MHS Crier | Issue 9 | 4.19.2024

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

CR IER

april 19, 2024 volume 58 issue 9

mhs

10

years in years years years years years years what will life look like?

When the year 2034 arrives, how will we look back?

Already over the past decade, we have experienced extreme change with technology, environment and school. In 10 years, all current students will be in their late 20s. What does the world have in store? read our special section LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE In front of Munster High School, Aubrie Gerstenberg watches her older sister, Emilie Gerstenberg, senior, enter the school that she will attend in ten years. The sisters are twelve years apart from each other. (photo illustration by lexi villalobos)

02 news

friday, april 19, 2024

get ready to cut loose munster theatre company prepares for their spring musical: footloose lexi villalobos

photographer and journalism 1 writer

Coming to the auditorium next weekend, Munster Theatre Company presents Footloose, the musical. A musical about a boy named Ren McCormcack, who was played by actor Kevin Bacon in the movie version, moved from Chicago to Beaumont due to the loss of his father. In Beaumont, dancing is forbidden which causes a struggle for Ren to fit in because of his love for dancing.

Ari Jamerson and DeAnthony Bowden, seniors, are welcomed by MTC for their first show. Wanting to be a part of a musical led them to take the opportunity and audition. Both landed the roles as the leads, Ariel Moore and Ren. The environment of being a first year is enjoyable to them as everyone was welcoming.

“I’m really glad I chose to be a part of the musical,” Ari said. “Everyone’s been super inviting, loving and accepting.”

Compared to previous years, dancing is one of the main focus’ this musical, which is new to some of the cast members. During rehearsals, the auditorium lobby was used for the time being due to the middle schoolers practicing on the stage for their

play. Once back from spring break, the stage had been open for practicing and perfecting the dances even more.

“These dances are difficult and all of us are kind of struggling on the timing,” Clover Sarkady, senior, who plays Vi Moore said. “But, I think it’s gonna come together because we’re all working really hard on them.”

Along with some struggles of the dances, sometimes the line memorizan can be a struggle too. To become more familiar with those lines, Mr. Ray Palasz, Theatre Director, tells everyone to practice 20 minutes every day. By doing this routine, the cast is able to help one another in preparation.

“I’m not used to line memorization because I’ve never done it before,” DeAnthony said. “But I like that we’re all helping each other out.”

With opening night approaching next week, the cast kicks into high gear.

“I’m ready for the challenge and for the hard work to be put in even more,” Ari said. “I want it to be a great opening night and want everyone to feel proud and great, I know we can do it.”

I NEED A HERO Getting in position, junior Lucy Salazar and seniors Delaney Craig and Ari Jamerson rehearse for the Munster Theater Club’s spring musical, Footloose. “The fact that there’s a lot of dancing motivates and encourages me to have a lot of fun and put my all into it.” Ari said. (photo by josephine zangrilli)

behind the scenes

what is the process behind the scenes?

marion ivy, journalism 1 writer

As opening night approaches, the cast and crew of Footloose work to tweak scenes and add finishing touches. The ensemble rehearses choreography as tech plans light and sound, all to the beat of the music.

musical achievements

• “We meet every single day and then, the past few times, we’ve been just running through the whole show,” Emma Potchen, freshman said.

• “We work with the students, the actors. I’m all for comfort and making them look good,” Ms. Jeralyn Kroll, head of costuming, said.

• “Sound is done and costuming is mostly done, but lighting, props, and some set pieces are still being worked on,” Juliana Flores, sophomore, said.

club updates

winter percussion wins first place at last competition environmental club prepares for earth day jack sklar, journalism 1 writer

In the echoey confines of the Hulman Center, Sam Thompson, junior, and the Winter Percussion Ensemble performed their final winter percussion show on April 6. Each key struck, each note played, every single movement took months to refine and craft into a performance that earned them first place.

After everything was played and done, they packed up their instruments and confidently strode into the arena one more time for judgment. It was their time to shine.

“It was a similar feeling to the other final runs I’d done before,” Sam said.

“Each performance comes with a lot of adrenaline, so that really puts you into a competitive state, as if you were participating in a team sport.”

Most of the time, writing the show’s music falls into the director’s hands, or sometimes even a composition profes-

sional that’s been paid by the director.

However, Sam took it upon himself to compose the entire show’s music without anyone else to collaborate with.

“There were a lot of benefits for me and the program when I took up this challenge,” Sam said. “Not only was I testing my skills as writer and composer, but I was also testing the skills of my fellow ensemble members to play the piece. This year’s music was not easy in the slightest.”

Although many of the ensemble members agree that this year was their best show ever, Sam has faith that future seasons will live up to it and maybe even surpass it.

“Everyone is constantly improving,” Sam said. “Even though we have some seniors leaving this year, the strong momentum of this program and the improvement of the ensemble will really help to keep the program and its prestige in order.”

orchestra receives gold with distinction at issma

amalia alvarez, journalism 1 writer

HERE’S THE SCOOP Standing in front of the class during the April 11 Environmental Club meeting, seniors Lily Hestjean and Eden Cook, explain the preparation needed for the upcoming Earth Day event. (photo by john kullerstrand)

Environmental Club has been planning the upcoming Earth Day event tomorrow at Heritage Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors Eden Cook and Lily Hestjean have been planning this event alongside the rest of the club for the last few months and are very excited to share it with not only the student body, but the community. There will be crafts, face painting, rock painting, seed giveaways and many different environmental organizations that will be coming to set up booths. “[We have been] working with the Munster-based group Munster Sustainable and Green to bring this event to life, as they spearheaded this event last year and continue to make it possible,” Lily said. “This celebration will be an amazing opportunity for the community to come together to appreciate our local green spaces and celebrate the beauty and value of this planet.”

robotics season ends

lauren hoogeveen, editor-in-chief

Celebrating in the cafeteria of Lake Central last Friday, Symphony Orchestra received gold with distinction and Philharmonic received gold at the ISSMA Organizational competition. The final requirement for the All Music Award, this is the first time they have won it since 2003.

“I was extremely surprised but very proud,” Addy Ellis, junior, said. “It’s ALL SMILES Holding their award, seniors Daniel Kim and Ricco Garrett, Addy Ellis, junior, Emily Li, about time since we did it [win the All senior and Isabella Shin, junior, pose for a TikTok. Music Award] again.” (photo by emma starkey)

DREAM MACHINE Carrying the robot, Veer Jhaveri, senior and Fawwaz Shareef, freshman, move it to the next area. At the Crescendo tournament in Lafayette, the robotics team experienced some difficulties involving connections with the robot. Although they did not win, the team enjoyed making connections with other teams. (photo submitted by jose-miguel sanchez, junior)

corrections In Issue 8 of Crier, on page 1, senior Kylena Torres is on the top right.

On page 2, Claire Han is a junior and Roy Lin is a freshman. On pages 4 and 5, Lexi Villalobos took all of the student musician profile photos.

