MHS Crier | Issue 1 | 9.9.22

CRIER

september 09, 2022 volume 59 issue 1 munster high school 8808 columbia ave. munster, indiana 46321 http://mhsnews.net

munster high school

Teachers will be able to reserve this Collaboration Room for their classes, and the room will hold more traditional furniture.

The Mustang Café is still a work in progress; this area does not have a specific designation for students.

One of the many rooms that students can use; the space is currently a storage space until the media center is fully up and running.

Opening the doors

One of several rooms that can be used by students, the technology workroom is still a work in progress.

“

“It’s been redesigned in a way that students and teachers can use it in a lot of different ways,” Ms. Kelly Hladek, media specialist, said.

” “

ms. kelly hladek media specialist

“When you look at this whole project it’s very flexible — the Mustang Cafe is a piece to it.”

” “

mr. sean begley

director of operations

It’ll be more inviting for classes that go in there, there’s going to be some rooms that they can use and study in. mr. morgan nolan

photos by ethan pischner KNOW THE DRILL Crier staff members walk into the brand new Media Center. Construction of the media center has students eagerly waiting for what is in store. The new media center contains brand new floors, walls, bathrooms, counter tops and more. The Media Center will be furnished around late September, but students should have access in the next coming weeks.

The study rooms on both sides of the media center is an area for students to work quietly, as opposed to the chatter in the middle of the media center.

New bathrooms were built adjacent to the media center. However, this space is unavailable to students and will be used if the school hosts events.

The space above will serve as a space where students can congregate and chat for collaboration; book shelves will be placed alongside each column.

”

principal

This space is located in what may be the Mustang Café.

Students and staff reflect on new changes to the 2022-2023 school year reena alsakaji & sydney jones editor-in-chief and page editor

W

alking into the new Media Center, students are flooded with freshly painted walls, towering glass doors, new counter tops and shiny floors. This is the scene that replaces the 1996 remodel of the Media Center, and it is a development that symbolizes the administering of many new changes to the school year.

Since the beginning of the year, students have had to adjust these changes, along with a variety of others. As a result, there have been questions of lingering uncertainty. What will the remainder of the year look like with the adjustments—a new principal, a differing schedule, no contact time and—most apparent—the construction littering every edge of the school.

Construction Construction on the Media Center was a $3.5 million project beginning at the end of the previous school year, with financing directly allocated through the school’s Operation Funds. Students have been allowed access to the Media Center for computer problems, moving these technological functions out of the fab lab. But proper entry, according to Principal Morgan Nolan, is set for the next coming weeks. However, its full completion is estimated to be around Thanksgiving Break, with furniture coming in around early October. The goal of the renovations is to allow more students to utilize the resources available to them.

“I like the construction. I think it’s a really fun way to keep students interested in the school,” Anagha Kodukula, senior, said. “I think a lot of the students are fascinated by it, including myself. And I know everyone’s

super excited and eager to be able to work in the LGI and media centers.”

Until the Media Center is complete, Ms. Kelly Hladek, media specialist, is encouraging students to take advantage of the eLibrary. Books will eventually be located in shelves along the red pillars of the Media Center. But the entirety of the space, according to Principal Morgan Nolan and Mr. Sean Begley, director of operations, is also very flexible. The rooms may be accessible to students for Speech and Debate practice, or for AP testing in the future. There are several distinct areas for group work that teachers will be able to reserve, with labels such as “professional development area” and “collaboration room” on the walls. The Mustang Cafe, however, is still up in the air regarding when it will be up and running. The idea is something that Mr. Nolan and Mr. Begley will continue to discuss.

continues on page 2.

02 news.

friday, september 09, 2022

photo by anna evilsizor

photo by ethan pischner

CHECKING OUT After getting computer help, Juan Guzman, sophomore, checks out of LONGTIME NO SEE Touring through the hallways, alumni explore the new construction and revamped media center before the Hall of Fame assembly on Aug. 26. the new media center this week.

Continued from Front “The cafe is still a big question mark,” Mr. Nolan said. “I think that’s the question, who’s in charge of it? The tough thing is trying to figure out what we want to do with it. There was this idea of having coffee and stuff like that served down there, and I have no problem with it. But who’s going to serve the coffee? So we’re having some of those discussions. We’re not sure.

But it provides the flexibility to do some things down there that we might not have had before.”

Professional Learning Communities & Schedule Changes The further integration of Professional Learning Communities was a long-standing goal for Mr. Nolan, and its impact is felt by both students and staff alike. PLCs designate time to build team communities with clear goals. Teachers meet each morning in several teams, replacing previous contact time on Tuesday mornings and MRTs in the school day. This, however, according to Mr. Nolan, was a strategic decision, as now students can meet with teachers any day they do not have a meeting.

