MHS Crier | Issue 2 | 9.30.2022

munster high school 8808 columbia ave. munster, indiana 46321

http://mhsnews.net

crier

september 30, 2022 volume 59 issue 2

munster high school

Getting into the groove Students celebrate first normal Homecoming since 2019 MONDAY: NERDS & COUNTRY CLUB  SENIOR DISCOUNT Sitting in a booth at lunch, seniors Lauren Barnes and Maya Madrigal dress as grandmas. (photo by lita cleary)  A BEARY HAPPY HOMECOMING At the end of the school day, Chris Kubisty, sophomore, asks Jennifer Barajas, sophomore, to homecoming with a sign. (photo by zoe clark)  NERDIN’ OUT Talking to a friend, Riley Kazragys, junior, dressed up for nerd day. (photo by damien salahieh)

Monday: Nerds & country club Tuesday: more nerds & seniors

TUESDAY: SENIOR CITIZENS VS. BABIES & NERDS  HOBBLING IN Dressing up for Senior Citizens Day versus Babies, Kaitlyn Bilinger, sophomore, walks into N151. (photo by zoe clark)  PICTURE PERFECT Posing for a separate photo, seniors Makena Mendoza, Monika Swiatko,Sydney Frantal and Janai Munoz take part in Nerd Day. (photo by lita cleary) EMBRACING SPIRIT Walking to seventh hour, freshmen Will Keegan and Bella Parker-Flinchum dress up for senior citizen day. (photo by zoe clark)

Wednesday: random & soccer moms

WEDNESDAY: RANDOM & BBQ DADS VS. SOCCER MOMS  PUMP IT UP Sneaking in a small workout, Clover Sarkady, junior, dresses as a soccer mom. (photo by josephine mittelberger)  THE SMELL OF BBQ Ready to grill at any moment, Delaney Craig and Josh Decker, juniors, dress up for BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom Day. (photo by josephine mittelberger)  A SPIN ON TEACHING Teaching his students, Mr. Ben Boruff, English teacher, dresses up as a unicorn for Random Costume Day. (photo by lauren hoogeveen)

WEDNESDAY: RANDOM & BBQ DADS VS. SOCCER MOMS  YOU SHALL NOT PASS Dressed as Gandalf the White, Rachel Speckard, senior, takes part in Costume Day with her friends. (photo by zuzu smith)

lauren hoogeveen

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story editor

S

aying goodbye to the days of parking lot dances and ideas “to-be-determined,” Lily He, junior, looks forward to her first normal Homecoming dance. With seniors being the only class to experience a truly normal Homecoming, underclassmen have only ever had a dance last year when it was in the parking lot by the tennis courts.

“I honestly have no idea how Homecoming is going to be inside,” Lily said. “I do feel like without covid everyone has been so busy and people have had less time to prepare for Homecoming, so I’m sort of winging it this year.”

Regardless of feelings, this year brought new traditions and old to the halls of MHS. read more on pages 4-5  JUST

ANOTHER DAY Sitting outside of her classroom in her typical soccer mom gear, Mrs. Dawn Vidt, science teacher, watches pass. (photo by josephine mittelberger)

02 news.

friday, september 30, 2022

This year’s new clubs sydney jones

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page editor

Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons Club is a new, unofficial club to MHS with sponsor Mr. Ben Boruff, English teacher. More and more people have been playing the game because of its growing popularity. The game itself contains collective, interactive storytelling where players create characters with fictional, predetermined abilities.

“It’s like simultaneously writing and acting in a fantastical stage play. It encourages cooperation, imagination and innovation,” Mr. Boruff said.

Overall, if you enjoy storytelling and writing, this club is something to consider.

Raspberry PI and Python (photo by marianna young) POLICY Students now have access to the new Digital Student Feedback Portal, a place where they can voice their concerns.

 VOICING

Bridging the Divide seamus keegan

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page editor

This year Student Government is making some changes, by means of a new Student Feedback Portal, accessed through the school’s website.

Historically, Student Government has been a no policy club, meaning they focus more on events like Homecoming and spirit week. Student Government plans to make some changes to the way they operate. With a new principal and superintendent, they are looking to shift their focus toward policy and other concerns.

“We wanted to try and bring a little more advocacy into student government, to try to bring the voices of the students to administration,” Ayush Arora, senior and president of Student Government, said.

According to Ayush, that is exactly what their new Student Feedback Portal aims to do. Although Student Government Sponsor Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte does provide aid to Student Government in this project, it is largely a student initiative.

