MHS Crier | Issue 2 | 9.29.2023

munster high school 8808 columbia munster, indiana 46321 http://mhsnews.net

CR IER

s t i r i p s in good spirit f o n o i t c e l l o c a p h oto

we e k

sept. 29, 2023 volume 58 issue 2

mhs

HITTING THE BOOKS Sitting in the Commons, Jasmine Wegman, senior, studies before class in her nerd day costume on Monday. (photo by heidy sanchez) QUADRUPLETS Smiling for a photo next to their random costume inspiration, Brooklyn Clayton, senior, Mr. Michael Hackett, boys’ basketball coach and seniors Fatima Zehraoui and Ava Zack pose in front of the media center on Tuesday. (photo by marianna young) JEEZ LUI-Z Walking past the weight room on random costume day Tuesday, seniors Joe Reed and Jaelin White dressed up as Jesus and Luigi. (photo by emma starkey)

DRIVE (FAR AWAY) Getting out of the car in emo attire Monday morning, Daniella Lesina, junior, holds senior Brooke Lesina’s textbook and calculator. Monday was nerd day for seniors, while the rest of the grades dressed as high school stereotypes, like emo, preppy and jocks. (photo by marianna young) MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ Speaker in the air playing 50s music, seniors Aliciana McGuire, Ariyah Jamerson, Kam Hubbard and Nneka Oniah dance together in the Commons while other students watch. Canes and walkers in hand, they dressed up for senior citizen day Wednesday. (photo by heidy sanchez) IT’S NOT A PHASE, MOM Walking down the hallway before first period Monday, Sorvino Chansiri, junior, displays his feelings for the day’s theme. (photo by marianna young) CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE Pouring more water into his margarita glass during lunch, Michael Burzynski, senior, dressed as Jimmy Buffet—complete with Jimmy Buffet Crocs—for senior random costume day on Tuesday. (photo by heidy sanchez) RUN FOREST, RUN With the parking lot blurring around her, Addison Dzurovcik, senior, sprints while showing off her Forrest Gump costume to the cars of students passing by. (photo by marianna young) FIRE UP THE GRILL Blasting typical dad music every passing period, sophomores Luke Hayden and Josh Malloy show off their BBQ dad outfits. (photo by emma starkey) BACK IN TIME Dressed in onesies and stuffed animal in hand, freshmen Deni Staehly and Amélie Adam walk past the main office on Wednesday. While the seniors dressed up as senior citizens, freshmen were toddlers, sophomores were pre-teens and juniors were adults. (photo by marianna young) ERM, ACTUALLY Waiting for class to start, Jabez Reed, senior, sports his nerd day costume Monday. (photo by vivianna rodriguez)

rea d p a ge 4 a n d 5 fo r m o re h o c o c o n t e n t

02 news

friday, sept. 29, 2023

low power mode: on

an update on the computer batteries emma starkey page editor

SET THE SCENE Marija Pavlic and Wesley Harle, sophomores, and Josh Decker, Clover Sarkady, Delaney Craig, seniors, stand on stage to rehearse for “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” This play takes place in the 1940s. “Despite the time it was written, the 1500s, we’ve been balancing the date by setting it in the 1940s.” Wesley said, (photo by john kullerstand)

the merry wives of munster munster theatre company prepares for their upcoming production of shakespeare

Clover Sarkady, senior, who plays Mistress Ford said, “I acThis year’s upcoming productually recorded everyone else’s tion of Shakespeare’s “The Merlines and left blank space for my ry Wives of Windsor” has the lines, so at home I just play the Munster Theater recording, then I company filled with say my lines.” anticipation. The perAlong with performance takes place sonal methods of next week, Oct. 5-8. memorization, cast Tickets are available members also paronline or upon arrivticipate in drills al for $8. during rehersal.

