, which would amend the state consti- ceive the support they need, according to Destiny. tution defining marriage as the union between one “In a way, it will mean security,” Destiny said. man and one woman, which in turn would prohibit “With Indiana being so conservative, students need same-sex couples from achieving legal benefits simi- to know that they have that support and sense of selar to marriage. curity.”

HJR-3 passed the Added benefits To help gain support House of Representafor her movement for the Studies show Gay-Straight Alliances tives. The Senate will GSA, Destiny hopes to vote on the bill Mon- (GSAs) provide many benefits for students; GSAs work on a bracelet moveday. If the Senate passes help students’ self-concepts, school environment ment, where she would HJR-3, it will appear on provide rainbow bracethe ballot in 2016. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning Interlets to those interested in sex Asexual (LGBTQIA) teens, even those not involved bill will then rely on supporting the cause. in the school’s GSA, benefited from the presence of the Hoosiers to decide “We plan on makone whether or not to amend ing it happen,” Destiny Less likely to show depression the constitution. said. “The support I got “I’m convinced that Tended to possess higher self-esteems from putting it out there it really doesn’t make a Less likely to drop out and more likely to succeed in meant a lot.” difference: The United School administrahigher education States Supreme Court Students more likely to feel safe at school tion looks at and takes will make the decision the first step towards Less likely to experience harassment based on sexual on whether it’s a stateapproving new clubs orientation or gender non-conformity by-state determination Wednesday. or whether the four- Odds of discrimination and thoughts of suicide reEven if the school does duced significantly teenth amendment will not approve the GSA, rule that all marriage is Provides a more supportive school environment for the change of Turnabout students the same,” Senate Presirules gives Destiny hope dent David Long, R-Fort Identifies supportive faculty members to give students that change may happen. ideas of individuals to turn to if they need help Wayne, said in a press “I’m happy to see a conference after yesterchange coming to Munsources: GSANetwork, Huffington Post, study by Canadian Institute of day’s proceedings. ster and as long as I am Health Research However, last week here I’m never giving the federal government up,” Destiny said. expanded same-sex marIn the past, those selling tickets have denied Desriage recognition in the way of marriage benefits. tiny and her ex-girlfriend a couples’ ticket. This inThis includes filing for bankruptcy, prison visits and cident greatly influenced Destiny to take the action survivor benefits. towards a GSA. Even the 34 states which do not recognize same“To say that me and my girlfriend weren’t good sex marriage stand required to acknowledge same- enough for a ticket hit home,” Destiny said. “I don’t sex marriages in a legal light. want other people to feel how I felt.”

However, Indiana legislators claim the inspiraWhen rumors first broke that the school will now tion to change the constitution came from a desire to allow same-sex couples to attend school dances as maintain tradition rather than equality. an official couple, although misconstrued, Destiny “I think civil rights has been an important evolu- found herself in tears. tion of the fourteenth amendment - and I do believe “When I found out, I cried,” Destiny said. “I cried in that,” Senate President David Long said. “But, in tears of relief and tears of happiness. Being unable to this case, I think this is one where a state-by-state de- buy tickets because of your gender and who you are cision fits. I think marriage has traditionally been a with was probably the most demeaning thing that’s ever happened to me.” state decision.”

“Indiana State University’s Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government Association have voted to oppose HJR-3. “Their actions are in keeping with the university’s handbook policy which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on several factors including sexual orientation,” university President Daniel J. Bradley stated. “Our governance groups saw this as a human rights issue that not only contradicts our current policy but, if adopted, could impact the University’s ability to attract and retain faculty, staff and students.”

“After conversations with, and with support from, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, the Academic Affairs Leadership Team, the University Planning Commission, the President’s Cabinet, the Executive Committee of the UIndy Student Government, and the Faculty Senate, I write to inform you that the University of Indianapolis opposes HJR-3—the tenets of which stand in conflict with our policies against harassment and discrimination and our long-standing University culture of inclusivity.”

Source: freedomindiana.org

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INFOCUS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

photos by Cesar Camacho, Alisa Muñoz

Burnout At the library, Patrick Wu, freshman, catches up on work.

Knocked out Exhausted from studying all night, Aleksandra Gasich, senior, rests during her spanish class to regain her energy.

DAYDREAMING

With studies showing that high school students need later start times for school, student shares opinion on it

Victoria Avina Associate Editor Pressing the snooze button, Megan Stone, senior, rolls back into bed, hoping to extend the five hours of sleep she obtained last night. As the alarm rings for the third time, Megan notices that she overslept again.

