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CR IER
december 15, 2023 volume 58 issue 5
mhs
added S to cart
lauren hoogeveen & emily dywan
with holiday shopping in season, mhs relays concerns between ethics and consumerism online
photo by lexi villalobos
editor-in-chief & story editor
crolling through TikTok seeing ads attached to almost every video possible, Leah MacLean, junior, couldn’t help but feel compelled to buy something after seeing numerous reviews of TikTok Shop products. When TikTok Shop was introduced back in September, it quickly took over any user’s “For You Page,” loading feeds with jaw-dropping coupons to dollar-cheap brands that easily persuade their viewers. “I still have some products that I use to this day from TikTok shop. Lipsticks, lotions, perfumes,” Leah said. “It started just from watching people review on TikTok and I wanted to try them out. I usually go to thrift stores to find clothing, but makeup? That stuff works well.” As these eye-popping sales, deals and low prices attract many students, the seams of anticipation unravel into the much more prevalent flaws of fast fashion products. Chloe Reynolds, senior, shares her own experience after purchasing clothing based on a TikTok review. “I bought these tank-tops and this one black shirt together for $6 a while ago,” Chloe said. “When they came, the quality felt really cheap—almost plastic-y. It’s hard to know what’s reliable on these sites.” Senior Billy Papageorge has had his own share of products, from jeans that’d shrink or graphic shirts that’d peel through one wash cycle. Billy highlights the widespread appeal behind these consumer choices: affordability. “The quality is not always going to be there with the clothes that come out of there, but overall, yeah, I think it’s good that people have affordable clothes that they can get online anytime,” Billy said. “That’s really why it’s so popular now.” Apart from suspicious sellers, science teacher Mr. Michael Bakker believes it promotes overconsumption, specifically low-quality items that end up as waste. He believes this phenomenon is fueled by the compulsive need to keep up with trends. “There’s this pervasive selling technique that if you don’t have the newest thing, then you’re falling behind,” Mr. Bakker said. “You need to get the newest IPhone, you need to get the newest shoes or jeans.” When it comes to online stores such as Shein and Temu, he believes the quality tends to match the price. Mr. Bakker’s proposed solution lies in investing in well-made, timeless pieces to avoid contributing to “fast fashion.” “It’s as easy as promoting sustainable clothing,” Mr. Bakker said. “Don’t buy stuff that’s not gonna last. So, let’s say you bought a pair of jeans for $12. That $30 pair of jeans you’re avoiding? They’re gonna last you far, far longer than that other pair.”
flip over your newspaper for ways to combat consumerism with holiday diy crafts
02 news a moment of science
friday, dec. 15, 2023
“There’s a lot of practice,” Simon said. science olympiad “You strategize with your partners on areas you can focus on and ways you can work tolooks forward to gether because it really is a team sport, if you want to call it a sport.” competition jan. 27 Students take timed practice exams before
the real exam, take data on their projects, create a reference sheet for their contests, page editor do practice labs and tweak their projects to Meeting in Mr. Koszut’s room after school, work as well as possible. Testing helps build Science Olympiad members split up into competitors confidence in their projects. “It’s a lot of trial and error,” Femi Ololade, their own specialties to take tests, build robots, test out previous experiments and gath- senior and captain, said. “Sometimes your er as much information as they can for their build might break. Sometimes it might break competition reference sheets for their Jan. 27 in a competition but, you know, it’s part of the process.” competition. According to Femi, bad competitions can Science Olympiad is a collective science competition team that competes in 23 spe- happen sometimes and recovery, which can cific specialties such as anatomy, physiology be “as simple as studying or practicing,” is an important part of the process in order to do and build events. “It’s like if science is a sport, that’s the their best at the next one. “I’ve listened to years of tests from the top best way I can put it,” Simon Nirenberg, senior and captain, said. “You compete against tournaments, like MIT, and I would be grindone another in the events in an Olympiad ing all those problems,” Alex Tu, junior and style format. It’s not like an overall score, it’s captain, said. To clear up misconceptions about Science about ranking.” At a Science Olympiad competition, mem- Olympiad, Femi said, “A lot of people think bers take written exams, have build events, that in Science Olympiad you have to be a gehybrid events and lab events with their two nius. “That’s not the case at all, like you don’t or three member team. Preparation for a have to be the smartest kid at reciting something, it’s more about the work you put in.” wide range of events can vary.
gabby van horne
CHECKING UP Taking last minute calculations, Shail Patel, senior, measures his robot for his event Robot Tour. For the competition this weekend, he makes sure that the robot meets the measure requirements for the event. “My event goals are to just get the code working and consistent enough,” Shail said. “I want to get good at my events and have fun because this is my first and last year.” (photo by karla aguilar)
adding up how grades are calculated in the new scale 1. Take a category (practice or assessment) and find the average.
