MHS Crier | Issue 4 | 11.21.2023

CR IER

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

november 21, 2023 volume 58 issue 4

mhs

looking past the bias

is not taking a side in this conflict, but students share how they navigate through the media Crier rather serving as a platform to share facts and allow students to share their views for during the conflict between palestine and israel readers to form their own opinions.

O

dorothy lakshmanamurthy & gabby van horne

n Oct. 17, well-known news source, New York Times, reported on the explosion of a the Al Ahli Arab Hospital. The report led its coverage with statements from Hamas government officials saying that an Israeli airstrike caused the explosion and resulted in hundreds of people dead or injured.

Those claims were not verified to be true at the time of the report.

New York Times later apologized and said they “relied too heavily on claims

by Hamas.” The cause of the explosion still has not been officially settled. Nonfact-checked claims, misleading information and bias making its way into objective news coverage has made it more difficult to navigate what is true within the media.

“It’s hard to figure out what’s actually going on,” Campbell Gideon, senior, said. “I think that getting what is happening out there is good, but there are so many lies being spread. So much misinformation is damaging to both sides.”

deadline manager & page editor

continued on page 4

what to trust? students provide sources for students to learn more about the israel and palestine conflict

“I don’t have one source,” Junainah Ali, junior, said. “I go through several various websites and if they all say the same thing, I say it is accurate.”

“Every single source has an agenda, so it is tough to find non-bias, but the Axios and BBC are great,” Aaron Brody, senior, said.

“I keep up to date daily,” Mr. Steve Lopez, history teacher said. “My trusted sources are either NBC or CNN.”

illustrations by damien salahieh

behind the conflict 19171948 • 1917 - Britain gains control of Palestine territory during WWI (until 1948) • Jews migrate to territory during persecution in Europe in WWII (1939-1945) while being welcomed by Palestinians

timeline of the key events throughout the history of the palestine and israel conflict

19871991

2005

1948

1967

• Israel made state after WWII (1948) • US is first to recognize the state (President Truman) on May 14, 1948 • Arab-Israeli War of 1948 over territory disputes

• 1987- Uprise against • War of 1967 - Israel • Israel pulls out militia Israeli Occupation in occupies Gaza Strip from Gaza Strip and and the West Bank and Palestine Territory, West Bank results in mass deaths • UN still regarded the annexed East Jerusaand injury of civilians lem Gaza Strip to be under • 1991- Madrid peace military occupation, as conference held in well as dependent on hopes of Israel-Arab Israel for resources nation peace • West Bank has its own government

2023 • Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas surprise attack on Israel • Israel responds with bombings in Gaza

02 news

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

building a case debate looks forward to future competitions emma starkey page editor

The debate team is working its way to earning titles at Districts and State this season.

This year, Debate has earned top five placements in almost every tournament so far. This is an improvement from last year, where the team was struggling from the loss of a coach and coming out of COVID. Addy Ellis, junior, vice president and captain of World Schools, say she is proud of how this season is going.

“I think the season is going really, really well,” Addy said. “All of our teams are on a great track record. I think we’re in a really good position to win some really, really big state titles this year.”

There are five events within Debate, each working to different goals for State, VOICING OUT Communicating her ideas on the board, Addy Ellis, junior, tells her team on and Districts if that applies. There are what they should focus on their meet. Munster’s debate team went onto Avon and Crown Point with a trail of wins from their past meets. They did not place in any of their meets on Nov. 11. World Schools, Policy, Lincoln Douglas, (photo by karla aguilar) Public Forum and Congress. While World

saying goodbyes

kylee barnes page editor

As the second semester grows nearer, two known members of staff will be heading into retirement. Mr. Jim Davidson, engineering

mr. davidson

teacher, is retiring today, as well as Mrs. Betsy Tanzillo, AV department head, will retire at the end of the semester.

“I remember being so nervous with the new media specialists coming in,” Mrs. Tanzillo said. “Before we had computers, it was a lot of bulletin board creating and checking out books. Once the computers came, that became most of my day.”

One of the first faces students see as they walk into the media center, Mrs. Tanzillo has been an AV director since 2007.

new and upcoming updated finals schedule

To attempt to minimize the amount of students leaving school early during final exams, administration has updated the finals schedule.