“It is just working through those things should give some more flexibility for teachers and students to try to work together to keep the academic stuff moving forward,” Mr. Nolan said. “If kids or students need access to the math department, there should be more access, because the access is available four times a week now as opposed to one time a week.

It’s really just working with your teammates has been what Link Crew will be doing to and your colleagues.” help now.

Making the decision on how to change “Since MRT has been eliminated, the the schedule was not an easy task, but it was administration and link crew sponsors one that Mr. Nolan believes will be benefihave been in conversations to have events cial in the long run. during the school day instead,” Ms. Kris“There’s always a cost-benefit analyten Szafasz, social studies teacher, said. sis for everything that you do,” Mr. Nolan Morning Announcements said. “The question was, ‘what are the most With the change of principal this year, important things for us to be successful as morning announcements have been introa school district?’ For me, that’s teachers duced. Every morning, working together Mr. Nolan’s voice in teams. That’s crackles through the one of the most access to quiet rooms for silent study intercom, reciting the important things— pledge, providing inforan orderly environment is number space for collaboration among students mation about upcoming events, and wishing stuone. Number two dents a great day. It also is a place where gives students a chance we have collegial- reserved rooms for group projects to hear from the princiity and teamwork. pal more frequently.

Mr. library books and the eLibrary : We went through a Nolan plans to continlot of additions on stm.mackinvia.com ue morning announcethe schedule, we ments, providing stulooked at blocking, dents with the opportunity to take a deep we looked at some different things. We debreath and focus on the day ahead. cided to make the smallest change possible “At first, I was like, why do we do this, to get what we wanted.” but I found that was just a really good way The absence of MRT is something that for students to build some auditory constudents are still getting used to, and that nection with me, you know, as a person, certain clubs have been working around. right?” Mr. Nolan said. “It’s hard for me Students and clubs, regardless of their to be visible in the school, physically at all opinion, have had to adjust. For example, times. I love getting in classrooms. I love this absence of MRT also posed a problem being out in the hallways, I love being at for Link Crew, a club that focuses on helplunch.” ing the incoming freshman through their first year of high school. Last year, Link Updates on Rules Crew spent time in freshmen MRTs to provide fun and helpful information. A comAt the beginning of the school year, stumon question since the schedule change dents attended the disciplinary assembly

what students can expect?

at a glance.

There has been a stricter emphasis placed on some rules over the other, all with the idea of upholding the student handbook to establish a “professional learning environment.” by the (hand)book read on page 3

A long line spews out the door with people waiting to try the new cookie lineup of the week. The new Crumbl, located in Dyer, releases six new cookie flavors at the start of each week. the way the cookie crumbls read on page 6

Our Content... is determined solely by Crier staff. Crier decided to cover new changes and rules as the community of MHS is changing, and students have had questions.

It is Crier’s job to answer them.

held in the auditorium. In addition to curiosity about the new changes, some students wonder why it seems there are new, stricter rules this year. Turns out it is just a common misconception.

“I think the perception is different.

Because last year, we didn’t get to do the full handbook presentation. And so I think we were just more intentional this year about communicating expectations,” Mrs. Helen Fuller, dean of students, said.

Last year, still having scattered covid restrictions, administration was not able to get students in one area to discuss regulations. Some students have felt that there was more leniency in terms of dress code and have found the execution to be overwhelming compared to years past, because people were still getting acclimated to school again. Now with most things back to normal, administration immediately decided to clearly inform students for understanding, and has gone to greater lengths to emphasize the handbook. Some students find certain rules and changes reasonable, especially in regards to student safety, but others find certain regulations to be tedious.

“The dress code is all very vague and when I got called down, nobody was able to tell me any more than my shirt was “a little low,” Evvy Kikkert, sophomore, said.

“My undergarments were covered. If my violation of the dress code was because what I was wearing was “provocative,” then I would like someone to say that to my face and explain that to me. The dress code is vague and I received little to no explanation on what rule I was actually breaking.”

Committed D1 to the University of Texas at El Paso, Lauren Wallace, senior, is most excited to strengthen her volleyball skills, travel with her team and room with her best friend, Mila Popovic. order in the court read on page 7

In recent years, mental health in schools has reached a decline. On average, nearly 1 in 5 students suffers from a mental health disorder each year. an undercover crisis read on page 8

opinion. 03

friday, september 09, 2022

guest column

‘ That ’s the end result.’