On page 8, Joey’s last name is spelled Higgason. Crier regrets these errors.

opinion 03

friday, april 19, 2024

say yes to your dress

gabby van horne page editor

illustration by damien salahieh

staff opinion

thinking forward Crier has discussed change a But even if we don’t know exlot. We’ve had to. The world is actly what our future holds, we always changing, from the me- can still make guesses. There’s a nial daily to the impactful. Crier lot of signs of what might come, has consistently kept up with and it is important to think about local change: things that matter these future changes as much as more to the student body, gen- the current ones. erally more short term. But we Crier, when considering what are part of the greater world just may come for us, mostly turned as much as the local one we’ve to technology. It’s likely that made. technology will be the defining And the outside world—the factor in life. While restrictions one we’re emerging on device usage may seem our take into—is changing. Raplax, in the next decade, Most of the changes in idly. a firmer hand will be There’s no way to the next ten years will be set down. There will result from technological predict the future. be more restrictions developments.

50 years ago, science to phone usage in fiction portrayed a future where class, and harsher treatment of we would drive flying cars and plagiarism, especially in cases of pilot spaceships into the far cor- AI. It may even go so far as to reners of space in a world with sult in unfair points deductions abundant greenery. from falsely positive AI checking Uh, yeah. That obviously tools. hasn’t happened.

The next generation, Gen Al-

In 10 years...“While the world

Clarkthe way people use will lookZoe similar, Zoe Clark Zoe Clark technology be different, like Zoewill Clark Zoe people living with Apple goggles.”

Zoe Clark Clark Zoe Clark \\ Zoe Zoe Clark Clark, junior

In 10 years...“Our lives will

John Kullerstrand be heavily dependent on the John Kullerstrand John Kullerstrand technology we are developing John Kullerstrand John John Kullerstrand Kullerstrand right now.”

John Kullerstrand John Kullerstrand \\ John Kullerstrand, sophomore

pha, will be where we truly see the aftereffects of Covid-19. Similar to the development of society before and after 9/11, there will be changes to the way the world works due to it. For example, masking when sick may become more common.

We will also see the degradation of attention spans, as being online fosters an addiction to stimulus. We’ve already seen an average of 3 second decreases in attention span, now. This will also increase the number of ADHD diagnoses, even if they wouldn’t be entirely correct.

This future world is the one that we’ll have greater control over: one that we are free to shape and change. Whatever new technological restrictions or Covid-19 aftereffects there might be, it helps to know where we’re going.

In 10 years... “I feel like

Villalobos there Lexi will be a lot of commoLexi Villalobos Lexi Villalobos tion because technology will Lexi Villalobos Lexi Lexi Villalobos Villalobos completely take over.”

Lexi Villalobos Lexi Villalobos \\ Lexi Villalobos, junior

In 10 years...“If we continue Gabby Van Horne Gabby on the path thatVan weHorne are currently Gabby Van Horne Gabby Van Horne on, all ofGabby the Munster spring break Van Horne Gabby Van Horne Gabby Van Horne vacationGabby spotsVan willHorne be underwater.”

Gabby Van Horne \\ Gabby Van Horne, junior

Prom is one of the most significantly portrayed events in an adolescent’s life. In current culture, dresses are chosen months in advance, some stores, like Peaches Boutique in Chicago, going so far as to take down what school the buyer goes to so nobody has the same dress as them. Choosing a dress can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours of multiple days picking out the perfect one, a dress that suits personal wants and needs. So why has there been such an uproar recently about what type of dress someone else choses?

Whether or not you choose the traditional full out sparkly dress, a ball gown-esque dress, or a flowy floral dress, choosing should be solely your choice. You should not feel pressured to choose one or the other simply because someone said they didn’t like it.

Clothing is a form of expression that has transformed in so many ways throughout history. In the ancient world men were known to wear skirts, in the regency era women wore empire bodice dresses and men had frilly shirts, in the 50s poodle skirts and leather jackets were the ginchy clothing style. Now, prom dresses trends have started to shift from wear-once sparkly dresses to what has been described as “Easter” dresses, which is generally a floral or satin dress that is less form fitting.

There has also been a spike of guys wearing more patterned suits with exciting materials and designs, so why has nobody said anything negative about those? The double standard shows in situations like these and brings out the true colors of a lot of people.

In the end it truly does not matter what someone wears as long as they are happy and comfortable with it, so whether or not you choose a sparkly dress, a pants suit, a floral dress or anything else, you do you.

CR IER Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Student Media: Newspaper 1-4 classes and extracurricular involvement. Crier’s website is mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community.

•Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured.

All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed

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

Deadline Manager Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy 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 Cartoonist and Photographer Damien Salahieh Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

04 school

friday, april 19, 2024

building up the future

a look into upcoming construction projects, administration looks forward to next ten years of stm

FINAL BOW Within the next two years, the entire auditorium and lobby will be reconstructed and designed. Backstage, changes will also be made to some of the equipment that MTC uses for their productions to make them safer, such as the fly space stairs. This is currently planned to be done summer of 2025. (photo by zoe clark) BREAK POINT Including indoor changes, STM plans to move the tennis courts between the high school and to new locations. To replace them, there may be a new sports complex with an indoor track and other amenities. (photo by zoe clark) GIVING IT A REST Empty lockers sit in the orchestra room waiting to be remodeled. Along with the whole room being redone, new features will be refurbished. (photo by emma starkey)

lauren hoogeveen

search and due diligence.”

According to Dr. Heller, since the Grabbing extra folding chairs from original offer March 11, the board inthe closets of the Administration buildvestigated the cost of operating the ing to compensate for the surplus of building, potential uses, ability to people attending the April 8 School maintain current art and music proBoard meeting, the crowd murmured grams and ways it could be connected about primarily the same topic: the poto the students. tential purchase of the Center for Per“[We discussed] is it in the best informing Arts. Despite the offer being terest of the School Town of Munster presented by the Community Foundato do this? But also is it the best for the tion themselves due to financial issues, community? We actually, despite what many members of the community people think, actually care about what spoke out in favor of keeping the Center the community wants as well.” as is. In a press release from WednesUltimately, the board’s main focus is day, the School Board announced “steptheir plan for the next four years: inping back from the acquisition process” troducing pre-K classes at two elemento “enable the Town of “We are completely redoing all of tary schools this fall, Munster to pursue its the choir, band, orchestra class- finishing up current own evaluations and de- rooms and the auditorium.” projects throughout termine the property’s the elementary, mid\\ Dr. Bret Heller, superintendent dle and high school suitability for its needs.”

“Initially, our exand replacing the ploration of the property began with bleachers and scoreboard in the fieldthe understanding that the Town of house. Currently in the works is reMunster was not interested in pursudoing the performing arts rooms, the ing this property,” Dr. Bret Heller, suauditorium and lobby. With all three perintendent, said. “However, during music classes in a row, it does not aldiscussions with some members of low for much expansion. Instead, the the Munster Town Council and Town choir room will be moved into the Leadership, it became apparent that empty space above the language classthey have an interest in the property es. Band and orchestra will remain in and would like to conduct their own rethe current performing arts hallway, editor-in-chief

when i’m older

josephine zangrilli

photographer

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question I feel like I’ve been asked a million times. My answer changes almost every time.

For quite a while I wanted to be a candy maker, yes, like Willy Wonka. After that sweet dream had faded, I had my eyes set on professional golf. Which I had quickly convinced myself was ridiculous because of the unes-

Gordon InMr. years...

“I’m not sure. The Mr.10Michael Michael Gordon

Mr. Michael students in myGordon room are preparing Mr. Gordon Mr. Michael Michael Gordon Mr. Michael Gordon Mr. Michael Gordon for jobs that don’t yet exist.”

