Homecoming.sept.08.17

Homecoming Issue

Crier

Munster High School | 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321

issue 2 | volume 52 | sept. 08, 2017

INSIDE LOOK homecoming pullout | page 5-8 remembering 9/11 | page 12

UPCOMING homecoming game | tonight 7 p.m. student section theme | hawaiian

LEFT: Nick Martinez, junior RIGHT: Calvin Christiansen, senior FAR RIGHT: (from left) Amanda Zak, Liv Rivich, seniors

HOMECOMING WEEK One week a year, students show their stripes, paint their faces, tighten their suspenders and squeeze into neon spandex. That week is...

read more, page 5

LEFT: Galen LaReau, junior RIGHT: (from left) seniors Greg Hester, Kendall Coleman BELOW: Andrew Wittkamp, freshman

ABOVE: seniors Carson Ramirez, Colin Gaither, Ryan Thometz ABOVE LEFT: Ashley Nita, freshman BOTTOM LEFT: Mariah Juarez, senior RIGHT: senior’s 80s workout

photos by Taylor Homans, Lauren Kozy, Megan Szymanski and Kess Vaitkus

02 news Closing in on the Update on refendum money; target other schools attempt to pass sept. 08 2017

referendums

Story by Mimi Brody Managing Editor

F

ollowing the success of passing a referendum, multiple changes are being made throughout the School Town of Munster, including the hiring of teachers, updating of schools and undergoing of construction projects. Students can expect to start seeing changes in 2018.

“Most changes will occur after we actually receive the referendum money. Some of the changes have already happened (such as) additional teachers have been hired as well as additional aides,” said Mr. William Melby, STM Assistant Director of Financial Operations. “Schools will be updated as well. Construction projects will happen over the next years. There are several different changes and they will all have different costs.

We will make sure that we continue to be good stewards of our communities tax money.”

It seems that the need for referendums has skyrocketed; multiple districts of all demographics have tried to pass them such as School City of East Chicago, Carmel Clay Schools and Lake Station Community Schools. The most recent school district on the list is the School City of Hammond.

“It has been a while since we have had any renovations to our high school, so the main reason for the referendum is to build a new high school,” said Mrs. Laura Santana, teacher at Eggers Middle School in Hammond. “The current facility where Hammond High is has been there since some time in the 1960s, they have done inside work with technology but the building really just needs to be—even gutting it wouldn’t do the job because of its structure, so that our kids can have the exposure that the kids in surrounding communities have had, the technology.”

Districts’ dependence on referenda is a direct effect from changes made to the state funding formula in 2009, abolishing the use of property tax in search of a fairer option. However, instead it has led to underfunding in general.

“If any school district has to (pass a referendum) there is not enough money,” Mr. Don Fortner, economics teacher, said. “I think that is the major issue here, are schools getting the resources they need to provide a good education for their students? I think you have to look at what is the mission and what is the best use of resources. If that means we need to increase the amount of funding for all districts then the state should take upon that responsibility.”

The newer system is strictly a per-pupil system; each school gets an allotted amount per-pupil granted by the state referred to as the “foundation” amount. In addition to the foundation amount, schools can receive supplemental complexity grants which are based on the socioeconomic state of the district’s’ constituents. Essentially, this favors schools some schools and leaves

others underfunded.

“I dont think per-pupil is a bad idea, it just depends on how its distributed,” Mr. Fortner said.

“When you are saying that one school district gets $4,000 more than another school district, what is the disparity in that?”

In 2015, The School Town of Munster reports that Munster received $3.2 million less than the average school district. Discrepancies like this impose the need of referenda.

“If they (schools) want to fulfill budgetary needs that are not met by the money that they do receive from the state. In other words, they are going to have to go to a referendum if they want to have the money to do that,” Mr. Fortner said. “This works out well if you have a community that supports what you are doing, but at the moment in time where you have a referendum and they don’t pass it, then you have problems.”

Munster was able to pass two referenda, including an operational refe re n d u m , temporarily taking care of money issues until the referendum expires and will need to be passed again.