“This is actually the This helps actors first time that I know position themof, in terms of what selves according I’ve seen in our show to the scene being history, that Shakeperformed. Blockspeare will be pering also assists acformed on our stage,” tors in connecting Mr. Raymond Palasz, to their character, theater director, said. which then helps Transitioning from you connect to last year’s contempo- BREAK A LEG While at a live rehearsal, Wesley Harle, sophomore, Josh them. rary piece, “Sponge- Decker and Clara Dumaresq, seniors, look over the script before going to “For me, getting stage. The show is a unique take on Shakespeare. “We’ve got some very bob: The Musical”, the strong actors and our set, costumes, and props all look good, I think it’s go- into character is theater department ing to be a really hilarious show,” Wesley said. (photo by john kullerstand) changing my body has decided to chalposture and how I lenge their students by dancing helps,” Delaney said, “Also a little carry myself, because if I’m caralong the lines of comedy, and bit of LitCharts and a little no fear rying myself like Clover, I’m gonclassical in hopes to expose stuna be Clover,” they said.

Shakespeare.” dents and performers to as many The Merry Wives of WindActors have been preparing genres of theater as possible. during a time since last summer, giving them sor is set “I like Shakespeare a lot,” said when job opa few months to fully master Delaney Craig, senior, who plays portunities their characters. While .

Mistress Paige, “I think there’s a were plentech members p.m 7 @ 7 m. . er 5p lot of value in it and I’m grateful b tiful, and are creating 2 o t oc 8@ ober online t s c t o e to be able to use those skills that k feminism props and ents ic ticke ud.org/t na r don’t very often get to be used.” u o was on suring things m o . w ed @ ww or at th Written by Shakespeare at the its rise. run smoothly; request of Queen Elizabeth I in While imcast members are the early 15th century, this permersing yourself in working hard to formance takes place in the town the environment of mid-centudelicately portray of Windsor during the 1940’s. The ry drama, you can gain perspeceach character.

Merry Wives of Windsor addresses “There hasn’t been a play I ha- tive of the art that helped society the storylines of cheating, schemven’t felt connected to in some evolve. ing, jealousy, and revenge. The “Go out and support your felway, but that’s just because you actors have been working hard to spend so much time analyzing ev- low Mustangs,” Mr. Palasz said. master their performances. erything; It’s like AP lit on crack.”

kylee barnes page editor

“It’s odd getting used to the phrasing and the grammatical structure, but just saying it over and over, and reading it, and looking at it, and writing really

A number of students have found themselves with various issues stemming from the rapidly failing health of the laptops’ batteries, where some find shorter usable hours, even to the extent of not having functioning batteries without the laptops being on charge.

To circumvent this issue, Munster’s tech department purchased 400 replacement batteries to install in laptops, with a waiting list. The department recommends students to consistently restart their laptops on school wifi as the department pushes out updates to try and fix issues with performance settings. Crier recommends you do this weekly, during tutorial, for consistency. Munster is also looking into getting new laptops for 2025.

FIXIN’ IT UP Using different tools, Patrick Marsh, Computer technician, fixes a students computer battery due to the recent issues. (photo by aaron alvarez)

DECA returns lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

Business teachers Mr. Ryan Popa and Mrs. Kristin Laflech, the club sponsors, worked together to ensure that Munster’s legacy of DECA is not tarnished.

“I don’t want to focus on what’s different, but what is staying the same,” Mrs. Laflech said.

It was unclear whether or not for DECA return after an issue with members last school year.

“DECA and Munster have a great history of being Champions and we are trying to get us back to that level—a strong focus on role-play practice and a more rigorous routine on the exams DECA requires.” Mrs. Laflech said.

According to Pranshu Aryal, senior, DECA’s student leadership hopes to make the process of DECA more fun and exciting, with more interactive meetings.

DECA is still a club at MHS and the first meeting of DECA Oct. 6.