Tuesday, Dec. 19 • Period 1 (8 a.m. - 9:29 a.m.), period 4 (9:36 a.m. - 11:06 a.m.) and period 7 (1:20 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.)

Wednesday, Dec. 20 • Period 2 (8:00 a.m. - 9:29 a.m.) and period 6 (9:36 - 11:06 a.m.)

Thursday, Dec. 21 • Period 3 (8:20 a.m. - 9:49 a.m.) and period 5 (9:56 a.m. - 11:26 a.m.)

young composers club begins nov. 14 Founded by Annie Fuller, junior and club president, the Young Composers Club held their first meeting Nov. 14.

Amy Mao, junior, is the vice president and Mr. Luke McGinnis, choir director, is the club sponsor.

“I’ve always been interested in writing my own music and I’ve even started producing, but with music composition, there seems to be a big learning curve,” Annie said. “I feel that a lot of people share a love for music and that definitely inspired me.”

theatre regionals dec. 2 After performing “The Yellow Boat” in the auditorium Nov. 9-11 for the community, they will be competing at Regionals in hopes of advancing to State again.

“It helps bring heavy topics into the light for educational purposes so people can learn about history through art,” Delaney Craig, senior who plays Joy, said.

crochet club meeting today after school One of her favorite hobbies, Joyce Yao, junior and club president, started Crochet Club with Mrs. Kelly Hladek, media specialist, as the club sponsor,.

They hope to teach members the basics of crocheting and create items such as hats, scarves, gloves and baby blankets to donate to charity. Their next meeting is today after school in the media center.

corrections In Issue 3 of Crier, On page 8, in the caption ANONYMOUS BUSINESS, the word imitating is spelt incorrectly. Crier regrets these errors.

Schools does not have Districts, Congress has Districts on Dec. 9 and districts for the other three categories are later. Districts allow the team to qualify for Nationals, while State is separate.

“I think we’ll be pretty strong at districts,” Asha Patel, junior and Congress captain, said. “I think it’s very likely that we’ll have at least a couple of national qualifiers.”

Debate puts effort into this. Team meetings happen on Wednesdays, and debaters can come into practice at other times, usually once or twice a week; the occasional debater would come in three times. For the team, weekly competitions on Saturdays serve as a way to improve, taking critique and building off of it.

“Something you’ll see in debaters is that we always want to be right,” Addy said.

“And usually that wanting to be right is the thing that pushes us the most, because we’re always like, I’m spending two to three practices a week, I’m spending 12 hours at a tournament on Saturday. I’m doing this all for a reason. I’m doing this to be the best I can be at it.”

mr. davidson’s last day teaching is today; mrs. tanzillo retiring after winter break “It’s fun to see the new teachers come in,” Mrs. Tanzillo said. “Actually, I had seen Mr. Davidson in the copy room and I said ‘I haven’t seen you, but I’m retiring!’ and he said ‘so am I!’” Mr. Davidson has not only been teaching, but coaching at MHS since 1992. Every year since then, with the exception of last, Mr. Davidson has coached boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, varsity softball and girls’ varsity golf teams. After retiring, he will be the head women’s basketball coach at Calumet College in Whiting.

“I’m ready to go into something else, but that first week when I’m not seeing all you guys will be tough,” Mr. Davidson said. “You have so many kids with so many names to remember, it makes you feel good to know you’ve made an impact.” mrs. tanzillo

club updates charity volleyball tournament collects 3,141 items HERE TO SERVE During his teams’ third match, Billy Papageorge, senior, serves the ball while fellow seniors, Billy Goldman and Ameen Musleh, watch. On Nov. 7, 14 teams of students, alongside one team of teachers, gathered to compete in Student Government’s annual charity volleyball tournament. A total of 463 donations were collected from the event alone, with a total of 3,141 items throughout the entire food drive. All donations were given to the NWI Food Bank. (photo by heidy sanchez)

publications attends jea/nspa national convention in boston, receives recognition •

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Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy, senior won superior in news writing.

Gabby Van Horne, junior won an honorable mention in feature writing.

Paragon won 4th in best of show.

