MHS Crier 4 4 14

munster high school Vol. 48 / Issue 10 / April 4, 2014 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321

crier

NO LONGER IN THE DARK

Lake County will build a new dispatch center for the whole county rather than having individual centers in each town William Hatczel Sports Editor Last Month, the Lake county council voted to levy taxes in order to establish the E-911 program in the county by the end of the year.

The Kern Sheppard Law passed in 2008 mandated that by 2014 communities need to consolidate their dispatch centers, according to Chief of Police Steven Schekel.

“It is all about operability,” Chief Schekel said.

“During the World Trade Center attacks, the police and fire departments could not communicate with each other. The program will help us set up a better state of air communication.”

Police and fire departments in all communities run into problems when it comes to communication in certain areas. Emergency responders have trouble communicating in certain areas where radio systems don’t work, according to Chief Schekel.

“Communication runs on a VHF system,” Chief Schekel said. “We are going to a digital 700 megahertz system for better coverage.”

The county, which has 18 (including the sheriff’s dispatch center) dispatch centers, will decrease to two centers. Crown Point’s government center will house the main dispatch center. All of the towns will look for this place to help them during any type of emergency including a major disaster, according to Schekel.

“Interoperability would work for BP in Whiting,” Chief Schekel said. “It is good because workers so they can communicate and respond better to the crisis.”

Chief Schekel believes this method of communication can even benefit the town of Munster in places like Community Hospital and the high school.

“It (E-911 communication) could help us better direct our emergency personnel to the places they need to go,” Chief Schekel said. “This would work at the hospital and even in the high school in the case of an active shooter which seems to be the biggest worry these days.”

continued on pg. 5

WE ARE THE

CHAMPIONS Best Buddies, in conjunction with Champions Together, encourage students to fundraise for the Special Olympics Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

C

hampions Together representatives presented to the student body on Wednesday at an assembly.

Champions Together is a partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Special Olympics Indiana. In order to become a Champions Together high school and receive a banner for the gym, the school must meet several requirements.

“I think it will help promote the idea of being aware and respecting those who are different than ourselves,” Mr. Brent Barton, math teacher, said. “This campaign should do just that.”

The school must meet awareness, fundraising, and volunteering requirements.

Fundraising requires earning $1500, and the volunteering requires at least 20 athletes to volunteer a total of 80 hours with individuals with special needs.

Best Buddies took on the task to make Munster a Champions Together high school, according to Mr. Barton.

“Best Buddies was asked to take the reigns on this project because the goals of this is what Best Buddies stands for,” Mr. Barton said.

Mr. Craig Tornquist hosted most of the assembly, and later brought on a friend of his, Andrew Peterson. Andrew, who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and participates actively in the Indiana Special

Olympics, also holds a talent for speaking with high school students, according to Mr. Tornquist.

“Andrew brings out the best in high school students,” Mr. Tornquist said. “I’ve never seen anyone connect with high school students the way he does. It’s a fascinating experience. There are 1,600 high school students and you could’ve heard a pin drop in there.”

Andrew went through 10 years of physical therapy and went on to receive four letters for high school cross-country. Now 21, he shares his experience with the Special Olympics and what it did for him with high schoolers across Indiana.

“I just like to see them make a difference,” Andrew said.

Speaking at these assemblies makes Andrew proud.

“It kind of helps me be a leader, and be accepted,” Andrew said. “I will probably never give up.”

While he travels across Indiana doing assemblies, Andrew also documents the high schools and their reactions.

“I’m doing a full powerpoint on different schools,” Andrew said. “I’ve been watching Craig do his assemblies and I’m mainly videoing different schools.”

Andrew hopes that the assemblies will also inspire students to do more outside of Champions Together. photo by Lauren Koultourides “They could take their ideas and maybe SPEAKING FROM THE HEART Andrew Peterson spoke to the school Wednesday on the they can get them more motivated,” An- challenges he faces on a daily basis as a member of the Special Olympics Committee. He drew said. said, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

INSIDE LOOK Tomorrow 52/31

UP AND COMING

Robot domination

Take a spot

No climax

Sunday 57/38

Girls Softball will compete against Bishop Noll tonight 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ Baseball will play against Terre Haute South tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Robotics travels to internationals April 23 through 26

Students discuss issue with school parking lots

Staff member reviews the first Divergent movie and the downfalls

page 2

page 8-9

page 11

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NEWS Crier / April 4, 2014

WITHIN ARMS

REACH

After claiming a first place victory at the Boilermaker competition, Robotics competes at internationals in St. Louis April 23-26 for the first time in history Omnya Zaman, senior, feels an overwhelming sense of triumph and accomplishment at the team’s victory as well as making it to Internationals.

The Robotics team returned from their Boilermaker “It’s surreal,” Omnya said. “It’s like we’re dreaming. competition with a first place win and an invitation to the When we were announced the winners at Boilermaker we international competition in St. Louis April 23-26. were happy, but it took a few minutes before we realized “I’m so excited to go and I’m so proud of my kids,” that meant we were going to Internationals for the first Ms. Catherine Mazeikas, science time ever.” teacher, said. “This is the first Quality design Robotics members, like time we’re going to a competi- Robotics member and adviser Omnya, hope that Internation like this. They (the robotics share their robot’s abilities tionals will not only improve team) deserve all the credit they compared to other robots the team’s technical skills, but get. They were fantastic at workteach them other unique ways ing together, building the robot, to approach Robotics.

The other robots practicing and scouting for other The robot has the “One of the main reasons were built as ability to suck up teams to form alliances with.” we won was because our robot catapults an exercise ball After their first competition had a unique design that the in March 6-8, the Robotics team other’s didn’t.” Omnya said. “I The other robots The Robotics team aimed to grow and learn from hope that when we go to Interwere designed designed the other teams and decide what nationals, we will see a whole with one task in robot for several worked and what needed imnew side of Robotics and learn mind tasks including diprovement, according to Ms. Madifferent designs and techrectionality, lifting, zeikas. niques we didn’t know were and launching Source: Omnya Zaman, senior and Ms. possible.”

“We learned from the previCatherine Mazeikas, science teacher ous competitions and put that Currently 224 teams from knowledge into the Boilermaker various countries such as Isracompetition,” Ms. Mazeikas said. “Now we’re walking el, Turkey, Chile, Canada, Mexico, and the United States into Internationals with a reputation. We use to be the un- will participate in the International competition. The comderdog team, but after this victory we’re the well-known petition will divide itself into four divisions, where each team and we love it.” team will compete in the division as if it was a regional competition. Once each division has one winning team, the winners will break off and compete against another winner, until only two remain. The winner of the final competition will win Internationals, according to Ms. Mazeikas.

“To be honest, I’m not sure how this competition will turn out,” Ms. Mazeikas said.

“I’m not scared; it’s more being nervous of the unknown. Most of the fears are just nerves. I feel like we have an awesome chance to do extremely well in this competition.”

Ana Johnson, senior, has high hopes and complete faith in the Robotics members.

“We’re definitely prepared,” Ana said.

“We’re all pumped up and feel like we can dominate. I can’t wait to go to St. Louis and show everyone what Munster can do.

I want to show them that we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

Omnya agrees with Ana, saying the team cannot wait for their chance to prove themselves to the other countries at the International competition.

“The other countries have no idea what they’re in for,” Omnya said. “We want to show them what Munster can do. Hopefully, with enough practice, we can be unstoppable.”

Max Baker News Editor

Horsepower

Other Teams

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

ARMED AND READY During a Robotics practice in their shop on Calumet Avenue, Nicholas Enochs, freshman, test the robot to make sure it works properly for the International tournament. “To make a better robot, you need the utmost level of cooperation between the engineers and the programmers,” Nick said. “Robotics has provided me with skills I can use in the future like meeting deadlines and teamwork.”

Quick Notes Blood Drive

Student Government saved up to 234 lives with the blood collected

Student government sponsored a blood drive, where 76 students and two teachers donated their blood. They collected a total of 78 units of blood which, will save up to 234 lives.

“I feel great,” Sponsor Ms. Angela Wayne, social studies teacher, said. “Our goal was to raise 70 units and we exceeded that goal. It’s great to know that the blood saves lives and helps the community.”

All the blood donated from the Blood Drive goes to helping local hospitals unless a natural disaster strikes, according to Ms. Wayne.

Academic SuperBowl

Academic SuperBowl team held tryouts for the 2014 school year

Yesterday, Academic Superbowl held tryouts for their 2014 team.

