MHS Crier | Issue 8 | 3.15.2024

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

CR IER

march 15, 2024 volume 58 issue 8

mhs

on a high

note

From the band initiating the familiar sound of the fight song at school games, to the orchestra and choir practicing in their classes each day to perfect their pieces for upcoming trips and concerts,

music is present in our school.

This month, Music in Our Schools Month, allows recognition for the students in music programs along with students who enjoy or pursue music on their own time.

Crier wants to showcase these student musicians and theatre students in honor of this month.

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

W BEN COBLE, SOPHOMORE Playing the marimba, Ben hits the keys with the mallets. Ben mainly plays percussion and piano. “I enjoy playing my instruments because I get to share my music with my friends and peers,” Ben said. ANI OLCZAK, SOPHOMORE Beginning her singing career in fourth grade, Ani decided to take part in St. Thomas More’s annual musicals. Then in sixth grade, Ani decided to push her singing abilities more through voice lessons. “I really like pushing myself to see how far I can go and how big of a song I can do,” Ani said. YASMINE UTTERBACK, JUNIOR Starting in fifth grade, Yasmine began to play violin.

She continued to play, as she is now part of the orchestra. “I first wanted to play cello, but I broke my arm and had to play the violin,” Yasmine said. “I am glad that ended up the way it did.”

photos by lexi villalobos

deadline manager

hen senior Kylena Torres was 3-yearsold, she would sit in church waiting to hear the voices of the church choir begin to sing. Her eyes glued to her mother among the ensemble as they sang songs throughout the service. Following the service, Kylena would have her mom play a song for her as she would catch onto the exact key and notes. Whether it was through singing around the house, or her secret YouTube channel she had at 10-years-old where she would post videos of herself singing and playing the guitar or ukulele, Kylena constantly seeked out ways to share and pursue music at a young age.

“Singing with my parents, or when my dad plays guitar and I sing, it is just important to me because I get this from them,” Kylena said. “I am able to show my parents that I can be a part of that musicality and know that they are proud of me. It is a milestone to see how far I have come with music since I was little, and how I have gradually grown from watching my family perform, to now being able to be a part of it.”

Now, Kylena has been able to pursue her passion of music in many ways. She is a member and an alto section leader for the Chorale, member of SONG, being a part of the upcoming school musical: Footloose,

competing in ISSMA and even working with her parents to create and record original pieces. As she creates original pieces, she looks toward personal and important aspects in her life instead of basing her music on trying to become viral.

“I personally feel a lot of new music now is just made because they think it is going to be popular, but I think what makes good music is when it is what they feel and it’s from their heart,” Kylena said. “Like when I recorded with my mom for the first time, it was a song about breast cancer awareness.

This topic was really important because a lot of my family, on my mom’s side, went through breast cancer. We wrote about something that was important to us.”

Although Kylena has always had a love for music, it wasn’t until she came to Munster her junior year that she truly knew she wanted to have music be part of her future career. Kylena hopes to be part of a college choir and go into music education.

“I said I wanted to be a marine biologist in middle school, which is obviously not what I’m doing,” Kylena said. “At my previous school, music was not cared for as it is here. When I see Mr. Luke McGinnis teach, I know he really loves his job and the students. That motivated me that I could do this.”

read more musician profiles on pages 4-5

02 news

friday, march 15, 2024

stirring it up before state

science olympiad prepares to compete at purdue northwest for state march 23 chat bot programmed with various im- and then you bring it to the competition ages of different fossils to practice iden- and like test it outside,” said Femi Olotifying each. lade, senior.

“You have to memorize what they The team is working diligently to look like—to know every inch,” Roy combat the tough challenges by way of said. competitors Carmel and Lake Central.

Other events are The teams are in more about being the tight competition, best, but more so at oreach fighting for a quick step-by-step on scioly ganizing. first place in events.

“I primarily do study 1) choose a few events out of 23 “We know curevents, which are a that you are passionate about rently at tournacombination of binders ments we’ve been 2) prepare by studying material and ref sheets,” Simon to with teams like and making a reference sheet said. “So in a ref sheet Carmel, like Lake event, you’re given a 3) compete and place in a tournaCentral: they’re single page of refer- ment better than us,” Mr. source: www.soinc.org ence, which in my case, Keith Kozut, sciI tried to cram with as much informa- ence teacher and club sponsor, said. tion as possible. And then binders are The goal of the team is to prepare like the same idea except you’re given more than Carmel or Lake Central can, a whole binder. So instead of condens- so that they are able to gain more golds ing information down you kind of just than the two others, ultimately taking throw it all in organizational structure.” first and claiming the spot at Nationals.

Build events, meanwhile, are basical- Approaching State, many team memly what they sound like: building struc- bers are confident in their ability. tures or robots.

“This year we have a good chance of “There’s built events like scrambler beating Carmel, at State,” Advik Lalam, where you build something beforehand, junior, said.”

a studying state

CATCH SOME SUN Inspecting her project, Joyce Yao sophomore, prepares for her next event. Joyce competes in the solar power event where each competitor must build a contraption. “I am going to put a magnifying glass under a lamp,” said Joyce. “When the light hits the water in the container, it will heat it and create energy.” (photo by josephine zangrilli)

emma starkey

L

page editor

ooking through his numerous documents on his laptop, Simon Nirenberg, senior, prepares for his astronomy event.