An excerpt from a transcribed interview with Mr. Morgan Nolan, Principal

Right at the beginning of the year, we had the lecture in the auditorium regarding school rules. What went into holding that meeting and holding it right away?

When I was in student services, we did those meetings with classes at some point in time. We hadn’t had those because of Covid and getting kids together. So I had asked student services—I think we need to jump on this opportunity and have some early-on meetings, get kids together, make sure they understand expectations and procedures so that there’s transparency. My opinion’s always been that students will follow the rules if they know the rules. illustration by damien salahieh

staff opinion

By the (Hand) Books

F

iling through the doors on the second day of school, students entered the auditorium for a lecture regarding expectations and rule procedures. For the first time since the pandemic hit, this meeting was held in conjunction with student services to discuss the student handbook. As the lecture went on, the discussion seemed to remain the typical, run-of-the-mill policies on school rules.

However, there lingered a feeling of disconnect between the students and the speakers—the rules themselves were clear, but an unequal emphasis on certain aspects, specifically dress code, left students feeling confused about the reasoning behind such regulations.

Though the handbook itself has not changed with the arrival of a new administration, there is a large difference in the execution, expectations and culture of the school, all with the idea of upholding the student handbook to establish a “professional learning environment.” While some rules have a clear connection to creating this environment, others, such as the outdated dress code and its enforcement, leaves a question unanswered in the eyes

of students: how does the current dress code, with its unequal administration and explanation, contribute to establishing a safe and professional environment that betters student learning?

There is a clear divide between the execution of the rule and what is written in the handbook. Not only do some rules lack consistency (excessively baggy clothing is almost never dress-coded, despite explicitly stated in the handbook), but the explanation of these rules were not given. For example, revealing midriff was emphasized at the assembly, but it was not explained.

Students value proper communication; in the seats of the auditorium, what flickered through the minds of many students was the question of “why.” How do these rules contribute to the education of students, to the idea of the professional learning environment?

The problem is made worse by the generational disconnect between administrators and students. Clothes aren’t made the same, mainly because of fast fashion.

According to The State of Fashion 2019, the average person today buys 60% more

items of clothing than they did 15 years ago. But consumers keep that clothing for only half as long as they used to; fast fashion is made to be cheap, not durable.

With fast fashion brands like Shein accounting for 40% of sales, it contributes to students going through more trends faster.

Though the student handbook should not have to constantly update to adjust to new fashion trends, clearly addressing new trends and if they violate the handbook and why can close the divide.

Understanding why the school values certain rules is just as important as following them. While students recognize that some rules are made in their best interest, that divide can only be bridged with clear communication. If loose terms like “conductive learning environment” and “professionalism” are thrown around without guidelines, it makes students feel as if they are being undermined in their importance to the school.

More constructive ways should be put in place to support a professional learning environment without stopping certain students from learning.

opinion backtalk

How do you feel about the rules and changes this year?

“

“

“The changes I like this year are definitely the new media center.

I feel like kids will actually use it now that it’s remodeled.

“Overall, I think the rules are respectable, but I do believe they can be a little more understanding and lenient of certain situations.”

” CRIER

”

giselle edwards senior

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 extracurricular 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.

charlie ilijevski

“

“I am glad school starts at 8 a.m. now everyday. Some changes were frustrating, though, like no free lunch anymore and such a strict phone/airpod policy.”

sophomore

”

annie fuller

Are you planning to continue the morning announcements? Yes. Why would you like to?

The first reason is culture. It’s hard for me to be visible in the school at all times. I love getting in classrooms. I love being out in the hallways. I went into public education to be around students. That’s really hard to do as principal at times. When I went to the middle school, they said, ‘You got to do these announcements to start the day.’ At first, I was like, ‘why do we do this?’ but I found that it was a good way for students to build some auditory connection with me as a person. Whether I like being the figurehead of a school or not, that’s the role I serve.

We are required by law to do the Pledge of Allegiance in Indiana and a moment of silence. So that’s a quick way to kind of knock that out. We can speculate the underlying reasons for a moment of silence. But from my standpoint, as someone who really believes in meditation and mindfulness, here’s a chance to just stop for a second. Take a few deep breaths, focus on my day in front of me—there’s a lot of science that backs that up.

From a student standpoint, what do you want students to know about the changes you’ve made? And any changes you plan to make in the future?

The thing that I hope that the PLC process will do the most is help students feel that they’re getting a more individualized educational experience, and that teachers are really trying to meet their needs. I think students feel strongly that, ‘I can pick classes and I want to meet my needs. I want to take AP English, but I don’t want to take AP US History.’ But within that class, do they feel that they’re getting a genuine experience that meets their needs? That’s the end result— better instruction to the classroom, more individualized instruction, more responding to students’ needs, and less setting benchmarks and when students fail to get there being like, ‘Well, they just fail to get there.’ How are we responding to that?

sophomore

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed.