Participants can choose to participate in one of the following subjects: science, math, social studies, English or fine arts.

Last year, Academic Superbowl received second overall in the state and the team hopes to replicate last years’ results this season, beginning with District finals April 22, according to Kelsey Lynch, junior.

“I’m excited because all the teams have progressively grown better, so more people can go to State,” Kelsey said. “State is a fun and energetic time.”

Earlier this year members with an interest to join Academic Superbowl were given the opportunity to attend a meet to see how it fit them.

TEAMS

TEAMS take first place in Indiana based on their combined scores

Seven individual groups from TEAMS (formally known as JETS) competed at Purdue in a competition that determined their state and national ranking, along with their regional level placement.

Divided into two divisions the 9-10 division and 11-12 division, the 9-10 team placed first at State and they tied for 13 at Nationals, according to Sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher.

In the 11-12 division, team D placed third at State, and ninth in the nation, according to Mr. Koszut.

“I does not surprise me that the 11-12 D team placed so well, but this year they competed in the 11-12 division for the first time the other two times would’ve been in the 9-10 division,” Mr. Koszut said.

Corrections

In the last issue of Crier, the following quote was cut off: “In my personal opinion, I believe in multiple intelligences.”

Quinton Pedrick, senior, said. “I don’t believe that just because you scored well on a test, you’re smart. It doesn’t work like that. You can have different areas of expertise that lead to an overall intelligence, but just because you score well on a test doesn’t mean you’re intelligent.”

DECA participated in the state competition March 9-11 instead of March 6-8.

The caption describing the Speech and Debate photo did not clarify that the two girls, Madison O’Dea, junior, and Alyssa DeJoan, freshman, were not partners.

Crier regrets its errors

speakout Crier / April 4, 2014

BACKTALK

3

How would you respond if Munster implemented school uniforms?

“I think it would be bad because everyone would look the same and no one wants to look the same.”

Amanda Reyes, freshman

“For me, uniforms are a way to point out all the faults, standardization, in the school system. Everyone is different.”

David Green, freshman

editorial

SPACES FOR IMPROVEMENT

At the end of the school day, a student sits by the auditorium swinging his keys around. Instead of leaving immediately when school ends, he sits around until about 3:15 p.m., so traffic does not cause as many problems as it does at 2:45 p.m.

Anything would be faster than waiting in the never-ending line of traffic outlining the packed parking lot.

OUR TAKE To fix the parking lot problems, much can be done on Both the school and both the school’s end and students should take the students’ ends. action to reduce the The school could redesign problems faced in the entire parking lot system parking lots in a way that would allow the students to leave more efficiently. Currently, students have limited places to exit the parking lots, causing traffic congestion. When there’s buildup on all ends, the students have no choice but to wait in line until a chance comes to leave, which for some may not

be until a half an hour after school ends.

The school could also open the other exits from the parking lots. For example, the bus exit near the middle school remains closed off until 3:30 p.m. despite signs stating that they open at 3 p.m.

However, buses leave around 3 p.m., so there is no clear reason to keep the gates closed. Opening this exit could potentially give another place for the traffic to go.

However, all of the weight cannot sit on the school. Students could also make a difference with their parking lot problems. Students should express common courtesy. For example, if they see someone sitting waiting to get out, they should let one person through.

If students follow practices of common courtesy and waited patiently, while allowing others to pass also, everyone would leave school in a much more orderly fashion.

Whether the students or the school take action does not matter. A change needs to be made.

April fools day is no joke Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor For most, April Fools Day evokes images of toothpaste-filled Oreos and invisible ink. It is generally considered to be a lighthearted holiday when friends and strangers can play good-natured tricks on each other and laugh at themselves.

Recently, however, the April Fools Day known and loved by all has changed into something almost unrecognizable as a holiday of fun. While Oreos and ink remain vital parts of this holiday, handcuffs and 911 calls have begun increasing in prevalence.

This past April Fools Day, a Virginia College employee sent her daughter an

alarming text describing shots fired at her workplace. Her daughter, fulfilling her duty as a responsible citizen, called 911 and reported this to the police.

The police responded by immediately arriving to the scene of the alleged crime, only to learn that it was simply an April Fools prank. This incident cost the police both time and money while creating unnecessary alarm.

When incidents such as this occur, the spirit of this holiday is lost. Before participating in April Fools Day, pranksters should consider the fine line that exists between fun and cruelty.

When pranks cause harm to property or people or cause emotional distress, they are no longer pranks. Even when pranks are not purposefully

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.

mean-spirited, pranksters should still think about possible consequences that may result from their pranks.

They should also think about the negative effects they themselves may experience due to their own actions.

In the situation of the false Virginia college shooting, the prankster was arrested and charged with one count of disturbing schools, one count of aggravated in nature breach of peace and two counts of unlawful use of a telephone.

In order to ensure that April Fools Day remains a holiday of lighthearted pranks and fun, pranksters should preserve the spirit of this holiday by remembering that pranks are meant to be funny, not cruel.

“I would like not having to plan a different outfit for each day of the week. Also, everyone would be equal and not judged for what they wear.”

Emily Johnson, sophomore

Jacob Levy, sophomore

“I went to a school “I would be forced with uniforms and to wear them, but I hated it so much that would protest.”

I refused to wear them ever again, so I would ask my mom to move.”

Brenda Yepez, junior

“I actually encourage uniforms because I feel there needs to be more of an educational experience at school, not a social interaction.”

Charlie Connell, senior

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 think I would be indifferent because if they think that is what’s good for us then I will trust them.”

Ricky Greep, junior

“If students were required to wear uniforms, I would want teachers to be held under similar standards. It is not a bad thing but personally I do not see the need to have it at MHS.”

Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski, psychology teacher

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 Beat Reporters Melanie Krueger, Emily Mecklin, Vrusti Patel, Julia Swibes, Emily Zellinger Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman

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NEWS Crier / April 4, 2014

Glenda Ritz delivers speech Indiana Superintendent Glenda Ritz will give a speech in the school auditorium April 10 Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

photo by Alex Baker

WEIGHING THE ODDS Working on his Science Olympiad event, Alex Richer, freshman, carefully measures the length of his first class lever. His event, called Simple Machines, requires a lever and two masses, one

known and the other unknown. The participant must correctly guess the mass of the unknown by how high the lever has lifted. “It’s a lot of fun,” Alex said. “It’s not hard either. It’s just weight times distance.”

SCIENCE OF SUCCESS After taking first place in State, Science Olympiad will participate in an online competition in order to prepare themselves for Nationals Victoria Avina Associate Editor After winning first place at State March 22, Science Olympiad will continue onto Nationals in Florida, along with Whiting High School.

“Over the last few years, the Bloomington High Schools, Bloomington North and Bloomington South, have placed first and second and gone to Nationals. ”Science Olympiad captain Jessica Avina, senior, said. “This is the first year in a long time that neither of them are going. This year, it is Munster and Whiting. So, now it is Northwest Indiana that dominates.”

As a way of preparing for Nationals, Science Olympiad will compete in another invitational sponsored by a school in Hawaii, according to Jessica.

“We’re going to be doing another invitational,” Jessica said. “This is the first time we have ever done this invitational.”

Due to the high expense to travel, Hawaii has created an online invitational that sends invites to the top Science Olympiad teams in the nation.

“It’s an online invitational, and it’s sponsored by a school in Hawaii. It’s an elite invitational that only good teams are apart of,” Jessica said. “Therefore, it’s kind of kept on the down low, so not any team could say ‘I want to be a part of this’.”

However, Science Olympiad did not have a spot to compete when they first heard of the invitational until Andy Chen, junior, discovered the secret competition through a Science Olympiad forum.

“Over the summer, I was just stalking the Scioly forums,” Andy said. “I came across a thread that said Iolani

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invitational and based what was on the thread, I just figured out that it was an online invitational, and they had a results spreadsheet too. So, I decided to look at that, and I saw the list that competed in it. They were some of the top teams in the country. So, I thought, ‘hey, we need to do this too’.”

After realizing that the team would benefit from this unique competition, Andy emailed Science Olympiad Coach Mr. Patrick O’Neill, science teacher, telling him that the team should participate in this competition. Soon after, Mr. O’Neill sent out an email to the coach from the Science Olympiad team in Hawaii.

“I emailed the Hawaii coach and plead my case to why we should be included,” Mr. O’Neill said.

While the online invitational increases the chances of teams having the opportunity to cheat, Mr. O’Neill feels that the teams competing do not have a particular reason in doing so.