“It’s very student-led. Which is kind of cool, to see students addressing the issues that other students have,” Mrs. LaPorte said.

Student Government seeks feedback The portal will allow students to submit either a question, policy suggestion or concern, all of which can be submitted anonymously. Students are then prompted to select whether their policy is on a district-wide or school level.

Because Student Government is a student body, they are not at the administrative level and can’t change policy. This portal was intended as a way for students to voice opinions without the stress of setting up a meeting with an administrator.

“Maybe we can’t solve all the issues, but if kids don’t even feel heard, then we’re not doing anything right.” Mrs. LaPorte said.

at a glance.

Crier, Paragon win top state honors Last year’s newspaper and yearbook were honored with Hoosier Stars from the Indiana High School Press Association. This awards goes to the best student-run publications in the state.

“It’s really nice to see our hard work pay off,” senior and Crier photographer Anna Evilsizor said.

What club is right for you?

a page-by-page of today’s paper

These [playhouse] themes have correlated with the Homecoming themes in the past, but this tradition has changed within the past couple of years.

“Being Mexican American and a woman, I get teachers that look at me differently and talk down to me because of my color, my background and the way that I talk.”

read on pages 4-5

read on page 3

“Seeing everyone on our sideline celebrate her after she made the kick [first Varsity point scored by a girl] was one of my favorite memories I’ve had as a coach.”

The Raspberry Pi and Python club are great for people of all experience levels of programming, sponsored by computer science teacher Mrs. Koula Amanatidis. It’s useful to learn the basics of programming, as well as more advanced projects.

“Many members may also just have an interest in programming itself and may want to learn the basics of programming.” Ajitesh Lalam, the president of Raspberry Pi & Python, said.

If you have an interest in computers and coding, this club might just be the perfect fit for you.

illustration by damien salahieh

“Films in Wonderland” read on page 6

MHS had a total enrollment of 1,588 students, with 25.6% being Hispanic. Compared to 10 years earlier in 2012, Hispanic students formed only 16.4%

read on page 6

read on page 8

stay up to date

you can always read more news at mhsnews.net

Munster Theatre Company presents ‘Breaking the News’ Oct. 6-9

Band and color guard continue their season  MAKE

SOME NOISE During the halftime performance Munster football player, Beckett Gideon, freshman, plays the trumpet with the band. They have only been performing at the local MHS stadium as well as home football games and they had their first competition Sept. 23 at Penn, where they placed second.

(photo by anna evilsizor)

1. What is your favorite subject in school? a. history b. math c. English 2. What is one of your biggest strengths? a. public speaking b. technology c. story telling 3. What career do you see yourself in? a. law/criminal justice/advocacy b. STEM-related c. fine arts-related mostly a’s: philosophy club, debate, mental health club, poetry club, DECA

If you chose a’s, chances are you an extroverted individual who likes to speak to others, and would enjoy clubs where you can participate in intellectual thinking with likeminded individuals.

mostly b’s: raspberry pi & python, cyberpatriot, academic superbowl, science olympiad

If you chose b’s, you might enjoy clubs where you can experiement with technology and compete academically. (photo by marianna young)

 PRACTICE

Crier highlights new clubs this year, as well as clubs you may not know

MAKES PERFECT Performing a full run through, Isidora Pavlic, senior, and Wesley Harle, freshman, prepare for their upcoming play “Breaking the News.’ The two news outlets at Presley High School take clear sides about Student Council president Christy: While one produces stories fawning over Christy’s cute First Boyfriend, the other digs through her report cards looking for scandals. But intrepid journalist Olivia wants to report real news, not puff pieces—and she may get her chance when a shadowy figure tips her off about a fundraising conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. Tickets can be purchased now online at munaud.booktix.com for $8, and at the door for $10. The show will run Oct. 6-9.

mostly c’s: dungeons and dragons, poetry club, esports, crier, paragon You proabably enjoy the liberal arts, and would enjoy clubs where you can tell stories, play games and write.

corrections In Issue 1 of Crier, on page 4, the lead-in under Ms. Alissa Scott’s photo should be “bienvenido.” On page 2, the photo A COLD TREAT was taken by Anna Evilsizor. On page 7, Elora Bliss is a freshman.