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.

Photographers Zoe Clark, Ethan Pischner, Marianna Young

our staff

Business Manager Josephine Mittelberger

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

Photography Trainer Anna Evilsizor Page Editors Sydney Jones, Seamus Keegan, Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy

Cartoonist Damien Salahieh Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

04 infocus.

friday, september 09, 2022

Fresh faces fill empty spaces MHS welcomes new teachers

Ms. Robyn Brown

Ms. Alissa Scott

Subjects taught: Spanish 1 Years teaching: 23 Hopes for the upcoming year: “I’m looking forward to getting to know the Munster High School students and staff.”

Favorite hobby: “My favorite pastime is playing golf because it’s challenging and I love to be outside.”

Subjects taught: Geometry Years teaching: First year Hopes for the upcoming year: “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the students and the school as a whole. It is completely different from places I’ve been before so it is just really interesting to meet everyone and see their interests. That sort of thing.”

Favorite hobby: “I think my favorite hobby overall is reading. I like mysteries.”

photo by marianna young

DRAWING THE LINE Ms. Robyn Brown, math teacher, laughs with her students after discussing points and lines.

BIENVENDIO In front of the class, Ms. Alissa Scott, Spanish teacher, teaches Spanish I.

photo by marianna young

Ms. Lauren Holden

Subjects taught: Geometry and Algebra I Years teaching: First year Hopes for the upcoming year: “I am looking forward to getting to know new students, spending time with staff members and teaching one of my favorite subjects.”

Favorite hobby: “My favorite hobby would have to be painting or weightlifting. Painting allows me to decompress and let my thoughts flow freely. Also, I enjoy my time at the gym lifting because it is a way for me to clear my mind.”

photo by zoe clark

photo by zoe

HELPING HAND During her lesson, Ms. Lauren Holden, math teacher, assists a student with a math problem.

Ms. Debra Hingst Subjects taught: English Composition and English 11 Years teaching: 40 Name pronunciation: rhymes with sing with an st at the end (Hing-st) Hopes for the upcoming year: “I’m

looking forward to teaching literature and composition again.”

Favorite hobby: “My hobbies include reading and crossword puzzles. I enjoy playing games, going to movies so I can get together with friends and family.”

SMILING SIMILES Teaching figurative language, Ms. Debra Hingst, English teacher, talks to her composition class.

photo by anna evilsizor

FINE TUNING Flipping the page of the sheet m conducts a piece in preparation for the Sympho New Albany, IN, Miss Quinn started playing the the viola in college as a secondary instrument.

Miss Levacy Quinn

Subjects taught: Orchestra Years teaching: First year Hopes for the upcoming year: “I am rather than people my age.”

Favorite hobby: “I like to crochet, l watch anime.”

infocus. 05

friday, september 09, 2022

Angelique Kerger Subjects taught: Introduction to Culinary Arts I and Introduction to Culinary Arts II Years teaching: Around 25 Name pronunciation: “Like merger (murr gerr), but kerger (kurr gerr).”

Hopes for the upcoming year: “Sparking interest in cooking and creativity.”

Favorite hobby: “I love to travel, especially overseas travel. I love anything to do with culture. I like going to the opera, I like going to rock concerts and I am a musician. I’m a singer and I studied at IU school of music.”

photo by zoe clark

photo by marianna young

LET’S GET COOKING At her desk, Ms. Angelique Kerger, FACS teacher, gives her students their new groups for when they begin to use the kitchen.

BUSINESS IS BOOMING Mr. Eric Sera, marketing and principles of business management teacher, teaches the class about the Hierarchy of Effects.

Ms. Samantha Krueger

Subjects taught: Biology Years teaching: First year Name pronunciation: “Think of Freddy Krueger” (crew-gur) Hopes for the upcoming year: “I’m looking forward to the students, and teaching biology in general.”

Favorite hobby: “Painting, oil painting. I enjoy it and I mostly do surrealism.”

Mr. Eric Sera

Subjects taught: Marketing and principles of business management Years teaching: 1 Name pronunciation: “It’s like the girls name Sarah.”

Hopes for the upcoming year: “I’m looking forward to taking the next group of students and helping

transform them into our next titans of industry.”

Favorite hobby: “I like watching documentary films, going to the beach, bike riding and playing basketball. I used to be into card flipping basketball cards, haven’t done that in awhile.”