“People want to win, but they also want to know accurately where they stand,” Mr. O’Neill said.

Andy agrees with Mr. O’Neill, and believes that while the time frame may cause difficulties for the Science Olympiad team, the other teams will have no desire to want to cheat.

“It is different,”Andy said. “We’re sent out the test, and we have to take the test in a 50 minute time period and then we put our answers on a word document and upload it. Cheating is a real possibility, but the way I see it, the honor system is actually pretty strong because there’s no point in cheating at the tournament because you just want to see how you stack up against the other team. I know in one of the events, the winning score was 55 percent, so obviously nobody cheated.”

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Glenda Ritz, will speak in the auditorium after school April 10.

Senior Saam Mojtahed, president of Civics Club, contacted Glenda Ritz to carry on the club’s annual tradition of bringing in a community speaker. Students and faculty can attend; however, the event is not open to the public.

“It’s important to inform as many people as we can, but once we open it to the community, it can become too political and lose its purpose,” Saam said. “It’s really for students and teachers.”

Having a speaker who affects the community ties in with the purpose of Civics Club, according to Saam.

“The purpose of Civics Club is to give the student body a chance to be engaged in and informed about our community,” Saam said. “and we chose a speaker that has a large effect on our community.”

A better understanding of their own school serves as the main thing students can learn, according to Walker Hedgepath, senior.

“Students can gain a lot of information and knowledge about how the state manages our school system,” Walker said. “The state is making decisions concerning our education so we should know about them.”

Faculty can also benefit from attending the event, according to Ms. Sharon Vail, guidance counselor.

“Her visit could benefit faculty in that they could see how she might be able to be our advocate or bring back our ideas to those who vote on decisions,” Ms. Vail said.

In addition to allowing students and faculty to gain knowledge and insight about their school, Walker considers this event especially useful due to the recent passing of the referendum.

“With the referendum happening last year, we thought it would be a good way to gain more insight on issues that affect us as students,” Walker said. “She (Glenda Ritz) has a lot of influence on state school policies and would be able to address issues like funding.”

Glenda Ritz’s visit will benefit both students and faculty greatly, according to Ms. Vail.

“We can never be overly educated,” Ms. Vail said. “We can sit around and complain, but unless we have the real story, its not fair to complain, and I think it (Glenda Ritz’s visit) will help us make informed choices.”

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INFOCUS Crier / April 4, 2014

continued from pg. 1

Cutting down

‘No longer in the dark’ The consolidation process has run into some early problems with communities agreeing with this transition. All communities except for Schererville, St. John, Cedar Lake, and Highland have signed into local agreement. The council will notify the Indiana attorney general if they do not agree to sign up.

“We are still going forward with it (the process),” Chief Schekel said. “We will refer them to the Attorney General Greg Zeller if we have to. We just have to wait and see what will happen.”

With the local agreement not signed by all of the communities, the consolidation process has fallen behind, but Chief Schekel believes they can have it up and running by the end of the year.

“Our deadlines may be a little bit behind,” Chief Schekel said. “We are supposed to be consolidated by early 2015. By December 31 is our goal to have it working.”

Jason Bieda, paramedic for Prompt Ambulance service, finds himself affected by the consolidation process although he works for a private ambulance company.

As a Prompt paramedic, Jason receives ambulance calls from both his dispatch center and the dispatch center of the town he is currently in.

“We have two radios, a company radio and a town radio,” Jason said. “We can be dispatched to a fire call or we can just go ourselves if we know it is going to be a bad one.”

The new radio system can help eliminate dead spots, one of the biggest problems emergency responders face, according to Chief Steven Schekel.

“Dead spots are areas where the radio system doesn’t cover,” Chief Schekel said.

“Right now, 95 percent of all areas are covered by the radios.

Although the radios cover most areas in the county, Jason has found himself in dead spots before.

“There has been times where we could hear them calling us, but when we key up and say we are going, they cannot hear us,” Jason said. “Sometimes you cannot hear them or sometimes both sides cannot hear each other.”

Jason must move the ambulance to an-

Lake County will downsize community dispatcher centers down to two, look to improve communication between the communities

other area in order to hear communicate back with dispatch.

“Sometimes we may just have to move five or six feet,” Jason said. “Sometimes we may need to move a few blocks to get connection.”

Munster dispatcher Tracy Anderson believes the new 700 megahertz radio system will help solve her problems of communication with emergency responders on their portable radios.

“There are definitely dead spots in town where it is hard to hear them on their portable radios,” Tracy said. “The 700 megahertz will cover 85 to 90 percent of the town.”

Along with the new technology, the county looks to have a more divided dispatch service in terms of what type of calls each dispatcher handles. The process will split the dispatchers into two groups, one to answer police emergencies, and the other fire emergencies, according to Chief Schekel.

“We are looking for better dispatchers,” Chief Schekel said. “Most handling police calls, but when a fire is called in it is a different type of call. They need to know if they need to send an engine, pumper, or a ladder truck.”

While having dispatchers trained for certain calls might help the emergency responders, Tracy believes she is capable of answering any type of call.

“At Munster’s dispatch center we get everything,” Tracy said. “We transfer ambulance calls to Prompt, but we can handle all three types of calls. It is only hectic if it is a working fire and we have only one person working. That is when things can get a little crazy.”

A dispatcher’s handling of a fire call can prove critical especially if there was a fire here at the high school, according to Chief Schekel.

“If there was a fire at the high school the dispatcher needs to coordinate the trucks to the school,” Chief Schekel said. “They will be trained specifically for that type for situation. Overtime they should be able to more effectively handle the situation.”

The county will offer the current dispatchers to come back to the new center if they choose so. They will have to take a

Four Class Special

For $ 29 Expires in 30 days

5

BEFORE

AFTER

test as part of reapplying.

“The dispatchers have to reapply,” Chief Schekel said. “Just because you are one in Munster does not mean you will get it (position). They will be put through a basic aptitude test.”

Tracy believes that experienced dispatchers have nothing to worry about when taking this test.

“We will have to go through dispatcher testing which is basically like a multitasking test,” Tracy said. “Experienced dispatchers should have no problem going through this test.”

Although the initial effects of the consolidation process are unknown, Jason believes the new technology will help in the long run.

“It is going to be a new experience,” Jason said. “Sure at first it may be horrible, but it will take time to iron out all of the kinks and run smoothly.”

DRIVERS EDUCATION !!

It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!

Certified Driving School

Graphic illustration by Alisa Muñoz

BEFORE Individual community dispatcher centers will handle call within the community.

AFTER The main center will contain back-up generators in case of a natural disaster. All emergency calls will be received by the Main Center. The East Chicago Center backs up the Main Center. source: Chief of Police Steven Schekel

Follow us on Twitter at: @MHS Crier

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INFOCUS Crier / April 4, 2014

Identical genes Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor For Gianna Fotopoulos, junior, getting dressed each morning does not prove a simple task. It is, instead, a 15-20 minute process of finding the perfect outfit.

“I’m really into fashion,” Gianna said. “I like dressing cute, and looking nice makes me feel good at school.”

While a 2013 study by the University of Nevada, Reno College of Education found that school uniforms cause decreases in gang involvement and bullying, and increases in safety and self-esteem, Gianna dislikes the idea of uniforms and believes that they hinder students’ ability to express individuality.

“We’re a public school and I think it wouldn’t be right to have uniforms,” Gianna said. “Since it’s a public school, you should be able to show your own sense of style.”

Mrs. Denise Moore, Dean of Students, strongly disagrees with those who think uniforms do not allow students to express themselves.

“When students say that uniforms prevent indi-

Student, teacher discuss the issues, advantages that may rise if schools implement uniforms

viduality, I think that’s completely ridiculous,” Mrs. es does not affect their true behaviors.

Moore said. “You completely can make your own “Just because you are forced to dress a certain way, choices for the entire rest of the day or when you are its not going to change what you do or who you’re not in school.” involved with outside of school,” Trey said.

Mrs. Moore formerly taught at Scott Middle School While Trey disagrees with the idea of uniforms, he in Hammond where administration does see the possible advantages. implemented a policy of uniformity “It (uniforms) could sometimes be Class unified of color, requiring students to wear nice because you don’t have to spend Schools differ with uniform that much time finding clothes,” Trey certain colors and styles, but not necpolicy throughout the years said. “Its less of a chore and people essarily buy the same clothing.