On page 7, the football team’s record should have been 2-1. Crier regrets these errors.

opinion. 03

friday, september 30, 2022

‘Why would I be proud of something that makes me different?’ guest column by abbey salamanca

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senior

illustration by damien salahieh  HESITATION IN REPRESENTATION Young Latino children watch as inaccurate characters are sprawled across the media they consume. In light of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Crier chose to highlight student voices.

Many students, such as Abbey Salamanca senior, reported identifying with Hispanic representation in media.

The Influence of an Influencer column by seamus keegan page editor

“If a woman is going out with a man, she belongs to that man, she’s his woman, so if she wants to do OnlyFans she owes him some money, cause she’s his.”

At some point in our lives, we were all handed an iPad, a phone, a laptop or some other device by our parents.

Not only did these devices distract us from the occurrences around us, but they provided access to a magical place: the internet, and within it, influencers like the one qouted.

We all know one of social media’s most controversial celebrities, Andrew Tate. He’s the radical “women beater” whose controversial opinions have been widespread through apps like TikTok and YouTube. We hear about his wild sentiments about women,

crier

but what is rarely talked about is the effect of his statements, and the impressions they leave on young men.

Tate has always promoted the age-old definition of masculinity—the view that men should be tough, not cry, not back down from a fight—and he says as much in numerous clips and interviews that have become quite popular on TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Young children are very impressionable and will often replicate what they see as cool or popular, especially when they see people like Tate gather such widespread attention. Andrew Tate has been searched 4,500,324 times in the last 30 days, beat only by Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth, outranking famous celebrities like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and Elon Musk.

They see how successful Andrew Tate is and they idolize him. They see the way he acts as a means to get the fancy cars and expensive houses he owns. He is impossible to escape and being surrounded by ideologies such as his promotes the kind of behavior that leads to abusive and toxic relationships.

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321 or at (219) 836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Advanced Student Media: Newspaper classes and extra-curricular involvement.

Crier’s official website is mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the opinion page.

All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. All content is decided and produced solely by Crier staff.

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed.

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.

During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. These kinds of relationships are even more damaging to young adults. Young adults who are subjected to violence like this are more likley to experience symtoms of anxiety and depression, engage in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, and doing drugs.

Every day, Andrew Tate is given a microphone and platform to talk.

In fact, although Andrew Tate does not (and never has) owned a TikTok account, videos under the hashtag #AndrewTate have been viewed 13.7 billion times. We view his videos, laugh at his antics, create memes and buy his shirts.

However, the destructive behavior and abuse he promotes is not a laughing matter. When we indulge in his content we support him, we continue the cycle of influence on the young men of our generation.

All letters must be signed and should be emailed to the editor (reenaalsakaji@gmail.com). Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors.

•Anonymous sources will be used if and only if the content matter is of high importance and if identification could bring any possible harm towards the individual or others.

our staff Editor-in-Chief Reena Alsakaji Guest Editor Josephine Mittelberger Story Editor Lauren Hoogeveen

The first time I figured out my culture wasn’t being represented was around fifth grade. One of my cousins told me that for Hispanic Heritage Month, his school did all these different things to celebrate. I asked, “You do this every year?” It felt like other people got to celebrate and observe it, and I haven’t even heard anyone mention it.

This column is the first time that I’ve ever actively seen celebration or any kind of observance of Hispanic Heritage Month in the School Town of Munster. I’ve been going to this school district since I was six and this is the first time—my senior year.

Being Latinx affected my experience in a lot of ways—not just at this school, literally my entire life. Being Mexican American and a woman, I get teachers that look at me differently and talk down to me because of my color, my background and the way that I talk. It’s very frustrating because I know that I’m a smart person, but there have been so many times where it has really held me back because everyone else is treating “It makes all the you like they that difference to know think you are less that it’s being than.

You don’t acknowledged.” see a lot of representation and think “Why would I be proud of something that makes me different?” Growing up, I didn’t see anybody who looked like me who was smart, who was successful, who was able to just live their life and be happy. It was a lot of the drug dealer who is always getting into trouble and is no good. I want to see more representation in media about Latinx and indigenous success. I want to see people who look like me, happy and successful and because we’ve all seen stories of a Hispanic person struggling, upset and going through hard times. I want to see a Latina who worked hard for her success, who is living in a state of joy. I want to see people who look like me who are smart, who are proud and I don’t minimize their heritage so that they can fit into a stereotype.

To get to that point, it’s the little things.

Let’s just incorporate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage into our curriculum. Why don’t we read stories in English about Hispanic heritage? Acknowledging Latinx history, acknowledging the culture and making accommodations for first generation or immigrant students. It makes all the difference to know that it’s being acknowledged.