“DECA is an important club because it allows students to gain knowledge and skills in the business world,” Pranshu said.

corrections

In Issue 1 of Crier, on page 4, the boys’ varsity soccer game against Chesterton was at home, not away. Crier regrets these errors.

opinion 03

friday, sept. 29, 2023

twisted tunes dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

“Walk on by. Walk on by…”

The catchy tune has me hooked, but the message behind Doja Cat’s new song, “Paint the Town Red,” makes me hesitate to sing-along. illustration by damien salahieh

staff opinion

short-lasted spirit Homecoming season—chants wanting to be involved. But, as in the student section at Friseen in student government’s day night football games, neon charity volleyball tournament spandex adorning every senior and recently revived powderin the hallway during spirit puff game, students rise to the week and the iconic teachers occasion when an opportunity vs. students tug-of-war game at is presented to them. the pep rally. Although known The lack of school spirit does and remembered as one of the not seem to be rooted in the most anticipated times students themselves, our take of the school year, it To encourage consistent but more so the willalso happens to be ingness to put on school spirit, more one of the only times exciting events should events that get stube put on outside of students passionately dents involved. The Homecoming. express school spirit. first two months of With teacher alumni conschool leave students’ calenstantly comparing today’s studars littered with events, but dents to the rowdy and comcomes to a halt post-Homecompetitive years prior, the blame ing. Why do the events have to usually falls on students not stop there?

Since student government plans Homecoming and the events surrounding it, then the organizations that plan turnabout and prom should create events that evoke the same kind of involvement and excitement for those times of the year. Even the easy, simple spirit days during finals week creates a sense of community in the school. This way, students have fun, memorable events to look forward to throughout the year, not only during football season. School spirit does not have to be attached to a sport or stem from school rivalry— it can come from the students themselves.

opinion backtalk

what can we do to improve school spirit?

“

I’d actually encourage more students to do spirit days. If more people are participating, we’re all more likely to do it.” carter young

freshman

“

Having more student voice on spirit days, so people are actually interested.”

marija pavlic

sophomore

“

I see those student section TikToks where they really go all out, and that would be amazing to do something like that here.” maddison clousing

junior

“

When games are coming up we could decorate the cafeteria or commons with nice designs.”

leia maduakoalm

senior

CR IER Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Student Media: Newspaper 1-4 classes and extracurricular involvement. Crier’s website is mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community.

•Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured.

All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed

and should be either emailed to the editor (laurenhoogeveen@ outlook.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter or Instagram @munstermedia.

•Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Archived digital issues can be found on issuu.com/mhscrier/ Crier is published 10 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.

“Mm she the devil...”

After lashing out at devoted fans online, like telling them to “get a job,” this song seems to be an intense response. In the song, Doja Cat embraces her new “embodiment” of the devil. It seems as if she has made a “deal” with the devil that now gives her a higher and better status than everyone, specifically the devoted fans she lashed out on.

“My happiness is all of your misery...”

Experimenting with the idea of the devil is definitely not a new concept for pop culture: Billie Eilish’s song, “All The Good Girls Go To Hell,” Sam Smith’s satanic Grammy performance of, “Unholy,” and the Amazon series, “Lucifer.” These types of media, and many more existing ones, play with satanic themes.

“I’m doin’ things they ain’t seen before…”

I am not someone who is extremely religious, but mocking a character that correlates with death is somewhat unsettling to me. Playing around with satanic themes in a worshiping fashion is not something I would promote, especially in the position of a public figure.

However, something about the tune reels me in. I find myself singing in defeat as the catchy tune overtakes the satanic message.

Deadline Manager Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy Head Photographers Zoe Clark, Marianna Young Story Editor Emily Dywan Page Editors Kylee Barnes, Emma Starkey, Gabby Van Horne Photographer Karla Aguilar, Aaron Alvarez, John Kullerstand, Heidy Sanchez, Lexi Villalobos

Our Staff

Cartoonist and Photographer Damien Salahieh

Editor-in-Chief Lauren Hoogeveen

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

04 infocus

friday, sept. 29, 2023

e m a g e h t n back i rns for th e u t e r ll a b t o fo f f u p r e d p ow first tim e sin c e 2019

lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

Scanning the busy field for junior Cece Mason, Brooklyn Kuna, junior, throws the football down the right side of the crowd of girls. Ponytails and flag football belts whipping through the air, she catches the ball and sprints to the endzone. For the first time since 2019, Student Government organized a powderpuff game, which is a flag football game between junior and senior girls. With crowds of students in pink attire rushing the field after the juniors won the game 28-6, the team celebrated by spraying water all over the field and gathering in a huddle. Some players, specifically junior Josie Speckhard, predicted the outcome of the game at the first practice Sept. 18.