The policy proved necessary at Scott don’t make fun of what you’re wear2007-2008 Middle School due to the school’s coning.” ditions at the time, according to Mrs. Although uniforms may have 2005-2006 Moore. proved useful at Scott Middle School, “There was a gang population and they might not benefit every school, 2009-2010 there was intimidation of other stuaccording to Mrs. Moore. dents, ”Mrs. Moore said, “and not source: National Center for “We don’t really have very many Educational Statistics that clothing has any effect on educaproblems here when it comes to dress tion, but some students dressing incode, and gangs were a much larger appropriately distracted other students.” problem when I taught at Hammond,”Mrs. Moore Contrary to Mrs. Moore’s idea that uniforms can said. “I am definitely an advocate for uniforms at improve the school environment, Trey DeLuna, soph- certain schools, but I don’t think uniforms are necesomore, believes that controlling students’ appearanc- sary here at Munster.”

17.5% 13.8% 18.9%

READY FOR THE RUNWAY

Currently in the top seven of Mario Triococi’s Make Me a Model contest, Julia Swibe, sophomore, hopes she gains a chance to sign with agents, photographers and designers that attend the runway finals walk “It’s hard to become a model, since a lot of people think I’m not tall enough to make it.” Julia said. “That’s why I entered this contest. The After accumulating more than 4,049 votes Make Me a Model contest is to prove that modelsince March 17, Julia Swibes, sophomore, cur- ing talent exist outside of New York and Califorrently holds the number one spot in Mario Trico- nia. Plus it doesn’t have a height limit.” ci’s Make Me a Model contest Semi-Finals.

Before the contest, Julia has participated in “There were about 500 people who entered the several smaller modeling jobs in or around the contest with me,” Julia said. “Now I’m currently Chicagoland area. in the Top Seven.”

“My first job was for a designer who was my Voting for the contest ends April 11, at which cousin’s college roommate. It was for Shelby point the Top Five finalists will walk down a Steiner’s lookbook in 2012,” Julia said. “I was runway at a major fashion show May 16. paid $200 for the job and I just fell in love with “It was amazing to be anit.” nounced for the Top Seven,” Julia has also particJulia said. ipated in photo shoots It’s hard to become a model, since a Despite her position in for brand names such lot of people think I’m not tall enough to the Top Seven, Julia believes as Macy’s and a few Chimake it. That’s why I entered this contest. she still has a lot to learn cago based designers, The Make Me a Model contest is to prove about the complex modelbut claims her modeling that modeling talent exist outside of New ing industry and its various dreams stems from her York and California.” practices. mother’s job in the fash-Julia Swibes, sophomore “Since I’ve made it to ion industry. the Top Seven, I get to par“My mom’s a fashion ticipate in a five week modeling camp to get a representative for children’s fashion,” Julia said. better understanding of the modeling world,” “I did a few photo shoots for my mom’s friends Julia said. “If I get into the Top Five then I partic- and I just thought it (modeling) would be cool. A ipate in a real runway show that a lot of agents, lot of people said I had potential. Then a designphotographers and designers will attend. I hope er told me about the Make Me a Model contest, that while I’m there one of them will sign me. but I forgot about it until I got the information I’m really trying to put my name out there. The from my mom.” winner of the contest will be announced after the In order to increase her chances of making it runway.” to the top five, Julia has enlisted her friends and Working as a model continues to put pressures family to help spread the word about her modelon Julia’s life. ing competition via social media.

“There are so many people who have the same “The voting is open to anyone,” Julia said. abilities as me,” Julia said. “I have to learn how “My family and a lot of my friends are sharing to take on the pressure, adapt to the long days, the link and encouraging everyone to vote for travel, and get used to my height. I still have a me and I couldn’t be more thankful.” lot to work on.”

Julia uses this competition to help her work on Julia intends to enter a career in modeling, how to present herself in a professional way. focusing primarily on runway looks and cata“Getting your hair and makeup done, then logue shoots as The Girl Next Door for high end seeing the finished product after several long brands, despite her height. hours makes me proud,” Julia said.

Max Baker News Editor

“

High-rate models The pay rate of the world’s highest paid female and male models of 2013 differ

MALES Sean 0’Pry

David Gandy

$1.5M

$1.4M

Photo courtesy of modelsforadaychicago.com

PICTURE PERFECT After announcing the semi-finalist for Mario Tricoci’s Make Me a Model contest, Julia Swibes, sophomore, posed for her first photo shoot in front of famous photographer, Matt Ferguson. “I haven’t worked with a photographer that is well known and it was very cool,” Julia said.

Simon Nessman

FEMALES Gisele Bundchen

Miranda Kerr

Adriana Lima

$1.1M

$42M

$7.2M

$6M

source: forbes.com

INFOCUS Crier / April 4, 2014

STACKED

7

DECK

After Netflix released the second season of “House of Cards” Feb 14, viewers can enjoy 13 episodes of betrayal, power and romance, along with brilliant performances from Kevin Spacey, Kate Mara

photo courtesy of Netflix

William Hatczel Sports Editor

N

etflix viewers looking for a new show to spend hours of their time on need to check out “House of Cards.” This thrilling political drama based on a novel written by Lord Dobbs can only be found on Netflix.

The show is centered on Francis Underwood, who is played by Kevin Spacey and his rise to power in the United States government. Frank, the name Francis mostly goes by, is promised to become Secretary of State if Democratic nominee Garret Walker wins the presidency. Although Walker wins, he changes his mind about giving the position to Frank. Frank then makes it his duty to avenge this betrayal while looking to rise to greater power.

Although Spacey may not be the most popular actor out there today, he sure has made a name for himself in this series.

Spacey’s one on one dialogue with the audience is one of many interesting aspects of his acting. During some of the biggest scenes in the entire series, Spacey will abruptly turn towards you and express his plan of action or his on the situation or person he is dealing. Despite getting to know more about Frank’s overall plan, the audience will never fully understand all of Frank’s motives and plans.

Kate Mara, who plays Zoe Barnes, also

adds to the thrilling aspect of the show.

Zoe is a newbie journalist working at the Washington Herold. Despite her lack of experience, she looks for juicy stories while annoying her Editor-in-Chief. Zoe finally gets her chance when she comes across Underwood. Underwood uses her to undermine his political opponents while Zoe uses him to report the big stories. Their apparent professional relationship eventually turns into a romantic one.

As viewers near the end of season one, the storyline takes a dramatic turn when Congressman Peter Russo who Frank tried to help become governor of Pennsylvania is found dead in the passenger seat of his car. Although it looked like an apparent suicide, Zoe and some of her fellow journalists doubt it. The rest of season one turns into a game of cat and mouse, putting the journalists against Frank. Frank tries to cover up his trail of suspicion while Zoe and her friends look to uncover Frank’s secrecy.

Anyone looking to get into the series needs not to worry about it being classified as a political drama. While bits and pieces of the story get a little confusing since most of us do not know how to run Congress, the dramatic turn of events that happen near the end of each of the two seasons will keep up interest. Viewers may think they know what will happen next, but they will more than likely be wrong and look

astounded when they watch the actual results.

The average run time of each episode averages around 50 minutes. Viewers should be Rewinding time able to see and understand Comcast recently made a deal allowing every event that occurs in consumers to use Netflix from their program that particular episode, 1997 but will find themselves Read Hastings and Marc still lost due to the fact that 1999 Randolph co-founded they seem to rush through Netflix, offering online Netflix offers monthly too many different scenarmovie rentals subscriptions service ios that need a longer time to resolve.

Netflix viewers still hun2002 gover on “Breaking Bad” Netflix has 857,000 and “The Walking Dead” members by the end of 2004 can relate to “House of the year Netflix has 2,610,000 members by the end of Cards.” “House of Cards” 2006 year may not be filled with acNetflix releases 100 tion packed events with million anonymous movie blood and guts, but viewratings ranging from 2008 ers will find themselves one to five stars Netflix is available to emotionally attached to stream on: Xbox 360, Bluthe characters like they 2012 ray disc players, TV setwere in both “Breaking Netflix wins first top boxes, and the Apple Bad” and “The Walking Primetime Emmy Macintosh Computer Dead.” After earning the Engineering Award first major acting award for an online television series at the Golden Globes source: netflix.com last December, this show has proved to be groundbreaking. “House of Cards” is a must see for all Netflix viewers.

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INFOCUS

INFOCUS

Crier / April 4, 2014

Crier / April 4, 2014

TAKING A DETOUR

photos by Alisa Muñoz

IN TRAFFIC Students experience difficulties trying to drive into the parking lot before school, as well as, trying to enter out of the parking lot after school.