“It’s exhausting. I hate waking up in the morning,” Megan said. “I’m usually very tired. I stay up so late doing other things and trying to get all the things I need to get done, done.”

Arriving at school, Megan enters her first hour class, Integrated Chemistry and Physics, with Mr. Patrick O’Neill.

She takes sips of her coffee as the bell rings for class to start.

“I pack enough caffeine during the day so I can stay awake. I carry coffee and energy drinks,” Megan said. “It’s hard to start off with a core class first thing in the morning. It’s just really hard to focus for me personally in the morning.”

Caffeine allows Megan to stay awake during class; however, she will not process information well, according to Dr. Joseph A. Buckhalt, Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor of School Psy-

chology at Auburn University. age group except for babies, and they “Sufficient sleep is important for get the least of any age group,” Mr. inputting information for learning Pratt said. things,” Mr. Buckhalt said. “Without Although schools starting before 8 sufficient sleep, you’re not as alert and a.m. trends in America, Mr. Pratt adds attended. You don’t learn things as that schools used to start later. well.”

“It’s awful and a lot of students While some students stay up late think it’s normal, but it’s actually a to finish assignments, Mr. Alex Pratt, recent change. Most adults, most parmember of the Start ents, went to school School Later’s Board Deep in dreams starting at 8:30 or someof Directors, states that Age groups vary on times 9 a.m. That’s not students stay up late amounts of sleep needed the case anymore, that because of the hormone 16-18 hours for babies sort of changed maybe melatonin. four decades ago,” Mr. 10-12 hours for preschool “In adolescents, melaPratt said. “There’s this and school aged children tonin isn’t released until 9-10 hours for teens perception that ‘oh it’s some time after 11 p.m.,” always been this way,’ 7-8 hours for adults and the Mr. Pratt said. “If you’re but it really hasn’t. Right source: cdc.gov elderly a high school student now, there are very and you’re trying to get few students across the eight and a half to nine hours of sleep country who get enough sleep every at minimum, you can’t get that high night.” quality sleep until 11 p.m.”

Eight years ago, Mr. Steven TripenThe hormone melatonin causes a feldas, Assistant Superintendent, noperson to want to fall asleep when it ticed the research that stated teenagers gets released in the brain, according to needed later start times. However, due Mr. Pratt. to the busing schedule, he was only “More high school students need lat- able to allow the school to have two er start times because of biology. Teen- days start later instead of five. agers need more sleep than any other “You can’t change the high school

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start times without having to change the start times for every other school,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said. “There’s one word that describes that, busing, and I haven’t seen a lot of research on sleep patterns and school start times for younger students.”

In addition, Mr. Tripenfeldas adds that he does not know if starting school later for elementary students can have a negative effect.

“You don’t want to make a negative impact for elementary students,” Tripenfeldas said. “I haven’t seen a lot of research on what you should do with elementary kids.”

After school activities served as another factor that Mr. Tripenfeldas had to take into account.

“You can’t make a decision based upon one aspect of a student’s life,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said. “You have to look at all the activities of a student’s life.”

While Mr. Tripenfeldas explains that numerous problems can occur, including the school needing to end at 3:30 if it started at 8:15, he believes that it can still happen.

“It’s difficult to do,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said, “but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”

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INFOCUS Crier / Feb.14, 2014

7

C DE RED:

THIS IS NOT A DRILL Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

trained specifically in fields like hostage negotiation.

“We also do trainings involving mock scenarios, just so we’re prepared if things like this occur,” Officer Pacheco said.

Among the procedures for officers in handling dangers like a shooting include targeting and eliminating the problem.

“The first officers who would get here would be trained to attack the problem, wherever it was at,” Lt. Strbjak said. “We would go to the problem and rectify it.”

However drills do not stand as the only safety measures taken by the school. The school also possesses video cameras to monitor suspicious activity, and all teachers must lock their classroom doors during class.

“The cameras aren’t there to see who skipped class, they are there for safety reasons,” Lt. Strbjak said.

Although many of these policies may seem trivial to students, they serve a greater purpose, according to Lt. Strbjak.

“There are protocols in place to make this a safe environment and by breaking them (the protocols) down, that doesn’t help us do our jobs,” Lt. Strbjak said.