“I thought the juniors were going to win, we have lots of spirit and game knowledge compared to the seniors,” Josie said. “We really wanted to win.”

Although the original idea was for the football team to be the cheerleaders at the game, they were not particularly thrilled at the idea and decided against it. Coached by senior football players George Dovellos, Mathew Opat, Daniel Elias and Jackson Collard, the girls had three practices at Frank H. Hammond Elementary School before the game.

Primarily focusing on general rules, the coaches had the girls run scrimmages and learn the basics of football, like how to throw and catch.

“My favorite part was the overall

atmosphere,” Cristian Silva, senior and referee, said. “No one was taking it crazy serious, but it was still super fun, even from the refs’ perspective. The celebrations [after scoring] and stuff were hilarious.”

Spending most of the game dodging other players while sprinting down the field, Kylee Marshall, senior, believes that her track skills helped her team out as the senior team running back. She felt that learning the plays and correctly executing them was their biggest struggle.

“During practice, we had them down but once we got against the other team, we kind of fell apart,” Kylee said. “But my favorite part was our energy level and how positive the team was.”

STAY PUT Blocking her from the ball, Emma Edens, senior, walks up on Charlie Uidl, junior. “Practices were super fun and the game was even better, all good vibes and smiles. The competitive aspect was a good way to become closer with everyone and have that team feeling,” Charlie said. photo by zoe clark)

tuesday

monday underclassmen: high school stereotypes

SPORT THE SPIRIT Coloring in art class, Melanie Carillo, freshman, dresses as a jock with a cap and jersey. (photo by lexi villalobos)

day by day

seniors: nerds

ALL TIED UP Eating at lunch, Emily Li, senior, dresses as a nerd for the senior spirit day in her collared shirt and tie. (photo by lexi villalobos)

underclassmen: bbq dad or soccer mom

HOLD YOUR TONG Posing with in his bbq dad outfit, Lars Grow, junior, wears an apron, cap, and carries tongs. (photo by john kullerstand)

EXCUSE ME During the scrimmage during powder puff practice, Kylee Marshall, senior, attempts to dodge Cherise, last name, junior, on defense. “I loved the experience with all my peers, we had amazing chemistry on and off the field.” Kylee said. “Although we didn’t win, I had high energy the whole game.” (photo by marianna young)

wednesday seniors: random costume

UNDER ARREST Waiting in the commons before school, senior Olivia Hughes laughs as she acts out putting senior Francesca Campisi under arresto, freshman, (photo by aaron alvarez)

underclassmen: age groups

PIGTAIL CENTRAL Chatting during passing period, freshmen Gwenyth Cox and Ally Compton wear their hair in pigtails for their baby outfits. (photo by zoe clark)

seniors: senior citizens

SENIOR STROLL Walking in the hallway during passing period, seniors Cate Stephan, Isabella Martin, and Brynn Gardiner wear pearls, robes, and sweaters for senior citizen day. (photo by zoe clark)

Crier went to print on Wednesday night; Thursday and friday photos on mhsnews. net

friday, sept. 29, 2023

brought to you by... a look into student government’s homecoming preparation process

THE FINAL TOUCHES Discussing pep rally games at their meeting Sept. 19, George Dovellos, senior, listens to sponsor Mrs. Kathleen Laporte’s advice on organization. Meeting every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m, student government members organized all events Homecoming week. (photo by josephine zangrilli)

emma starkey page editor

FIGHT FOR THE FLAG Running with the ball, Kate Ferrino, senior, attempts to dodge the other team. The traditional powderpuff game returned this year, resulting in a shutdown win from the junior class, final score of 28-6. “I am bummed out we lost, but overall it was a lot of fun,” Kate said. “I hope that the seniors get a second chance if we can get another game going around prom.” (photo by zoe clark)

Student Government meets every Wednesday to plan and prepare.