Mr. Michael Gordon \\Mr.Mr.Michael MichaelGordon Gordon, government teacher

but just dividing that space into two room. It will be inconvenient to be disinstead of three. placed from the orchestra room for the Although no official blueprints are majority of the year, but having a fresh set in place, administrators have been new space will be great for the students.” in contact with the music teachers to Looking further into the next ten take suggestions for years, there are discusupgrades. For ex- “We are very grateful that some sions being had amongst ample, Miss Levacy much needed renovations and the School Board and Quinn, orchestra di- increases and square footage will Town of Munster about rector, suggested a be taking place. moving the tennis courts humidity-controlled \\ Mr. Ian Marcusiu, band director somewhere else near room to help protect MHS and WWMS, putthe instruments, which is what the ting a new sports complex in its place. current room never had, causing inAccording to Dr. Heller, it would provide struments to wear down quicker over sports the ability to practice inside in time. Mr. Ian Marcusiu and Mr. Adam case of weather issues and also allow for Beaupre, band directors, created mulmore specialized, sport-specific equiptiple plans for the remodel, going back ment, such as an indoor track. Although and forth with administration and the the new tennis courts location is not conarchitects until they landed on a layfirmed, Dr. Heller explained it needs to out that fit the budget and satisfied be close enough for PE classes and the their requests. Overall, each room will tennis program, but also where it can rebe getting new paint, flooring, soundmain a community space and room for proofing materials and an entirely potential pickleball courts. new layout consisting of three practice “There are times where we have kids rooms and instrument racks instead of practicing at eight o’clock at night belockers. cause that’s the only time they can get “I think it’s great that they’re makgym space,” Dr. Heller said. “We want ing the changes,” Miss Quinn said. “It to get every one of our high school profeels like these rooms are straight out grams able to practice right after school of the seventies and in dire need of so that they can go home and do their some TLC, especially since the orcheshomework and spend time with their tra room is currently set up like a band friends and family.”

capable opinions of social media and peers.

Now that I am almost halfway finished with high school I wish I had stressed less on my future career. I regret enrolling in classes because I was told they are “good for college apps” and instead I should have been doing what I was truly interested in.

Now that I am almost halfway through high school, I have

InPeyton 10 years...

“I hope to have Peyton Silver Silver

Peyton Silver successfully graduated college with Peyton Silver Peyton Silver Peyton Silver a degree in civil engineering” Peyton Peyton Silver Silver Peyton Silver \\ Peyton Silver, senior

began to realize my transcript won’t be determining my future successes and failures. I am secure with myself as a student and also as a hardworker. I don’t need a 5 on an AP exam to make my self-image concrete.

With my 11-year old sister entering middle school this year, she has been asking me what classes she should take. I find myself encouraging her to

In 10Tejuyears...”

Akinola I see life, in general,

Teju Akinola being very eventful and busy. For myself, Teju Akinola Teju Akinola traveling to far places and exploring Teju Akinola Teju Akinola different parts of the word. “ Teju Akinola \\ Teju Akinola, senior

do what she’s interested in. I want her to have a different experience than I did, with less stress on what she will do for the rest of her life and live in the moment.

I want her to develop good habits while enjoying the workload she’s going to take on. Secondary school is only a small part of a life you only live once, why not have fun?

In 10Katie years... ”I feel people Vitale

mightKatie lose Vitale their jobs a lot. There’ll Katie Vitale Vitale be a Katie lot of machines Katie Vitale and robots.”

Katie Vitale \\ Katie Katie VitaleVitale, sophomore

technology 05

friday, april 19, 2024

fear the cyber men

Select all images with

traffic lights Click verify to train ai vehicles.

adapting to artificial intelligence

emma starkey

page editor

predicting what ai will be like in ten years CAPTCHA CARS Photos of various bridges and traffic lights and signs around Munster, compiled to simulate one of Google’s Recaptcha. Recaptcha is used by Google to train self-driving cars to identify common information and hazards, something that will likely be perfected within the decade, according to Carnegie Mellon University (photos by emma starkey)

verify

gabby van horne

ly scary but I also think it's the next in- you’d get mad at those people.” dustrial revolution. Everybody wants to Ms. Amanatidis and Mr. Popa have have it, but nobody really a two year age gap but “I think it’ll take over the their experiences are knows what it is.”

As it rapidly develops more meaningless jobs, vastly different because The recent introduction of AI such as of the fast pace of develChat GPT or Google AI has caused a lot there is a process that like most of the non-critical opment of technology at of the future of technology to become has to happen in order thinking.” the time. uncertain. Mr. Joshua Collier, principles for businesses, schools \\ Stephen Glombicki, junior “I was part of comof engineering teacher, said he believes and individuals to underpossibilities for the next ten years are stand how to use it as a tool instead of a puter programs when I was at Purdue, so I was able to use integrated programs, getting larger and larger with every new method of bypassing hard work.

“I just wish that schools, companies which had been around,” Ms. Amanatidis accomplishment AI makes for aspects of the medical, educational and many other and educators could learn to use it to said. “To incorporate researching on the their advantage as opposed to thinking web, it was cool to be part of that during parts of society.

“You have Moore’s law that says ev- it's a detriment to society,” Ms. Koula that time.”

As it continues to change at a rapid erything will double every two years, like Amanatidis, CSP teacher, said. “Obviously power and efficiency is getting better,” with anything we have to be smart about pace, society sees good aspects of AI such Mr. Collier said. “That's now starting to it and realize that it's something that as medical advances being used in the become every year, and it's going to end could obviously cause some issues, but military.

“There's certain equipment now being up being every six months. Things are if you know how to take advantage of it just at a point now where, as long as we you can actually use it for you and your used in the military where it can give you a two days notice if you wear a ring or a don’t blow ourselves up, we’re on pace to classroom.”

AI has only just begun special watch and it’ll be like ‘just so you accelerate into something really cool.”

“If we can do it better and to become a topic of inter- know, based on your vitals, you’re likely Fear and distrust in easier with AI, why are we est as it starts to play big- to get sick in the next two days,” Mr. Colaspects of AI, such as me- going to pay people to do it? ger parts in society. Gen- lier said. erations like Gen Z and In the next 10 years and well into the dia and communication, comes with its rising pop\\ Omar Aftab, junior Millennials have gotten to future there is room for AI to continue to see it develop from fea- expand and improve and continue to deularity, according to Stephen Glombicki, junior, who is interested tures like SIRI all the way to Chat GPT, but velop to combat the bad aspects of it. newer generations have had it through“The goal was always to create somein and good with technology. thing to help people,” Mr. Collier said.

“I think there's a whole bunch of fear out most of their lives.

“The world wide web didn’t come “For the most part, people have good because we don’t know what it can do,” Stephen said. “People don’t really under- around until I was in college,” Mr. Ryan intentions. We’ve started to respond to stand it. If you don’t understand it and Popa, CSP and business teacher, said. the negative things that do happen, and I you hear something and then hear anoth- “People would hog up computer labs think we’re going to come up with counter thing they kind of start stacking on top emailing their friends around the coun- ers to the negative things as they come of each other. I think it's definitely real- try and when we had to write papers up.” page editor

Fefferman In 10Jordan years...

“I see the fuJordan Fefferman

Jordanfaster, Fefferman ture feeling like with tech Jordan Fefferman advancing and making Jordan Feffermanthings Jordan Fefferman quicker.”