Alongside his Science Olympiad teammates, he’s working in preparation for the Indiana State Tournament.

The team had come off a loss at Northwestern University, due to a temporary lack of competitors in a few events combined with the fact that Science Olympiad is scored based off of every single event.

While a disappointing loss, the team is not worried about this occurring at State.

“Some of our core team in a variety of biology events are people who have more experience, especially the upperclassmen,” Lily Hestjean, senior, said.

With each event, there are different rules and regulations for the competitors to follow, so it is likely to see various studying styles in the meeting. For example, to study for his fossils event, Roy Lin, sophomore, uses a Discord

speech places first in state

deca prepares for internationals

lauren hoogeveen

lauren hoogeveen

At the State competition March 8-9, speech won the State title for the 14th consecutive year with a score of 202.

“I’m so happy,” Tara Gaither, senior and speech president said. “The whole team has worked so hard for this moment and we have been stressing about it all season. Everyone on the team deserves it so much and I am so proud of everyone.”

In addition, nine speech members qualified for the National competition at Districts March 2. They will be attending Nationals in June in Des Moines, Iowa.

Seniors Kai Washington, Claire Han, Ari Jamerson, Tara Gaither, Josh Decker, Delaney Craig, juniors Jordan Feffer-

After the State competition the first week of March, 13 DECA members qualified for Internationals, which is in Anaheim, California April 27.

editor-in-chief

editor-in-chief

Contestants who qualified for Internationals include:

LOADING UP Junior Addy Ellis loads last year’s state trophy onto the bus. “Once we heard that our school won by two points, we all screamed in excitement.”

Addy said. (photo by josephine zangrilli)

man, Addy Ellis and Niah Maduakolam all qualified.

“I feel excited and privileged to be able to go,” Delaney said. “I’m proud of the extreme hard work Josh and I put into our duo to have this opportunity.”

crier works around network issues

lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

During the school day on March 7, the district experienced internet and server issues. As a result, students, teachers and parents were unable to access PowerSchool and Outlook.

Now, most applications are functional: PowerSchool, Outlook, intercoms, and bells. However, this does not include all Crier related activity.

The disruption affected student servers which Crier utilizes to store photos and design software.

On the first day of building this paper, Crier lost access to ev-

erything previously created.

Last Friday, staff made plans that the server would not recover in time for the deadline and started recreating what we had started.

On Monday, the staff ran recovery software on all SD cards to attempt to recover lost photos while also retaking photos. Although they were able to keep their deadline Wednesday, all of the work that both Crier and Paragon have done second semester is lost despite the server being back up.

Overall, students are still seeing issues with missing files from right before the network went down.

SQUARE ONE Seniors Anthony Ornelas and Dorsa Farahani sit listening at the last DECA meeting. “Being down in Indy for the competition was exciting,” Anthony said. (photo by aaron alvarez)

• Start up business plan: Seniors Pranshu Aryal, Hannah Kotvas and Nabeel Rabie placed 3rd • Sports and Entertainment Marketing: Seniors Dorsa Farahani and Charity Ibikunle placed 1st • Marketing Management: Seniors Hannah Loredo and Aadit Raikar placed 1st

• Principles of Business Management: Sophomore Brandon Walker placed 1st • Buying and Merchandising: Juniors Alexis Karahalios and Amy Mao placed 3rd • Financial Services: Sophomores Raghuveer Nachuri and Raghuram Subramaniam placed 3rd • Principles of Hospitality and Tourism: Freshman Raanya Rai placed 1st

student government plans solar eclipse viewing josephine zangrilli photographer

On April 8, the USA will experience the last total solar eclipse until 2044. The eclipse is viewable by most of Indiana. Crossing over Munster and the rest of Northwest Indiana, 95% of the sun will be covered. With the occurrences rarity, some students and staff members will be absent to view the eclipse at 100% coverage in Southern Indiana.

Student Government and Mr. Morgan Nolan are planning a school-wide event for the viewing.

Students will leave class during the eclipses peak, around 2:10 p.m. and gather at the football field to see the

eclipse.

As safety is the number one priority, everyone participating will be issued special solar eclipse sun-glasses. Glasses purchased with Student Government funds meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards to protect eyes.

Student Government, who is sponsoring and organizing the event, hopes for high morale. President and senior, Kiki Petrovic believes being the voice of the students means Student Government should sponsor student-friendly events.

“Maybe future astronauts will discover their passion for space. Regardless, every-

FUN IN THE SUN Pictured above are ISO 1232-2 solar eclipse glasses. All students participating will be given a pair to protect their eyes from the April 8 eclipse.

one can bond while watching a quite unusual occurrence and be safe,” Kiki said. “I think experiencing this as a school is simply a fun event that gets students out of their seats and shows them something interesting.”

corrections In Issue 7 of Crier, on page 2, Mia Bozic is pictured on the right of the Choir photo. On page 4, Christopher Pala is a freshman. On page 8, Jeffery Harle is a sophomore and Goldie Clark’s pin was from her nationals competition.