It may seem as if students cannot do much; however, students can aid greatly in the prevention of such incidents by reporting it.

“If you see something that’s not right, report it either to the police or an administrator,” Officer Pacheco said.

“Our doors are open.”

Jan. 21, Andrew Boldt, a teacher’s assistant at Purdue University, was shot and killed in the electrical engineering building.

Similar to Purdue’s incident, in the first 14 school days of January, seven shootings occurred in the U.S. That represents an average of one shooting every other school day at the time.

Since Newtown in December 2012, more than 44 school shootings took place. The age of the suspects varied from 5 to 53.

With such incidents on the rise, school safety remains a top priority.

“Safety is something that has to be worked on by everybody,” Lieutenant Ed Strbjak said. “It’s a team event.”

After the shootings at Newtown, safety measures increased. In order to enter the high school, visitors need a valid photo-ID, and the elementary school cracked down on visitors.

In addition, if a shooting occurred at Munster, the school has many safety measures already in place to insure that students remain safe at all times.

Although Code Red drills stand most commonly known by students, a variety of other precautions also hold.

“We’re seeing a lot more encouragement of police to visit schools and familiarize themselves,” Officer Joseph Pacheco said.

The police officers often run drills and simulations for if something were to go wrong, as well as having officers

The most important contribution a student can make to school safety is reporting observations that do not seem right, according to Lt. Strbjak.

“A lot of times you find out a lot of these people cause harm to themselves or others talk to people and people don’t say anything until later,” Lt. Strbjak said.

Although it may prove difficult to speak up, if a student possesses legitimate suspicion, speaking up can only help, according to Miss Sharon Vail, guidance counselor.

“We know it’s always hard for kids to speak up,” Miss Vail said. “I don’t think anyone is ever going to be angry at someone who had a legitimate suspicion, even if it turns out false.”

Warning signs students could watch for include verbalizing a desire to harm oneself or others, or even the art a student creates. Drawings or poetry a student produces with a more negative or dark spin on it can suggest a problem, according to Miss Vail.

If a student observes a warning sign, reporting it proves the right thing to do. The faculty at school works to help keep students safe.

“We were probably one of the first in the area who assigned an officer to the school,” Lt. Strbjak. “He (Officer Pacheco) is here to assist the students and faculty.”

Students and community members work with the police and school in order to help maintain an optimal level of safety, according to Lt. Strbjak.

“Safety is a community event,” Lt. Strbjak said. “Everyone has to work together on this. We have to work to make our community better.”

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Stick to the plan

Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, discusses situational procedures for Code Red

If a student is in the Bathroom during a Code Red, he or she should should stay put unless is able to get into another open classroom in time. The student should hide in the stall and lock it

“If all the classrooms were locked, I would seriously hide in the garbage can.“ Alexis Monthie, senior

If a student is in the cafeteria during a Code Red, he or she would follow the lunch ladies into a designated area in the back of the cafeteria

“I would be tempted to leave the building because the doors are right there. Practically, I would go to the back of the kitchen.”

Joshua Morris, junior

If a student is walking in the hallway during a Code Red, he or she should should immedietly walk into the closest classroom

“I would go to the nearest classroom and hide.”

Daniel Cappo, sophomore

“I would get my friend and go into a classroom and then hide there until it all blows over. If the classroom is locked, we would run to the hospital.” Briana Lopez, freshman

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8

LIFESTYLES Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

LABOR of REVIEW

LOVE

Cassie Eberle Editor-in-chief If one is looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day movie, avoid seeing “Labor Day.” Your date will thank you for not making them sit through this typical, yet utterly confusing movie.

Directed by Jason Reitman and adapted from Joyce Maynard’s novel, the general plot is improbable and implausible. The movie starts on an emotional note, allowing the audience to feel the pain that Adele, played by Kate Winslet, experiences while doing her best to raise her son Henry, played

by Gattlin Griffith.

Adele, a fragile and depressed woman, possesses strong anxiety and rarely leaves the house after multiple miscarriages that led to her divorce.

The small family emerges from the house only once a month to shop at the local convenience store. On one of these excursions, young Henry is approached by Frank (Josh Brolin), who demands the family give him a ride.

After much persuasion, Adele nervously agrees, to which he demands that the family take him to their home.

As it turns out, Frank is an escaped convict serving 18 years in prison for murder. He escaped by jumping out of the hospital window after having surgery to remove his appendix. In the small town, police search the streets in hunt of this “dangerous man.” Knowing it is a crime to harbor a fugitive, Frank ties up Adele to make it look like a kidnapping.