Photography Trainer Anna Evilsizor Page Editors Sydney Jones, Seamus Keegan, Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy Photographers Zoe Clark, Ethan Pischner, Marianna Young Business Manager Josephine Mittelberger Cartoonist Damien Salahieh Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

04 infocus.

HOCO

friday, september 30, 2022

 AIR DELIVERY Scoring a victory for the freshman team in 1989, Mark Palmer volunteered to participate in the homecoming 15yard water balloon toss on the field. GOTCHA Targeting the freshmen, seniors followed the tradition by writing on freshman Giane Salvacion’s face in red lipstick during the 2002 homecoming week. PIE FACE As the timer arrives at zero, Cojaun Bradley, freshman, finishes his fruit-filled pie at the 2007 homecoming pie eating contest. DOWN TO THE WIRE Constructing their floats, Mr. Joe Sokol helps seniors Mike Dovelles and Adrian Gutierrez wire up their float for the 2010 homecoming parade. (photos from Paragon)

Rewind to Homecoming’s Past A look back at old yearbooks

Although some students seem resistant to the spirit day changes, there have been many broken Homecoming traditions in the past. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it was common for seniors to sneak up on freshmen and smear lipstick on their face during the week leading up to Homecoming. Also during that time, there was an ongoing tradition of having a pie eating contest at the pep session.

“Classes would design t-shirts around the theme, so one of my class t-shirts was ‘Bam Bam the Warriors’ because the theme was Flintstones,” Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher, said. “The biggest tradition I miss is spirit trucks. We always had half days, so each grade would rent a huge truck that people could stand in”  IN FLAMES With school spirit still in the air after the homecoming parade, students in 1974 would take the parade floats and burn them for a celebratory bonfire. Afterward, the fire department would swoop in to help put out the huge fire. (photo from Paragon)

continued from front For the first time since 2019, Student Government will decorate the fieldhouse the morning of the Homecoming dance. Arriving at the fieldhouse at 8 a.m tomorrow, members get to see their vision come to life.

“Homecoming is such a staple of high school and it’s so fun to be a part of it,” Asha Patel, sophomore, said. “I’m really looking forward to setting up all the decorations with the other members of Student Government and making the dance feel special.”

In addition to changes with the dance, switching spirit days has also been a topic of discussion. Traditionally, seniors have the same spirit days for the week leading up to Homecoming—nerd day, senior citizens, random costume, 80s workout and college. Once some seniors posted the new spirit days, it sparked controversy on whether or not the tradition should change.

“At first I was frustrated because I wanted to continue

traditions that have been followed for years,” Brooke Vivian, senior, said. “I have been looking forward to those days since freshman year. However, now that we have two sets of spirit days, hopefully there will be more participation.”

As a result of the conflict between seniors, many different versions of the senior spirit days spread across social media platforms. On Monday, there were students dressing up as multiple different spirit days. In the middle of the day, administration sent an email confirming official senior spirit days—country club, nerd, random costume, 80s workout and jersey day. Although the senior spirit days are typically orchestrated by a student while Student Government organizes days for the rest of the school, some students believe that new ideas should be incorporated.

“Thank god we still had the 80s workout,” Costa Tsakopoulos, senior, said. “That’s like a special senior tradition. It’s better to have the decades be 70s and up because rarely anyone dressed up when it was 50s or 60s day, so there are more options now.”

infocus.05 Country Club

QUEENS

Senior Citizen

backtalk

Anna Raycroft If you were Queen for a day, what would you do?

Joyce Yao, freshman

Lexi Perez, senior Lucy MacDonald, senior

Anna Castillo

Paul Harkenrider, sophomore

What does it mean to be nominated?

Who Wore it Best?

Comparing and contrasting various spirit week outfits photos by zoe clark, marianna young, and lauren hoogeveen

Nerd Day

“I would make sure to get an unnecessary amount of corgis and drink an unhealthy amount of tea.

Maybe talk in an accent, too.”

BBQ Dad

“The fact that I get to represent the whole school with an awesome group of girls!”

Tatum Hernandez What is your favorite homecoming tradition of MHS? “My favorite homecoming tradition of MHS is the students versus teachers dodgeball game.”

Gracie Kisala Cavin McNulty, sophomore

What does it mean to be nominated?