Crier regrets these errors.

opinion 03

friday, march 15, 2024 staff opinion

guiding light

We spend so much of our lives “She’s done so much for me.” “I strive to be like her.” “She’s a huge around them, and they in turn guide our character from a very young part of who I am today.”

What’s in a role model? It’s some- age; they impact our development as one who inspires you, guides you. It’s much as our education does.

Across each description, there a person who serves as an anchor or a goal post. In some cases, it’s a per- were themes of determination, love, son you can trust, rely on and love. understanding, aid; themes of mothers pushing herself and her children These role models are our light.

Throughout history, there are to strive for greater achievement, countless women who have pushed and of knowing when to help and the boundary in some way, that serve how. Themes of fun, happiness and as the icon and model for future gen- relaxation were common too.

But a role model can be anywhere. erations: be it activists, singers, athSome staff wanted to honor other letes, writers or scientists. in their lives, like The purpose of womour take women a hardworking friend, or en’s history month—this month—is to honor these women role models a teacher who thrives in women trailblazers, these are important to our helping others. character and should be There are so many role models. honored women everywhere who Women’s history lies with the suffragettes who worked for are impacting our lives for the betdecades to gain equal rights; they are ter. Whether we’ve met them or not, our reminder to never give up when these women guide us to become better versions of ourselves, who inworking for a better future.

But in the modern era, we can turn spire our lives and personalities. We to someone like Caitlin Clark, an icon want to take the time to honor these for talent and proof that anyone can people, because they deserve it for all start a revolution, even in the daily they do for us.

Take the time to think about the things like sports.

Every member of Crier staff was women role models in your life. Take tasked to select one woman role mod- the time to talk to them, and tell them el from their lives, and describe why how much they mean to you. We are they are a role model. It makes sense making history together. Don’t be that most of Crier chose to honor afraid to acknowledge people’s role in your own story. their mothers and grandmothers.

illustration by damien salahieh

in our words crier describes their female role models “Whenever I need anything, especially someone to go to, her actions clearly show that no matter what, she will always be there for me.”

—Lexi Villalobos, junior, about her mother Kelly Villalobos

“She has helped me discover myself and get through my own small teenage grievances as well and been my best friend the whole time.”

—Gabby Van Horne, junior, about her mother Irma Zepeda

home (or lack thereof)

emily dywan story editor

The most charming part of going to Chicago rarely meant the city to me, but rather what laid sprinkled within: the Victorian districts. As my mom and I

CR IER

“As I get older, I see how much her and I are truly alike, and I admire that because if there is anyone I want to be like, it’s her.”

—Marianna Young, junior, about her nana Mary Ferone Young

would walk along the iron picket fences of aged duplexes, ivy crawling between brick turrets and wraparound balconies that hugged the exterior, I’d claim house after another as my future getaway. It takes a meaning beyond a nostalgic nod to the art: it’s a tangible link to preservation of history within the city with their own quirks and character.

Across social media platforms, I watch as a newer generation of renovators are gutting these testimonies of time.

They laminate what once was colored brickwork with millennial gray and contractor beiges. They paint over cobble fireplaces with bleak whites. They strip masonry trimming to replace it for a relentless pursuit of simplicity. Nowadays, these houses fit for the Addams family

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

“She works a job that she doesn’t like at all, comes home and does more work, and still tries to find a way to make time for my siblings and me.”

—Aaron Alvarez, sophomore, about his mother Cristina Alvarez

seem to conform more to a standard like a dystopian Truman Show realm.

But why the shift? With influence from shows such as HGTV channel and a modern world against eccentricity, people seek out these rickety “fixer-uppers” and gut all their intricacies for a resale boost price. Sure, this minimalist mantra has its own edge of sophistication as seen in magazines or a quick flip of a channel, but at what cost? For these house-flippers, the distinctive line between “renovation” and “restoration” has been unrightfully ignored as we strip artifacts of their history.

What is held at the heart of a home is its character. We admire our own home for its similar eccentricities: you know the creakiest floorboards or the squeaki-

“She’s one of the most hardworking and selfless people I know and she has always taught me to do the same.”

—Lauren Hoogeveen, senior, about her mother Diane Strange-Hoogeveen

est doors, you know laughable nostalgia behind each sticker on the furniture or stain in the carpet. History, beyond a relishable sight, is the foundation of our memories. To embrace these eccentricities is to institute its own character.

Now, I’m not arguing for a full-blown retaliation against millennial gray or sad beige HGTV moms. But just as you wouldn’t paint over an archival masterpiece or throw away your favorite vintage leather jacket, these pieces of art are not meant to be seen as blank canvas; they have already inlaid their strokes of history in the stands of time. If they mean to appeal to this corporal minimal aesthetic, create a blank slate rather than painting over what has already been crafted.

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.