At this point, the movie takes a sudden twist and what one believed was a crime show unknowingly transforms into a Nicholas Sparks love story.

Frank cooks chili for dinner while Adele remains tied to a dining room chair. After the food is prepared, Frank spoon feeds it to Adele. During this scene, the director attempts to make it as intimate as possible, adding in sweet symphonic music.

The awkward scene, although artis-

With Valentine’s Day occurring today, Crier staff member reviews romantic movie “Labor Day,” released Jan. 31

tic and symbolic, makes one feel just as uncomfortable as Adele feels. The first words to come to mind when first considering the possible love between the two characters is “Stockholm Syndrome,” a disorder where one has positive feelings toward their captors.

However, the director successfully builds the love story. The rest of the film serves as your typical love story.

Frank teaches Henry and Adele how to make a peach pie from scratch and

teaches Henry how to pitch a baseball and fix a car. Frank repairs the odds and end tasks in the house. All the while, Adele falls deeper in love.

The love story is sweet and simple, even causing tears to escape the eyes in awe. Although their love is touching, the dreadful storyline extinguishes any possible like for the movie.

If one is looking for an absurdly unrealistic movie for Valentine’s Day, invest in seeing “Labor Day.”

Perfect pairs

Couples throughout history and in “Labor Day,” show improbable, yet unyielding love

Adele&

Frank

Adele’s repetitive and boring life of raising a 13 year-old son takes a turn in the right direction when escaped convict Frank shows up in her life. Drawn to his danger and desperate for love, the pair quickly dive into a passionate affair riddled with uncertainty and fear, but choose to ignore the nagging feeling of betrayal in their minds in favor for love.

Bonnie& Clyde The story of two criminal lovers plunged the depression era into a pool of fear.

Bonnie and Clyde’s love story has littered itself with bullet wounds and bleeding hearts. Poor Bonnie was drawn to the danger that oozed from Clyde’s gangster lifestyle and the pair soon were swept up in the tragic love story that ended with gleaming metal.

Cleopatra & Marc Antony A deeply seductive tale of love and loss, Cleopatra and Marc Antony, her lover, have dominated history books as one of the most influential couples in history.

Cleopatra had taken her ex-lover’s second cousin after his death in order to feel the love of another. The pair had fallen into uncontrollable love and lust for each other after which almost ended with the destruction of Rome.

Oscar Wilde & Alfred Douglas This tale of two writers hopelessly ripped apart by the society that claimed their love was taboo remains one of the great romantic tragedies. While Oscar was married, nothing stopped him from forgoing social norms and entering a passionate affair with a man. The fire the lovers shared bound them together body and soul, creating a love that ended in arrests and tears.

Reviews by Max Baker, News Editor photo by Gabrielle Dore

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LIFESTYLES Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

JUSTA

9

MATTER

TIME ZONES OF

Mrs. Ada Abegru Galvez, new foreign language teacher, moved from Spain to fill open teaching position Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor As her day starts, Mrs. Ada Abregu Galvez, Spanish and German teacher, waits for World Language Department Head Mrs. Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish teacher, to arrive to drive her to school. Since Mrs. MAKING A MOVE Teaching her seventh hour German class Galvez moved to the United States less than a month after filling an open teaching position, Mrs. Ada Abregu Galvez, ago, she still does not have her own car.

“In Europe there is public transportation ev- eas and areas across the globe for the position. Mrs. erywhere and that’s a difference from the United Galvez’s passion helped her stand out; she even reStates,” Mrs. Galvez said. “You need a car in the searched Munster before her interview, which many United States.” candidates did not do, according to Mrs. Dettlo.