However, other districts are relying on referenda to provide their kids with the same oppourtunities.

“We do have access to Chrome Carts and things like that but that is just not enough,” Mrs. Santana said. “The ratio of actual computer to student is—I’m not sure what it is at the high school but it has got to be less than what it is at the middle school—at the middle school the last figure I have heard is 9:1. The school districts around us are at a 1:1 ratio. Another problem is that the community in which I teach, a lot of the students do not have access to technology at home so it’s a double whammy. It is really, really imperative that we get this 1:1 technology.”

Large portions of the roofs need to be replaced. This will cost a substantial amount of money.

Ceiling tiles show water damage due to a leaky roof, one potential update to be made.

Fixer Upper fixes that will potentially be made with referendum money

Broken chairs litter the LGI; with referendum money, these are prospective fixes.

Replacing stained or torn carpeting is on the list of potential fixes.

photos by Easan Venkat source: School Town of Munster Transparency Page

news03 sept. 08, 2017

SIDE NOTE on news

Putting the

pieces together

Crier, adviser up for state, national awards

School Town welcomes new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Story by Mercedez Williams Page editor

The assistant superintendent of curriculm and instruction is not someone who just works for the school, but for the students’ common good through communication with the parents and administration.

After Dr. Phyllis Gilworth’s retirement, the School Town hired Dr. Yvonne Stokes this summer.

Why did you come to Munster?

“The opportunity to work with a district that is soaring well and particularly with a superintendent who, I believe, has a good vision for the School Town of Munster.

So it gave me an opportunity to work under the leadership of a superintendent as I am prepared for my next superintendent formal position.”

What makes a good education system?

“I believe what makes a good education system is centered on what I call communication or what you might term as active polished communication. What I mean about that is that you have to have support systems in place whereby you have checks and balances, so you have to think of it as a communication system where you have support systems in place, and people are able to express concerns, and those concerns are addressed.

With the ultimate goal of making sure students’ needs are being met because we are here to ensure that our students are prepared to be lifelong learners and beyond school.

The three E’s: gainful employment, enlistment or to enroll in the college of your choice, and be successful.

And it all hinges on collaboration around the needs of the school district in terms of supporting our students.”

Extra Facts

More information about Dr. Stokes

Attended

South Side High School in

Fort Wayne,

Photo by Megan Szymanski

WELCOME ABOARD Sitting in the meeting room in Central

Office, Dr. Yvonne Stokes, new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, poses for a picture.

Indiana, Feels where she participated in privileged to showcases and be employed musicals here Dr. Stokes

She has worked with

loves

Superintendent Jeff Hendrix, and

the arts,

believes he is a good especially leader acting, Stokes has taught singing for over 10 years and across the state dancing Dr. Stokes has multiples certifications, including a • Masters in Speech, • License in Special Education • Certification for a Director’s license • PhD in education

Dr. Stokes says her predominant role is anything that touches

curriculum and resources

Dr. Stokes’s

favorite part of the job is impacting schools, and her least

favorite is telling parents “no”

STAY CONNECTED Find Us on Social Media We’ve Got You Covered

Twitter & Instagram: @MunsterMedia

What are some of the strengths of Munster schools?

“Some of the strengths that the district has is the leader, but there are also building leaders and classroom leaders, and those being your principals, teachers, social workers, and even the support staff, custodians, everyone in the building that students touch are leaders, and what I like about School Town of Munster is that almost all have an invested interest in what’s best for the kids, and that, foremost is important, you have to have the communicational needs of the children. And then put plans in place to meet those needs.”

Are you planning any projects in the community?

“I’ve been wanting to do something with the arts foundation, I have to learn a little bit about what is going on with the arts here. You can do many things, but my spare time is centered around music, singing, or performing. I’ve been in charge of what you call soul reviews where you do productions, and you pick casts and you just put on a big production at the end of the year, I like things like that. So, as I get settled, I’ll be looking more for more of what I call those life enriching activities that everybody want to be a part of.