Jordan Fefferman \\ Jordan Fefferman, junior

Ortiz “More In Mireya 10 years...

Mireya Ortiz

MireyaMore Ortiz modern.

Mireya Ortizfeatures.

More Teslas.”

Mireya Ortiz Mireya Ortiz Mireya Ortiz \\ Mireya Mireya Ortiz Ortiz, freshman

Kavalec In 10Emma years...

Emma Kavalec“I hope

Kavalecfor the betthingsEmma will change Emma Kavalec Emma ter but withKavalec how its been going Emma Kavalec Emma Kavalec it could go a lot worse.”

Emma Kavalec Emma Kavalec \\ Emma Kavalec, senior

My whole life has revolved around technology in some way. My parents first exchanged email pen pal letters sent across the Atlantic Ocean.

My house is semi-automatic. It’s set up with Homekit, so that the lights, thermostat, even the garage door can be controlled by a click of a button on my phone.

My passions are all electronic. I write stories on Google Docs, doodle characters in Procreate, and grumble at my TV when I die in my new favorite JRPG of the week. I scream about my favorite characters from shows and games I love with a bunch of different people on the internet.

So, don’t get me wrong, I’m really grateful for technology for coming this far. I really don’t think I would be the person I am today without it.

But, technology is terrifying.

Well, no. Humanity is terrifying.

Nothing on the internet is secure.

Anything you post, save, create is in multiple servers across the world, and these servers are never 100% safe.

Backdoors can be hidden, allowing hackers, data scrapers, and other just shady people who could make profit or worse off of your personal information: be it your date of birth, last thing you ate, or your social security number and mother’s maiden name.

Our own school email got hacked a few years back, and while that was a funny little scenario for us unbothered high schoolers, it’s just a taste of what could happen. Imagine if it was your personal email, with information about your medical records and various financial updates.

That’s not even mentioning the threat AI has against us. AI is actively targeting the best of human creativity. Why have actual artists, when AI can generate art that is probably good enough? Why have writers when AI can write full stories and essays for you? Nevermind the flaws today, the rate of advancement is such that these imperfections will likely be eradicated in just a few years.

Technology is humanity’s greatest achievement. I will never trust it.

InMr.10Bradyears...

Docter “Not much Mr. Docter different. were always saying Mr. Brad Brad We Docter 'Oh, in the year 2000 we're gonna Mr. Brad Docter Mr. Brad have flyingDocter cars,' and it's like, not Mr. Brad Docter much changes."”

Mr. Brad Docter Mr. Brad Docter \\ Mr. Mr. Brad Brad Docter Docter, dean of students

y y 10

06 environment 10

years in years years years years years

friday, april 19, 2023

a changing climate students and staff share their concerns for the next 10 years of the environment dorothy lakshmanamurthy & emily dywan

POWERFUL PLANTS In the greenhouse during botany class, Anagha Narayan, junior, tends to her plant.

“We’re always learning about ourselves, but we don’t have as great of an understanding about plants, so I like plants for that reason,” Anagha said. (photo by karla aguilar) TRASH IN TOWN Featured above, an empty candy wrapper sits at West Lakes park. The park is littered with trash, specifically in a nearby stream. With hopes of a cleaner future, eliminating litter is a step towards improving environmental conditions locally. (photo by gabby van horne) THROUGH THE SCHOOL At the end of the school day, on the bench in the hallway before the cafeteria, an empty cookie wrapper can be seen disreguarded on the bench.(photo by marianna young)

before it’s too late gabby van horne

page editor

Fuller“I will probably In 10Annie years...

Annie Fuller

Annie Fuller be a popstar living in a French Annie Fuller Fuller Annie villa, who has a pink lambourghiAnnie Fuller Annie Fuller Fuller Annie Annie Fuller ni. AndAnnie ownsFuller a dog. Dream big. \\ Annie Fuller, junior

Hawksbill turtle. Indian Elephant.

Orangutan. African Wild Dog. These are all endangered animal species that the earth has the potential to lose in the future. Animals that our children and grandchildren might only ever get to see in pictures.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, we are in a mass extinction event, one where we are seeing thousands of animals go extinct every year. Despite this, people are still ignoring the implications of our actions and the fact that not only we are suffering from them but so are other organisms.

As we continue to pollute our home

Seamus Keegan In 10 years...

“I think people Seamus Keegan Seamus Keegan will be forced to live Seamus Keegan in the moKeegan mentSeamus and focus on themselves.”

Seamus Keegan Seamus Keegan Seamus Keegan Seamus Keegan Seamus Keegan \\ Seamus Keegan, senior

While environmental concerns of coral bleaching seem like an outlying deadline manager & story editor problem to many, an underlying threat Anticipating her dive into the Florida poses destruction to regional stability.

Everglades, a trip she has been prepar- Lily Hestjean, senior, confronts the fears ing for since the beginning of her Proj- that the most pressing environmental ect Bio class at the start of the school concerns a Munster resident could find year, Addy Ellis, junior, listened intently in their backyard.

“The loss of green space in specific is to the diving instructor. However, her grave because Indiana as a whole has eagerness shifted when the instructor already become so developed, as it has told the Project Bio group that their dive lost 85% of the wetlands it once had,” would be one of the first that he would Lily said.

“On top of this, industry polsee coral restoring itself from last sumlution continues to plague our water mer’s heat. quality and contributes to the dispersal “That worried me,” Addy said. “I feel of heavy metals and toxic pollution into like I’m never just hopeful or worried our soils.

In the long term, the toxic degabout the future of our environment. radation of our environment by indusWhen I got down there on the dive, I try can etch away at all of our health.” had the opportunity to see with my own Covering the multitude of environtwo eyes how our ecosystems and our mental issues, the Environmental Club environment still have life. That gave has participated in many recycling me a lot of hope and inspiration, but the drives, clean-up events, and lectures to oceans are just going to continue to get learn and be involved in moving toward warmer, and it’s gonna be harder for fixing these problems. our coral reefs to bounce back at some “We don’t necessarily always have a point.”

The idea of the world “Eventually we’re going to blueprint for something becoming warmer, cli- have to see that this is not a to do,” Cavin McNulty, jumate change, is an im- good thing and we’re going nior and club president, said. “We want to make portant concern for Mr. to have to change.” people’s lives better, but Michael Bakker, science \\ Cavin McNulty, junior we all are not on the same teacher. He said he bepage of how to do it yet. I lieves it is a crucial issue wonder ‘what do you think it will take to be presented in the classroom to prefor people to all realize’ or ‘what do you pare and influence the future. However, think the future will look like if somelearning about this concept in schools thing does not change?’” can be a challenge and, in some states, Despite their everlasting doubt in the illegal. public’s ability towards change, the En“By law, a Florida teacher cannot say vironmental Club continues their fight. the words ‘climate change’ in class, but They went to the statehouse in February in ten years Miami Beach may not even for Renewable Energy Day to advocate be a beach anymore—it will be undertowards the implementation of renewwater,” Mr. Bakker said. “It’s really hard able energy. to think about things that are happening “It was just such an amazing expeif you don’t actually witness them. Being rience connecting with like-minded presented with evidence and reasoning groups towards the common goal of allows you to understand that if this is making change.”