Mr. Thomas Ehrlich Subjects taught: Geometry and Algebra I Years teaching: 6 Name pronunciation: Earl-ick Hopes for the upcoming year: “I am looking forward to getting to know the students and to get a feel for the school culture.”

Favorite hobby: “My favorite hobbies are watching football and playing video games. I have grown up with both, so it has kind of just been ingrained on me.”

POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL At the board, Ms. Samantha Krueger, science teacher, explains the parts of an animal cell. Ms. Krueger teaches six biology classes a day.

e clark

photo by zoe clark

FUN WITH FUNCTIONS While teaching, Mr. Thomas Ehrlich, math teacher, jokes around with his students.

Mrs. Christine Chidichimo

Subjects taught: Geometry and PreCalculus/Trigonometry Years teaching: 20 Name pronunciation: Chid-ee-cheemoe Hopes for the upcoming year: “I am looking forward to getting to learn more about my students and getting to know them better, and hopefully having an impact in helping them grow in their learning and succeed. I want them to be successful.”

Favorite hobby: “Running—I gotta give two—well, I guess working out. Running and crossfit. I love both of those.”

photo by lauren hoogeveen

music, Miss Levacy Quinn, orchestra director, ony Orchestra’s fall concert. Originally from e violin in elementary school and picked up

n

m excited to work with older students,

listen to horror fiction podcasts and photo by marianna young

THAT’S THE POINT Ms. Christine Chidichimo, math teacher, talks to students about how points and lines make up our daily lives.

06 review.

friday, september 09, 2022

The way the cookie C Crier staffers review various dessert shops in the area

Crumbl Cookie dorothy lakshmanamurthy

ie, it costs $4. You can also purchase a Crumbl cookie cutter, for $5, to easily cut your cookies into 4 equal pieces.

page editor

A long line spews out the door with people waiting to try the new cookie lineup of the week. The new Crumbl, located in Dyer, releases six new cookie flavors at the start of each week. The classic chocolate chip always remains available every week. These sharable sized cookies vary in many different flavors, including some flavors from the previous weeks: cotton candy, apple pie, brownie batter, cornbread, just to name a few.

Once you get through the line and get inside, the process of ordering the cookies is really efficient. You walk up to an electronic tablet and select the cookies you want without ordering face-to-face with a worker. Although as you wait for your order, there are no tables to sit down at and barely any room to stand. The inside of Crumbl is not very spacious, and it is difficult to wait for your order without being in someone’s way. The cookies can be purchased in different sized boxes. To get a box of all six flavors of the week, it is $18. To just purchase four cookies, it is $13. If you just want one cook-

Royal Tea

Circus Animal Rating: 4/5

This cookie is simple and not too rich. Although the staffers were unable to have this cookie with the animal cracker topping, it does not disappoint.

The cookie tastes and has the same texture as a confetti cake. The simple frosting pairs well with the cookie, and the sprinkles add to the visual appeal

Oreo Sandwich Rating: 4/5 This chilled cookie, which appears to look like a large oreo, has a filling that tastes much like an oreo milkshake. The two outer cookies taste as if oreos were crushed and compacted together. To get the full experience, make sure this cookie is chilled.

r

U m bl

s

Chocolate Chip Rating: 5/5

The classic of all desserts, you can never go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie. This cookie has large chunky Strawberry Shortcake Rating: 2/5 chocolate pieces which melt in your mouth. Just like most chocolate chip cookies, it tastes best warm and fresh.

The base of this cookie, including the cookie itself and the frosting, is flavorless. This cookie is chilled, but the coldness makes the cookie less chewy and more crumbly and messy.

The cookie is topped off with a strawberry and puree topping which is similar to the kind that is on top of some ice cream sundaes. The strawberry topping somewhat saves the cookie’s flavor, but the overall taste is bland.

Red Velvet Rating: 4/5

The cookie tastes exactly like a red velvet cake, and has a similar cake consistency as well. It is topped with a simple, but enjoyable, cream cheese frosting. The staffers do not particularly love red velvet cake, but If you do, this is the cookie for you.

photo by anna evilsizor

INSIDE THE COOKIE BOX Crier staff reviews crumbl cookie from pictured left to right red velvet, cinnamon fry bread, circus animal, strawberry shortcake and oreo sandwich.

sydney jones page editor

When first walking into the quaint restaurant—almost hidden amongst the shops surrounding—bright colors and warm smells flood your senses. A colorful assortment of macaroons is the first thing you see, alongside friendly workers greeting customers. Royal Tea has several options for customers, including different fruit and milk boba teas, along with yakults and fruit smoothies.