YANKEE DOODLE Listening to a John Hancock impersonator on the Freedom Trail tour, Mrs. Nancy Hastings, former publications adviser, and Emily Dywan, junior, watch as he points to the next location. (photo by marianna young)

opinion 03

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

hot take zoe clark

head photographer

illustration by damien salahieh

staff opinion

by the people, for the people opportunity for your knowledge Watching students—our peers— and opinion to be a factor into the crumple up our newspapers secway someone else learns about onds after handing them out at and understands a topic. Within lunch is inherently counterproan evaluation from a Hoosier Star ductive. Besides feeling like our judge, Mitch Eden, he said, “You hard work is not seen, it actually understand putting students in serves as a reminder of our puryour publication is creating an inpose as a publication. Crier’s covclusive publication.” Our coverage erage centers around our audiideas stem from students themence’s interests and should consist selves: what they’re postof something important our take ing about on social meand engaging to every Crier is a valuable dia, what they talk about student at MHS, but resource made by during class or how they that is only half of our students that other choose to spend their function. Crier serves as a unique outlet for stu- students should take time outside of school. advantage of.

We choose stories that dents to speak on topwe see are important to ics they are passionate our peers, not what administrators about, and our peers should use think we should cover. this to their advantage.

By throwing away Crier, you are Crier is a member of the Quill throwing away an outlet for you & Scroll Journalism Honor Society to project your own voice. It is an and every year we receive a cri-

tique. In this year’s, veteran adviser Jack Kennedy told us “the most challenging part of journalism isn’t trying to cover everything— we can’t—but is deciding what to leave out.” Any source that exemplifies student voices, such as Mustang Media produced by Mrs. Kristin Laflech’s sports marketing class, is a positive outlet.

Our priority is you as students.

And when we say “you,” we really mean us together as a collective.

Our goal is to showcase our own voices as students at MHS, and we expect our peers to be eager to share and take advantage of the opportunity. Newspapers are becoming rare, especially in schools, so it is a unique chance to exercise your First Amendment right— something we should continue to cherish and protect.

opinion backtalk

how do you feel about the media?

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As publishing media becomes simpler, the results become less reliable.” marion ivy

freshman

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kayley williams

junior

The media is a good thing since you can get out there more with being creative and job opportunities.”

sophomore

I think the media is very addicting with the way it caters too much to our interests.” victoria davis

I think that it can be a really helpful resource as long as you’re making sure that it’s a reliable source and doing your research.” evanthia fotopoulos

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

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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.

Our Staff Editor-in-Chief Lauren Hoogeveen

In the world right now, there’s a multitude of serious things happening.

With this space—most of the time used to speak on those more serious issues — I wanted touch on something else important: hot sauce.

I have been an avid user of many hot sauces in my life, ranging from the extreme “burn your face off” to mild ones that just “taste good.” At the top of my list, Huy Fong Sriracha has always been number one and I used to put it on anything I could.

However, a few months ago, they suddenly stopped making their sriracha product. I was devastated, watching the price of the last bottles spike up to absurd highs and savoring what I had left of my bottle. At the time I didn’t know what had happened and found out a few weeks ago after they restarted their production. They had gotten into a dispute with Underwood Ranches, their previous chili supplier, about an overpayment. Huy Fong lost the battle, and both sides ended up cutting ties with each other. I was bummed, but I had a lot of hope for my favorite hot sauce.

Now, I am almost finished with my old sriracha bottle, so my dad and I decided to do a comparison with a new production bottle. The results were nothing but upsetting. The difference is clear. The color, taste and spice level of the new hot sauce isn’t even close to the previous. I found myself only noticing the things that were different. A lighter shade of red, a lesser spice factor, and an overall boring taste plagues the recipe. The “improved” formula doesn’t have any special qualities either—it tastes like every off-brand you can find at the store. This is the most disappointing factor, since my favorite part of the old formula was the more unique taste.

As my favorite hot sauce is out of the question, I have to look for something to replace it. I’ve started to look for other sriracha variants, but none have been to the level that the Huy Fong brand is. There are even different color srirachas, in which I own the green and yellow, but they have very different flavors from the red. Which hot sauce is going to step up to the podium? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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 Cartoonist and Photographer Damien Salahieh Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

infocus 04

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

what can we believe? how to decipher what is real and not

looking past the bias

continued from front When the Oct. 7 surprise attacks on Hamas occurred, Simon Nirenberg, senior’s, first reaction was to check in on his brother who has been in Israel for Jewish studies. However, he was unable to reach his brother. Simon hoped that Shabbat, when Jews do not use technology from sundown on Friday to Saturday evening, was the only reason his brother was not responding.