Deadline Manager Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy

Our Staff

Cartoonist and Photographer Damien Salahieh

Editor-in-Chief Lauren Hoogeveen

Head Photographers Zoe Clark, Marianna Young Story Editor Emily Dywan Page Editors Emma Starkey, Gabby Van Horne Photographer Karla Aguilar, Aaron Alvarez, John Kullerstand, Lexi Villalobos, Josephine Zangrilli

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

04 infocus

friday, march 15, 2024

hitting the cash sturges, freshman

lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

Inspired by wanting to learn how to play his favorite genre, Ska, a Jamaican type of jazz, Cash Sturges, freshman, started playing the guitar in 2021. Self-taught, Cash has been writing, producing and releasing his own music for the past two years under the name Dr. MLG. Although he was able to learn songs very quickly, it took about a year to proficiently play the styles of music he likes.

“My favorite part of learning is just, you get like a crazy amount of serotonin in your brain when you learn how to do something,” Cash said. “The other part is just making something that sounds that people like.”

Despite finding it difficult to align schedules and work with a consistent band, Cash has previously been involved with bands with his friends. He credits his uncle for getting him into Pink Floyd, which opened him up to some of his other favorite bands and

olivia doolin, sophomore

lauren hoogeveen

S

editor-in-chief

itting in a cathedral in Barcelona, Olivia Doolin, sophomore, looked around and admired the architecture surrounding her. On tour in Spain and France with her fellow string musicians from a Northwestern music group last summer, they played their pieces in various churches and cathedrals, hearing them in a new light. Her passion for playing the violin sprouted from her love for classical music at an early age, which was fostered by her parents through “Baby Einstein.”

“I really value that experience and the patience that it takes. Also, it just sounds pretty,” Olivia said.

Reflecting on all the places music has taken her, Olivia also recalls the times where it was hard. Playing the violin since she was five and spending hours every Saturday traveling to play, she has found it difficult at times

face the arts

to want to keep pushing through difficult pieces. But, she credits her parents for encouraging her to keep going.

“Just the difference between somebody who loves music and who’s just doing it, is that that person won’t quit,” Olivia said. “They’ll just keep going at it even when it’s uncomfortable and not fun, and when your back hurts really bad or when you get a hand cramp. I just find that pretty great how I was able to continue something and have that stability throughout ten years of my life. I’ve always been super turbulent, but there’s been a few things in my life that have been consistent and it’s been my love for playing.”

Involved in various orchestras, music groups and chamber groups in Chicago—where she moved from last year—she appreciates being able to get to know people in a unique way.

“Even if we weren’t talking to each

DELANEY CRAIG, SENIOR Always singing along to Disney movies as a child, Delaney first got involved in choir in elementary school.

“I think sometimes it’s hard to communicate what we experience through dialogue, but music can help express experience and feeling really well,” Delaney said.

other in a chamber or an orchestra, you get to know people through their playing,” Olivia said. “I really like learning how to work with people and blend with their sound, especially in chambers when it’s more intimate. I think that’s a really important aspect, not just playing music, but getting to know the people around you and learning to be able to communicate in ways when you are not actually talking.”

Aside from providing her with prestigious opportunities, she thinks it has helped her learn discipline, patience and perseverance. She also recognizes some of her continuous struggles, such as her stage fright while performing, which she navigates through by putting herself in situations where she might be a little uncomfortable at first.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to play your instrument and sit yourself down and do the uncomfortable things—like playing scales, etudes and arpeggios because no one likes to do that stuff—but it’s really important for you,” Olivia said.

Aside from the skills gained from being a part of various music groups, she has met some of her best friends through music.

“I really value that because I always felt really alone, which is so silly, but I really wanted to make friends over something I really loved,” Olivia said.

“I’ve met some great people and had some very interesting experience and they have made me a more well rounded person.”

EMILY LI, SENIOR After her parents introducing her at age five, Emily has been playing the violin ever since. “I like hearing how everything comes together with all o f the different instruments,” Emily said. “Also just feeling like I’m a part of a melody, I just love the music that we’re playing.”

musicians—Steely Dan, Will Wood, Kill Lincoln, Green Day and Knocked Loose.

“It’s just the same reason that all arts are important—it’s an expression of human experience,” Cash said. “It’s how you express yourself and express how you feel about things.”

The first song he wrote was inspired by a concert he attended, particularly taking some of those musical concepts and showing his band to experiment with. Eventually coming up with a guitar riff and lyrics, he made it into a song.

“It was not that well produced or anything, but I don’t regret publishing it,” Cash said. “It has led to better songs being published.”

In addition to producing his own music, Cash also played bass guitar in the choir performance March 6. Hoping to pursue a career in music, Cash’s goal is to put out an album and consistently play live shows.

“Even if no one comes to them,” Cash said.

“It’s just very fun to play.”

a quick note

a look into music programs upcoming trips and competitions

band’s orlando trip who: 86 band students what: playing “Happy” from the Despicable Me Soundtrack where: a parade around the Universal park in Orlando when: spring break

lawren

winter percussion competition who: winter percussion students what: performing their Fountain of Youth production in preparation for April State finals where: Franklin High School when: tomorrow

orchestra issma organizational competition who: symphony and philharmonic orchestras what: performing three pieces in hopes of gold—meaning they’d receive the All State Music Award, which has not been received since 2004 where: Lake Central High School

future choir trips 2025: D.C. Memorial Day Choral Festival 2026: St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

dorothy la

how did you “I started from my p said. “Our m do more, so playing dru sure.’ I alre so I do not k was just like why is music “It’s an es nior, said. “A and that firs tomatic lock motivating around me. where to lis Music

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infocus 05

friday, march 15, 2024

right note

sam thompson, senior lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

how did you get into music?