2. Multiply by 3. Do the same for weight. all the other cate0.25 for classwork, gories. 0.60 for tests, 0.15 for final exam
For example, this is the Practice example: exact process as steps 0.23 -> 23% 1 and 2, just with the Assessment example: assessment category: 0.52 -> 52%
(100+30+30+70+20) (100+50+30+75+20) = 0.91
20+61+14 20+75+15 = 0.86 0.6(0.86) = 0.52
upcoming
Whatever you have in the formative category doesn’t count, so ignore it.
club updates
film club showcase
Club photo day will be Dec. 20 and 21 during third and sixth hours respectively. Get your pass from your club’s sponsor if you haven’t yet.
corrections
In Issue 4 of Crier, on page 1, history.com was the source of information for the timeline. On page 4, Israel was surprise attacked on Oct. 7 in the introduction of “Looking past the bias.” On page 4 and 5, cartoonist Damien Salahieh illustrated all infographics and visuals. On page 6, Colleen Ballinger’s last name was spelled Ballringer. Crier regrets these errors.
75 0.85
= 88%
With no final exam score in yet, you are only seeing 85% of your grade, meaning that your S1 grade can be lower than both quarter grades.
For example, if get a 90% on the final: 0.15(0.90) = 0.14 0.14 -> 14% 75% + 14% = 89% Ultimately, your grade is decided by all of your assignments and not quarters.
A GIFTED TRIP After over an hour of finding gifts for her assigned recipient at the annual Toy Drive, Luna Gutierrez, junior, waits in line for checkout. The shopping event was held for all donations that offered money in place of shopping for a toy. “It felt awesome doing a shopping spree but also super rewarding when thinking about all the kids that this event will help,” Luna said. (photo by marianna young)
club photo day
• Monday: Groutfit (all gray) • Tuesday: Incognito (all black, sunglasses) • Wednesday: PJ Day/Polar Express • Thursday: Ugly Sweater/Santa Hat
23% + 52% = 75%
According to Principal Morgan Nolan, the grading scale was changed to become more uniform to prevent inconsistencies. “We went in and were looking at teachers’ grade books,” Mr. Nolan said. “Sometimes they had like fifteen, sixteen, seventeen different categories.” Some students think that difficult classes should have different weighting than easier ones. “I think that it’s just absurd that AP Calculus and AP Physics can have the same grade weight system as optional courses like culinary or freshman courses like gym,” Gwendolyn Davies, senior, said.
annual toy drive MTC TAKES FIRST PLACE
Film Club is working to create a short film showcase, for sometime in late January. The showcase will be both held in-person, and then later uploaded onto YouTube, and Canvas.
finals week spirit days
page editor
5. Add the totals 6. Take your final together and divide to the best of your by 0.85 before ability. The missing finals. 15% will be filled.
4. Multiply all categories by 100 to find percent.
For example, take the Continuing with the points you earned in the practice category, practice category and here’s an example of divide them by the total the math you need points: to do: 0.25(0.91) = 0.23
emma starkey
choir events FUTURE GRAMMY AWARD WINNER After finishing her solo, Ariyah Jamerson, senior, smiles at the audience attending the Dec. 11 choir concert. As part of a larger effort of choir to have students preform Christmas carols around the region, this particular song was a Joy to the World rendition written for Whitney Huston, and preformed by the choir alongside a group of grammy award winning gospel musicians. (photo by viviana rodriguez)
LOOKING IN THE MIRROR Putting on makeup in preparation for their performance, Isaiah Brundige, junior, and Marija Pavlic, sophomore, get ready to compete at Hobart’s Regionals on Dec 2. Munster Theater Company took first place for the third year in a row, followed by Wilbur Wright Theater Company in second place. Both will advance to state competitions at the end of January. “They announced our name and everyone screamed,” Isaiah said. “And rightfully so, but apart from Munster’s ‘high,’ the room felt kinda cold or quiet.” (photo by emma starkey)
opinion 03
friday, dec. 15, 2023
CP2
late?