Mrs. Galvez attended high school in Peru and col“We were amazed,” Mrs. Dettlo said. “She really lege in Madrid, Spain. She came to the table with a lot has lived in several coun- Department standards of experience, skills, and tries, including Peru, Spain, Indiana Department of Education lists knowledge of our commuGermany, France and Ennity.” requirements for foreign language teachers gland. She also taught in Her skills include being South Carolina and Michi- • Understand how different learning styles trilingual, along with ungan previously, along with derstanding other languagcan affect learning a second language Spain and Germany. es. She fluently speaks Ger“Spain is one of my fa- • Be able to interpret idioms and figures man, English and Spanish of speech used in prose or poetry vorite places; however, I reand can understand French. ally like the other countries • Be familiar with major political, “I enjoy teaching Gertoo,” Mrs. Galvez said. “I man and Spanish, and I economic, social and cultural trends like other countries because really like the fact that the occurring in areas which speak the each country has its own students are interested, esforeign language character.” pecially in the high school,” • Encourage students to apply their Her experience in othMrs. Galvez said. knowledge of a foreign language er countries adds a new Languages pose as Mrs. outside of school source: www.doe.in.gov dimension to the staff, acGalvez’s passion; she attricording to Mrs. Dettlo. butes part of her linguistic “She truly does have a global perspective and I skills to practice. think that’s something she’s able to show our kids,” “The key to learning a language is to practice,” Mrs. Dettlo said.

Mrs. Galvez said.

The school reviewed candidates from both local arMrs. Galvez spreads her knowledge and love of

photo by Alisa Muñoz

Spanish and German teacher, addresses a student. “I’m happy to be in Munster and to teach in this community,” Ms. Galvez said.

languages at both the middle school and the high school. She teaches Spanish in the morning at the middle school, then during her third hour plan she travels to the high school to teach German.

“It’s not just one place where you are,” Mrs. Galvez said. “You need to commute, so you don’t have a fixed place.”

However, Mrs. Galvez’s primary obstacle remains starting halfway through school year. Due to a family emergency, Mr. Jamie Barba Hain, former Spanish and German teacher, needed to return to Spain.

“It is not our ideal and we are really proud of our kids for being as flexible and accommodating as they have been,” Mrs. Dettlo said. “You can’t avoid a family tragedy.”

Joining the staff in the middle of the year requires a lot of extra work from Mrs. Galvez. She studies old papers to see how students did in the past, all while assessing the student’s current ability levels.

“She knows that because she’s stepping in at the middle of the year she had to do more work, and she’s really great about it,” Mrs. Dettlo said.

However, Mrs. Galvez’s love for teaching makes the transition much easier.

“I like kids and I like to transfer my knowledge,” Mrs. Galvez said. “I enjoy it when I teach. It’s rewarding to see that the students learn, especially languages.”

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10

SPORTS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

GONE WITH THE

WIND

Athletes overcome breathing problems like asthma every day during practice; games

comfortable with their condition, they get less stressed when it occurs,” Mr. Doherty said.

Michael Portone, junior, has probThe people blur; black spots appear, distorting her once clear vision. How- lems with asthma during the spring ever, she continues to push herself and fall triggered by his allergies.

“It feels like if you stick your hand through the last 60 seconds of her rouover your mouth and you try to tine.

With the help of her teammates and breathe through the cracks of your finmuscle memory, Jane Sannito, junior, gers,” Portone said.

Portone plays the outside midfieldexecutes her performance flawlessly.

“Usually, it’s my stomach and I er for the boys’ soccer team, a position feel like I’m going to throw up or my that requires a large amount of long distance running. eyes get spotty “I’m never one to from a lack of oxy- Breathtaking facts use my asthma as gen and I get really Studies show different facts an excuse as to why light-headed and I can’t participate,” dizzy,” Sannito said. about asthmatics Portone said.

Although Sannito n Only 10% of asthmatics develop severe asthma Portone withas not experienced nessed many players any major issues n More than 20 million excuse themselves with asthma since Americans have asthma from practicing due then, she had to al- n 4,000 Americans die to their asthma to ter her lifestyle to from asthma every year avoid running in prevent any further n Boys are twice as likely conditioning drills. complications to develop asthma than girls He believes the lack “Asthma is a of participation, spasm of the bron- n Mild asthmatics live on average 80 years proves detrimental chi. They turn into Source: healthcentral.com during games from one way valves and players’ lack of enit traps used air in.

You can’t expel the air,” Head Athletic durance, a result of their asthma.

“I rarely would ever have to opt out trainer, Mr. John Doherty, physical therapist, said. “You need anti-spazmatics of something because of my asthma to relieve the bronchi and the air will because when it comes to the game, I’m never thinking about my asthma I leave the bronchial.”

Like Sannito, many athletes expe- just thinking about how to get the ball rience a decrease in asthma-related into the net and how to do it again,” issues over time, according to Mr. Portone said.

In his off season, Portone weight lifts Doherty.

“One reason that it happens is that and does endurance training with the as you get older, your lungs grow in his team at least three times a week.