Representatives vote on various aspects about Homecoming. Sponsor Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher, tries to oversee almost every aspect of the process.

“It’s successful because of the kids that that helped me,” said Mrs. LaPorte. “I jump in with logistical things and to bounce ideas off, but they really are the backbone to success.”

This year, new tasks were added: • Alongside the Powderpuff revival, Student Government brought back the spirit trucks to the Homecoming parade.

•

They also established a committee to oversee the Pep Session. The games that will be played at the Pep Session include tug-o-war, the half-court shot, dodgeball game and musical chairs. Members help set up each event and keep things organized.

Ini Edet, senior, was the student in charge of the entire Pep Session.

“I know what goes on during the pep rally, but I feel like once I get there, I’m gonna be a little bit stressed,” Edet. “I want to make sure everything goes orderly.”

Mrs. LaPorte said the new ideas worked out well.

“I think school spirit is a little higher this year,” Mrs. LaPorte said.

building with buddies

cec builds themed homecoming houses gabby van horne page editor

SKETCHING IT OUT Focusing on the roof, Lauren Husum, sophomore sketches out an ocean scenery while Ava Walker, sophomore watches. This year’s sophomore house theme is under the sea. (photo by lexi villalobos)

CEC is starting the new school year with continuing the homecoming houses as a way to allow everyone in the club to participate. “ We want to make all students have an opportunity to work,” Ms. Szafasz said. “The playhouse allows many students, at multiple times, to participate.”

It allows each member of the club to come in, when their schedule allows, and create something fun for the

school to benefit from, while having fun. The students get to choose their own theme, paint a house for each grade, and then auction them off for charity.

“I love the senior house, Barbie themed, and our pirates theme is also cool,” Kiersten Sangueza, junior, said.

With freshmen decorating the commons, sophomores doing under the sea, juniors making a pirate house, and the seniors a Malibu Barbie house, each grade is putting their own spin on the classic Munster tradition.

infocus 05

queen’s backtalk emma jez

kam hubbard

What’s your favorite spirit day and why?

“80’s workout because it is a tradition, and I have been waiting for this moment since freshman year.”

lily hestjean

What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court?

“I was so smiley.

I just felt like the school gave me a big hug.”

What song would you choose for your football field entrance and why?

“Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce because girls do run the world.”

page editor

Speech and Debate students sold tickets and prepared for the 55th annual chicken BBQ dinner. It will be held tonight, prior to the Homecoming game. However, food preparation begins early in the day when Nelson’s, catering company, cooks the chicken outside of the cafeteria.

“Students used to help by turning the chickens throughout the day,” said

Mr. Jordan Mayer, speech teacher.

“However, these days, Nelson’s Company handles everything.”

The Speech and Debate team receives assistance from organizations including Rise and Roll Bakery, Just Desserts, and Strack and Van Til. “It’s a staple to our school and to homecoming in general,” said Kameryn Hubbard, “Not only does it help us fundraise but it also helps us get in the groove.”

eva andric

pranshu aryal

What song would you choose for your football field entrance and why?

“Way 2 Sexy by Drake and Young Thug because that’s what the homecoming court is.”

speech and debate hosts 55th annual bbq kylee barnes

What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court?

“Walking back into my AP Lit class, trying not to look excited, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

kiki petrovic

DOOR TO DOOR Sophomores Kristie Tong and Grace Wang walk through the Frank H. neighborhood selling tickets for the chicken dinner that the Speech and Debate team is hosting. (photo by aaron alvarez)

What would you do if you were queen of the world for a day?

“I would throw a huge renaissance grand ball and invite world and my idols, like Rihanna.”

06 review

drink it or drop it

friday, sept. 29, 2023

Crier’s take on fall drinks from three local locations

Sip Coffee House - Downtown Highland

Autumn Sweater: 4/5 marianna young

co-head photographer

Price: $5, a dollar over-price Taste: chai, heavily cinnamon, like the mysterious candies elderly people give you Pros: This drink was flavorful, adequately portioned, and fed my fall serotonin.