gabby van horne page editor
illustration by damien salahieh
staff opinion
grading growing pains
Checking PowerSchool and fusion has been caused by the noticing a significant drop in quarter two grades shown on semester one grades compared PowerSchool, when only the seto each quarter, the change in mester grades actually matter. grading scale has proven to The semester grade is not just be one of the most confusing the two quarters averaged— changes for students this school it is the total points earned in year. Now nearing the each category throughour take end of the semester, out both quarters. This the changes in catego- The quarter grades being causes the semester ry weightings and fi- shown on PowerSchool grades to seem off nals being 15% of the despite only the semester compared to both grades mattering is semester grade are quarters, especially confusing. extremely apparent. without the 15% final Despite students being aware exam grade included. of these changes since the beMaking these changes were ginning of the year, more connecessary because they’re
MAPPA
mistakes
karla aguilar
photographer
As I watched the second season of “Jujutsu Kaisen,” I was impressed with the art being more vibrant and fluent. I was very excited watching each episode. As I noticed the production slowing
CR IER
down at Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association (MAPPA) studios, I went to the internet to check it out. The animation this year improved with fluent movements, but around last month, an animator working at MAPPA went on Twitter to reveal the constant stress and long hours that they’ve been under recently. Season two of Jujutsu Kaisen has an engaging storyline with a vital arc named “The Shibuya Incident” in the show which fans highly anticipated for the traumatic events that happen. The show pressures the managers to make sure the animators fit the standards that the fans expect. On Nov. 16, episode 17 of the
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
fair—it creates a uniform process so teachers are less likely to make mistakes in the gradebook. But with such changes comes inevitable adjustments, specifically to the senior class. After being used to the old grading system which was determined by each teacher or department, it is hard to switch their last year. Ultimately, this transition is for the betterment of both students and teachers. It may be tough to deal with in the present, but it ensures consistency in the future.
series aired with fight scenes, leaving a big impact on the viewers and showing that it took a lot of time to make the scenes. An animator tweeted their admiration for the episode but, with a tight production schedule, the released version is only a very small percent of what the intended episode was envisioned to be. There are speculations that season two might be canceled. If the show does get canceled, it’s okay as long as the animators get the rest that they deserve. I am happy with the episodes that have already been released and can’t wait for future projects that MAPPA might have with better working conditions.
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
If you go back to early 2023, the Willow project, an Alaskan oil drilling project, was seen everywhere. Opposition to it was all over social media—informational videos, petitions, protests, and much more. While #StopWillow was trending around the world, another big project was in the works: CP2. Calcasieu Pass 2, or CP2, is a multi-billion dollar liquefied-natural-gas export terminal project in Louisiana that is soon to gain or be denied approval. This project could produce 20 times more annual emissions yearly than the widely disliked Willow Project. I hadn’t heard of it until recently, which is surprising, considering that I try to stay at least semi-informed and up to date on important future-altering events like this. With CP2 facing its final approval stages soon, as well as the end of the COP28 (United Nations Climate Change) conference this week, people need to know how bad it truly is. CP2 has been described by experts from The Guardian as “a carbon mega bomb” putting every effort to conserve our future and help reverse climate change at risk. Releasing 197.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, compared to Willow’s 9.2 metric tons per year, it is blowing the previously dreaded project out of the water. This would be detrimental to the climate fight. Currently, we are trying to keep the earth from warming 1.5 degrees Celsius. It might not seem like a lot, but it is. When you think about the earth, that 1.5℃ change is a lot for it to handle, especially remembering the different climates around the world, which are sort of like our organs that function completely differently and have different needs. A person is generally considered to have a fever at 100 degrees Fahrenheit; a two degree difference and your body already starts to shut down. You risk your body completely shutting down if you get to 105 degrees, only a 7 degree difference than normal. That 1.5℃ change is about 2.7℉, and unlike the human body, once it gets past that small temperature change, the path towards irreversible damage is set. So when you think about CP2 and the fact that it “doesn’t have anything to do with” you, remember that it does, and it matters. It could be a factor that, if denied approval, helps us fight for our future on this planet, and the future of many that will come after us.