Lily said. “We’ll conthe way the world works, then these tinue to fight for statewide and greater things are happening. I don’t actually change that will help achieve long-term have to go to Australia to see the coral sustainability.” bleaching to know.”

with unnaturally produced greenhouse gasses, tear down the habitats of animals that have been around longer than we have, or heat up the waters to a degree that the organisms can not keep up with, we also continue to pretend that we haven’t contributed to these problems.

Big companies turn a blind eye when disposing of toxic materials simply because it costs them less to be fined than it does to dispose of them correctly. Everyday people fail to realize the harmful effects of the consumerist era that we live in, one where people feel the need to compete with each other

Nikoyears...

Iatrides “Probably in In 10 Niko Niko Iatrides Iatrides

Niko the Mississippi Niko Iatrides Iatridescountry side, Niko Iatrides you know, on the balcony just Niko Iatrides Niko Iatrides chilling.”

Niko Iatrides Niko Iatrides \\ Niko Iatrides, sophomore

materialistically instead of just basing success on character and happiness.

We are continuously polluting the environment in a way that leads to intense warming of the earth that will become irreversible if we do not do anything about it. We cannot continue to wait for someone else to do the right thing, to wait for someone to speak up and make the change that needs to happen. We have to rely on ourselves to do what is right and protect our environment for the good of humanity and every other living organism that now relies on us to continue living on this earth.

In 10Olivia years...

“Maybe Olivia Helmke Helmke

Olivia Helmke something more like solar power, Olivia Helmke Olivia Helmke something more energy efficient, Olivia Helmke Olivia Helmke Olivia Helmke Olivia Olivia Helmke Helmke \\ Olivia Helmke, senior

y y 10

10 publications 07

years in years years years years years years

friday, april 19, 2024

preserving the print

restore the ink

a look into the future of print publications at MHS and overall

emily dywan

story editor

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

HELPING OUT Standing in the middle of senior Lauren Hoogeveen and junior Emily Dywan, publications adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, explains the page design plan for page 8 of this issue. Ms. Lanman, who was also in Paragon when she was a student here, has served as the publications adviser the past ten years and uses her design knowledge to help guide the Paragon and Crier staff. “When we start build week, that’s when the pages start to really take shape,” Ms. Lanman said. “We have to communicate a lot and have a lot of discussions and collaborations to create the Crier that you have in your hands.”(photo by karla aguilar)

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

publication to magazines and more broadcast and website-based media.

With four out of five Paragon staffers “Crowntown does a magazine begraduating this year, and publications cause it is more visually appealing and adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman resign- newspapers are becoming obsolete,” ing after this year, concern about what Mrs. Jennifer Bianchi, Crowntown pubthe future of publications will look like lications adviser, said. “Most kids these here is a concern for some students. days have never picked up a newspa“I am concerned about the future per. The future of print publications, of publications in our unfortunately, seems that it school,” Armani Bearden, “I think we should stay will be online in, maybe not senior, said. “I do think printing. Being one of 10, but 20 years for sure.” it will be a big change. the only high school Evidently, Crier has not Without someone, the print newspapers is moved away from the trasomething special.” students, bringing attenditional print newspaper \\ Josephine Zangrilli, tion to our publications, since they started publisophomore it feels like a sinking cations in 1966, the year ship. I hope the underMunster High School was classmen can influence others and established. However, Ms. Nancy Hastcontinue the drive in creating some- ings, former publications adviser, thing that lasts to some extent.” has observed many advancements of Although she is leaving, Ms. Lan- publications through her time here. man encourages her students to push “It’s really interesting because when toward continuing the ongoing pub- I first started here, there were no comlications program here at our school. puters and we would have to manually “My big thing is that a pub kid paste our stories together like a puzzle,” doesn’t do this just for me,” Ms. Lan- Ms. Hastings said. “Then computers man said. “I want them to do it for the came into the picture for publications publication. Crier and Paragon exist in the mid 1980s, and it was remarkable outside of me or of any adviser—they the more control we all had in designexist in the hands of the students who ing and putting together everything.” work on them each year. Any meNow, Crier builds their pages using dia—Crier and Paragon included— Adobe InDesign, then sends the files to are a reflection of a moment in time.” Blue Island Newspaper Printing in St. However, the future of print- Harvey, Illinois. The staff also uploads ed publications, as a whole, seems the content in each issue onto mhsto be another concern. Many sur- news.net. Bob Ogle, Director of Computrounding schools, such as Crown er Services at Blue Island Newspaper Point’s publication, Crowntown, have Printing, has observed the effects of moved from a school newspaper the decreased interest in print publideadline manager

Abigail Martin In Abigail 10 years...

Martin “I feel like there Martin willAbigail be more AI that will be more Abigail Martin Abigail Martin advanced.”

Abigail Martin Abigail Martin Martin Abigail \\ Abigail Martin, senior

InRachel 10 years...

Vale Rachel Vale “I think it’s Rachel Vale going to beVale the same.”

Rachel Rachel Vale Rachel Vale Rachel Vale Vale Rachel \\ Rachel Vale, sophomore

cations through their company.

“Most of these people, these journalists, editors, publishers, they have an extreme love for print journalism,” Bob said. “They tend to hang on longer than it’s profitable for themselves. It’s an unfortunate fact, but newspapers are dwindling. Although, the one thing about newspapers, in my mind, is that they tend to be solid journalism where stories are fully vetted.

The author’s seek out the truth and make sure their facts are accurate. Whereas, I’m not too sure that’s true about a lot of web journalism we are moving toward.”

YEAR BY YEAR Stacked on top of each other, yearbooks going back to 1970 are displayed. A mock version of this year’s yearbook is highlighted at the top of the stack.

The real version of the yearbook will be distributed May 10. (photo by karla aguilar)

Wendlinger InCaroline 10 years...

“High tech. I Caroline Wendlinger

Caroline think thingsWendlinger are gonna be like a Caroline Wendlinger Caroline Wendlinger Wendlinger Caroline newCaroline technology levels.”

Wendlinger Caroline Wendlinger \\ Caroline Wendlinger, freshman

We order yearbooks to reminisce over our peer’s portraits and cringy candid shots, passing them from desk-to-desk as we sign each other’s final page with good wishes and inside jokes--a epilogue to a year’s worth of memories. We grab newspapers and we flip right to the back page, skimming through the Backtalk to see who in our grade made this month’s spotlight, delighting in the snippets of our names woven into the articles.

Despite their contrasting mediums, the yearbook and newspaper staff which compose the entirety of publications hold onto one similar goal: to frame a snapshot or a heartbeat within the greater picture and reflect our collective identity as students of Munster.

But lurking beneath glossy pages or inkstained hands lies a deeper truth we are forced to face—one threatening the presence of publications within our school.

With the impending departure of the entirety of the yearbook staff, 4 seniors graduating out of a 5-person staff, and most notably our adviser who has spent a decade guiding and shaping our publication to how you see it, a sense of uncertainty reverberates throughout the entirety of the staff: what will be made of publications for years to come? Can we be so certain of a guaranteed future for us?

From my two years now in the newspaper, I’ve witnessed the transformative efforts of me and my staff. Crier was granted the honor as the first inductee into the David Adams Hall of Fame, credited for our First Amendment freedom within the school and community. We have fearlessly tackled momentous subjects from the warfare in Palestine to consumerism among our demographic of students. And, without a doubt, not a single staff member is an ounce too afraid to track down a baseball player’s lunch schedule in question for an interview. There is nothing beyond our scope that we are afraid to conquer.