“We knew that he wasn’t in the south, but it was still pretty nerve-wracking,” Simon said. “After we found out that he was okay, reports came in of how devastating the attack was. I usually want to stay away from issues that are so divisive, but because my brother’s there, I felt a responsibility to educate myself and develop a strong opinion that I can share and feel good about. It has been stressful to have so many ‘enemies’ for posting about it, but I am glad I have been able to share my perspective.”

Also keeping in touch with her family and sharing her perspective, Shahd Odtallah, junior, calls her relatives in Palestine to hear about the recent events and the people that have passed. She finds that speaking with her family and finding sources that show unedited photos and raw video footage are the most reliable outlets

for her to stay informed.

“The press, that lets us know what is going on, cannot write when they are getting blown up every minute,” Shahd said. “Then the United States has control on their news channels, so they share what they want people to think. I post those raw, unedited sources as a constant reminder to those silent that there are people out there dying. I am a human that sees this as genocide.”

Despite the spread of some misinformation and bias in the media, Mr. Steve Lopez, history teacher, finds it important to keep his students informed on the conflict by showing the newest updates from NBC and CNN on-site reporters. However, he stresses that knowing both the history and current events of the event are both crucial to understanding the situation.

“My job is to help kids to understand the relevance of history, whether it’s 50 or 200 years ago, from then to now,” Mr. Lopez said. “The more that they’re able to make those connections, the more they’re able to help other people make those connections.

If you are not aware of current events or the current history, then you cannot make those connections to the past. You’ve got to be able to do both.”

the emergence of ai how the recent executive order and the growth of ai has altered trust in media emily dywan

page editor

Last month, President Joe Biden took action to address the ever growing risks of AI and, in an attempt to create a structure for new AI security standards, passed an executive order on the use of automated intelligence within the office. These established guidelines state that federal agencies are to utilize AI in a regulated matter understanding its risks.

Mr. Ryan Popa, Cybersecurity teacher, was granted the opportunity of a Zoom meeting with Indiana’s senator Todd Young Nov. 6, allowing his Cybersecurity class to ask questions in relation to the recently passed executive order and the growing concerns of AI’s capabilities.

He emphasizes how the potential of automation is a problem that extends even to our senetorial powers.

“It goes to show that AI even threatens us from a legislative viewpoint,” Mr. Popa said. “One of the kids asked

him ‘Is AI divided by party lines?’ And he goes, ‘Oh, no, it’s all way too new of a technology, we’re all in it together and we’re all still trying to learn as much as we can.’ We’re all just as new to this. It’s baffling.”

Along with Cybersecurity’s growing interest in AI’s capabilities, the class conducted a test using various automatic writing systems to create a collection of essays. The goal was to see how well these systems would interpret the given prompts, creating pieces that stretched 1000 word counts in the matter of a single click.

Goldie Clark, senior, emphasizes the imposing risks these programs have on what we discern to be real and what may be created by automation.

“The AI we used in the assignment created far better answers than we could’ve possibly come up with,” Goldie said. “AI will just continue to affect our trust in the media. We won’t be able to draw the line between truth and falsehood anymore.”

how we can spot and avoid ai lies?

Check for labels. Metadata, often shown as a disclaimer, are often required on platforms to be labeled “AI-generated” on content created with AI-generative utilities.

Don’t trust your first source. Try to educate yourself with bigger sources in the media. AI misinformation may often be generated by less reputable sites you don’t know.

Search around. Take time to dive further into a topic and see if it’s consistent with other news outlets. Source: https://www.cnet.com

infocus 05

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

the more you read the more you realize where students get news and how they determine fact vs. fiction kylee barnes page editor

If you’re one of the people who enjoy scrolling through social media while you eat your morning cereal, or right before you try to fall asleep, then you might have noticed the recurring trend infesting our society as of right now: misinformation.

According to Lauren Hoogeveen, senior and Editor-in-Chief of Crier, people are constantly misinformed because of the personal burdens woven right into the very news we are trying to understand. She expressed that digging deeper into a story or source is vital to understanding every perspective.