“I started with a drum set,” Sam Thompson, senior, said. “My grandparents and great uncle have held jam nights at their house ever since before I was born. My uncle would teach me how to play these little grooves on the drum set, then I got into different types of percussion.”

“My mom went to college for theater and started a company in Chicago that put on productions in different venues,” Sam said. “It inspired me because I was able to understand that I could support myself as a musician as a career and it’s not impossible. They’re very supportive of the arts and music, so they’ve always been encouraging to me.” how do you pursue music?

Sam has not just been involved in winter percussion and band, he has written the winter percussion music the past two years. From completely original pieces to arrangements, he has worked on building a portfolio. Hoping to pursue music, Sam auditioned at eight colleges.

“Some people don’t appreciate the arts in high school as much as they should,” Sam said. “Even if they’re not involved, like [they can] be supportive and come to shows. Music programs are really helpful to some people, they help develop people socially and provide a lot of opportunities. It’s great that we have a month of appreciation for it.”

Sam has also spent the year working on a completely original piece for choir to perform with percussion at their May 8 concert—his first choral piece ever, “It is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen anyone do, let alone a student,” Mr. Luke McGinnis, choir director, said. “It’s phenomenal, I’m so excited. I’m so proud of him. I just cannot even believe it. It’s something that he willed into existence and he really did it.”

“Since August, I’ve been working on it—just sort of morphing it and talking with him and making edits—to make sure it is as good as possible for the performance and my portfolio,” Sam said.

nce and lorenz slack

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

ari jamerson, senior

akshmanamurthy deadline manager

u get into music? d with music because of a punishment parents,” Lawrence Slack, sophomore, mom told our dad that we needed to o our dad was like ‘your punishment is ums for the youth choir.’ I was like ‘ok, eady had an interest in playing drums, know how it really was a punishment. I e, ‘thank you, I guess.’” c important to you? scape from the world,” Lorenz Slack, seAs soon as you put on your headphones st sound comes through, it is like an auk on my brain. Music has always been for me, and blocks out the negativity .” sten: Zo B’Lenciii on Spotify and Apple

ON SHELTON, ORE Holding ostume designs ly Blonde,” Rhipically creates ns from thrifted hich allows the o see texture. ived an Excelard for this at ana Thespians ference.

EMMA KAVALEC, SENIOR Joining band in middle school, Emma choose the flute as “a great introduction.” “It’s really rewarding because we have been doing so much that’s helped me not only become a better person, but also by creating life-long friendships,” Emma said.

Kept stored in her phone’s voice memos, amongst the 30 other original songs she has written, was one of senior Ari Jamerson’s favorite original songs: Little Girl, I’m Sorry.

Ari produced this song in April of 2023, and did not plan on sharing it anytime soon. Then, her dad, who works in music and film production, randomly came up to her a couple months later and said, “pick your favorite one of your songs, we are going to start making a music video tomorrow.”

“It was so crazy,” Ari said. “I wrote out how I wanted it to look, and my dad helped me plan all the shots and establish the story line. It was cool because I got to include all my passions into this video: dancing, acting, and singing. However, once we finished the project, I held onto it for a while because it was very personal to me. The song is about talking to me as a little girl and apologizing for not taking care of her all the time. I was scared of putting something so personal out there at first, but I finally decided that on my 18th birthday I would release it, and I was certainly proud of myself.”

CLOVER SARKADY, SENIOR Beginning her acting career in sixth grade, Clover believes theatre is a great learning experience. “I feel like I’ve learned more doing shows, both emotionally and socially,” Clover said. “It’s just such a cool experience to have that kind of education.”

Ari initially began singing due to the influence of her parents being singers and her grandparents playing piano. However, she found herself growing her own individualized passion for music as she got older.

“I have always been around music when I was younger, but I have been able to grow as a singer since then,” Ari said. “Especially through joining choir, I have been able to appreciate music more on my own and challenge myself. I think I have the perfect mix of both my parents that makes me my own unique style.

I have been inspired by my mom’s passion as she sings, and I love the creation of the music itself, which I get from my dad.”

As Ari watches her dad work in projects, she has had the opportunity to take part in them as well. In, Sept.

2023, Ari’s dad was asked to film a video for an conference opener at the Ranger Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

Ari was able to sing vocals and choreograph a dance for the project.

“I think that might have been my favorite project that I got to be a part of with my dad,” Ari said. “It was such a cool experience. All my surroundings and experiences have inspired me to pursue music in my future.”

MADALYN MARTIN, SENIOR, AND MARIJA PAVLIC, SOPHOMORE Involved in theatre with both acting and costume design, Marija and Madalyn have been involved for all of their high school years. “It helps with meeting new people and social skills,” Marija said.