Traffic grows mostly around Ridge Road, Columbia and Calumet, according to localconditions.com.

With Spring setting in, student discuss the difficulties they underwent during the winter with snow pile up, parking spots lost, traffic that hindered students from and to school There are a total of four official student parking lots that the school posses. However, students still park in unofficial parking lots within the community park due to snow accumulation and when their spots are taken by someone else COMMUNITY POOL LOT

112

spots NORTH LOT

66

spots NORTHWEST LOT

111

spots SOUTH LOT

spots

271

“

TOTAL AVAILABLE STUDENT SPOTS

560

spots

Unofficial student parking Although not official school designated parking locations, students found themselves parking there due to snow covering their assigned spots. Students were also instructed to park in the lot by the softball fields while the North Lot was under construction.

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Myth or fact?

Students must walk around to the main entrance to enter the building if arriving to school late.

Myth or fact?

T

his frigid winter and over 70 inches of snow forced Brian Banach, junior, to bring his own salt to school.

“I park in the pool parking lot and they don’t do an incredible job of plowing so you can’t see my numbers so there just came a point where I was going to salt my parking spot,” Brian said. “It’s just convenient and it has become a useful tool.”

Like Brian, Ben Mecyssine, senior, experienced troubles this winter. The large amounts of snow deposits take up student spots, which results in a lack of parking spots.

“I understand that they have to put the snow somewhere, but not on our spots,” Ben said.

Although Ben has an assigned parking spot, he has no specific spot. He parks in the started area. If Ben did not arrive at school before others, it would result in him being tardy for his first period class due to the snow tra spots,” T.J. said. piles.

In addition, Dean Mr. William Melby, has no plans to “The traffic in the morning is especially unbearable, changing the lottery system due to the fact that he feels it takes a long time to move from the pool to the south that the lottery system remains the fairest way to decide lot,” Ben said. on parking spots.

The traffic after school also proves challenging, due “Most of our kids seem to be good drivers,” Mr. Melby to student-drivers not following the no left turn policy, said. when exiting by the community pool parking lot.

Mr. Melby periodically drives around the parking lot to “People still take left turns and it slows down traffic, help relieve and direct traffic in the mornings. Mr. Melby if there was somebody there, it would believes that students have a misbe dandy,” Ben said. conception that they can park in the Exiting the parking lot onto Columfront of the school if they arrive late bia, proves difficult as well, according I think the traffic after school is to school. to T.J. Weiss, junior.

“The biggest issue we have this inefficient because it takes 15-20 “I think the traffic after school is inefyear was the big piles of snow and minutes to get out.” ficient because it takes 15-20 minutes to our kids handled that pretty well and -T.J. Wiess, junior get out,” T.J. said. the school opened up another parkIn addition to the traffic stressing T.J. ing lot,” Mr. Melby said. out, he has additional stress from his parking neighbors The north parking lot across from the pool remained off due to them parking close to his spot. limits to students until construction ended. This construcAlthough T.J. feels stressed from the traffic and driv- tion limited the parking spots, in addition to the workers ers, T.J. feels that the lottery system has fairness to the taking student spots. The snow prevented students from parking lot allotment more so than the first come first parking in the designated spots as well. serve system that the school previously held.

“I’m just glad that we are going to start next year with a “I think it does because it lets the seniors know that full parking lot,” Mr. Melby said. they will have a spot since they have been waiting for While Sidney Milne, freshmen, does not have to worry so long and the juniors can have a spot if they have ex- about driving to school, she finds the fact that student-pe-

Myth vs. Fact

FACT: Although students could previously buzz-in and enter through doors H, J or O, due to security measures, students must enter through door A and only door A when arriving late.

Vrusha Patel Business Manager

A lot of lots

9

Because it is private property, the school cannot search one’s vehicle MYTH: Due to an agreement signed upon registering for the parking spot, the school possess the right to search one’s vehicle with reasonable suspicion. In addition, there have been many Supreme Court cases that gives the school the right to search nearly anything on school property with reasonable suspicion. destrians, as well as drivers, lack of attention frustrating.

Crunch...The back of car that Sidney sat and waited to go home at after school was hit, no damage was done to the car.

“I wish that people would pay more attention so that it reduces the likelihood of an accident,” Sidney said.

Officer Joseph Pacheco, in-school officer, only receives two to three accident reports each month. When an accident occurs funneling the traffic flow, Officer Pacheco hopes bystanders move out of the way.

“I would prefer they move out of the way for their safety, there are cameras we can check on. We ask all involved each side of the story and the damage. Usually it helps piece together what happened,” Officer Pacheco.

In his years of working as an in-school officer, he has only has had one pedestrian related accident.

“Overall, most people follow the rules, I wish everyone would,” Officer Pacheco said.

Although accidents do no occur on a regular basis, new high definition cameras allow for clearer images. These new cameras were installed over the summer; however, in the south parking lot, a solar panel was added to one of the cameras.

“New cameras that are in the parking lot are solar powered,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “They allow for a wider angle and the ability to see more vehicles in the parking lot.”

Myth or fact?

Students can face punishment for parking in an unassigned spot or in the main parking lot.

FACT: For the first offense, student can receive a detention. For future offenses, students can face suspension and possible loss of parking privileges.

Myth or fact?

Students who drive must exit through the main door, door A, when leaving school early with a pass.

MYTH: Students are allowed to exit the door closest to their parking spot without checking in with Student Services if they have a pass.

source: Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal

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LIFESTYLES

Crier /April 4, 2014

SUNDAE BEST

Yesterday marked the first documented creation of the ice cream sundae in 1892 in Ithaca, NY. It has since changed in many ways, but remains a cherished American treat.

TOPPINGS

CHAINS

The classic toppings of chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry evolved into a variety of different toppings served at local ice cream shops

2012 survey revealed America’s favorite ice cream chains

mochi cereal (fruity pebbles) organic granola carob chips popping boba almonds gummy bears fresh fruit

brownies butterfingers cheesecake bites chocolate chips chocolate covered pretzels cocoa pebbles coconut flakes M&Ms

HALF PRICE

2. Cold Stone Creamery

While vanilla ice cream serves as the traditional ice cream lover’s choice for sundaes, vanilla frozen yogurt grows in popularity as an alternative

3. Culver’s

Vanilla ice cream

4. Haagen-Dazs

Known for frozen custard with varying flavor of the day

Vanilla frozen yogurt

Nutrition Facts Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1/2 cup (72 g) Serving Size: 1/2 cup (72 g)

Refer a Friend, Get Your Up-Do at

Known for serving creative flavors with unique names

Known for making ice cream fresh in their stores daily

ICE CREAM

photo illustration by Gabrielle Dore

1. Ben and Jerry’s

Amount Per Serving Calories 145 Calories from Fat 71 % Daily Value Total Fat 7.9g 12% 11% Cholesterol 32mg Sodium 58mg 2% Total Carbohydrate 17g 6% Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2% Sugars 15.3g Protein 2.5g

Amount Per Serving Calories from Fat 36 Calories 117 % Daily Value 6% Total Fat 4g Cholesterol 1mg 0% Sodium 63mg 3% Total Carbohydrate 17.4g 6% Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 17.3g Protein 2.9g

Vitamin A

6% • Vitamin C

1%

Vitamin A

Calcium

9% • Iron

0%

Calcium

3% • Vitamin C 10% • Iron

source: www.caloriecount.com

Please support the advertisers

1% 1%

Known for natural ingredients that differ by location

5. Baskin Robbins Known for “31 flavors” slogan, allowing customers new flavors for each day of the month

6. Dairy Queen Known for signature Blizzard and Orange Julius source: www.marketforce.com

LIFESTYLES Crier / April 4, 2014

I

REVIEW

DAGGERS

With theater opening of “Divergent” March 21, review of movie reveals poor acting, underdeveloped plot and overly dramatic action sequences

photo by Gabrielle Dore

Calumet Bakery

Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of Tris failed to capture any sort of character the Everywhere people went, posters, screen writers intended and failed to inbooks, clothing and movies bombarded voke the presence of Veronica Roth’s verthe consumer with pictures of the Mock- sion of the character. Woodley’s dull facial ingjay, Katniss Everdeen. Now, two years expressions, which were devoid of anylater, from the ashes of the (still breathing) thing that anyone could possibly consider Mockingjay, a new heroine emerges in all an emotion, coupled with her annoyingly breathy voice made her character as deep her dull, lifeless glory.

“Divergent,” one of what seems like a as a shallow grave down by the river.