No longer does the hands of publications tie to the tenure of one singular force, that of a precedent adviser or staff, but rather in the collective force of us students who strive to carry on tradition.

The end of an era does not mean the end of tradition for those who wish to protect it: that is the spirit we must preserve in order to promise a future of publications.

Gabriella Gomez“I will probably InGabriella 10 years...

Gomez beGabriella going to Gomez colllege to be hopeGabriella Gomez Gabriella Gomez fully a lawyer or a doctor.”

Gabriella Gomez Gabriella Gomez Gomez \\ Gabriella Gabriella Gomez, freshman

08 the past

friday, april 19, 2024

looking back, moving forward

as we look back 10 years, crier rewinds back to munster high school’s beginnings emily dywan

munster teachers reflect on their expectations for the future as high schoolers compared to the present

story editor

The first AP class was offered in

1966

“I didn’t anticipate how much technology would impact education. Now, we can utilize all kinds of technology to enhance learning, see live grades, and explore topics that were untouchable prior to the implementation of tech in the classroom.”

Mrs. Katie Harris, math teacher

The course being Advanced Placement English. It would only be available to a total of 20 seniors.

As seen in the 1965 Crier, this was the inside of Munster’s fieldhouse in its first year of construction.

Class of 1999

“I remember the first iPhone and being excited about the possibility of having a cellphone that could double as an iPod. I never thought cellphones would become something that’s a necessity in day-today life. “ Mr. Mark Dye, social studies teacher Class of 2009

As seen in 1965 Crier, cartoonist John Krause creates an artist’s conception of the school gymnasium as published to their 13th issue. The school expected to finish completion by 1966, the following year.

“In 2008, when the youth stepped up to vote for Obama, I thought

that was invigorating. It was the first time I saw a group of young people able to make a difference, and that was inspiring.”

Ms. Kristen Szafasz, social studies teacher Class of 2005 “Growing up watching the Jetsons, we all were naturally expecting flying cars. Now

Munster held their first junior-senior prom in

1967,

transforming the commons into a mystical garden as a part of the theme “Moonlight and Roses.” Couples were able to hang their names onto sweetheart trees.

one tweet or bad social media post can be hung over someone’s head for the rest of their lives.”

As seen in the 1967 Paragon, Mike Simak and Cincy Stone make a wish at the first prom in the school commons.

The school board instituted a weighted grading system in

1980

Mr. Ryan Popa, computer science teacher Class of 1994 “I loved high school. I had to make the most of it without being able to text or call so easily.

Now when I look back at the pictures from the early 2010s, I really feel like that was the last chance of that ‘make the most of it’ moment.”

Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher Class of 1998

“The internet was rolling out like the Wild Wild West. All these

new innovations were coming in from every angle. Now? Everything comes too easily.

I don’t have to think about where I’m going when I can just pull up Google Maps.”

Mr. Steven Stepnoski, English teacher Class of 2010 of Lake Central

In 10 years... “I’ll have

Varjasfor sure. I’m my ownEan business Ean Varjas Varjasby BAPE.” already Ean inspired Ean Varjas \\ Ean Ean Varjas Vargas, freshman

to determine the top academic students.

Carrie Wadycki views a reflection of the 1994 solar eclipse. The next major eclipse would not occur until 2017. “I remember making the box and being excited to take pictures of other people watching,” she said. “I was then surprised to see a photo of me on the paper.”

The investigation of virtual learning began in

2014

in hopes to make up snow days. The process would allow teachers to post assignments online to Moodle when school was cancelled.

In 10 years... “I’ll be

helping people by being a Sebastian Alejandro Sebastian Alejandro health coach.”

Sebastian Alejandro Sebastian Alejandro \\ Sebastian Alejandro Alejandre, junior

As seen in the 2014 Crier, Munster was still investigating methods to make up school days virtually, but platforms such as Moodle and video calling were too underdeveloped at the time.

InSofia 10 Ortiz years... ”I’ll have a real Sofia license Ortiz and buy and rent estate Sofia Ortiz properties.”

Sofia Ortiz Sofia Ortiz \\ Sofia Sofia Ortiz Ortiz, junior

InCampbell 10 years...

“I hope to be Gideon

a Campbell resident inGideon medical school with Campbell Gideon two greyhounds.”

Campbell Gideon Campbell Gideon \\ Campbell Gideon Gideon, senior

friday, april 19, 2023

a whole lotta lolla crier staff reviews lollapalooza headliners thursday: creating memories

friday: straying into new genres

Hozier

SZA

karla aguilar, photographer

Overall: Hozier’s alternative chill upbeat music

makes me picture driving in my nonexistent car in the summer at sunset. Although I haven’t heard of his songs in general, he is a nice artist and I’m looking forward to seeing his performance in the future.

Details: Some things that I didn’t necessarily love are some of the sub genres that some of his songs have like “Damage Gets Done” (ft. Brandi Carlile).It doesn’t fit my music taste. A thing that I like about his music is how relaxing most of his music is.

Top song: “Take Me To Church” Underrated song: “Movement”

Tyler, the Creator

Overall: Tyler, the Creator’s mix of hip-hop and

rap over the years have proven to be interesting and shows his rise to just making music with his friends in the past and jumping to now, performing to thousands at not only Lollapalooza but at Coachella as well. Depending on which era of his music you catch yourself reminiscing about nostalgic summers or vibing to his questionable rap songs.

Details: Although I have frequently listened to his music in the past, I’m not a big fan of his older music. When I listened to “Domo23” for the first time, I didn’t really like it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I do like his album “Flower Boy” the most. I just love listening to that album at any time of the day.

Top Song: “See You Again” (Ft. Kali Uchis) Underrated: “Foreword” (Ft. Rex Orange County)

saturday: a boomin weekend emma starkey, page editor

The Killers

Overall: The Killers sports a varied discography

that progresses from a more guitar based alt rock style to a more modern synthesized instrumental style that draws influences from disco. There is some level of uniqueness, but mostly fall into a more straightforward type of artist. They have cultivated a specific sound associated with them, and play around within that specific sandbox instead of branching out to try different styles.

Details: I found some songs incredibly well mixed and audibly interesting. I definitely prefer when they get creative with the instrumentals to the moments they seem to recede into a more straightforward song.

Top Song: “Mr. Brightside” Underrated: “A Dustland Fairytale”

Future x Metro Boomin’

Overall: The duo act of Future and Metro Boomin’ is a blended genre of hip-hop and rap. Metro Boomin’ provides the instrumentals and mixing, while Future provides the vocals. They find a niche in their down-tempo style of production, which is relatively unique for their two genres.

Details: Some songs showed good use of sampling, drum kits and balance; others faltered from the loss of clear vocals leaving the words hard to understand. The slower pace, while original, also left most songs feeling quite boring to listen to. It is great for background, but not something that would fall into any sort of conversation about liveliness.

Top Song: “Like That” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar) Underrated: “Seen It All”

review 09

zoe clark, photographer

Overall: SZA’s chill music but still meaningful lyrics are in tune with the vibe of our age group, which is definitely a reason why she is so popular today. She could be placed into the alternative R&B genre of music with her smooth and low-key production and vocals with a reverberated sense.