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
04 infocus
l g i n g i g g at ghibli
crier reviews studio ghibli productions after the release of ‘the boy and the heron’
gone, never forgotten karla aguilar photographer
Grave of the Fireflies (1998)
Set in Japan during the WWII era, a young teenager, Seita, and his younger sister, Setsuko struggle to survive without their deceased parents caused by war. Left homeless after their aunt didn’t care for their needs, they took shelter elsewhere. Seita has to steal in order to provide for himself and Setsuko, even though she is growing sick. Art style: For 1988, I love the attention to detail of the contrasting color palette in order to separate the spirits of the siblings in the movie to their past selves. The concept was a little confusing but as I was watching the movie, I realized the importance of the color differences played a role in the movie.
warriors and wolves kylee barnes page editor
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Studio Ghibli’s absolutely captivated their audience with this beautiful visual representation of earthly issues like pollution and the impact of humans on the environment through the creative visual interpretation of war and destruction. Infected by a demon after conquering a rabid boar, Ashitaka is banished from his tribe and ventures out on his own in search of something to cure his progressing demon possession. Along his journey, Ashitaka meets Princess Mononoke, daughter of the wolf god, who is fighting her own war against a nearly impenetrable fortress in order to save the spirit of the forest. Art style: This action filled representation of human environmental destruction sketches a gorgeous scene of mountains and valleys, using both dark and light palettes to demonstrate the contrast between and healthy environment and the destruction of war.
friday, dec. 15, 2023
love like a howl kylee barnes page editor
Howl’s Moving Castle (2005)
Howl’s Moving Castle used its bright colors and explosions to depict the fear and shock of the 2003 Iraq war. In the middle of a war the protagonist, Sophie, is cursed by the witch of the east and after leaving her village to hide her newfound old age. While trekking up the brutal mountains, Sophie is accommodated by Howl, a sorcerer, and his moving castle powered by a magical fire demon, Calcifer. In an attempt to escape her own life, Sophie devotes the majority of her attention to supporting Howl, who is also avoiding his own problems. Art style: The vivid colors used in the animation of Howl’s Moving Castle entrance the viewers, leaving them stunned by the beauty of the rolling hills and valleys Sophie journeys through on her mission to find Howl.
changing winds karla aguilar photographer
The Wind Rises (2013)
Jiro Horikoshi has a dream to be an engineer in order to design revolutionary air planes for Japan during WWII. As he is traveling for business matters, he comes across a Naoko Satomi in which they fall in love and get married shortly after. While Naoko falls ill, Jiro proceeds to go onto design the airships, and his research proves to be successful. Art style: The art is very elegant and beautiful. There are very well made scenes, such as the field in which Naoko paints. All of the grass strands with the wind are very well animated and the colors of the occasional flowers are very nice to look at. The animation fluency of all the characters are amazing, especially with the physics of the airplanes and the wind constantly flowing through the trees in the background and how the clothes billow.
war and peace karla aguilar photographer
Nausicaa of the Valley (1985)
In a post-apocalyptic world, Princess Nausicaa lives in a stable village. The opposing side is an alien-bug race which destroys villages and makes the spaces as part of their growing jungle kingdom. Nausicaa goes on to try to resolve the issues of the two sides as they are on the brink of war. Art style: For an older film, I love the creativity of the apocalyptic world that is presented and how it is introduced. The alien-like creatures of the film are well detailed throughout the movie and well as the corrupted forest scenes are amazing to look at.
when pigs fly
karla aguilar photographer
Porco Rosso (1994)
Set in Italy in WWII, the film revolves around a WWI veteran named Porco Rosso, who turns into a pig between the two wars. He pilots an airship with the help of Fio Piccolo and Madame Gina to fight off a notorious group of sky pirates who caused trouble for Italy. Art style: The animation in the movie was very warm and comical in a way. It reminded me of the films that I would watch with my mom. The color palette was large and although it wasn’t as detailed as other films, it was fun to watch.
infocus 05
friday, dec. 15, 2023
prisoners of portals kylee barnes page editor
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
During the Pacific War, a part of WWII, Mahito tragically loses his mother in a hospital fire. When his father finds new love in the arms of his late wife’s sister, Mahito struggles to accept the replacement of his mother, as w e l l as the change in scenery and birth of his younger brother. While exploring his mothers old estate and his own personal struggles regarding the grief he feels toward his mother, Mahito encounters a tower and ventures through portals to different worlds along with his heron guide. Art style: Each and every detail was like something out of a dream. From the oversized human-devouring parakeets to the abstract multiverse depiction, the bright colors and action-filled scenes entirely entranced us.