Giselle Rivera, junior Benjamin Torres, junior

Evanthia Fotopoulos, junior

Reconstructing Traditions

CEC works on their annual playhouses, possible discontinuation next year dorothy lakshmanamurthy

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page editor

The smell of fresh paint takes over as CEC members meet together to create their distinct themed playhouses. Throughout the week, the sophomore, junior and senior CEC members have been working on their annual playhouses which will be showcased today in the Homecoming parade and at the Homecoming game.

“We all come together, play music and work on the playhouse,” Pranshu Aryal, junior, said. “Usually people just jump in, start painting and adding designs to the house that fit with the theme we voted on. It is really exciting to see our vision come to life.”

The freshmen members did not build a playhouse. Instead, they decorated the Commons for pep and school spirit.

“Making decorations is really fun but it also takes a lot of planning. My favorite part of making posters is painting them. I look forward to CEC every week, and I can’t wait until we get to see our hard work all come together when we hang everything up,” Avalyn Walker, freshman, said.

For the playhouse themes this year, the

 THE FIRST COAT Painting the first coat of the junior playhouse, Hannah Kotvasz, junior, adds final touches after the first day of painting. (photo by anna evilsizor)

seniors created a Disney themed house, the juniors did a Gingerbread theme, and the sophomores built a Haunted House themed playhouse. These themes have correlated with the Homecoming themes in the past, but this tradition has changed within the past couple of years.

“When the playhouses first began, they originally correlated with the dance theme,” Ms. Kristen Szafasz, junior CEC sponsor, said. “However, as time has gone on, we wanted our students to express more creativity for their playhouses. Choosing any theme as a class allows for more unique ideas and different houses.”

These playhouses will go up for bidding in a silent auction to raise money for a charity of each class’ choice. However, there are conversations about whether these playhouses will still continue after this year due to their decreasing popularity. At this time, there has not been a final decision made.

“No one wants playhouses anymore.

They have run their course. It is also good to try new things.The discussion is still ongoing,” Ms.Valerie Pflum, sophomore CEC sponsor, said.

“Being nominated for court has been such a fun experience. It’s insane to think that enough of my peers voted for me to have the chance to participate in this. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”

Daniella Nahnsen What does it mean to be nominated?

“Mr. Kalwasinski said this is my peak and enjoy it, so that’s what I’ll do.”

Aniqa Ali If you were queen for a day, what would you do?

“I would wear my crown and I would pass it over to my friends Gisele, Skye, Nyla and Diana wear it, so I could share this experience with them as well.”

06 review.

friday, september 30, 2022

Films in Wonderland

In light of this year’s Homecoming theme, “Enchanted Garden,” staffers reviewed similarly-themed movies on Disney+ Falling into Love: Down the Rabbit Hole: Enchanted sydney jones Alice in Wonderland

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page editor

reena alsakaji

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“Enchanted” puts a spin on the classic cartoon Disney movie. The movie starts with the typical, whimsical cartoon. She’s in her tower singing to her animals about h e r dream prince. The prince overhears her singing and they fall in love. She is then sent to a different dimension (New York City) by an evil witch so her stepson wouldn’t fall in love with her. She has no idea the prince has followed her into this strange world in hopes of finding her and getting married.

The creators did a good job of plopping these fairytale characters into our real and scary world.

Overall the movie was quite a nice change from regular old Disney princess movies although it still has recognizable aspects of previous movies such as “Cinderella,” sprinkled throughout which tied it to the Disney genre. The film is charming and has ever so loved, happily ever after.

editor-in-chief

A well-renowned childhood classic, “Alice in Wonderland” follows Alice’s journey into a new world as she follows after the White Rabbit. The 1951 film is an enjoyable one for all viewers, from the joyful soundtrack to the captivating visuals. However, other aspects of the film remain dull in comparison, as the film starts out strong before slowly unraveling in potential.

The viewer is initially enticed by the enchanting feel and comforting scenery, desiring more of the calming, serene feel of the characters, voices and visuals.

Quickly, the viewer is entranced by Alice and her first song, arguably the greatest

Curse of Misfortune: Into the Woods

Down Memory Lane: The Princess Bride

seamus keegan

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page editor

If you loved fairy tales as a younger kid, you’ll certainly enjoy “Into the Woods.” The film is a movie adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, which centers around a young couple trying to rid a curse placed upon them by a witch. It intertwines a number of classic fairy tales while providing a hefty amount of song.

Having a bunch of childhood stories all brought together is certainly nostalgic.