However, Woodley’s dedication and the million book-to-movie adaptations Hollywood producers have spawned, attacked training she put into her attempt at becomthe viewer with images of horribly elab- ing Tris Prior was definitely admirable. orate fight scenes, death-defying stunts Despite her efforts, watching Woodley’s and the gorgeous Theo James. The film performance takes as much toll on the consuccessfully captured the interest of sev- sumer as it did on her body.

One of the bigger contributing factors to eral fans who have grown tired of Katniss the success of “Divergent” lies in the male Everdeen.

“Divergent” itself continued to bom- lead. Theo James played the love interest bard the audience with several visually Four, a character who could only brood, appealing scenes of a war-ravaged Chica- put down the heroine and look like an Abgo, which kept the viewer somewhat en- ercrombie & Fitch model who got fired for tertained. The impressive CGI (computer excessive body ink. Theo James perfectly generated images) could not hide the thin- captured those three traits in his attempt ly veiled, confusing plot holes that were at acting, while adding a new dimension practically shoved in the audience’s faces. to the character.

As Four, James brought a somewhat The film attempts to shroud a boring, almost invisible plot line with unneces- rigid performance to the silver screen that sary scenes of psychological torture and made several ticket holders cringe on sight. physical abuse. Throughout the movie, it Hollywood cannot seem to wrap their minds around the appeared as if the profact that just because ducers, director, writ- Opening up someone looks pretty, ers and anyone else in the credits thought Box office statistics reveal success of does not mean he can act. James’s only real that several scenes of “Divergent” on opening weekend talents in this movie pure action followed were walking and takby a lukewarm love Opening night: March 21, 2014 ing of his shirt for little scene with our heroto no reason. ine and her shirtless Opening weekend ranking: #1 Shirtless movie stars love interest would “Divergent” be enough to cover Opening weekend earnings: $54,607,747 aside, committed a cardinal up the fact that no sin in the media world: plot actually existed source: www.boxofficemojo.com it made the viewer feel for the first hour. This stupid. The script talkperfectly mimics that book itself, which had essentially no plot ed down to even the most intelligent moviegoer. Barely a half hour into the film, the until page 400.

Unlike the myriad of people who chose viewer could already deduce and correctto read the book, the audience members ly predict the next scene, while the actors who viewed this movie chose not to hurl simultaneously explain what the viewers had already discovered twenty minutes this movie at the nearest wall.

Most of the film dedicates itself to our ago. While this unfortunate effect causes heroine, Tris Prior, who is training to en- the viewer to feel smarter then Sherlock ter her newly chosen faction, only for the Holmes, it does nothing for the actual stotwist ending to completely discredit her ryline or the reception of the film.

In any book-to-movie adaptation, changefforts. Naturally, her training occasionally took a back seat while she swooned un- es must be made in order to fit into their controllably over her mentor/mandatory time slot. “Divergent” did a fantastic job at love interest, Four. Apparently 100 years in staying true to the book, despite a few mithe future, Americans have either run out nor tweaks and character omissions. of names and must start numbering their Max Baker children or have become too lazy to think News Editor of something clever.

n 2012, “The Hunger Games” swept over America like the new plague.

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LIFESTYLES Crier / April 4, 2014

THE MISSING PIECE With April marking observance of National Autism Awareness Month, junior Nick Redman’s family discusses struggles, joys, unique experiences due to having family member with autism

“Graduating eighth grade was a huge thing,” Mrs. Redman said. “I cried. There are some kids with autism who may not even be able to do that.”

“Maybe on the way home we will run into Although difficulties come from having some trains!” a child with autism, Nick possesses a great Although many would not think twice Nick received an official diagnosis at personality and sense of humor, according about this statement, a typical response from an autistic individual might sound the age of four, but his mother knew to Mrs. Redman.

“He’s so easy to please, he’s so happy, something like, “Oh no! That is so danger- since he was about 18 months old that he and he’s so funny, sometimes without even had autism. ous!”

“I knew going into that appointment trying,” Mrs. Redman said. “He’s very “It (autism) is a disorder where a person has the inability to communicate in the at age four he had autism,” Mrs. Redman likeable. He’s got an intoxicating laugh same way that everyone else does,” Mrs. said. “He did not start walking until 18 that just sucks you in.”

Nick’s easygoing personality contribTammy Redman, mother of Nick Redman, months; everything was delayed with utes to his ability to relate to younger chiljunior, said. “They don’t know how to just him.”

Even though she knew Nick had autism dren. Because of his autism, he still holds ask for what they want.”

Those with autism struggle with social- before going into the appointment, hear- onto some of the more childlike tendencies, according to izing and social cues, along with abstract ing it from the doctor Mrs. Redman. concepts in language. Autism is often as- proved painful.

“As a parent you “Receiving that disociated with a puzzle piece, because its Sometimes people ask me, if you never want to give agnosis is devastatcause remains a mystery. could take a pill and make Nick up the child thing, “However you say it, that’s the way they ing to a parent,” Mrs. ‘normal,’ whatever normal is, would and with him you Redman said. “You take it,” Mrs. Redman said. “Very literal.” you? No. Never. That’s Nick. If he don’t always have Mrs. Redman’s son Nick has autism. feel like it’s a death didn’t have autism, that wouldn’t to,” Mrs. Redman Nick’s autism falls into the Aspergers cat- sentence.”

The diagnosis hit egory. Aspergers is regarded as a highbe Nick. It’s a part of him and I said.

Although Mrs. er functioning form of autism; however, hard; Mrs. Redman wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Redman enjoys it still carries the typical characteristics struggled with copyounger ing with the news of autism.

-Mrs. Tammy Redman Nick’s side, she also enjoys “I think the misconception is that they at first. watching him grow “There’s a lot of can’t learn,” Mrs. Redman said. “That’s clearly not the case. He does have feel- stress because there’s a lot of unknown,” and mature.

“Last year he went to a basketball game ings, he can understand feelings, and he Mrs. Redman said. “It’s a big pill to swaland made me leave,” Mrs. Redman said. low.” can learn.”

Coping with the diagnosis included “Mom doesn’t have to be there anymore.

The autism spectrum covers many different variations of autism, according to learning the extent of what Nick could and He still has the child thing, but seeing him grow up in that way is cool.”

Best Buddies Sponsor Mr. Brent Barton, could not do.

Having a family member with autism “The frustrating part is as a parent you math teacher.

“Autism is different with every single have to learn his shortcomings and deal taught patience to the entire family, acstudent who has it,” Mr. Barton said. “I’ve with it,” Mrs. Redman said. “That was re- cording to Tony Redman, freshman.

“You have to learn to be patient, but I been teaching 22 years, and I’ve taught 30 ally hard initially.”

However, Nick continues to make ac- think I’ve gotten better at being patient,” to 40 autistic students, and every one is difcomplishments. Many are small, but of Tony said. ferent.”

Although learning patience helps, it can Not only do autistic students vary in his accomplishments, eighth grade gradseverity of the disorder, but also in intel- uation posed as one of the biggest in his prove difficult to maintain, according to Mrs. Redman. ligence levels. Some autistic students per- mother’s eyes.

“Patience is something that you have to learn,” Mrs. Redman said. “It goes in spurts. Some days you can accept he’s said something 100 times, but others you’re like, ‘it has to stop.’”

In Nick’s happiness at even the smallest things, Nick has taught his family an invaluable lesson about the importance of appreciation.

“He taught me that big things in life don’t matter, it’s the small things,” Mrs. Redman said.

Although autism has created obstacles for the family, Mrs. Redman considers them an integral part of Nick’s personality.

“Sometimes people ask me, if you could take a pill and make Nick ‘normal,’ whatever normal is, would you?” Mrs. Redman said. photo by Alisa Muñoz “No. Never. That’s Nick. If MONKEY BUSINESS Acting as a monkey, Nick Redman, junior, makes a face as he poses for the camera. Mrs. Tammy Redman, he didn’t have autism, that Nick’s mother feels gratitude to the school for their accommodation of Nick’s autism and better awareness for the disorder. “They wouldn’t be Nick. It’s a part were very welcoming; they put services in place right away. We were on the same page always with what was best for him,” Mrs. of him and I wouldn’t have Redman said. “You guys have a better knowledge now. Autism wasn’t even a word when I was in school.” it any other way.”

Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

form at amazingly high levels, according to Mr. Barton.

“You have students with autism who are academically brilliant and some who struggle with academics,” Mr. Barton said.