“I think that’s one thing that a lot of people don’t do,” Lauren Hoogeveen said. “They’ll go find one article and read about it, and just take their word for it.”

Scrolling through social media like Instagram and Snapchat are good places to primarily obtain news, but checking your sources and doing further research is the best way to ensure you’re obtaining

emma starkey page editor

to trust or not to trust student’ survey responses of whether they have a trusted news source or not

43% said they have a trusted news source 31% said they didn’t have a trusted news source 26% said they don’t keep up with news

source: email survey of 245 students from nov. 7-15

all the information, disregarding any personal opinion someone may have twisted into it.

“If there’s no credits given to any author then it’s typically something fake,” Asha Patel, junior, said. “A lot of the time, information can be mistaken as fact instead of personalized information on something. When you take that into account solely as your source, you tend to be swayed to one side or another.”

The process in which we retrieve information, whether it be hearing it through the news, gossip, or social media, can be manipulated according to how the information is presented to us. By solely selecting your news off the internet, it can promote opinionated standpoints that further confuse the main storyline.

“I dont automatically assume anything is wrong, I just consider it more of a viewpoint on an issue rather than an official statement.” Asha said. “I like to look at blogs to see a lot of different takes on something, but ultimately, I think the truth lies in the facts.”

The organizations presenting the information to us are only human, so naturally we are bombarded with empathy and discouragement. A recent survey conducted by Gallup showed that just 7% of Americans

have above average trust in the media.

“I don’t really look at the news or anything; It’s unmotivating and sad.”

Christian Leyva, senior, said. “I go on TikTok and Instagram and look for the blue verified check mark or if they have a lot of followers, I never really fact-check if it doesn’t affect me.”

As teenagers, it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not. Even after diving deep into a pool of variously sourced media, sorting out the facts can boggle your mind.

“For me personally, it’s hard to understand what’s going on when there’s so much contradicting each other,” Lauren said. “I think when you get the actual newspaper, you get a more in depth, detailed and nuanced version of the story.”

While Lauren believes social media platforms are a great place to primarily get news on the latest happenings and draw people into various publications’ coverage, she believes printed newspapers and their online websites are more reliable.

“Giving your opinion is not necessarily bad when it comes to what’s going on in the world,” Lauren said.

“It’s when people twist the facts to fit their opinion. That’s what makes people not trust news.”

look into the process and purpose of the school crier aproducing the monthly crier issue

planning Each staff member submits ideas for stories for each page during editorial board.

“The idea of a free press is that having more ideas out there is better,” Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, adviser, said. “[Brainstorming]’s about getting ideas from everyone, and particularly getting sources from everyone.”

reporting After receiving assignments, writers schedule and conduct interviews for their stories and photographers go to take photos.

“Sometimes the hardest part is getting a hold of the people,” Gabby Van Horne, junior, said. “Once I get a hold of them, they’re generally easy and nobody’s really unagreeable or rude.”

building The staff stays after school for four days, known as build days, to design and make changes to pages in a variety of ways.

“I really enjoy design,” Lexi Villalobos, junior, said. “I feel like it brings a more creative part out of me because I really didn’t know that I could do this.”

criticing That Friday, the staff individually go through the paper to make and report critiques to discuss in class Monday.

“In a way it helps me because I’m all new to this stuff,” Karla Aguilar, junior, said. “And it helps me with my skills and like what I should improve on.”

06 review CrierTube

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

apology accepted?

with colleen ballringer’s birthday today, crier staff reviews different youtube apology videos

colleen ballringer: hi lexi villalobos

photographer

Recent allegations were made against the YouTuber Colleen Ballinger. Using a ukulele, she sang since her team advised her to not say what she wanted to say.

Convincingness: 1/5 Considering how she sang the whole time, it was hard for me to take her seriously. Colleen did not take it seriously at all. While watching, it seemed like a joke.

So, I was not convinced at all when it came to this said “apology.” Yes, her tone was serious, though who sings their apology?

I get that her team said not to say anything, but she should have taken that advice.

10:20

Creativity: 3/5 When clicking on an apology video, most expect crying and hearing them acknowledge what they did wrong. With the different approach of an apology by using the ukulele, it was creative. No one has ever done this before. This was not the best for apologizing and stating her case though.