Cons: This drink may be too cinnamony for some people.

Conclusion: For the display and portion, in conclusion, if you enjoy a spicy-cinnamon taste, this is the drink for you.

Iced Jack Skellington: 5/5

Taste of Fall: 2/5

marianna young

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

Price: $5 (definitely worth every penny) Taste: After being hit with a sudden burst of rich chocolaty flavor (along with hazelnut and pumpkin) I knew this was the best seasonal drink at Sip. Pros: big portion and very flavorful Cons: none Conclusion: I highly recommend it for the people who enjoy chocolate milk over the strong taste of coffee.

Price: $5 (overpriced) Taste: mediocre pumpkin flavor Pros: Big portion and nicely displayed Cons: It was underwhelming Conclusion: Although I saw the pumpkin spice topping with my eyes, the spice did not seem to transfer through the sip of my straw.

co-head photographer

deadline manager

Dunkin - Munster Ice Spice Drink: 4/5

Hot Pumpkin Swirl: 4/5

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: 2/5

damien salahieh

kylee barnes

kylee barnes

Price: $4.79 Taste: The Pumpkin Swirl, combined with their signature blend coffee and cream, feels like waking up from a cozy autumn nap.

Pros: This hot, fall spiced drink will defeat the fall breeze by warming you from head to toe.

Cons: none Conclusion: the annual return of this fan-favorite drink has Dunkin Lovers, and me, lining up to get their taste of fall.

Price: $4.79 (not worth a single penny) Taste: It combines hints of vanilla, pumpkin spice, espresso and milk; supposedly the perfect fall flavor.

Pros: pleasant display Cons: While the coffee flavor was there, the quick-melting ice drowned out all else.

Conclusion: Upon receiving this beautifully whipped cream and cinnamon-sugar topped latte, I expected the most, and was met with the least.

page editor

Price: $5.49 Taste: The drink tastes like a chocolate glazed donut. The flavor of the coffee is there if you look for it.

Pros: Just like a glaze donut in

a drink Cons: The munchkin bits in my drink made the texture a bit unpleasant.

Conclusion: After seeing all the commercials, I was swayed to finally try this drink. If you’re looking for a new fun drink, skip the donut and try this.

page editor

Starbucks - Munster

page editor

emily dywan

Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai: 4/5

Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew: 4/5

lexi villalobos

emily dywan

Price: $5.75 Taste: This drink boasts that perfect symphony between notes of pumpkin, cinnamon and cloves without souring your mouth in overwhelming amounts of spices.

Pros: Rich taste, perfect hot drink for the upcoming chilly fall months. 20th year anniversary of the pumpkin spice latte.

Cons: none Conclusion: When it comes to this drink, I mean it when I say that PSL craze is real. You can’t say you’re a fall person without at least trying it at least once this season.

Price: $5.25 Taste: If you are not much of a coffee drinker, this sweet and creamy cold drink is just for you. The pumpkin cold foam is not too pumpkiny and it fuses with the chai tea flawlessly.

Pros: pleasing presentation and even better flavor Cons: It’s not an every day drink. Much better for when you’re in the mood.

Conclusion: While this is not a drink to repeatedly order, the drink has a creamy taste and a neat presentation that appeases the eye and the stomach.

Price: $5.25 Taste: Contains a generous dollop of Pumpkin Cold Foam as well as pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg on top.

Pros: the perfect amount of pumpkin punch Cons: There is not any pumpkin flavor in the actual drink.

Conclusion: The Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew perfectly balances out the necessary amount of pumpkin with every other spice on top, giving you a delicious concoction with every sip you take.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: 5/5 story editor

photographer

story editor

sports 07

friday, sept. 29, 2023

r e h t e g o t t i g n i l k tac va rsity fo otb a

e tonig m a g g in m o c e ll awaits h om

ht

gabby van horne

page editor

Taking on Homecoming week, Football is playing the last home game of the season while also competing for the Battle

of the Bridge against Highland High School. George Dovellos, senior, voices his opinion on only having four home games his senior season.