“No one ever wants to come off the diameter the bronchi grows, another is a stress component is that when peo- field for soccer no matter what because ple get more educated, they’re more everyones just loves being in the game Vrusha Patel Business Manager

photo by Lauren Koultourides

FRIENDLY FACE Smiling while performing a routine, Jane Sannito, junior, attempts to keep a positive look during the entire performance. “We are doing our first trick which is a turn,” Sannito said. “We need to keep a smile on our faces to help get points on our performance.”

and everyone loves to play,” Portone said. “A lot of us get injured during the game and a lot of us get cramps, Coach knows it, but he knows that we have such big hearts for the game that we always want to play through it no matter what. My love for soccer is much bigger than my worry for asthma.”

While Portone never thinks of asthma during a game, Sannito calms herself with the help of her teammates before a performance.

“I feel like a lot of it is psychological because when I think that I can make it (through a routine), it’s easier for me to make it, then when I anticipate my lungs closing,” Sannito said.

Sannito can control her asthma with

continuous exercises throughout the year. In doing so, it limits the stress on her lungs when the season begins.

“Other people work hard to make sure that they can make it through the routine,” Sannito said. “But I have to work twice as hard to make sure that I’m not holding the team back.”

The team support helps her through the routine; however, her teammates stand ready with her inhaler just in case she happens to need it, according to Sannito.

“Honestly, it doesn’t mean much.

It’s an obstacle for me to overcome,” Jane said. “I don’t pity myself for it. I don’t see myself different than anyone else.”

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SPORTS

Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

TAKEN BY THE

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

photo by Gabrielle Dore

DEEP BREATH Swimming freestyle, Taylor Merkel, junior, looks up to catch a breath. “Most people stick to a pattern like breathing every three or five strokes,” Merkel said. “It varies based on the speed and stroke though.”

Girls’ Varsity Basketball played at Sectionals Tuesday against Gary West Side and lost with a score of 85-47. The team will not continue on to the next round of Sectionals.

“We just didn’t play our game at our level like we need to,” Megan Zabrecky, sophomore, said.

Zabrecky believes that the team made initial errors which they could not overcome.

“We let them slip away too early in the game,” Zabrecky said.

BOYS’ SWIMMING

Last Saturday, the Hockey Team participated in their first post-season game against Crown Point winning with a score of 5-0.

With a win under their belt, the team hopes to remedy the problems from last season and work harder than before, according to Eamon Riley, senior.

“All in all it was a good season, but I don’t think we played our very best every game,” Riley said. “We did beat some good teams, but we also lost to some teams that we should have beat.”

The lack of a physical presence, poor communication on the ice, and most of all, not paying attention to their surroundings have led to the teams lower than usual score this season, according to Riley.

“We aren’t aware of our surroundings, but we can improve by just picking your head up and looking around, you can see who is open, see if someone is coming to check you and you can see if a player from the opposing team is

open,” Riley said.

The Hockey team will continue their post-season Feb. 16 with hopes of winning the Roper Cup and the state championship because of the teams synchronization and chemistry with each other, according to Nick Kotz, junior.

“Everything is in sync and everyone knows where to be on the ice and what to do,” Kotz said. “You automatically form a brotherhood with the players on your team.”

In order to win, the team must prepare both mentally and physically, according to Riley.

“You can’t go retaliating when the opposing team does something to you or says something,” Riley said. “You have to just brush it off and keep playing.”

As the team enters their post-season, Riley reflects on his four year hockey career.

“I have had such a great time playing the sport that I love with a group of guys that I consider family,” Riley said. “Words cannot explain how much I will miss putting on my jersey and playing for the Mustangs. With the season ending it almost feels like a major part of my life is coming to an end as well.”

With their regular season completed, Boys’ Swimming prepares to compete at Sectionals next Thursday and Friday.

“We hope to continue our streak of 28 straight Sectionals wins and advance some swimmers to State,” Matthew Specht, senior, said.

Although Sectionals serves as the most challenging competition, Specht feels confident that the team can pull through and win for the 29th time.

GIRLS’ DIVING

Max Baker News Editor

With winter season underway, sport teams prepare for upcoming games, meets

Girls’ Diving placed fourth, fifth and sixth in their regional competition.

“I think we did really well because we made a lot of improvement from where were last year at this time,” Sydney Kawalec, junior, said.