wincing at wonka
illustration by damien salahieh
with today’s release of the new wonka movie, crier reviews past ‘willy wonka’ actors
gabby van horne & marianna young
page editor & photographer
Timothee Chalamet Personality Young Willy Wonka, played by Timothee Chalamet, seems to be less weird in a deranged sort of way, but rather weird in a cringe way. At first, watching Timothee felt like watching his other characters: a trust fund boy from the 1860s who falls in love with two girls from the same family, or he is a closeted 17 year old in the Italian countryside, but he was not Wonka. After rewatching a couple times he has transformed a bit more into the well known and loved character, but it still might not be his best role.
loompa land gabby van horne page editor
Johnny Depp
Personality: Johnny Depp is someone who chooses weirder roles and makes weirder decisions in real life, and it goes with Wonka’s personality and eccentricity. Overview: Overall, while it may not be as good as the original, it holds its own. The actors and actresses cast bring a sense of familiarity because a few of them were in a wide variety of movies and shows during the early 2000s and 2010s. The music and acting are also done well, the choreography was made and executed well and it adds to the overall comedy aspect of the film. Acting: There is no question as to whether or not the skill is good, especially when it comes to Johnny Depp. He is able to encompass any character he performs as, no matter how different they are from each other.
Overall Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka storyline is an odd and unique case that is out of the ordinary. Growing up watching the eccentric Willy Wonka movies, I’m looking forward to watching a movie on his fascinating and peculiar lore. The movie looks well done. The trailer gives enough content to draw the viewer in, making them wonder why these things are happening, while also leaving you confused and hoping the movie comes out soon so the viewer can figure out the answers to their questions. Acting At first I could not bear to watch the trailer after the bit where Timothee says “Listen up and quiet down. No– Scratch that, reverse it,” because it made me embarrassed for him. Now after watching the original Wonka, I see he is just impersonating the
characteristics of the Gene Wilder Wonka character. To me, this is great acting. It brings the acting full circle. Timothee is a good actor. He has yet to disappoint in his films and movies thus far, but this just does not seem like his best role. Since it hasn’t come out yet, it’s hard to tell, but you can count on Timothee to do the best with what he is given. Costumes Wonka’s apparel in the trailer seems very sophisticated and dapper. This may make the audience perceive Wonka in a kind manner The costume that Willy wears takes inspiration from the Johnny Depp version of the movie. It makes Willy look more connected with society because he wears a sleek red coat and traditional undergarments for the time, so unless you’ve interacted with Willy you might not understand that he is quite a character.
a wilder wonka marianna young
Gene Wilder
page editor
Personality: Funny, unhinged, psycho…? This is how I viewed the original Gene Wilder Wonka character as a kid. As much as he is deranged, I now understand he simply got rid of the “bad eggs” of the world to search for the one kid truly worthy of taking his throne: Charlie Bucket. Overall: For a movie one year into the 70s, this is an excellent movie. The whole vibe and graphics are so of the time that it definitely could not be replicated today. Although not a Christmas movie, Willy Wonka is definitely a staple to come back to every year. A bittersweet and eerie beginning turns into a happy ending. What more can you hope for in a movie? Acting: Gene Wilder did a tremendous job acting as Willy Wonka. Wonka says a lot of wacko things in this movie that it amazes me how Wilder kept a straight face through some of these nutty lines. In a sarcastic voice he cries, “Stop. Don’t. Come back.” as one of the kids goes to shrink himself into a billion little pieces. Besides letting kids die, I’d say Gene Wilder as Wonka is a silly guy.
illustration by kylee barnes
06 infocus
friday, dec. 15, 2023
blast from the past highlighting some of the most popular pop culture events of the year dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager
super bowl feb. 12 Returning to the stage to after seven years, Rihanna came back to perform at this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Feb. 12. During her performance, she announced her pregnancy and proudly showed-off her makeup brand, Fenty Beauty. The performance sparked attention as people turned her dances from her performance into TikTok trends and dressed up in her halftime outfit for school dress-up days and Halloween. “People haven’t seen her perform for a long time, so this performance was such a big deal,” Nicole Odegaard, sophomore, said. “She performed songs we haven’t heard her sing in years, and I loved watching the choreography of it all.”
