munster high school Vol. 48 / Senior Edition / May 9, 2014 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321
crier photos by Gabrielle Dore, Lauren Koultourides, Alisa Muñoz
HERE’S to Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor
T
QUEEN BEE (left) The happiest moment of her high school experience occurred when she was crowned Prom queen, according to Elaina Etter, senior. “I think it’s just something that so many girls dream of that I never really thought that would me,” Elaina said. FEELING THE BURN (top) Seniors Johnny Pitsas, Casey Gouwens, Alex Del Rio and Brian King participated in the annual game of tug of war during the Homecoming Pep Rally. “All of us guys were talking trash to the teachers, saying that we would win, but we ended up losing and the teachers talked trash to us,” Johnny said. CLASS CELEBRATION (bottom) Last semester, Morgan Kaptur and Zaria Suggs, seniors, celebrates their last day of their World Literature class. “It was really sad because this was the first class we were really close in, but it was a lot of fun goofing off and celebrating the last day,” Mor-
With graduation around the corner, seniors reflect on final year of high school
GROWING UP
hrough the change to a seven period day, the class of 2014 prevailed. Through a principal switch, the class of 2014 prevailed. Through the tragic passing of two Munster students, the class of 2014 prevailed. After facing the trials and tribulations of not only senior year, but also four years of high school together, they now prepare to graduate. “There was a lot of change this year, and I think we handled it well,” Student Government President Eashan Kumar, senior, said. “The way we came together through it all, it kind of captures the class of 2014.” This unity among seniors serves as more than just a representation of the senior class. It also serves as a representation of a larger, school-wide goal, according to Niko Ingoglia, senior. “Being a senior, we’re the kids that people look up to, and now we’re being watched,” Niko said. “It’s different knowing that we as seniors are expected to set an example, and I think we’ve done our best bringing everyone
together.” school year, Niko has bittersweet feelWith six Munster teams including ings regarding his upcoming graduaDECA, Varsity Dance, Science Olympi- tion. ad, Speech, Robotics and TEAMS (for“Of course I want to graduate, but merly known as JETS), winning State I’ve grown very close to a lot of stutitles in the month of March alone, Mr. dents and teachers, and I’ve made so Mike Wells, principal, sees the effects many great friends,” Niko said. “It’s of students working together for a difficult to know that a lot of these peocommon goal. ple are going to different colleges and “We have a talented group of kids— are going to do different things with there’s no doubt about it, and the real- their lives, and I may never see them ly great thing is that again.” they know they all While Mr. Wells succeeded togethunderstands that They should know that no matter er,” Mr. Wells said. students each where they go, there are always The newly imhave their own people who are pulling for them plemented Turncareer and college who are on their side.” about spirit week, plans, h e b e-Mr. Mike Wells, principal which encouraged lieves that this students to wear a togetherness credifferent color each ated by the senior day of the week to promote aware- class proves strong enough to carry on ness for various illnesses, served as beyond high school into the students’ another method of allowing seniors to futures. join together. “Starting a new chapter in your life is “The students all fought for same a daunting event, but students should cause,” Mr. Wells, said. “It really realize that they have a support sysbrought unity within the school.” tem that has gotten them this far,” Mr. After seeing the entire senior class Wells said. “They should know that no exhibit such unity throughout the matter where they go, there are always
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people who are pulling for them, who are on their side.” Although the senior class may eventually drift apart, the sense of community that the seniors created will remain with them throughout their lives according to Nathalie Kauz, senior. “Once you are part of such a great community, it’s something that will always be with you, Nathalie said. “People might lose touch, but you will always be able to create your own community. Being part of one is just such an awesome experience and I don’t think any of us will ever let that go.” After the many successes and hardships the seniors have experienced together, Eashan feels confident in their ability to succeed in the future. “If there was one word I could use to describe the senior class, I would have to say memorable. I think we truly left our mark on Munster High School because we have a really talented class, and I think as a whole, we’re really well rounded,” Eashan said. “I see the seniors as an eclectic and talented group of individuals who grew together, and I know they’ll be successful in anything they aspire to be.”