At the end of the film, it takes a sharp turn and overturns the traditional “happily ever after” trope. While this last portion of the movie seems a bit detached from the rest of the film, it is an interesting take on the classic fairy tale ending and it provides a unique conclusion to an otherwise predictable plot.

Overall, it is a good watch in the moment, but it does not provide much of a lasting impression afterward.

in the film. But the rest of the scenes do not compare to the introduction. Following this, the events are difficult to keep up with, and while this is important to the nature of the film, it is still off-putting to new viewers. It is a solid choice to watch in the background, but there are several points where the story drags on, especially when Alice is off-screen (but the Cheshire Cat almost makes up for it).

Despite these downfalls, it is no surprise that the children’s film is a nostalgic classic.

The animated version retains the feel of “enchanted garden” that its live action counterparts lack, and modern renditions of the film do not do the aesthetics and overall concept justice.

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

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page editor

illustration by damien salahieh

Mix together a classic fairytale, comedy and a love story all together, and the result would be the 1987 film, “The Princess Bride.” This movie takes the viewer through the tale of the spontaneous kidnapping and adventure of a princess named Buttercup. The mood of the movie is unique in the way that it incorporates elegant scenery and medieval costuming with cheesy and quirky humor.

Along with the tacky humor, the actors themselves seemed very awkward and

unsettling. It could be the fact that Buttercup and Westley look like siblings, but even just the acting and dialogue is delivered poorly.

The movie is also fast paced, with unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. The unpredictability of the film keeps viewers intrigued. However, looking away from the screen for even one second can cause the viewer to lose track of the storyline. New characters would pop up out of nowhere that were not very helpful to the overall plot. At a certain point, the movie became more of a mind puzzle to keep track of, but the story at its core is enjoyable and amusing.

How well does it “Enchanted Garden”?

The Crier Staff rates how well the movies fit the “Enchanted Garden” Homecoming theme.

3/5

3/5

3/5

4/5

illustrations by damien salahieh

alice in wonderland

In terms of the film fitting the “Enchanted Garden” theme, it has the same issue as the movie overall. The film starts off with a serene and angelic enchanted garden aesthetic, but as the movie progresses, it transitions into chaos.

into the woods

While the movie does not feature an actual enchanted garden, it does still fit the theme. It contains fairy tale characters, takes place in a mystical world, and although it isn’t called Into the Garden, it does feature a set with lots of nature, enchantment and wonder.

enchanted

It starts out as a very classic Disney movie with a theme that fits the enchanted garden perfectly. However, that only lasts for a couple of minutes until she is in New York. Still, even when she’s in the city, she still sings with her animals and very much acts like a princess.

princess bride

There is no specific garden in this movie, but it does have an enchanted feel. The classic princess fairytale movie, besides its uniqueness, is elegant and enchanted. The medieval and classy costumes combined with the vast fields and mountainous scenery adds to it.

sports. 07

friday, september 30, 2022

Back in the Game

 TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK As the team walks onto the field, senior AJ Prieboy and junior Matt Opat shake hands before a play. On Sept. 23, Munster lost to Highland 7-12. (photo by marianna young)

The Football team prepares for the Homecoming game tonight seamus keegan

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page editor

The smell of popcorn, the lively splendor of the band, and the school spirit shown through nightly themes all contribute to the excitement of Friday nights. Football Fridays have always been a tradition at MHS, and the support this year is greater than ever.

The Mustangs are off to a better start than in previous years, with a record of 3-4, and tonight’s game against Andrean will either solidify support or yield a significant drop in morale.

“Our boys love the support they get from their classmates,” Coach Jason Grunewald said. “They feel that appreciation because they put in a lot of hard work through the week and through the years. So I know they really appreciate all the support they get.”

The team has stepped up their game in comparison to recent years. Coach Grunewald attributes a lot of that success to the players of this year’s seniors. Most of these seniors have been playing with Coach Grunewald since freshman or sophomore year, and he hopes these players and their success will serve as a stepping stone for the next year’s players.

“Hopefully our juniors or sophomores

and freshmen can see if you can be like this group and hold your teammates accountable to that standard you can have success like they did.”, he said Success has also been attributed with a shift in morale within the team. With team camaraderie being more solidified than in previous years, hidden gems like the defensive backs motto “DBQ” shine, especially during strong plays. Wing Isaiah Ramirez saw a big morale boost during a football camp over the summer, where most of the football team attended.

“Our coach took away our phones for the entire camp, I think that forced us to get closer and play more as a team,” Ramirez said. “That’s where I found my love for football and for all the guys, we just got really close.”