titan submarine june 18
eras tour march 17 Hours of staring at Ticketmaster’s loading screen, the website crashing, scrambling to select seats and making the ticket purchase before another person does it faster: this was the reality of buying tickets for Taylor Swift’s U.S leg of the Eras Tour March 17 - Dec. 8. The three hour concert was filmed for theaters and released on Oct. 13. The film became the highest-grossing concert movie of all time. “I left school early to get tickets,” Ava Tucker, senior, said. “My mom, grandma, brother and I were all on Ticketmaster for hours and finally got tickets for three different shows. I have been to two out of the three shows, and all the fans were so sweet and traded bracelets with me.”
On June 18, five men, on board OceanGate’s Titan submersible, set out Although the trend began in 2022, on their journey the viral question, “How often do 13,000 feet you think about the Roman Empire?” into the made its comeback into TikTok feeds North reaching it’s trending peak on Sept. 28. Atlantic Girls would videotape themto see the selves asking boys the viral Titanic question. wreck. An “Girls, for some hour and 45 reason, think that minutes into their question is funny to descent, communication was ask,” Nabeel Rabie, lost between the submarine and senior, said. “If you the surface vessel. When U.S and think about it, a lot of key Canadian ships were searchprinciples that are coming for the missing submarine, a mon and useful to this debris field containing pieces of the day can be traced submarine was found on June 22 back to those which indicated an imtimes of the Roplosion most likely man Empire. occurred. The For examsubmarine’s tragple, roads, ic journey caught architecthe attention of ture, and the media. People the use started to research illustrations by dorothy lakshmanamurthy of roman more into OceanGate numerals.” and the individuals on The trend evolved into the phrase the submarine. “my Roman Empire” meaning some“I was very invested about wheththing someone thinks about often. For er they would be able to save them,” example, senior Campbell Gideon’s Luna Gutierrez, junior, said. “I was also “Roman Empire” is record players. appalled by the craftmanship of the “I think about the fact that people submarine. It was crazy how the ticket were able to put sound into plastic,” for the trip was tens of thousands of Campbell said. “I know the needle dollars, but the remote to guide the subgrooves, but it doesn’t seem possible.” marine was a video game controller.”
roman empire aug. 28
grimace shake july 12 Celebrating McDonald’s franchise character Grimace’s 52nd birthday, McDonald’s released the Grimace Shake June 12 until July 9. With its release, people were questioning what the true flavor of the drink really was. From this confusion, a TikTok trend arose where a person would take a sip of the drink and act as if they were poisoned by Grimace. “My friends and I thought the trend was hilarious and wanted to join in on the joke,” Lorenzo Limas, senior, said. “We got some Grimace shakes, painted my friend purple and made our own video that ended up receiving a lot of attention. Everyone that commented thought our video was hilarious. Plus, the shake itself tasted pretty decent.”
fortnite returns nov. 3 In Nov. 2023, Fortnite creators brought back the season five map, which was one of the first versions of the game originally from July 2018. “I feel as if it was bringing back a part of my childhood playing with my friends,” Sam Mellon, junior, said. “I was able to experience a sense of nostalgia. I played it more than any other game for the month. ” Many OG players flocked back to the game, posting their Victory Royales on their Snapchat stories to commemorate. “It was so annoying to open Snapchat and see my stories flooded with Fornite screens,” Lianna Carrillo, senior, said. “Then at school, it was all I would hear about in my classes.”
barbenheimer july 21 With the realization that both Barbie and Oppenheimer were coming out in theaters on the same day—July 21—social media feeds started to flood with fan-made movie posters and memes that merged both the movies into one. Many people saw both movies on the same day or more than once. “Oppenheimer was interesting, but I found it to be slow and boring in some parts,” Owen Hoogeveen, freshman, said. “I thought the Barbie movie was more fun and enjoyable. I saw the Barbie movie twice, and my favorite part is when the Kens fight each other. How they battled one another was funny.” Barbie and Oppenheimer are two of ten chosen films that will be awarded at the American Film Institute Awards Jan. 5 recognizing the year’s best films. “I think the two movies are incomparable,” Grace Harris, senior, said. “Both were very well-done.”