“

Promoting awareness Statistics reveal funding, prevalence, costs of autism in America

1in68

Number of children in the United States affected by autism in 2010

1in88

Number of children in the United States affected by autism in 2008

2million Number of people (adults and children) affected by autism in the United States

2to3

Average age when children are diagnosed with autism in the United States

$60 thousand Average amount per year autism costs a family with one member with autism Less than

5%

Amount of research funding Autism receives compared to less prevalent childhood disorders

5times

Likeliness of boys being affected by autism when compared to girls

10fold

Autism’s increase in prevalence over the past 40 years

source: www.autismspeaks.org

Sports Crier / April 4, 2014

13

photo by Alisa Muñoz

KEEPING STRAIGHT (above) Practicing their hurdle technique, Casey Boelt, junior, and Kaila Crague, sophomore, look to use the proper form when jumping over the hurdle. “You have to make sure your leg is straight and that it doesn’t catch a hurdle,” Boelt said. STAYING SAFE (right) Working on the Johnson technique at practice, Clay Arnold, sophomore, only practices the first part of the vault for safety reasons. “We do this to help us stay in control,” Arnold said. “We practice just the beginning of the vault, but someone is behind to make sure we do not hurt ourselves.”

JUMPING RIGHT IN

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

Boys’ Track prepares for upcoming season while overcoming loss of seniors; Girls’ Track looks forward to their new season while hoping to achieve their goals Jordan Cockrum der for this we have to work together Managing Editor and cheer each other on.”

Barraza remains optimistic for the season.

She enjoys how Track and The Girls’ Track team prepares to Field makes her feel included, and the compete against Valparaiso in their ability to meet new people along with meet next Thursday. compete against other schools.

This will serve as the first outdoor “I’m not only excited about meetmeet of the season. In order to ensure a ing new people but also competition win at this meet, the girls have to work against other schools and being able hard at practice in order to aid them in to have a goal set for myself and the preparing for the meet. team towards Munster High School,” “We will have to continue to push Barraza said. ourselves at practice to be conditioned Barraza joined track on a whim; enough to put up a good fight and however, the effects she feels from win,” Brittany Barajas, junior, said. track on her life have led her to decide The team possesses strong athletes that she would like to pursue Track in each different area, Barajas hopes and Field throughout the rest of her this will help pull the team towards a high school career. winning season.

“I wanted to try something new,” “I think that we have a strong team Barraza said. “At first I thought it was this year,” Barajas said. “Every area easy, but it takes a lot of hard work and seems to have solid athletes in and ulcommitment.

This is something which timately, a strong team wins champiI would like to continue for the rest of onships, not one or two studs.” my high school experience.”

The amount of talent the team holds this year is in part due to the influx of new members, according to Barajas.

Vrusha Patel “This year we seem to have a lot Boys’ Track Business Manager more new girls coming out to join the team,” Barajas said. “It’s always stellar to see new faces and to see what they The Boys’ Track team will compete bring to the table.”

The team does not only focus on against Portage next week for their this upcoming meet; they also look first outdoor meet of this season.

“We are starting the season with forward to the rest of the season and remaining one of the top teams in the a bang,” Coach Johnathan Stamper, state, according to Kassandra Barraza, WWMS teacher, said.

Portage stands out as a powerhouse junior.

“We have the commitment and want and tough competition, according to to set the same goal,” Barraza said. Mr. Stamper.

“The two biggest areas that I would “The goal of becoming one of the best track teams of the high schools. In or- like to improve on are throws and

Girls’ Track

jumps,” Mr. Stamper said. “Those were a lot of areas we lost points at conference and sectionals.”

Last year the team lost to Hobart in their conference and, Gary West Side in the field portion of the competition, according to Mr. Stamper.

“Kids have to want to do them no one really had the desire to do the high jump,” Mr. Stamper said.

“We have kids who are Running ahead jumpers and who want Track teams prepare for upcoming meets to be jumpers instead of Girls trying to make them out of necessity.”

April 10 At Valparaiso High School The team find themApril 15 At Kankakee Valley High School selves with more underclassmen due to the large April 19 At Chesterton High School amount of senior gradu- April 22 Munster High School ates, according to Calvin April 26 At Penn High School Sanders, senior.

“Fewer seniors creates April 30 Highland High School a more comfortable enBoys vironment for the underApril 8 At Portage High School classmen because they April 12 get a chance to run the At Lake Central High School different events and get April 15 At Kankakee Valley High School to play a bigger role and if we have more seniors April 19 At Chesterton High School they would be taking up April 22 At Munster High School some of those roles which April 29 At Highland High School allows them to step up a little bit,” Sanders said.

Sanders sees that this year will involve strengthening the underclassmen and insuring that everyone remains comfortable.

“We have a strong underclass that are working hard, they are showing that they run fast, jump far, depending on their event, so we have a team that can beat Portage,” Sanders said.

14 NEW COACH NEW TEAM NEW YEAR SPORTS

Crier / April 4, 2014

Girls’ Tennis prepares for upcoming season along with adjusting to their new coach, players Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor

have a pretty strong coaching staff,” Coach Spohr said.

Under new coaching, Heiniger not only looks forAfter ending last season with a 15-4 ward to big changes for the team, but a record, a first place finish at Regionals also a fun season. and three graduating seniors, Girls’ “Our last coach wasn’t bad, but I’m Varsity tennis looks to start a new sea- excited,” Heiniger said. “He (Coach son, with new players, a new team dy- Spohr) seems like a really nice guy and namic and a new coach.

I think this season will “There are some be a lot of fun.”

New boss changes this season A new coach can benCoach Patrick Spohr, when it comes to players efit the team by offering WWMS teacher, discusses and the team, but I think a fresh perspective and his tennis career the biggest way that this new method of coachseason is going to be dif- Have you coached before? ing, according to Anisha ferent than last season is “I have been the assistant varsity Vavilala, sophomore. our new coach,” Nikki tennis coach for the Munster “Every coach has his Boys’ tennis program for two Heiniger, junior, said. own coaching style and years.”

Mr. Patrick Spohr, brings different things to WWMS teacher, serves Did you play in high school? the team,” Vavilala said. as the new coach of “Yes, I lettered as a freshman “This can hopefully take and played number one singles Girls’ Tennis. us far this season.”

“So far, I’ve received for three consecutive years.”

In addition to bringa welcome invitation Did you win any awards ing in a new coaching from the team and the throughout your career? style, Coach Spohr has Munster tennis commu- “I obtained the MVP award for brought a high level of nity,” Coach Spohr said. three years in a row.” dedication to the team, “I really haven’t gotten according to Vavilala. any negative feedback at Why did you become a “We have a new coach? all.” coach, but that’s always Coach Spohr has four “I became a coach because I a big change.” Vavilala like to be involved in sports. Also, years of high school varsaid. “He seems really I enjoy watching players’ skills sity tennis experience develop and get better as they dedicated and he’s put a and served as assistant get older.” lot of time into the team boys’ tennis coach for before the season has two years. even started.”

“When you combine my experience Although this is his first season with that of Coach Cafemeyer (Girls’ coaching Girls’ Tennis, Coach Spohr tennis assistant coach) and Coach Lo- has high expectations for the team. pez (Boys’ tennis coach), I think we “I would like to first win Confer-

photo by Gabrielle Dore

GIVING BACK Enjoying the warm weather, Danica Obradovic, senior, returns a serve during practice. “It has been really cold and windy so we have all had to adjust our games in order to deal with the weather,” Obradovic said. “Just move your feet and position yourself properly. All else stems from there (when returning a serve).”

ence, second keep the 37 year Sectional streak going, advance to Regionals and then go as far as we can,” Coach Spohr said. “I do think we have the team that can excel and advance.”

A changing team dynamic will also affect the team’s season greatly, according to Heiniger.

“I still have a lot of really good friends on the team,” Heiniger said, “but there are going to be a lot of new people on the team and we’re not sure how everyone is going to get along.”

While the team faces many changes this season, one element still remains the same when compared to last season, according to Vavilala.

“It’s been a rough start because the

weather is awful and it was snowing on the courts during tryouts,” Vavilala said. “I know every school has to face the same thing, but it’s different for us because we haven’t been together as long.”

Despite a very different team from last year, Vavilala has no doubt that the team’s hard work will ultimately allow them to succeed throughout the entire season.

“I think everyone’s put in a lot of work during off season and during conditioning, so I think that’ll start to show during practices and when games start,” Vavilala said. “I’m looking forward to a great season with a lot of new girls.”