Whether their success can be attributed to a great senior class or high morale, this football season is off to a great start, especially since at this time last year their record was 0-2. The team plans to keep the wins cruising, and they’ve focused a lot recently on special teams—the section of the team responsible for scoring extra points. They made this decision after their loss at Kankakee Valley, a game where their special teams were scored on twice.

After the hard loss at Homecoming last year, players and coaches alike are ready to do their best to ensure a victory tonight.

They’ve been spending time working hard at practice and preparing on their own.

“We’re preparing every day in practice, like we’re going after it. We’re really motivated because last year, our homecoming didn’t go too well. So we’re trying to bounce back.”

Daniel Asgedom, junior, said.

Football Record 0-47

Aug. 19 against Lake Central

34-14 Aug. 26 against Griffith 38-18 Sept. 2 against East Chicago 39-6

Sept. 9 against Morton

Sept. 23 against Highland

From Shin Guards to Shoulder Pads Newest football kicker, Savannah Nuetzel becomes first girl to score a Varsity point lauren hoogeveen

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story editor

Turning to face her coaches and teammates on the sidelines, Savannah Nuetzel, sophomore, beamed with excitement after scoring her first varsity point as football kicker—the first girl to score one in MHS history. Although soccer, basketball and track have always been her sports of choice, Nuetzel took up the offer to join the team after a conversation with her track coach Mr. Dillon Pierie, also assistant football coach.

“Everyone was super excited and pumped,” Nuetzel said. “I felt extremely grateful that the team and everyone was so supportive. I was super excited in general to not only be the girl to score, but just to score in general. I felt like everyone was just super happy for me.”

Girls’ Golf Finishes Season dorothy lakshmanamurthy

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page editor

16 against Kankakee 14-30 Sept.

Valley

7-12

 HITTING THE CLUB Standing on the green, Alexis Schmidt, junior, lines up her shot. (photo by lita cleary)

Starting her soccer career at age three, Nu- if I need to leave early or come later, they’re etzel believes the skills she has learned over very understanding and accommodating.” the years has helped her adapt A MHS football alumni, Coach so quickly to football. Since her Pierie reflects on playing with the last younger brothers play football, girl on the football team, Amber KimNuetzel has also made connecbrough, class of 2014. Remembering her tions with her teammates, such as determination to do her best and care AJ Prieboy, senior, while helping for her teammates, he appreciates these the younger teams. Despite being traits being carried on by Savannah. the only girl on the team, her ini“Savannah has already accomplished tial worries were mostly her perfor- Savannah Nuetzel, sophomore so much just by deciding to join our mance during games and balanc- (photo by zoe clark) team,” Coach Pierie said. “Seeing eving both football and club soccer practices. As eryone on our sideline celebrate her after she a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Nuetzel hopes made the kick [first varsity point scored by to become more consistent with scoring points. a girl] was one of my favorite memories that “The coaches have been so helpful,” I’ve had as a coach. I hope that other MHS Nuetzel said. “Whenever I need to take students can look to Savannah as an inspia practice off and go to soccer practice or ration to be fearless and try new things.”

Ending off their season on a bitter note, Girl’s Golf did not make it out of their Regionals last weekend as they came in 6th place. Only the top three teams continue onto the next competition. Despite the disappointment, the team still had a good season as a whole, having won sectionals.

“I did not do my best at our regional but golf is such a mental sport so it’s very easy to have good and bad days,” Cate Stephan, junior, said.

 KILLA’ KICK Practicing by herself, Savannah Nuetzel, sophomore, follows through on her kick. Tonight, she will be kicking at the Homecoming game. “I get nervous before I kick because I don’t want to mess up, but I just try to remember that I make more than I miss,” Nuetzel said. (photo by zoe clark)

08 student life.

friday, september 30, 2022

backtalk

If you had to pick a spirit day for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

“Sports day. Because It’s fun and I get to dress in sportswear all day.”

Sahej Sran, freshman

“I would pick Adam Sandler day because he is top eight people.” UNITED

To bring attention to the diversity in Hispanic roots, Adriana Hernandez and Christian Villarreal, freshmen; Adrian Chavez and Arantxa Rivera, sophomores; Aniqa Ali and Lauralyn Courtney, seniors, come together to represent their Hispanic Heritage. (photo illustration by marianna young)

Seamus Riley, sophomore

Uncovering an Identity

Students reflect on representation in light of Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and discuss how they celebrate reena alsakaji

‘are you sure’ because I don’t look Hispanic. editor-in-chief Number two is ‘oh, you’re from Mexico?’”