Details: SZA has very catchy music overall, and it’s easy to find a song you like in her discography. She made herself a place in the music world by twisting genres and making songs her own, something very impressive and hard to pull off well. My only complaint is that I think SZA should expand more, a lot of her songs sound similar if you put lyrics aside.

Top Song: “Kill Bill” Underrated: “Ghost in the Machine” (Ft. Phoebe Bridgers)

Stray Kids

Overall: Stray Kids has a very “inyour-face” kind of music style.

As one of the more well-known male groups, their dances have gotten them a lot of attention. Being in the K-pop genre, they have made themselves known for mixing with a more electronic and hip hop kind of background to be their signature style.

Details: Their music is good and their choreography along with it is also great, but their type of music isn’t my favorite. It doesn’t grab my attention standing alone.

Top Song: “God’s Menu” Underrated: “Mixtape : OH”

sunday: beaming through blink aaron alvarez, photographer

Blink-182

Overall: Blink-182 gives what you might expect

from your normal punk band: a rebellious, simple three or four chord progression, and your perfect trio of a drum set, bass and electric guitar.

The clearness of the vocals and the memorable lines of lyrics are why Blink is so popular today.

Details: Blink has catchy music in the sense of it’s not just certain lyrics that are an ear worm for people, but certain intros or even guitar riffs are too. If you like punk rock then I would certainly suggest that you try to listen to Blink-182.

Top Song: “All the Small Things” Underrated: “I’m Lost Without You”

Melanie Martinez

Overall: Melanie Martinez is a pop artist

that has taken her own little spin on the genre when it comes to love songs.

Her songs are not just simple and catchy in the sense that they use the same four chords as every other pop song out there.

Details: I focused more on Melanie’s instrumentals than her voice. The music and vocals aren’t competing to be heard and are just coexisting with each other which is what makes her music good.

Top Song: “Play Date” Underrated: “Recess”

photo illustrations by damien salahieh original photo attributed to Ralph_PH & Erin Cazes via wikimedia commons

10 sports

friday, april 19, 2024

springing into sports

leap to victory william arens & vivian petrozza journalism I students

Girls’ Track is at the height of their season currently with five meets completed and more to come. With their current 1-1 outdoor record, they hope to continue to perform well in their next meets.

Having Conferences and Sectionals ahead of them, they are making sure to put in the work and hopefully be successful.

What has been a highlight? “The highlight of this season is indoor State for sure,” Eleanor Wendlinger, sophomore, said. “This was my first time qualifying and just competing with so many kids at a high level was new and exciting for me.”

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “Something that I’m looking forward to this season is getting better and hopefully winning Conference and Sectionals,” Wendlinger said.

running round allison breuker

journalism I student

Stepping up to the starting line. Deep breaths.

By the time the committed runners exhale, BOOM, the gun shrieks and the runners are off. Roaring voices come from the bleachers, cheering on each talented runner. The Boys’ Track season is all about working together as a team. Communication and teamwork are key, especially preparing for a race.

What has been a highlight? “Everyone’s work ethic. They put in the hard work and are ready to go everyday,” Douglas Padgett, short sprints coach, said.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “I am most excited to run the 400m and 4x800, because the 400m is my main event,” Kwaku Awuah, junior, said. “Me and my teammates are going after a school record this season: 50 seconds.”

UP AND OVER Running in the 100M hurdles event, Aliciana McGuire, senior, jumps one of the hurdles. In every hurdle event, each runner has their own strategy to compete. “I’m working on getting my three-step,” McGuire said. “Right now I’m four-stepping, so I’m alternating legs instead of jumping with the same leg.”

par putting

go for the ace

ioannis tripologos

kennedy tarvar

Lining up his putt, Colten Mulcahy, freshman, stands over his ball. According to Mulcahy improving the team’s relationship has been extremely important to the team so far this season.

In hopes of playing well this season, the entire Boys’ Golf team has been practicing almost daily for their matches and tournaments.

Besides the fact that matches and tournaments are part of being on the team, a good offseason will help you just as much.

“There have been many highlights during our offseason such as practicing, going to dinner with my teammates, and competing against each other while still having fun,” Mulcahy said.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “I am looking forward to having a good season, bonding with my team and placing well as a team in tournaments and matches,” Mulcahy said.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “We’re looking forward to going to State because we barely missed it last year,” Cole Eplawy, junior, said.

As spring approaches, the Boys’ Volleyball team is springing into action as the anticipation builds for their very first season.

With wins and losses, the Boys’ Volleyball team has kept a record of 7-6. “It’s been a crazy season so far but it’s all experimental,” Aaron Bobb, senior, said.

Despite the losses, many exciting things have happened this season like the team going to Lafayette for a tournament and the win of 2-3 against Andrean for the boys’ senior night.

Looking ahead, with more games, practicing technique, excitement and more dedication, the team looks forward to more wins and trying their best as a team.

What has been a highlight? “The best thing so far is sweeping Andrean on senior night,” Jack Macdonald, senior, said.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “Looking ahead, with more games and more dedication, the team hopes to win more and is trying their best as a team. “I’m looking most forward to Sectionals and games in general,” Bobb said.

journalism I student

LESS IS BEST Putting the ball, Evan Bognar, senior, watches its course. “We are looking forward to competing in Saturday invites,” Bognar said. (photo by viv rodriguez)

journalism I student

sports 11

friday, april 19, 2024

journalism I students update spring sports’ progress pitching heat

brennan rommelfanger

journalism I student

PITCH PERFECT During practice April 8, Sam Hays, senior, works on his pitching skills as he throws the ball to home plate. The team’s pitchers all take turns perfecting their form during their drills. (photo by marianna young)

swinging towards the top

The Baseball Team has been working hard this offseason preparing to be the top team in the Conference. In hopes of being the top team, the entire team has been training for games and tournaments.

What has been a highlight? “The highlight of our season was visiting the superman statue in Metropolis Illinois,” Billy Goldman, senior, said. He said he is very excited to play Lake Central this season and he feels confident their team will have greater success than last year. “I am really enjoying my senior season so far and am excited for what is yet to come,” Goldman said.

What is your goal for this season? “My goal for this season is to win more games and hopefully win the Sectional title,” Owen Roberts, junior, said.

kenley smith

journalism I student

HIP HIP HOORAY After winning their match, the Girls’ Softball team cheers together. The team was up against Lowell, and winning the match brought their overall record up to 6-4. (photo by viv rodriguez)

The Softball Team’s record is currently 6-4 overall, and 1-0 in Conference games. This winning record has them on track to become Conference champions, which is one of their many goals this season. The team finds they have more success when they incorporate a lot of team bonding events. They recently participated in their annual lock-in the weekend of March 22. All of the players in the program slept over in the school to do team building activities, play games and get to know one another.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “It is important to compete against high level teams, develop our athletic skills, maintain good grades,” Coach Jill Perez said. “And do all of this in a positive, supportive environment.”

back to the turf set and match william arens & vivian petrozza

janet fonseca

The Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse teams have gotten into the swing of things and are in the height of their season right now.

The boys recently competed in a tournament in Evansville where they went 0-4.

The girls’ team have had a couple tough losses are looking to rebound.

Their teams are looking forward to improving their game and trying out new strategies. “We are trying new tactics and approaches for our defense and attack players, and we are succeeding at creating goals and plans for future games,” Meghan Mulcahy, captain of the Girls’ Lacrosse team, said. Although the boys now have a 0-6 record and girls a 0-5 record, they have spent hours practicing in hopes for a comeback, and to both win their upcoming games.