Video Length: 10:20 The video mostly contained her defending herself and saying that the allegations are rumors, even though the people have video evidence. It should have been shorter due to her repetition, making it a waste of time.

james charles: tati lexi villalobos

photographer

8:24

Back in 2019, the well known makeup artist James Charles promoted SugarBearHair, a vitamin hair brand. His close friend and owner of Halo Beauty, Tati Westbrook, was upset about this, feeling lied to and disrespected.

Convincingness: 4/5 James does take accountability for his actions, saying Tati had always been there for him. His voice was serious and meant what he apologized for. Taking his time with getting his words together and not going off track, and not defending himself either. He was aware

of what he did and how he hurt Tati, which was good on the convincing part.

Creativity: 0/5 There was not any creativity brought into this video. He just sat down in his glasses and explained the situation with a low voice. Since it is James Charles, I thought when this had come out he would have added creativity.

Video Length: 8:24 The video time is slightly long. However, it got straight to the “why” of the video. He did not get too much in detail, just speaking on the important parts.

Pretty generic video with some crying and addressing the situation.

logan paul: so sorry zoe clark

1:44

photographer

While filming in Aokigahara forest 2017, known as the suicide forest, in Japan, YouTuber Logan Paul and his crew came across a body, and continued to record the scene.

Convincingness: 5/5 The reason his apology is so convincing is his delivery. He did not spend time talking about anything else, got straight to the point and ended the video. It didn’t seem as if he was looking at a script, and you could hear the solemn tone in his voice. The fact that he also was not reaching for forgiveness sold

the fact that he understood he was in the wrong and claimed his actions as they were.

Creativity: 1/5 While Logan Paul did not have any sort of creativity in his video, the lack of it helped his case. He kept a serious tone throughout and did not waver off course.

Video Length: 1:44 The short length of the apology added to the overall effect, and I truly believe the conciseness is what made it so genuine compared to others. His video is a perfect example of it not needing to be long to get your point across.

shane dawson: taking accountability zoe clark

20:28 screenshots from: youtube

photographer

Popular YouTuber Shane Dawson has received hate for over a decade for multiple reasons, such as racism and child predation.

Convincingness: 2.5/5 My feelings on the sincereness changed throughout the span of the video, because of the way he addressed different topics. Having excuses for his actions and victim blaming is a large part of the video overall, leaving me put-off.

Shane also makes a lot of promises and swears on different things, seeming less-believable. He had better points on

some things than others, which also left me feeling neutral overall.

Creativity: 2/5 Although the video isn’t “creative” per say, I admire that he talked about everything at once as a way to clear the air.

It’s better than making his way through three to four videos that he would have to make, and hitting all the points.

Video Length: 20:28 For the wide range of topics addressed I had anticipated a longer video, but a lot of it is added words. The rambling is a major part of what lessens the apology; the length of the video could have been cut in half without it.

sports 07

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

we’re staying aggressive and going for every ball,” Garner said. “I know if we continue to work hard, we have a big chance of taking home a Conference title.”

Since the team has no senior players, the girls are focusing primarily on belauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief ing disciplined and consistent with everything they do. Although practice rouStaring straight at the basket as the tines have not changed drastically this gymnasium briefly fell silent, Cece Ma- year, the team focuses on defense. For son, junior, watched as the ball went example, the Varsity team will defend into the net from the three point line. against the JV team at practice during Her first three pointer during a game, drills and scrimmages. the team jumped in excitement, run“The most important part of being ning to her on the court and cheering successful in basketball is investing from the sidelines. Winning their first yourself into your team and playing for game of the season Nov. 7 60-40 at Mich- the gain of your teammates, because igan City and at a current record of 2-0, when they’re successful, so are you,” the team hopes to keep their winning Gracyn Gilliard, sophomore, said. streak.