To Luna Gutierrez, sophomore, Juliette Miranda, senior, said. “Chilean IndeNational Hispanic Heritage Month has pendence Day means more to me now than it always represented her family’s sacrifice. did when I was little. I have more background Being a first generation immigrant, as to where my original family was from now Luna has always felt gratitude for the and I can understand where that’s coming sacrifices her parents made to come from.” to the United States. From going to What countries celebrate parades for Mexican Independence Week to reading an online version Hispanic Heritage Month? of the bill that designated Hispanic Heritage Month as a federal holiday, Hispanic Heritage Month is someSept. 15: Independence Days for Costa Rica, El thing Luna takes pride in and actively celebrates.

Salvador, Guatemala, “Sometimes I feel like my parents Honduras and didn’t sacrifice so much to come here Nicaragua. for me to be average, and I feel the necessity to excel or make my people proud,” Luna said. “Hispanic Heritage Sept. 16: Mexican Month is more than just a celebration Independence Day of my culture. It’s a celebration of the hard work that has been put in place and now I get the privilege to Sept. 18: Chilean celebrate.”

Hispanic Heritage Month celeIndependence Day brates those whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean source: us census bureau and Central and South America, meaning its official designation includes As MHS has become increasingly diverse, both Hispanic and Latinx Americans. students disagree on whether MHS is doing At MHS, according to the Indiana enough to acknowledge its Hispanic populaDepartment of Education, MHS had tion. Luna recommends Spanish translators in a total enrollment of 1,588 students, classes and lectures, after having to translate with 25.6% being Hispanic, the second both math and english for a year. Also, she largest race following white students. believes it is important to hire more teachCompared to 10 years earlier in 2012, ers of color and acknowledge the academic Hispanic students formed only 16.4% strides of Hispanic students. Being one of the of the population. only Hispanic students in her honors classes “I like to say I am specifically Chil- has given her feelings of impostor syndrome. ean because whenever I say Hispanic, “When people see me in these APs, they’ll I usually get two responses. One is see me as being abnormal,” Luna said. 

“Hispanic people are just as intelligent as everyone else. Why is it that we lack in some of these classes, courses and professional degrees? I think that is something that makes you question so much about yourself, especially because Latina women make less compared to the white man’s dollar out of everyone else.”

Balancing issues of labels and identities poses difficulties for some students. There has been recent discussion on whether or not the month should be designated as Latinx Heritage Month, and there is an added layer of cultural confusion when it comes to mixed students. Finding a balance between being both half-Pakistani and half-Mexican was a personal struggle for Aniqa Ali, senior, but she took pride in both cultures and was eventually able to feel secure.

“The two cultures, they’re very different,” Aniqa said. “Sometimes they clash, and sometimes I feel like I have to choose one over another. Going back to my home countries helped a lot. I got to see firsthand and I felt like it was a piece of me that got failed.”

While Aniqa does not actively observe the month, it does hold meaning to her.

Celebrating the month looks different for a variety of students, but it remains important for its celebration of Hispanic culture and history.

“My cultural identity has made me much more secure with who I am,” Lucia Salazar, sophomore, said. “At first, I wanted to fit into the norms of what I was around or what was beautiful for me. My grandparents and my mom were a huge part of me accepting that I am Latina and Latina is beautiful. It made me more confident as a person that I shouldn’t have to be ashamed of who I am.”

“Probably the BBQ dad vs soccer mom because I feel like that one is the most normalized. I wouldn’t want to walk around as a nerd or a baby.”

Ini-Obong Edet, junior

“I would do costume day for the rest of my life because I can dress as a giant hot dog.”

Eric Vasser, senior

“Pajamas, because I want to be cozy.”

Rhagu Nachuri, freshman

“Adam Sandler day because you get to dress comfortable, and swag the halls of the high school.”

Abby Mena, sophomore

“Nerd day. I feel like I can rock some glasses and pigtails.”

Sophie Salazar, junior

“I would choose character day because that way we could choose any character and it’s not the same thing every single time.”

Brooke Vivian, senior

"Air Force fighter pilot for the rest of my life.”

Mr. Larry Hautzinger, science

“I would dress for nerd day because I could wear my goggles all day and carry around my calculator and it’d be normal.”

Mrs. Dawn Vidt, science