A popular item is the “make your own poke bowl,” which is a mix of rice and different toppings of your choice. You can choose from fish or meat and fruits, vegetables, seaweed, ginger, and various sauces. The prices vary based on the item and size, but it is around $5.99 for most drinks. Compared to other boba places in the area, Royal Tea is more expensive by at least one to two dollars. Overall, the more expensive prices are worth it if you want a quality poke bowl along with some adequate boba. The serving sizes are more than enough and definitely fills you up. The more costly charge is worth it if you are looking for quantity. When it comes to quality on the other hand, it’s

Crave

lacking a bit considering the price.

Poke Bowl- Rating:4/5 Super tailored to your preferences with so many different add-ins and toppings to choose from. It was very filling and the Crier staff loved finishing off this sweet and savory treat.

Brown Sugar Milk Tea + Tapioca- 4/5 out of 5 stars The Crier staff agreed that you can really taste the brown sugar and it’s easy on the palette, making it an excellent starter drink. Tapioca pearls add a different texture to the tea and they give you something to munch on. The drink is good for people

photo by zoe clark

TEA FOR TWO After school, Crier staff goes to Royal Tea and gets passion fruit & lychee green tea, mango yakult tea and a poke bowl.

who have not tried boba before. However, it tastes a lot like the competitors in the area, such as Motea.

Passion Fruit & Lychee Green Tea4/5 “I actually really liked it and chugged half of it,” Zoe Clark, sophomore, said.

This tea is very citrusy and the right amount of sweet to where it isn't overbearing or not there. It’s easy to differentiate the passion fruit flavor to the lychee and green tea flavors. The drink was even topped off with a lime slice.

It is also surprisingly customizable with plenty of add ons. This goes for all of the drinks.

Mango Yakult + Tapioca- $5.99 4/5 The Crier staff also tried the fruit popping boba in place of tapioca pearls.

They come in all different flavors such as mango, strawberry, and lychee. They add a fresh spin onto a heavy or milky sort of drink. The popping boba option was an amazing option for this drink because the fresh fruit flavors went really well together, but the tapioca was still a great add on.

dorothy lakshmanamurthy page editor

The smell of waffles and the sizzling of the batter strikes you as you walk in. Right before you enter, a menu is posted on the window with a wide selection of many unique ice cream flavors and dishes to choose from.

From ice cream tacos, to bubble waf-

A COLD TREAT Crier staff visits Crave and gets the cookies N' Cream Deluxe waffle cone taco.

fle cones, milkshakes, and bubble waffle cone bites, the variety is endless.

Crave’s location is definitely a hotspot since it is next to a Crumbl Cookie and a grocery store. Despite the location, the inside of Crave is not very busy. There are a couple small tables to sit at and eat, but the ice cream can be served to-go as well. Compared to the Coldstone across the street, the prices are about the same for a basic cup of ice cream. However, Crave has many outof-the-box dishes that are more expensive but incomparable to other places around the area.

Cookies N’ Crave Deluxe Bubble Waffle Cone rating: 4/5

Cookie Monster Deluxe Ice Cream Taco rating:4/5

The bubble waffle cone is prepared right in front of you. The cone is filled with cookies and cream ice cream, marshmallows, and chocolate sauce.

The multiple toppings cohesively blend with the ice cream within the warm bubble waffle cone to create such a tasty treat. The portion size of the dessert is big enough to serve 3 people. Since the one cone is large enough to serve 3 people, the price is quite reasonable.

The concept of an ice cream taco is very eye-catching, along with a Cookie Monster flavor. The blue ice cream is arranged in a cinnamon tasting taco cone with toppings of cookie crisp cereal, Chips Ahoy, and chocolate drizzle.

The blue ice cream tastes like a sugar cookie in ice cream form, but the flavor is not overwhelming. The toppings and ice cream blend together to create the perfect dish that you can share with about 2-3 friends.

sports. 07

friday, september 09, 2022

Order in the Court

In the midst of their season, volleyball prepares for remaining Conference matches lauren hoogeveen story editor

The squeaky gym floors, the blow of a whistle and her teammates cheering her on are sounds all too familiar to Julianna Kisel, junior. With so many new players on the volleyball team, two tournaments early in the season helped the team learn what they need to focus on at practice—mainly communication. The volleyball team won their first Conference match against Lowell on Aug. 30, making their overall Conference record 1-1. Their next game is Sept. 12 against Lake Central.

“We just need to communicate more and I feel very confident that we are already getting better and better at that,” Kisel said. “We are super excited to crush it at our next tournament. We’re putting in the work.”