The team’s philoso“I could finally phy this year, accordcalm down and it ing to Coach Williams, really hyped up the what it means to be a girls’ is “to enjoy each mobench,” Mason said. basketball team manager ment along the way by “I’m looking forembracing the hard who? seniors Brooke Lesina, Kam ward to growing as stuff and staying posiHubbard and Danielle Noisette, junior a team and the team tive.” He hopes the girls Liz Rodriguez and freshman bonding activities do not get caught up Sydney Hughes like dinner togethin creating low expecwhat? take attendance, get water er.” tations for themselves for the players, run the timer and With one of the and letting the losses scoreboard, keep track of all safeteam’s starting playget to them. ty equipment, set out towels, take ers, junior Nina “We are focused on photos and post live score updates on Garner, out sick for the daily process of imtheir social media the first two games provement, lifting each when? during every practice, home of the season, the other up, and enjoying and away games team had to adjust every moment of the their plays. Also a few players out with journey,” Coach Williams said. “I was injuries, Coach Deandre Williams hopes surrounded by so many great coaches that utilizing the team’s strength and growing up, and I want to pass on the conditioning program will help further great wisdom they shared with me. prevent any more. After an important We coaches have to continue to develsenior, Akaoma Odeluga, graduated last op our craft and improve our teaching year, the upperclassmen players will so we can provide a positive impact have to step up to the leadership role. on a young person’s life; helping them “Akaoma had most of our rebounds achieve their goals and dreams, both on last year, so we’ll need to make sure the court and off.”

sh

swish swi

girls’ basketball away game tonight against hobart

a helping hand

TAKING THE SHOT Throwing the ball into the air, Addie Smitka, sophomore, takes a free throw shot while a Whiting player and Elena Dovellos, freshman, watch. At the Nov. 12 Crown Point tournament, the team won their first game 31-28 against Whiting, but lost their second game 20-36 against Lebanon. (photo by aaron alvarez)

taking the floor

dance prepares for showcase nov. 29

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

Learning their competition routines during the summer and drilling them at practices since, the dance team is preparing to debut those routines at their showcase Nov. 29 in the fieldhouse at 6 p.m.

“I can’t wait for everyone to see our routines,” Gwyneth Cox, freshman, said.

“Our pom routine brings a sassy kick that we haven’t seen from MVD in years, jazz is a powerful and emotional dance and game day is new for MVD.” For the first time, the team will compete a game day routine at NDA competitions. The new routine incorporates school spirit, pom and hip hop elements.

The team’s first NDA competition is Dec. 3 at Lake Central. They will compete only pom and jazz routines at IHSDTA competitions, with the first competition Dec. 16 at Kahler Middle School.

upcoming sport events

“Having three competitive routines is a challenge, but it pushes us to be better,” Coach Elyse Skalka said. “The team has really stepped up this year.”

Other changes for the team include building their strength twice a week during weight room sessions and ending their practices with positive affirmations.

“The affirmations help us with confidence,” Adeline West, senior, said. “Our hard work ethic both at practice and in the weight room is keeping us at the high level we hold ourselves to.”

Looking forward to the competitive season, the team hopes to obtain a State championship and a National championship title.

“To get the rankings we want, we have to be disciplined,” Emma Jez, senior said. “We have to work with one another and dedicate ourselves more than ever.”

boys’ and girls’ wrestling: viking duals at valpo dec. 2 at 9 a.m. boys’ and girls’ swim: penn high school meet tomorrow at 9 a.m.

TWIRLING AROUND Perfecting turns in the jazz routine while surrounded by her teammates, Sam Bleza, junior, focuses on herself in the mirror to maintain her balance. The routine will be performed at the showcase along with the pom and game day dances. “This routine brings in different dynamics and movement that challenges our team,” Bleza said. (photo by lexi villalobos)

boys’ basketball: home game nov. 25 against hobart at 7 p.m.

cheer: preparing for competition season starting early spring

girls’ basketball: game tonight at hobart at 7 p.m.

dance: showcase at mhs nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

08 student life

tuesday, nov. 21, 2023

make yourself at home

students rank their favorite class comforts with construction nearing completion

backtalk with thanksgiving coming up, what is something you are NOT thankful for?

emily dywan

B

story editor

rilliant white walls. White tiled floors. With recent phases of renovation in the school, classrooms have taken on a whole new form of a learning environment.

This has welcomed a new pattern you may see from classto-class: uniformity. Principal Mr. Morgan Nolan relays how some of the new additions promote a healthy classrooms “We’ve introduced all top-of-the-line renovations,” Mr. Nolan said. “It’s a good way to have that controlled environment all around while still having a nice balance.”