06 review

friday, march 15, 2024

bookmarked brilliance crier staff reviews novels in our english curriculum

lies and lessons

gabby van horne page editor

overall: “To Kill a Mockingbird” is about a small family, Atticus, Scout and Jem Finch and Calpurnia the maid. The story centers around the childhood of Scout and Jem while their father defends a man who has been falsely accused of rape, Tom Robinson, while the whole town is against him. Because of this, the family faces challenges but stays strong in their defense of Tom. This book brought attention to prejudices and wrongdoings that were happening throughout the United States and became popular instantly when it was published in 1960.

engagement for school: The complexities of the lives of Scout and Jem are far greater than one would expect and keep the reader wanting to know what will happen not only to them, but to Boo Radley and every other character, as well as the result of the court case.

Students can learn a lot with the symbolism of the book, teaching children about the effects of gossiping and bad mouthing as well as lying in a way that harms someone. While it is banned in some places because of racism and the mention of rape, it has important lessons and should be taught.

“to kill a mockingbird” author: harper lee page count: 336 time spent reading: 9 hours. school got in the way

beware the monster “lord of the flies” author: william golding page count: 202 time spent reading: 9 hours. font size was hard to read

zoe clark

head photographer

overall: Published in 1954, “Lord of the Flies” is about a group of boys stranded on an island after a plane crash, learning how to fend for themselves to survive.

The novel is a realistic example of the savagery humankind reverts to in dire situations, including a clear connection to survival of the fittest within animal groups. The character’s childlike teasing and imaginations are also true to their young ages, adding to the overarching authenticity as a story.

engagement for school: As a fast-paced book, it’s hard to get bored. Every page has something new, so you get fully enveloped in the storyline.

Its many symbols, message of natural human savagery, and overall entertainment makes “Lord of the Flies” a great book for school, despite it being on the banned books list for so called “offensive implications” within the novel. Younger audiences can learn from the characters and story outcome, rather than use it as an essay topic.

unrequited love

aaron alvarez

photographer

overall: Overall, this is a good book. The Great Gatsby is written from the view of Nick Carraway, a man who moved to New York in the 1920s. While in New York he meets James Gatsby.

Nick spends most of his time with his cousin Daisy, and Gatsby. Through Daisy and Gatsby, Nick gets to be around rich people during his time in New York. The book comes to an end with Nick staring at the same green light on his cousin’s dock from the beginning.

engagement for school: I didn’t want to stop reading when I started. For me, it is appropriate despite small amounts of cursing, alcohol use and death. What makes this book appropriate to me is that it shows an image of the American Dream and chase for love.

Gatsby is the character that shows the American Dream. This book allows one to see how they could reinvent themselves and become someone who they could only dream of being.

“the great gatsby” author: f. scott fitzgerald page count: 110 time spent reading: 7 hours. hard to stay focused

austen-ishingly good damien salahieh

“pride and prejudice” author: jane austen page count: 266 time spent reading: 11 hours. I’m a slow reader

cartoonist

overall: Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is a timeless piece that enthralls the viewers with its eloquence, fluidity, and amusing banter. Austen’s words on the systems of class in the early 1800s England is a backdrop for this love story.

The dialogue cleverly envelops you into the story, and you can’t help but root for the bad-mannered Mr. Darcy through his ventures to win Elizabeth’s heart. Overall, the pacing of this story was perfect, even as a non-reader, I found this book to be a riveting experience.

engagement for school: This is a love story, so it’s up to the reader to decide how appropriate it is for school. However, I believe that including stories that explore romance and aesthetic attraction is important for students—both in terms of discussion and exposure to it.

It’s also important to highlight this story’s themes of wealth, prejudice and social status, which are themes relevant to our everyday lives. I was fully engaged throughout my run of this book, Jane’s style of writing fully draws you in.

sports 07

friday, march. 15, 2024

pitching to win dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

Warming up in the chilly weather, the softball team runs to center field on the gravel fields before they start their go-to practice schedule: catching, throwing four corners, splitting up the infield and outfield, and then gathering back together to execute the skills in full field mock-plays. With these practices everyday after school, the softball team is on the path toward their first game of the season at home against Lake Central at 5 p.m.

March 20.

“I believe to best prepare for our first game against Lake Central is to be ready mentally,” Emily Siurek, senior, said. “In my opinion the

a new inspiration emerges for athletes

softball plays for first game against lake central march 20 game of softball is 70% mental and 30% physical. So, we have to focus on working on our breathing, having a championship mindset, and wanting to compete.”

The team is also getting ready for their annual spring break trip to Tennessee. Here, they compete in the Southern Warrior Classic round-robin tournament in Murfreesboro.

“I am most looking forward to that trip because the games are always so much fun there,” Morgan Kindy, junior, said. “This trip also really helps us bond as a team early in the season as we spend time outside the games to walk around and sometimes go and explore the area.”

gabby van horne page editor

FAST PITCH At the first practice of the season, Maddy Marlowe, junior, winds up to throw the ball to her partner. “I feel like this upcoming season is already the best and most exciting one yet.”

Marlowe said. (photo by marianna young)

let the games begin a look into the track and field events gabby van horne page editor

track and field events pole vaulting: - Choose a starting height - Competitors get 4 jumps to clear the height - Every competitor goes - Back to first competitor - Repeat until everyone has gotten to the highest height possible

TO THE VAULT During practice, Matthew Zuccarelli, senior, takes a running start to practice his pole vaulting technique.