sports 07
friday, dec. 15, 2023
STAND FIRM Practicing after school, junior Carlos Wilson and sophomore Jeremy Kaim work on wrestling movements together. After stretching, the players warm up in pairs to get ready for their practice matches. “It’s both our first year in wrestling, so we’re trying to take it hard,” Wilson said. “Like, whenever I go with my partners I try to really drill as hard as I can, getting the technique down. It’s been really fun to progress and learn more moves, and eventually when I started winning matches is when it feels really good to just see that progress.” (photo by heidy sanchez)
ready to rumble
SWIFT LIFT Preparing to bring down her partner, Sophia Jorge, freshman, grabs Sophia Flores, sophomore. In wrestling, partners are commonly assigned based on the individual’s weight class. “I’m most excited for tournaments,” Jorge said. (photo by heidy sanchez)
wrestling prepares for super duals tomorrow at home kylee barnes page editor
As we trudge closer and closer to the end of the first semester, both girls’ and boys’ wrestling teams are hustling toward their third home meet. The Mustang Super Duals will be held tomorrow, starting at 9am featuring the attendance of both teams. “This is the biggest meet because it’s at home,” Sorvino Chansiri, junior, said. “We gotta represent Munster and our school. Our girl wrestlers are also wrestling in it that day. I can’t wrestle because I have a concussion from practice, but I’m excited for my team.” Our wrestlers put their best foot forward, taking inspiration from each other. “Before meets, coach Slosser would
give us a speech to hype us up.” Chansiri dle. “I don’t get home until around six most nights. Quitting is always a thought said. Pep talks and prizes fuel the wrestlers but I could never do it.” said Mya. The boy’s and girl’s wrestlers train hard, to try their very best. working on Cardio, “What motivates live wrestling, and me is working to special techniques. be one of the best, “My biggest opand being better boys starters for this wrestling season
first contact
ponent is my friend than the boys,” Mya Freshman: Derek Bobb Anthony (Parades). Ceja, freshman, said. Sophomores: Nash Burke, Christian We were in the “Also, our coach says Petrashevich, Easton Trimolt same weight class if we make it to Re- Juniors: Jaden Flowers, Malachi last year and this gionals, he’ll take us Neal, Anthony Paredes, Adrian Valdez year,” Chansiri said. out to dinner, and I Seniors: Joseph Bartusiak, Christo“Sometimes I get want to eat.” pher Bohn, Lucas Katona, Christian jealous, but most of Although victory Leyva, Brandon Petrovski the time I’m really meals taste like a win, the team does not go by unscathed, proud of him. He’s like my brother.” Wrestling can be quite a challenge, players say. After school practice along with specific training can be a lot to han- but players say that support from coach-
es and teammates is what compels the team to keep tussling. “I think the biggest struggle with the sport is just the mental part of it and not giving up when you’re tired.” Joey Bartusiak, senior, said. “I motivate myself by thinking of times I’ve lost. I hate losing and I just want to get better along with my teammates by pushing them in practice.” As much as each individual improves, the connections that the team has formed between wrestlers are what truly pulls them together. “I’ve definitely formed a connection with the sport. My dad wrestled and I had a few friends on the team in 8th grade,” Bartusiak said. “I’ve made a lot of friends and made connections with new people.”
diving into the depths swim and dive prepares for meet tomorrow gabby van horne page editor
Jumping off the blocks into the cold water, boys’ and girls’ swim and dive begin their warm up set to kick off practice. With only one meet the past two weeks, the team has been preparing for the Hamilton Southeastern High School meet tomorrow. “It’s one of our first meets that’s competitive to a scale that we can actually compete with,” Charlie Olmstead, senior and captain, said. “We have a meet with Penn early on in the season, but there are multiple factors that don’t make it the same.” Because the Hamilton meet is mid-season, it’s a “good time to test how our progress has been,” according to Olmstead. The meet allows the team to work for their best times with a reasonable amount of pressure. “We get to suit up,” Jasmine Wegman, senior, said. Suiting up, wearing their
best race suits, helps swimmers to get fast times. “It gives me a chance to go for my best times in the middle of the season.” Hamilton also gives the divers more chances to dive their best. “It’s the first 11 dive meet of the season, the rest are usually 6,” Jeorgia Garcia, junior, said. The seahorses say they are there for each other even when the races don’t turn out the way they hoped. “I’m really hard on myself (after a bad race),” Karina Fields, freshman, said. “I’ve been working on going to my teammates and having them help me. They’ll help me if I’m feeling bad, but if I did something then they won’t sugarcoat it. They hold me accountable.” The bonds keep the team strong and encourage the best for the group. Individual wins matter, but the team’s races together add to make a win. “I love that we can quote each other,” Addi Sanow, senior and captain, said. “We have a lot of inside jokes, I feel like that brings us together a lot.”