But a blank classroom is a canvas to a teacher. Ms. Hannah Wiesemann, a new biology teacher this year, was moved to

1

alternative lighting 180 votes

From fairy lights to lava lamps, alternative lights are an ideal way to promote comfort in the class. Boots Blackford, junior, credits her English teacher, Mr. Ben Boruff.

His classroom makes for an environment to ease your eyes.

“It’s much less stimulating,” Boots said. “I come into his room for my first period and a lighter room that early in the morning is so much easier on me.”

2

a renovated classroom in north. She made use of her new space and transformed it into a place she felt her students would feel comfortable to come to every day.

“Customizing my classroom to how I like takes on this whole new bond with my students,” Ms. Wiesemann said. “I want them to feel more at-home in a way.”

Crier conducted a survey from Nov. 7 through Nov. 15 with a total of 249 participants sharing their favorite customizations they like to see within a classroom that support their learning capacity.

comfy seating 147 votes

Being able to kick back and relax is the perfect cozy outlet for Sophie Salazar, senior. She relays back to her English teacher Mrs. Kelly Barnes. With a variety of different chairs to coze in, Mrs. Barnes promotes a snug feel for anyone.

“I love having an environment where my comfort’s actually prioritized,” she said. “If I’m not having the best day, I know I’ll at least have her class to look forward to.”

3

Madeline Sallas, freshman

“Christmas music.

I can’t think of anything else.”

Reese Erlain, freshman

varying temps 114 votes

“It’s so hot in here.” “God, I’m literally freezing.” With new HVAC systems and construction, it isn’t unusual to feel the contrasting temperatures between certain parts of the school.

“If the temperature in a classroom leans too much on one side, then students just focus on that,” Nate Szromba, senior said.

“Finding a good temperature in every class helps, even if it’s just a small change.”

“The way I’m not a billionaire.”

Rachel Vale, sophomore

promethean boards

“The way the taco line in the cafeteria gets so unnecessarily long on block Hailey Jorsch, sophomore

“The paparazzi taking pictures of me on the @Avrionecaughtlackin page.”

new-to-old chairs

thermostat

“Bringing down other people.”

Avrione Martin, junior

“I’m not thankful for people who waste my time.”

Yadiel Mendoza, junior

teacher playlists

“I’m not thankful for bad hair days.”

scented rooms

comfy seating

photos by john kullerstrand

4

playing music

111 votes

Through a basic playlist can a teacher boost their students and help them into their groove for their work. Jose Espiritu, senior, relates back to his ceramics teacher, Mr. Carl Fields’, classroom as a perfect outlet for music.

“Mr Fields always tries to tie it back to the central core of whatever subject we’re working on,” Jose said. “We’re making Medieval-styled tiles, so we’re listening to Medieval-styled music. It just gets you in the feel.”

5

scented rooms

77 votes

Diffusers. Oils. Plug-ins. Walking into a room swirling with sweet aromas is an ideal way to welcome students into the class.

Madalynn Marlowe, junior, is reminded of her math teacher, Ms. Tanya Mead. She often uses scented plug-ins, often matching the aroma to the season, transforming a simple class as a fragrant escape.

“The Christmas scents, autumn scents— It all gets you in the seasonal vibes,” she said. “I stay on track so much easier. It makes me feel less ‘at school’.”

6

Tara Gaither, senior

“Attitude from people who do not have the right to be giving that attitude.”

Annabelle Spicer, senior

technology upgrades 58 votes

Dry-erase markers have been replaced by teacher’s fingers with the recent update of Promethean boards in the classrooms.

Junior Cavin McNulty highlights his English teacher, Mr. Steven Stepnoski. He utilizes his board for quick annotations.

“It allows to emphasize certain areas of the board and project their notes in an interactive way,” he said. “Whiteboard projectors were made for normal PowerPoints, but the new boards combine collaboration and notes for effective learning.”

“I’m not thankful for green bean casserole. It shouldn’t be included in Thanksgiving dinner with all the good stuff.”

Mr. Dillon Thompson, Science Teacher

“Employees having to work on Thanksgiving when they should be with their families.”

Mr. Leroy Marsh, Health Teacher