The team improved their consistency and technique with the help of their new coach, according to Kawalec.

“It’s just good to get a fresh perspective,” Kawalec said.

BOYS’ DIVING

Hockey prepares to face rival Lake Central Sunday to battle for Roper Cup

Sporting news

Boys’ Diving competed at a conference meet Monday.

“Since this was a delayed meet, we were diving during a swim meet, so we didn’t find out our score,” Zach Keslin, junior, said.

“But I know we won, since we’ve always won in the past.”

Keslin claims that the team has done well this year and made progress with their newer divers since the graduation of many last year.

“It was hard going into competition without them,” Keslin said

WRESTLING

Hockey advances to championship

Last week, seniors Rudy Magana and Zach Slosser, and Jason Crary, junior, won at Regionals and now look to compete at Semi-state. ”I feel accomplished because I have fought through so many injuries this year,” Slosser said.

“I was unsure that I was going to make it to Semi-state this year.”

The boys will travel to Merrillville High school tomorrow morning to compete.

CROWN

Girls’ Swimming loses to Crown Point in Sectionals; some swimmers continue on to compete in the Preliminary meet Victoria Avina Associate Editor Splash! Mary Beth Blocher, senior, zoomed straight into the pool as the anchor for the 400 freeMoving along style relay at Sectionals last Saturday.

Swimmers moving on to Far ahead of the third place team, the Preliminary meet Blocher pushed through the water as she tried to catch up to the Crown Point Freshman swimmer.

Megan Wimmer “It was the very last event of the day Juniors and it was the determining factor of Allison Cunningham whether or not we would win or lose,” Nikki Smith Blocher said.

Audrey Mayer Although Blocher and her relay team broke the school record, Crown Point Mary Bridget Baeza took first place.

Seniors “Crown Point is ranked second in the Mary Beth Blocher whole state of Indiana,” Blocher said. “So Emily Lagestee losing to them isn’t that big of a deal.”

Ashley Hwang However, Blocher and the rest of the Source: Allison Cunningham, junior team did not feel satisfied losing by 12 points.

“It was a little disappointing,” Blocher said. “Ev-

erybody swam really well and got better times.”

With Sectionals over, a few individuals in the team now compete in the preliminary meet today. Mr. Mathew Pavlovich, Girls’ and Boys’ Swimming coach, predicts that the girls will place in the top eight.

“The competition is very strong,” Coach Pavlovich said. “The state of Indiana is a good swimming state. The athletes are training harder and the coaches are getting smarter.”

Nikki Smith, junior, looks forward to beating her regular time. However, she will have to work on her turns and keep her focus.

“There’s a lot of depth in the events,” Smith said. “It’s going to be close.”

Also wanting to beat her time, Ashley Hwang, senior, hopes that her 200 medley relay team can place in the top 16.

“We will like to make top 16,” Hwang said.

“We’re pretty close to it.”

However, State serves as the main goal, according to Hwang.

“As a team, a lot of us just want to make it to finals on Saturday,” Hwang said.

11

12

SPORTS Crier / Feb. 14, 2014

TUMBLING INTO THE UNKNOWN

Cheerleaders perform at Slater Stunt Invitational tomorrow

Szafasz said. “They wanted to show skill.

They wanted to take chances.”

Ms. Szafasz believes that while they Varsity and JV Cheerleading compete at can prove detrimental, these risks can also LaPorte in the stunt group category for the prove beneficial.

“The routines being so difficult makes first time. them hard to learn and hard Each stunt group conto perfect,” Ms. Szafasz said. sists of four to five girls Stunt Scoring “But at the same time, that’s and the category requires what sets them apart from competitors to stunt for Judges evaluate different aspects in a performance other teams.” one full minute.

The caliber of the girls on “Stunting is my favor- Stunts the team serves as another ite aspect of cheerleading, Execution: 30 points strength, according to Briso I’m excited to get to do 20 points ana Crowe, junior. it a lot,” Emma Nossem, Difficulty: “We have really strong senior, said. “I also get girls who have the ability to build the bond I have Choreography to do certain very difficult with the other four girls Creativity: 10 points stunts,” Crowe said, “And in the group and we work Overall Effect: 10 points I don’t think many other really well together.” teams have girls that can After low registra- Overall performance perform those particular tion caused competition Technique: 10 points stunts so that’s definitely an cancellations, the team advantage.” wanted one last chance Precision: 10 points The team does have to compete, according Timing: 10 points weaknesses which they to Ms. Kristen Szafasz, Source: Coach Szafasz, history teacher must overcome, according cheerleading coach. to Crowe.