“It’s unfortunate, but it makes those home games just more special when we have them,” Dovellos said.

The team’s previous home games have been more important than the other, non-home, games. The game on Sept. 8 was dedicated to the team’s previous coach, Tom Largus, who passed away in early 2023. The game on Sept. 22 was the team’s senior night, another important milestone. With a 2-4 record, football season has begun.

“We’ve had a couple of losses, but we have a bunch of upcoming games we’re excited for and we think we can really pull it together and have a good rest of the season,” Dovellos said.

kickin’ into gear emily dywan story editor

Ranked 12th in the state and currently first place at Conference, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team is bringing their winning streak to Sectionals at Highland High School on Oct. 2. In his 26th year coaching the team, Coach Jim Prasopoulos emphasizes the key to this year’s success is the team’s ability to work together on the field.

“What you do is you keep on trying to build your team chemistry every game,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “When you have a strong veteran team of players, they understand that success comes in everybody being on the same page.”

Junior Niko Panos agrees with his coach’s point

The team is looking forward to the Homecoming game and has put in a lot of hard work hoping for a good outcome in order to regain the bridge.

The Battle of the Bridge is a long standing Munster-Highland football tradition. Since 1966, the two teams have battled it out on the football field, hoping to claim or regain the bridge holding title. After the game is over the team who wins can paint the bridge on Ridge Road, joining the two cities, in their school color.

“With the Battle of the Bridge and playing in front of a packed crowd it’ll be fun, especially because it’s our last home game,” DJ Certa, junior said. The team has spent time preparing with team bonding as well as practicing together constantly in order to do so.

“We’ve been playing a lot of seasons together, so you really get to know the team and each other,” Dovellos said.

“The summer really brought us together,” Certa said. “We went to camp over the summer and we also have prep nights before every game.”

RUNNIN’ IT Going through a play, Logan Efantis, junior, weaves around his teammates. During this game Sept. 8, Munster fell short against Andrean 14-21. “I was disappointed that we couldn’t come out on top, but we played well against a good conference opponent,” Efantis said. (photo by zoe clark)

LETS TALK Sitting together, the girls varsity soccer team and Coach Valerie Pflum run through plays together after a loss. The team makes it a point to review their performance for improvement in future games. (photo by aaron alvarez)

coach pflum on track for her 200th win emily dywan story editor

After placing second at conference and holding a score of 8-5-1, the Girls’ Soccer team is ready to take their game to Sectionals next Monday at Lake Central.

After coaching for 20 years, Coach Valerie Pflum is three games away from her 200th win.

As hyped as the soccer players are to reaching this achievement for their coach, Coach Pflum sees this achievement more as just a footnote in her coaching history.

She has her eyes on a bigger prize once the team takes their win at Sectionals next week and what awaits beyond there.

“I didn’t start coaching with a ‘wanna-win’ column. It’s just one of the milestones that coaching organizations keep track of,” Coach Pflum said. “Hitting it will be just another game and we’ll just keep on working. If I won a state title, that would be different.”

Campbell Gideon, senior, has had Coach Pflum as a soccer coach for seven years.

Along with the rest of the team, she’s strong-set on reaching this achievement before the season ends.

“She’s tough on us, but it’s because she wants the best from us,” Campbell said.

“The whole team’s looking forward to her two-hundredth win because it’s such a huge milestone for both her and the team in general.”

boys’ varsity soccer team heads into sectionals from the on-field perspective as a player and how the team keeps in harmony.

“On the field and off the field, we fight for one another. We do our best to get to know each other more each game,” Panos said. “We’re gonna go as far as we can in the postseason with this team we have right now.”

Robert Gonnella, senior, looks forward to riding their success all the way towards into postseason play and possibly even state.

“We’re honestly just aiming for the deepest postseason run that we can,” Gonnella said. “We’re standing at top 20 in the state, looking really good with only one loss in the season. At the end of the day, winning state is what we’re all set on.”