As a junior, Kisel has watched the team undergo many changes, such as a new coach this year. Founder of Dunes Volleyball Club in LaPorte, IN, Coach Rick Ashmore, varsity volleyball coach, has coached at numerous high schools in Northwest Indiana, such as Lake Central and Michigan City. His goals for this season are to key in on strengthening skills for Conference and State matches. With

FALL

new athletic trainers and other staff, the team looks forward to upcoming changes in coaching.

“I really hope to see more connections between the coaches and the girls this year,” Mackenzie Sellers, sophomore, said. “I feel like that is a big part of a team, not just having good relationships with your teammates but also your coaches. I also hope to get new perspectives on things from the new coaching staff.”

In her last high school volleyball season, Lauren Wallace, senior, looks forward to watching the team grow as a whole and hopes to hit her 1,000th kill mark. In volleyball, a kill is an offensive or defensive move that scores a point for the team. Committed D1 to the University of Texas at El Paso, Wallace is most excited to strengthen her volleyball skills, travel with her team and room with her best friend, Mila Popovic. Also committed to UTEP but for beach volleyball, Popovic is currently a senior at Marian Catholic High School.

“When I first got the offer to play in college, I was really surprised because it was my first phone call with UTEP and maybe five minutes into the phone call, they offered,” Wallace said.

photo by anna evilsizor

JUMP START Leaping up, Gracyn Gilliard, freshman, blocks the opponents spike attempt at a home game against Lowell on Aug. 30. “I always love working on making strong friendships with my teammates because it can really affect how you play,” Mackenzie Sellers, sophomore, said. “For the team, I just hope for everyone to try their best. If someone is giving it their all, there really isn’t much more you can ask for.”

L L A F S T R O P S L L A F S SPORT

L A F S T R O P S L L A F S T R SPO

er the field han pischn ers gather on ay pl ll photo by et ba ot RS Fo

ts phomore, hi yan Patel, so on 6-0. ar A , er ov g w eachin ch, he ACED IT R t. At that mat over the ne ck ba ll ba e th

nior, ki

alie Kindt, ju her feet , Nat up g in in L GOAL KICK es from the goalie box . mat to her team ith

zu sm photo by zu na evilsizor

photo by an

t 7 a.m.

Record: 7-3 Zionsville a t a 10 t. p e S : Varsity spot Next match getting the to n rd a rw fo g ip,” — Aarya “I am lookin championsh te ta S e th g and winnin omore h p so l, Pate

cks the ball

t 7 p.m.

-3 d at home a n la h ig H st Record: 4-1 n while ain inning seaso : Sept. 13 ag w a ve a h to Next game ng t, junior ll we are tr yi Natalie Kind — ” , n fu g “I think overa n avi fident and h staying con

for

UARTE CALLING Q . the coin toss

on at mond Mort m a H st Record: 3-1 in a : tonight ag Next game n a bit ast has bee p e th in 7 p.m. s e g many gam ing great,” “Not winnin r we’re look a ye is th t u r, b of a bumme ilva, junior S n ia st — Cri

a cleary

photo by lit ry aren Giana B ison, freshm a un ric E In N es U d sophomor ON THE R bia ia Gena an um liv ol O C d g an run alon tusiak Teah Pierce, Franco and tice.

Bliss, Ave at prac meter, Elora

a clea photo by lit a cleary

kas phomores Lu practice, so ar t ill A V E h T A oa L N s RUNNING and senior y ile R us . m Sea school Stewart and run past the kiel Gomez ze E at 8 a.m. d ll e an w al o re L zu smith

photo by zu

t n me tomorrow a n was whe Next meet: so a se is th Ian ht of the top 5,” — in “The highlig d e h is n fi rown and Ralph B r io n Smith, ju

Following EFFORT G juIN TT PU ma Edens, her putt , Em . le through on ho ball in thew nior, hits the le

photo by lit

for 9 ho Record: 3-2 gainst Illih: Today a Next matc p.m. ana at 4:30 cessfully e can suc w e “I hop ma Eden, tate,” — Em make it to S junior

:15 for 5000 Record: 20 ell at 8 a.m. senior rrow at Low o m to t: e e ake it past N ex t m e we can m p o h I , m a to do bet“As a te each other sh u p d n a ls regiona omore Olsen, soph ter,” — Eva

ball, Alex Kicking the K IC K A H at the net.

OFF WIT takes a shot , or ni se e, Orang

-2 Record: 3-2 ainst Lake Sept. 12 ag : e m a g t x e N . ome at 7 p.m Central at h ecause the b C L to play d e it xc e ’m “I now I think elayed, and d s . a w e m a g e at winning etter chanc w o n re a we have a b that red players We had inju us win,” — lp e h h will better whic junior Daniel Kim,

08 student life.

friday, september 09, 2022

backtalk

What would be your theme song walking into school?