“We didn’t qualify for “I think we started practicing a little State this year and we are still trying to figure out how to build this team into a team later because we weren’t sure if we were that consistently does well even at the State going to this competition or not, so that level,” Ms. Szafasz said. “I think the extra might be a disadvantage,” Crowe said.

Despite the team’s unfamiliarity with opportunity for the girls to compete will rethe category, Ms. Szafasz feels confident in ally help.”

Although she strongly believes in the im- their ability to perform well.

“The girls wanted to go beyond anyportance of this competition, Ms. Szafasz thing they’ve done in the past,” Ms. Szafstill feels apprehension.

“I’m definitely nervous because the girls asz said. “I’m glad that they’re not playing didn’t want to have an easy routine,” Ms. it safe and I have a lot of faith.”

Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

photo by Natalia Bilek

FLYING HIGH Smiling while her fellow cheer members throw her into the air, Tessa Bales, freshman, prepares to fall back down and into the arms of the other cheerleaders. “It was the pendulum stunt,” Bales said. “I just need to stay tight and hollow while letting them throw me. I just think it is a lot of fun getting thrown and the crowd also seems to be pretty thrilled by it.”

Battle for the Conference title Boys’ Varsity Basketball prepares to renew their rivalry with Andrean next Friday while looking to stay undefeated in conference play; the team looks forward to playing at home 4A teams,” Coach Hackett said. “We also were not at full strength during that time. We did not have a full With a 14-3 record, the Boys’ Varsi- team.”

Next Friday, the team will face ty Basketball team overcame adversity their rival, Andrean, at home. Miearly in the season. chael Hayes, junior, will face some old First, the team lost some core sefriends sporting another shade of red nior players, but then dropped three in juniors, Nick Podkul and Ben Dastraight games. Despite losing three vidson. in a row, the team “They are my friends, bounced back with Standing on top Mustangs claim conference but I have to take care of wins against Michigan title with win against Andrean business,” Hayes said. “I City and Hobart, acW-L will not show them any Conf. cording to Sam Toth, Munster 14-3 (5-0) mercy.

I cannot just take 1. senior. it easy on them because “We played some 2. Griffith 11-4 (4-1) they are my buddies.” good teams and we 3. Lowell 10-3 (3-2) Despite Andrean’s did not prepare like 4. Andrean 7-7 (2-2) slow start at the beginwe should have,” Hobart 7-9 (1-3) 5. ning of the season, Toth Toth said. “Michigan 6.

Highland 7-11 (1-4) believes they should not City was pretty good, underestimate them.

I was surprised with 7. Kankakee Valley 5-10 (0-5) “In the beginning, how well we handled Source: Regionsports.com they did not start real them. Hobart was a good, but it is not going to be an easy little tough, but we play pretty well game,” Toth said. against them.”

The team contains players who can The team’s three losses came against score in double figures every game and ranked teams. The team also dealt that served as a key strength throughwith the injury bug and that proved an out the season, according to Coach even greater challenge for the team to Hackett. overcome during those three games, “We play with unselfishness,” Coach according to Coach Michael Hackett, Hackett said. “We also have four guys health teacher. averaging double figures. Everyone is “All three losses came against top 10 William Hatczel Sports Editor

capable of scoring and handling the ball.”

To add more pressure, the team will host its senior night the same day. The team looks to win for the seniors.

“We do not want to lose on Senior night,” Coach Hackett said. “We want to be the outright champs and be 42-0 in conference to keep that streak alive.”

With the season coming down to the wire, Hayes and the rest of the team wants to honor the seniors and their final season by winning on their special night.

“We want to help the seniors go out with a bang,” Hayes said.

Hayes looks forwards to playing on his home court and believes the crowd serves as extra motivation.

“It helps when we have a nice crowd,” Hayes said. “Andrean has a nice students section that will probably come. It will be nice to hear both student sections chant back and forth.”

The team puts their 41-0 all-time conference record on the line, according to Coach Hackett.

“We approach it (this game) like any other game,” Coach Hackett said. “We are not going to do anything different, but play Munster basketball.”

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

GRABBING BOARDS Rebounding the ball over a defender, Adam Ostoich, junior, reaches up through the defender’s grasp to score a basket.