“I really enjoy the fact that it’s such a challenging sport, i’m always up for a good challenge, if something’s easy, i’ll get bored with it too quickly,” Zuccarelli said. (photo by john kullerstrand)

running: - 4x4 relay - pass the baton among 3 other teammates -100 m - 200 m - 400 m - 800 m - 1600 m (the mile) -3200 m - 100 m hurdles -300 m hurdles

THE RUNDOWN Running the straights of the track, Kylee Marshall, senior, runs warm up laps. (photo by john kullerstrand)

Spikes on and racers readied, track and field prepares for indoor State, March 23, and the beginning of their outdoor season with meets against Crown Point April 2 for the boys and April 4 for the girls.

“I’m just excited for the season,” Kwaku Awuah, junior, said. “I think our four-by-four is going to be really good, plus our individual runners, too.”

For sprinters, the beginning of the week tends to be high volume sprints, while the end is in preparation for meets. When the meets switch to during the week as well, the practices leading up to them prepare for the races and the practice after is a recovery practice.

“I hope to decrease my 200 time by one or two seconds,” Keya Patel, sophomore, said. “I struggle with accelerating quickly, which is super important in the short sprint races, and I’m going to improve that by doing drills specifically for acceleration.”

At throwing practice, they get a few practice throws in after warming up. Then they go onto their full out throws, and if needed they train in the weight room as well.

“My favorite part is probably being around all the throwers, and seeing them improve, as well as myself improve,” Matthew Keevers, se-

nior, said.

While the points from placing in events add up and get the team a win as a whole, it’s usually an individual sport where a racer has to hold themselves accountable for how they do.

Sometimes an athlete has other team members competing with themselves, but when they are doing their event, the only person an athlete can count on is themselves.

“Track is really mental since it’s such an individual sport,” Kylee Marshall, senior, said. “You don’t have somebody to blame when something goes wrong. If you do that, then it’s all on you.”

Ralph Brown, senior, agrees that track is a sport where the athlete needs to be proactive in order to do good for themselves.

“A team is fun and relays are cool, as well as fun every once in a while, but in a basketball game sometimes all you can do is sit and hope that somebody else does well,” Brown said. “In an individual sport, it is nerve-racking because I feel like in a team sport you can trick yourself into thinking that ‘we got this’ but in an individual sport there’s no one else. I like that, though.”

Athletes can also have off days where the athlete might feel like they should have done better, whether it’s from the amount of effort they put in or the result they got out of the event.

“I just remind myself that I know what I’m capable of,” Marshall said.

“Everybody has a bad day, so even if I have one bad day that doesn’t define my performance or abilities.”

throwing: - Discus and shot put - Warm up throws - 3 flies (throws) to throw as far as possible - For each fly, every person goes in a row - Repeat this pro- cess until all 3 flies are done BACK IN THE SANDBOX At the back of the track field, DJ Certa, junior, winds up in form to practice throwing the discus as far as possible. (photo by. marianna young)

HEADS UP Practicing her throw technique, Michelle Pugh, freshmen, takes her turn in throwing the shot put. (photo by marianna young)

Caitlin Clark, starter for the Iowa Hawk eyes, has had many accomplishments during her college career. During Women’s History Month, which is this month, she broke the Division 1 record, both men and women, for total points scored in the same game as her career high of scoring 49 points. She has also become the first Division 1 player to score 1000 points or more for back to back seasons. As a female college athlete, she has gained attention recently in the media through her skill and achievements, and is admired around the world by other athletes.

“I believe that her biggest accomplishment is earning the recognition she deserves,” Tess Glombicki, senior and varsity tennis and soccer player, said. “No one doubts her ability to take control of the game and when it’s on the line she can always seal the deal. I’m excited to see her continue her career as she has much to do.”

Clark is entering the Women National Basketball Association’s draft after her final season with the Iowa Hawk eyes, who are ranked second in the NCAA, finishing out her college career this spring after the March Madness Tournament.

“Her grit and desire to keep achieving more and more every day has inspired me greatly,” Natalie Kindt, senior and goalie for the varsity soccer team, said. “In my experience it isn’t always easy to make the next step for my goals but when I see Clark achieve her’s, I see it as a reflection of how I should too.”

As a high school female athlete, sometimes they do not get as much support for their sport as male athletes have historically gotten.

“I hope that in the future people will start to respect our program and come to support us when we play at home,” Gracyn Gilliard, sophomore and varsity basketball player, said. “I think the most we can do right now is just to keep people updated on our schedule and post on game days.”

08 student life

friday, march 15, 2024

backtalk

spring break is next week. what is your dream vacation and why?

“

What makes me so passionate about Best Buddies is the friendships I’ve made.

Everybody here is so loved.”