"The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac because I think it would be a cool entrance song."

Sofia Salamanca, freshman

"'The Moment of Truth' by Survivor because the lyrics are really empowering and also because it's from Karate Kid." Annie Fuller, sophomore illustration by damien salahieh

"'Lost' by BTS because I literally still have no idea where I'm going half the time."

Nicole Katona, freshman

"'Where'd All The Time Go' because I feel like I'm just growing up so fast.

Sometimes I just think wow, I'm in high school already."

Grace Peters, sophomore

An Undercover Crisis

Students discuss Suicide Prevention Week and new hotlines help won’t get it. of the Mental Health Club said. “He’ll often on student IDs Indiana is taking some steps to help, by send emails out to his classes with words of

adding some hotlines to the backs of student seamus keegan IDs. However, according to some students, page editor there’s still more administration could do. tudents sit in a stark classroom, the walls “I feel like from admin, especially the last painted a bright white, the floor tiled. couple years, we’ve kind of just been getting They sit next to each other, and yet each rules and what we shouldn’t be doing rather feels alone. Their long list of assignments and than actual support or building a safe space or to-dos looms over their heads like a wave, just community for students,” Hiba said. waiting to crash.

Passed last year, House Bill 1565 National Suicide requires each public school, nonPrevention Week takes public school that employs one place Sept. 4-10. It’s a or more employees, and approved week to help everyone When students are forced postsecondary educational instituto take on multiple tions that issue a student identificaremember to stand responsibilities, their tion card to a student after June 30, by those in need, and do our best to notice mental health starts to 2022, to include the national, local, when those we care get worse or state Suicide Prevention Hotline, Anonymous about are struggling.

Human Trafficking Hotline, NaCrier’s survey “I think the biggest tional Sexual Assault Hotline, and thing that people can Teen Dating Violence Hotline. The do is just be aware National Suicide Prevention hotline and attuned to what changed from a 10-digit hotline to the new, your friends are going through,” Hiba Fatima, easy-to-remember 988. senior and Vice President of Mental Health Crier conducted a survey to go along with Club, said. “And trying to take care of yourself this article. We received a total of 228 responsat the same time, just checking in on people es from Aug. 24-30, and while Mr. Clark says or literally asking someone how their day is no formal announcement was made, our surand allowing them a space to tell you is a very vey shows that 71% of students did notice major and important thing.” the new numbers. In addition to the hotlines, In recent years, mental health in schools MHS offers a few alternatives, such as social has reached a decline. According to the Na- workers, guidance counselors, and outside tional Library of Medicine (NLM), on av- professionals that can be brought in to help. erage, nearly 1 in 5 students suffer from a Most students feel that teachers also play a big mental health disorder each year. That means role in the health of students. in a room of 25 children, 5 are potentially “The first person that comes to mind is suffering from issues like anxiety, depression Mr. Boruff, at the beginning of each class he and substance abuse. And yet, according to always asks the students how their day is gothe NLM, nearly 80% of children who need ing,” Jocelyn Lemus, senior and Co-President

S

“

”

encouragement as well, to have a teacher who cares about you and your mental health is probably one of the most beneficial things a student could have,” While MHS does have resources to help students who are struggling, some students feel that the school could do more. When

"Probably 'Three O'Clock Things' by AJR. It has a great vibe to it."

Simon Casey, junior

"'Three Little Birds'

by Bob Marley because the song has a great vibe and I got a great vibe."

Addi Sanow, junior

80%

of children who need help won’t get it.

Ages 10-24 account for

14%

of all suicides. sources: National Library of Medicine and CDC

asked in our survey the question “How well do you think the school supports you in your mental health?” 33% of students rated the school’s support as either a 3 or 4 out of 10.

The mental health club callout is September 21st, and Jocelyn encourages anyone who needs help or would like to be a part of their community to check it out.

“If you ever feel alone, please reach out to someone, please feel free to reach out to me (9001112@student.munster.us),”Jocelyn said. “Always remember that the bad moments are temporary, you won’t feel this way forever. You are loved, you are important, and you matter.”

"'Gucci Flip Flops'

by Bhad Barbie.

Simply because it's a banger."

Giselle Edwards, senior

"It would be inappropriate but Ludacris' 'Move Get Out the Way.' I got things to do!"

Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies

"Danger Zone' by Top Gun. Nothing gets me ready for my day more than hearing it. It always pumps me up for the day."

Costa Tsakopoulos, senior

"Mine would be “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake" Mr. Dillon Thomson, science