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Sports Crier / April 4, 2014

15

photo illustration by Casey Gouwens

WHAT IT TAKES TO PLAY

Different Spring sports require a variety of equipment, payment, skills in order for an athlete to play

Boys’ Track

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$85-100

No additional fees required

Track requires endurance, speed, power, flexibility, strength

The School provides: Hurdles Batons Discs Shot puts High jump mat

Athletes must provide: Shoes

Coach: Mr. Jonathan Stamper, WWMS teacher Upcoming Game: Tuesday at Portage High School at 4 p.m.

The fee covers the weight room, bus, utilities, equipment

Girls’ Track

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$85-100

No additional fees required

Track requires good attitude and specific skills for each of the 16 events

The School provides: All track and field equipment

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$281

No additional fees required

Baseball requires speed, strength, ability to hit, hitting power,and fielding

The School provides: Apparel

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$110

No additional fees required

Softball requires handeye coordination, the ability to throw, catch and hit a ball

The School provides: Softballs Pitching machine Tennis balls Different hitting tools Catcher’s equipment

Coach: Mr. Richard Sluder, social studies teacher

The fee covers shirt, team equipment, meet entry fees

Athletes must provide: Shoes

Upcoming Game: Thursday at Valparaiso High School at 4:30 p.m.

Baseball Coach: Mr. Robert Shinkan, math teacher Upcoming Game: T.H. South Invite today and tomorrow in Terre Haute, Ind.

Softball Coach: Mrs. Beth Thornberg, math teacher

The fee covers apparel, participation, and transportation

Athletes must provide: Bats Gloves Shoes

Athletes must provide: Glove Bat Catcher’s equipment if they want to provide their own

Upcoming Game: Tomorrow at home at 10 a.m.

The fee covers the athletic fee, transportation fee, purchasing a visor and helmet

Girls’ Tennis

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$185

No additional fees required

Tennis requires knowledge of game, hand-eye coordination, speed, power, strength, endurance, and overall

The School provides: Tennis balls

Start-up fee

Additional fees

Skills required

Equipment provided and required

$200

No additional fees required

Golf requires hand-eye coordination, flexibility, mental toughness, integrity, strength and overall conditioning

The School provides: Golf course to practice and play on

Coach: Mr. Patrick Spohr, WWMS teacher Upcoming Game: April 16 at Crown Point High School at 4 p.m.

Boys’ Golf Coach: Mr. Bill Smitka, social studies teacher Upcoming Game: April 15 at Forest Park Course at 4 p.m.

The fee covers apparel, participation, transportation

The fee covers apparel, equipment, balls, transportation, and cost to play at different golf courses

Athletes must provide: Shoes Tennis racket

Athletes must provide: Shoes Clubs

16

SPORTS Crier / April 4, 2014

Great expectations Varsity Softball starts off the season by playing rivals; looks to improve team chemistry while seniors try to fill in the shoes of former players Vrusha Patel Business Manager Last year, the Softball team lost against Portage 2-1 at regionals and they will play against Portage tomorrow, according to Taylor Kotzo, junior.

Although they lost in Regionals to Portage, they won their Conference for the first time in five years.

“Since last year we won conference and sectional the expectations are high,” Kotzo said.

Kotzo attributes the success of the team to the cooperation, talent, and experience.

“Last year we had such a good season is because we jelled together really well and it will carry over to this season,” Kotzo said.

Since the team did not have many seniors graduate this season, it will lead to a season that will go further than last year, according to Kotzo.

“We have a really good offense this year and a really good defensive behind our pitcher this year,” Kotzo said.

Pitcher, Cathy Lebryk, senior, feels the pressure to fill in

shoes of Carly Murphy, ‘13, and to meet the teams’ expectations. Lebryk practices at least four times a week, with the team or on own.

“I set up a cage in my garage to practice hitting, we pitch four times a week at practice and if I don’t pitch at practice, I will pitch with my dad,” Lebryk said.

Coach Beth Thornburg, math teacher, goes to the basics to build onto the skills to win, according to Lebryk.

“Coach always emphasizes on quality over quantity,” Lebryk said.

In addition to going back to the fundamentals at practice, Coach Thornburg encourages the athletes to push themselves constantly.

“This year we are taking it one game at a time and we have more confidence in the players to do their parts,” Lebryk said. “We have learned from our mistakes from last year.”

The team lost to Lake Central, ranked first in the state, 2-1 Tuesday, even though the team did not rank at all, according to Cathy.

“I think we showed the area that we are a lot stronger than we are ranked,” Cathy said.

Measuring the field Measurements of high school baseball field Grass line 95 ft radius from front of pitching rubber

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photo illustration by Cesar Camacho

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Depth Chart First Base

#12 Michael Szumlas, junior

#20 David Hladek, senior

#8 Alex Coccia, senior

#14 Trevor Brooks, sophomore

Second Base #3 Tommy Decero, junior #14 Grant Rademacher, junior #19 Connor Manous, sophomore

Catcher

l Pitcher #14 Trevor Brooks, sophomore #18 Jacob Ahlf, senior #4 Mike Rivich, junior #24 Bret Miller, junior

Third Base

#5 Grant Rademacher, junior

#17 Brandon Tepper, senior

#19 Connor Manous, Sophomore

#1 Joe Bryant, junior #7 John Pitsas, senior

#11 Jesse Bruzan, senior #17 Brandon Tepper, senior

Shortstop

#16 Sam Bell, senior

#19 Connor Manous, sophomore

#10 Jonathon Azar, senior

#13 Alec Skalka, senior

n Outfield #2 Joe Jumonville, senior #9 Patrick Burke, junior #23 Alex Del Rio, senior #1 Joe Bryant, junior Sources: Coach Shinkan and Johnathan Azar

ANGEL ON

FIRST BASE

Varsity Baseball team plans to dedicate season to former first baseman who passed away last year

:1 27

ft.

Pitching mound: 18 ft. n

#21 Nick Fromm, junior

photo by Gabrielle Dore

WINDING UP Pitching against Lake central on Tuesday, Cathy Lebryk, senior, watches how she moves in order to throw a successful pitch. “The movement is foot positioning when pushing off the rubber,” Lebryk said.

Victoria Avina Associate Editor Varsity Baseball will walk into their first game of the season tomorrow at Terre Haute with a minor adjustment to their regular red and white uniforms.

Although not clearly visible, each player wears the initials of Ryan Yates, a former first baseman for the baseball team, stitched into their baseball caps. The initials serve as a reminder to who they will play for this season.

“We all know that we’re playing for him,” Alex Del Rio, senior, said. “Some players will write it in their gloves—his initials or number. But as a team as a whole, we just have it on our hats.”

They have two baseball caps that come with their team’s uniform. One of the baseball caps has Ryan’s number 15 on it, and the other, his initials.

“We just collaborated on ideas after he passed away on what we should do.

We just agreed as a team,” Del Rio said.

“Shinkan took the initiative and made our hats like that. We’re just going to play for him.”

While the team felt motivated during practices and games in past seasons, playing for Ryan proves as a stronger catalyst for motivation.

“It will definitely help us to play better, give us something to play for, something that means a lot to us,” Del Rio said. “I think that’s the motivation that we need to succeed.”

Although the players will not have the benefit of at least having one game under their belt at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, Del Rio still feels confident that they can win. His courage not only stems from the newly found motivation Ryan

brings, but because his team contains more experienced players than last year.

“We have a lot of returning guys from last year,” Del Rio said. “I think we have like eight guys going to play for college next year. We just have a great line up this year. I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

However, the team did not only lose a past player and a friend earlier this year; they also lost a future coach, according to Del Rio. “Ryan was supposed to help coach this year,” Del Rio said. “He would have definitely just brought us together. He’s a very personable guy, funny guy. He would have just helped us bond more as a team.

He was a great asset to our team last year.

He deserves us to play for him and play well obviously.”

Although Ryan cannot physically support the team by coaching, the memories that he left still helps the boys. Johnny Pitsas, senior notes that the players will continue to use Ryan as a source for motivation during games and practices throughout the whole season.

“We’re just always keeping him in the back of our heads whenever we need a little motivation or a little something else to keep us going to keep practicing,” Pitsas said. “We just think of Ryan and it keeps us going.”

In addition, the team plans to have Ryan Yates’ father throw the first pitch at their first home game next week, according to Del Rio. “I just think that’s a great way to remind people that the season is dedicated to Ryan,” Del Rio said. “I think that would mean a lot to his family to know that they are apart of the Munster Mustangs baseball team, and that they know that we show support for everything.”