SPEAKING UP Receiving applause from the crowd, Joey Higginson. class of ‘23, finishes his speech. At the 2023 homecoming pep rally, Joey gave his speech to motivate the student body to spread kindness. (photo by zuzu smith) WHAT’S UP Greeting each other, Dalton James, senior, and Philip Lemke, class of ‘23, are on the Best Buddies float. “We drove around for an hour and waved to the little kids,” Dalton said. “Talking to Phillip was a lot of fun too.” YOU’RE ON A ROLL After rolling the bowling ball and hitting the pins, seniors Brady Martin and Olivia Hughes high five one another while at the Best Buddies Bowling event at Stardust Bowling Alley. (photo by lexi villalobos)

joey higginson

McKenna Willis, freshman

class of ‘23

smile after smile best buddies’ recap of their events so far and future projects coming up

don’t have to worry about that,” Mr. Patrick said. “But they emily dywan story editor can have fun. They can get to know what it’s like to have people cheering and hollering for them from the stands towards ith six pins down and unwavering focus, Joey that finish line.”

Higginson, graduating class of ‘23, rolls his For other new projects to anticipate for Best Buddies, Olbowling ball down the lane. As the rest of ivia Hughes, senior and club president, has the pins clattered down with a clean been capturing glimpses of each event to thrash, he turned to junior Abigail work towards her assembly of a Best BudFuller to rejoice with two high-fives. upcoming event schedule for dies yearbook.

Feb. 29, Best Buddies held their best buddies “I know I’ve always liked looking bowling event. After last year’s game through the yearbooks to look for me or being a huge hit among the club, the Buddy Bowl: tonight at 6 p.m. in my friends,” Olivia said. “It’s just a part of team carries on the tradition for the fieldhouse that high school experience. I wanted to their second year. Joey made much - Panera Game Night: April 10 showcase all of the events we’re doing and of the energy carried among his - Buddy Prom: April 26 give everyone that same excitement of see- Game Night: May 10 teammates at the lane. ing yourself in the picture.”

“There’s so much action and love - NEW Friendship Fair: May 25 Noah Galosich, senior, is a first-year all around,” Joey said. “I get to cheer Following the last day of school, the member of the club under the influence of on all my friends here. I’m not win- club will hold their gathering at Comhis sister, Lily Galosich. He shares his own ning, but I don’t play to win. I play to munity Park in aims to teach younger insight towards the club’s welcoming comgenerations about disabilities. have fun.” munity.

As Best Buddies gears towards “It’s a very open environment,” Noah said. “By keeping up their annual Buddy Bowl today, they have a deal of events like this and taking pictures with each other, everynew events and festivities for the rest of the club’s one’s here to have a good time and make memories that’ll school year. Coco Dannis, senior, admires the new last.” level of team contribution to this year’s club.

W

“My dream vacation is going to Hawaii and eating a lot of fruit.”

on the radar

“I’ve just noticed so many more people showing up this year. It’s a whole new level of commitment all around,” Coco said. “There’s a new level of mandatory requirements, sending in photos and going to events, but it’s honestly helped us all come together.

It’s all relaxed, it’s fun, but it’s also important.”

Exceptional needs assistant Mr. Patrick Raleigh and Best Buddies sponsor Ms. Linda Ramos introduced Unified Track, promoting inclusion among buddies and peers on the field. Unified Track isn’t a brand new idea to the face of Munster, with a basketball team four years ago and other unified teams.

They both reapproached this old concept and established the team two months ago, holding their first call-out Feb. 27.

“We had about 40 or so students that came to our first call-out,” Ms. Ramos said. “It’s heartwarming to know that this good bunch came interested to join. I hope it helps a push towards more inclusive teams in the future for us.

The team followed with their first practice March 5. Among other Unified Track teams in the region, there will be three meets mid-April. Although Head Coach Mr. Patrick looks forward to future tournaments, he holds a prize greater than most.

“It’s not to win medals. It’s not to win state. We

“

This is their club. This is their experience.

If we’re able to capture these memories together, that’s what community means to me.”

“Sydney so I can hear people talking like they do in Mako Mermaids.”

Keira Allegrezza, sophomore

“Going to California because I like Anaheim and would want to go back to Santa Monica Pier.”

Aiden DeAnda, freshman

“My dream vacation is Utah. My aunt lives there, and I love to see the mountains.”

Rowan Cohs, sophomore

“I’d want to go to Washington so I can go hiking in the mountains.”

Ken Blue, junior

“New Orleans because of the music and food. I also love ‘Princess and The Frog’ and I really wanna eat beignets.”

Lucia Salazar, junior

“Backpacking through India is my dream because I love the spiritual sites and diversity there.”

Tea Dimitrijevic, senior

“Greece. I’d love to swim and to see all the historic architecture.”

Maddie Martin, senior

olivia hughes senior

BRING IT HOME Running up to the plate, Aiden DelReal, freshman, accepts a double high-five from Olivia Hughes, senior.

At the beginning of the year, they held a game of kickball on one of the Community Park baseball fields. (photo by zuzu smith)

“I think my dream vacation would be Hawaii because I love beach vacations. It would be beautiful to go there and see everything—there’s so much to see.”

Mrs. Kelly Barnes, English Teacher

“I wanted to go somewhere with sunshine and a hot tub, so we’re going to the mountains for a couple of days.”

Mr. Mike Coil, Science Teacher