FAST FEET In their game against Bishop Noll, Isaiah Swider, senior, seeks an opportunity to run to the net. (photo by heidy sanchez)

08 student life

face the fashion members of the fashion club give

friday, sept. 29, 2023

backtalk what is your go-to drink order?

their take on fall fashion trends

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Hand on hip, Victoria Davis, junior, poses for her fall fashion photo. “Fashion represents my identity that brims with creativity and detail orientation," she said "Like a puzzle comprised of small pieces to showcase one big unique vision.” (photo by karla aguilar)

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

Pushing the desks aside and gathering everyone into the center of FACs teacher Ms. Abigail Brosseau’s classroom, Molly Dolatowski, senior and treasurer, with the help of Juliette Dixon, senior and club president, led the new Fashion Club in a game of “This or That” at their first meeting Sept. 19.

Two fashion choices were presented on the classroom Promethean board, and the 44 members that attended the meeting went to the side of the room that corresponded with the fashion choice they preferred.

The game featured several categorized questions, including types of shoes, clothing brands, and color schemes, that caused close split-ups between the participants. However, the fall fashion questions seemed to have the strongest majority DRESS TO THE consensus.

NINES Posing This or that fall fashion results: in her favorite fall • All participants preferred sweaters over tank outfit, junior Natatops sha Nguyen tells Crier why fashion means so • 5 participants preferred leather jackets over much to her. “Fashion is jean jackets like, how I present myself • 17 participants preferred jeans over sweatand my creativity. I like finding cool pieces and pants styling them like art.

• All except for one participant preferred a zip up It’s pretty awesome,” over a flannel she said. (phoAttending the meeting, Lucia Salazar, junior, finds to by damien salahieh) that fall fashion trends seem to stay constant year by year and follow an unchangeable pattern of colors and styles in contrast to other seasons.

“Each year, the fall trends always consist of the same sweaters, flare leggings, jeans,” Lucia said. “It’s always the same colors like burgundy and browns, but spring and summer colors seem to change more often with the trends.”

Sarah Bananzek, senior, also finds fall fashion to be unique in the fact that more warmer shades are worn compared to other seasons.

“Fall is probably my favorite season in terms of fashion,” Sarah said. “I love wearing sweaters and jeans. It’s the most comfortable season to dress for with the warm and cozier tones.”

ks personal pic vorite rs sh a re th eir fa de fashion club lea c es fall clothin g pie

leggings

zip-up jacket

“I’d say a Chickfil-a lemonade.

It’s been a staple since I was a kid.”

Ashlyn Sinwelski, freshman

Angel Serrano, freshman

“Caramel machiatto, because it’s not as bitter as regular coffees, so it’s a good balance.”

Aviah White, sophomore

uggs

“Uggs, especially my Platform Tasmans, go well with everything” Teodora Svilar, junior and club secretary, said. “The brown shoe matches the fall color palette.

“Probably a diet Pepsi because everywhere has one of them, and pop is really difficult to mess up.”

Aniela Olczak, sophomore

“Strawberry acai refresher with lemonade because it tastes delicious, and I do not like coffee.”

Ila Iverson, junior

“My go-to order is usually an iced pumpkin chai with oat milk and two pumps of apple brown sugar syrup because it tastes exactly like fall to me.”

Samantha Bleza, junior

“Lemonade because it’s a really versatile drink and you can add fruit to it and it’s really good.”

Miranda Fisher, senior

“I love the fall because the weather gets colder and it is easier for me to pick out outfits” Tony Rotatori, junior and club social media manager, said.

“A zip-up can keep me warm in the colder fall weather, but also is removable.”

“I always wear leggings, but for fall they are perfect for the weather,” Addy Obrien, senior and club vice president, said. “It is kind of warm outside, but still a little chilly. So, leggings are light yet you still have coverage”

“My go to drink would probably be Sprite. It really goes with anything unlike other drinks.”

“Horchata becuse I grew up with it and it's by far the best drink that’s out there!”

Luis Serrano, senior

“I get a flat white, no flavoring, with oat milk and no sugar.”

Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish Teacher

“Regular coffee with cream.”

Florencia Stoll, Spanish Teacher