DEEP BREATH Swimming butterfly for her relay, Addi Sanow, senior and captain, takes a breath off of her stroke. During Munster Relays on Dec. 2, many teams from around the area come to compete in a meet consisting of only relays. “I love Munster Relays, it’s a really fun meet where you can swim events that are not usually at the high school meets,” Sanow said. “The sportsmanship is great, everyone cheers for each other regardless of what team you are on.” (photo by zoe clark)
08 student life
friday, dec. 15, 2023
snowglobe
Create a fun scene in a jar for a friend finding items in your house. 1. Tear up about four cotton balls and
other last minute gift ideas
glue them to the inner part of the mason jar lid to create a snow floor. 2. Stack and glue three cotton balls onto the floor for the base of your snowman. 3. Glue beads and/or buttons to create the snowman’s face, and add ribbon for the scarf. 4. Add any other items of choice to enhance the snow globe’s scene. 5. Pour white sprinkles into the jar, and carefully screw the decorated lid back onto the jar. 6. Once secured, flip over the jar to see the final result.
1. Write someone a poem. 2. Decorate an ornament. 3. Create a playlist for someone. 4. Make someone a sweet treat: peppermint bark, a cake or brownies. 5. Make your own Holiday cards.
backtalk
national wear your pearls day is today. What is a clothing item or accessory that will never go out of style?
“Definitely oversized sweaters.” Amalia Alvarez, freshman
scrapbook
6. Put together a friendship bracelet.
Tristan Casiano, freshman
Glue photos in a book making a memorable scrapbook. 1. Cutout and glue photos
7. Paint them a picture.
and keepsakes to block out the page of your notebook or joiurnal. 2. Decide your theme of the page and let the creativity flow.
8. Tell someone you love them.
tis the season to be crafty
“Converse because they are simple and versatile.”
what you need:
printed photos/polaroids/keepsakes, old notebook/journal, scrap paper (preferably funky), glue and any other crafty materials you can find around the house
52 memory deck
what you need:
instead of buying things, make something! crier staffers share homemade gift ideas
dorothy lakshmanamurthy & kylee barnes deadline manager & page editor
“Practical and monochrome clothing, because everyone’s always going to want plain clothes.”
printed photos or polaroids, deck of cards, glue and hole
Grab any deck of cards to put together your favorite memories. 1. Set your deck out however you’d like and glue one picture to the front of each card. 2. Hole punch the upper corner of each card, and lace together with string or a metal clip. 3. On the back of each card, write a cute catch phrase.
Josephine Zangrilli, sophomore
“I’d go with hoodies. There’s a wide ground to cover.” Brandon Walker, sophomore
“Platform chunky Converse and crazy socks.” Meilee Alvarez, junior
“A nice wrist watch.” Omar Aftab, junior
“Gold necklaces because gold is a timeless color when pairing it with outfits.” Ini Edet, senior
paper bouquet what you need:
coupons
Staple a coupon book with different activities to do with your friend. 1. Cutout rectangle pieces. Staple the pieces together to make a small book. 2. Write personalized coupon cards on each page.
what you need:
paper, stapler, scissors, any type of writing utensil(s)
photos by: lexi villalobos
colored paper, scissors, ribbon (optional)
Fold, cut, and tape a beautiful small flower bouquet. 1. “Hamburger” fold a piece of green
paper. 2. Start from the folded crease and cut vertical strips down the paper leaving the bottom inch uncut. 3. Connect the bottom uncut ends of the paper together with tape. 4. Push the green “leaf” flaps away from the center. 5. Cutout flower shapes to glue onto the flaps. 6. Tie a ribbon around the bottom.
“All black nice hoodies, because the color goes with everything and hoodies go with any outfit no matter the time period.” Ryan Salinas, senior
“It’s pearls. One: the more you wear them the more they become a part of you, and two: ask Lisa Simpson. Pearls look amazing.” Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, publications
“Nike shoes, because they’ve been popular since I was a kid.” Mrs. Ellen Naumoff, study hall supervisor