What has been a highlight? “A highlight from our season was our tournament in Evansville because we all did our best and made great improvements,” Nikola Petrovic, freshman, said.

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “I’m looking forward to winning,” Dylan Connolly, sophomore, said.

The Girls’ Tennis team is starting their new season with a lot of new goals and looks forward to their upcoming games.

“I think we can end up surprising a lot of people this year with the talent that we have,” coach Patrick Spohr, wwms teacher, said. The next game is at home today against Portage.

The team has been at work, waiting for their season to start. They have been training weights in the mornings, but now that they are in season, they also have been training every day. “Honestly I have improved a lot, and have gotten a lot stronger thanks to the workouts and training that we have been doing,” Claire Han, junior, said. “I feel like we will have a really great season.”

What has been a highlight? “Just going to practice with my team,” Han said. “And chanting with them, since it’s always super fun when we all scream our lungs out.”

What is something the team is looking forward to this season? “We haven’t been STEPPING FORWARD Preparing to able to win Sectionals, but I think that is serve to her Crown Point opponent, Claire Han, junior, bounces the ball. This something that will change this year,” Ri- was her first match of her junior year sha Panigrahi, junior, said. season. (photo by marianna young)

journalism I students

BRO CODE After scoring a point, shown left to right, seniors Elias Orduno and DeAnthony Bowden and junior Austin Spain celebrate their sucess with a high-five. Each player has a different role, such as the libero, who focuses on ball retreival. (photo by karla aguilar)

journalism I student

12 student life

friday, april 19, 2024

spirit week halftime

recap of the first three days

monday: “duo” day MINION MAHEIM Posing in front of the Mustang mural, seniors Lucas Collier Isaiah Swider, Brandon Petrovski, Myles Shipps, Sam Marich, and Vasili Papageorge dress up as a clan of Minions. (photo by john kullerstrand)

prom court backtalk king and queen will be crowned at the dance

Eva Andric Q : What does it mean to be a part of prom court?

A : “To me, being on court is special because it shows me that I have made a positive impact on the people that surround me.”

Matt Gena Q : If you ruled the school for a day what would you do?

A : “I would make everyone’s GPA backwards. For example, a 4.1 would become a 1.4.”

Emma Jez

tuesday: celebrity day wednesday: country or country club CHEESE Walking through the parking lot before school, Elizabeth Krieg, senior and Jenna Krieg, sophomore, dress up for country vs country club day. (photo by lauren hoogeveen)

DONT STOP THE PARTY Dancing through the halls, Joaquin Magallanes and Gillian Farley, navigate their way to second period both dressed as Pitbull. (photo by marianna young)

prom info

grand march: 4:30-6:30 pm at the MHS fieldhouse. Photos will be available dance: 7 pm at Villa Cesare

fyi: The new venue, Villa Cesare, is pronounced che-SAH-rey not sciza-rey.

getting down to business a look into the three entrepreneurship groups’ businesses, students attend regionals today lauren hoogeveen & emma starkey

then sell to our school. Everyone pricing of the escape room.

I would talk about it to would be “We want to have the stability of editor-in-chief & page like ‘where can I buy it?’” knowing like, oh, people are comWinning the inaugural Uthivfortable bringing their kids in the Throughout the past year in erse StartUp Madness Pitch Tourfirst place and then raising money Mrs. Kristin Laflech’s new venture nament at Purdue Northwest to either develop that building that development class, each group March 30, the group is optimistic we want or go the direction of just has come up with a product idea, about Regionals. develop a curriculum, and then developed their pitches and “We always take people can make it their own,” produced it. Now nearing the any feedback,” NaCharity said. end of the school year, three beel said. “We’re Wringo groups headed to Regionals very honest [with Inspired by Ameen’s sister dealtoday at Purdue Northwest each other], and I ing with sweaty hands, seniors to pitch their companies. think that’s why we Ameen Musleh, Connor Gomez Scent Seal work so good.” and Vasili Papageorge developed While getting ready Escape the SiWringo, a sweat reliever. The for his first date in lence product is designed to optimally middle school, NaEscape the Silence absorb sweat, reduce anxiety and beel Rabie, current is an escape room fomake people more comfortable senior, sneaked into cused around teachin situations where they might be his parents’ bedroom to Scent Seal Samples ing younger children nervous. borrow his father’s coabout social issues such Over the past two years, the logne but by the time he arrived at as bullying, image, and mental group has been developing protohis date, it had worn off. Inspired health. Created by Charity Ibikuntypes, trying to make the most disby this story, alongside seniors le, senior, and Lauren Dumaresq, creet product possible.

Brooke Weatherly and Josephine junior, the two hope to “The process is a lot of Pirok, they created Scent Seal: A work to give kids a safe repetition,” Connor said. chapstick-like product to make space. Their first beta “You never get anything perfume last. test has already been right the first time, we “Scent is among one of the top completed. had to find what would five factors people first notice “I think really seeing work for us.” when meeting someone,” Nabeel like the kids actually do While preparing for said. “It was hard for me to conit was really cool to see Treasure Chest For Regionals, which was ceptualize until I thought back to because you can see them Escape the Silence this morning, the group the time on my first date.” having fun,” Lauren said. has focused on growing After conducting research on “And like for me personally, seetheir social media presence and the best substances to use for their ing them react the way you wantrefining their pitch. product, the group started created them to react to certain things “Pitching is actually lots of fun,” ing prototypes—almost 80 before was really fun to see.”

Connor said. “I used to be terrible they found the perfect formula.

From their first beta, Escape the at it. I really enjoy giving the preThey promoted Scent Seal through Silence raised $301 in donations sentation because it’s something social media, posters and an openfor the Jed Foundation, which foI’m passionate about. It feels realing event during tutorial. cuses on children’s mental health. ly professional, like running your “One of the main things is tracThey’re hoping to complete anothown business and is something I tion,” Nabeel said. “So what beter beta trial to get a feel for the never thought I would do.” ter way to get that part of traction

Q : If you ruled the school for a day what would you do?

A : “I would have the day be a fun fair like how we did in elementary school.”

DeAnthony Bowden Q : What is your favorite high school dance memory?

A : “When I ripped my pants at my sophomore homecoming.”

Kiki Petrovic

Q : If you could pick three artists to perform at prom who would they be?

A : “I would pick Rihanna, SZA, and Pitbull to perform at prom.”

Diego Quiroga Q : If you could pick three artists to perform at prom who would they be?

A : “Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Drake.”

Alaina Adams

Q : If you ruled the school for a day what would you do?

A : “Iwould let everyone bring their dogs to school for the day and have no work, just to go outside and enjoy the day.”

Mayo Adeoye Q : What is your favorite high school dance memory?

A : “At Homecoming I got to crowd surf, but I did break my glasses.”

Lauren Hoogeveen Q : If you could pick three artists to perform at prom who would they be?

A : “Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar and ABBA.”

Vasili Papageorge

Q : What is your favorite high school dance memory?

A : “When my friend Myles Shipps started break dancing in the middle of the circle.”

Eleanor Adams Q : If you ruled the school for a day what would you do?

A : “No class, blast music and dance party through the halls.”

Bryce Gelarden Q : What does it mean to be a part of prom court?

A : “It’s an awesome recognition by classmates, teammates and friends.”