When you become an adult, it doesn’t matter what you do, you still want to have a muse.”

The Publications Department learned of two awards last month: Crier and Paragon (the yearbook) are nominated for a Hoosier Star from the Indiana High School Press Association, and Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, adviser, won a Rising Star award from the Journalism Education Association.

“The Hoosier Star is an award that recognizes some of the best of student work in the state, both in yearbooks and newspapers,” Ms. Lanman said.

The award is given to a few schools in Indiana, with all school grouped into divisions by number of students. There are many things that a publication must do to be nominated. ”It takes people spending more than 12 hours at night in a room obsessing over picture layouts, and copy and seeing if we said the right thing or said the wrong thing,” said Jordan Szymanski, ‘17 and former Crier editor-in-chief. “It takes teamwork, it takes sitting up in the classroom and planning. It takes everybody. It takes a lot more effort than people realize.”

The Rising Star for Ms. Lanman recognizes her commitment to scholastic journalism and student media advising.

“Ms. Lanman deserves that award and any other award that she could possibly get because the amount of time she puts in, she does not have to be there until one in the morning,” Jordan said. “She does it because she is passionate, because she respects us and the program, and I think she won that award because of the effort and respect she gives, so she deserves it back, and I’m really proud of her.”

Corrections

In issue 1, on page 2, in “Fresh faces,” Mr. Louis Zeherelis’ quote should have read: “Mr. (Pete) Fatouros, (guidance counselor) was one of my students when I first began teaching. He is just one example.” On page 3, Ms. Marissa Clabaugh’s quote was cut off and the end should read: “I will go above and beyond for my students. However, it is a team effort. You need to put forth effort, not everything will be handed to you. I will work hard for you if you work hard for me.” On page 4, the date in the page top was incorrect.

BUY A YEARBOOK and SAVE $30!

Get your yearbook for $50! only for a week!

http://yearbookordercenter.com/ using code 3357 Quickly! Offer ends September 15

04 speakout sept. 8, 2017

cartoon by Gavin Hamilton ALL PATCHED UP Although all the towns have done their best to patch up the ‘leaks’ of money in their districts with referendums, the real problem exists at the state level, and has yet to be really addressed or fixed.

Editorial

Fixing the wrong leak The School Town of Munster passed two referendums last year. Great. The school district will continue to be able to continue paying its teachers, supporting its students and caring for its buildings, but what about when the money runs out?

In 2009, the state changed the rules of how schools get money. It was a plan that was made in order to make funding more fair for all school. Districts’ individual property taxes are now put into the state general education fund. Schools’ general funds, the budget for main school functions, are now distributed to school from the state general education fund. Meanwhile the state has a $42 million budget surplus for a “rainy day.”

The plan left districts throughout Northwest Indiana in need of more money with only one way of getting it: referendums.

After eight years of referendums, the system has shown its flaws.

A NWI Times article from 2009 read “Residents may cast their votes next year to determine whether Hammond High School needs replacing.” Now the district is again trying to pass two referendums while Munster itself has successfully passed three.

By the state leaving school funding up

Crier

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement.

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

Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but

to the citizens in a district, through referendums, communities that hold a high value on education are more likely to get that extra money.

From inside the classrooms, of MHS the problem seems to have subsided as the community rallied around us last the problem is at spring, supporting students a state level and time and time again, but not should not be all schools experience that fate. And those are the same solved at the town struggling districts the policy level by citizens change was intended to help.

Schools constantly need repair as hundreds to thousands of student walk through their doors, sit in their desks and use their facilities five days a week for the majority of the year.

While the current school funding model has evened the playing field, in theory, it has not helped anyone.

School funding is a problem at a state level. Students shouldn’t be the paying for it in their education and citizens shouldn’t be paying for it from their pockets. It seems like a rainy day for education.

This is not just a Munster problem.

This is not a new problem.

This is not working.

Our take

should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. 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 @munstermedia.

Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 13 times a school year.

Visual Chief Gavin Hamilton

The Staff

Chief Photographer Easan Venkat

Editor-in-Chief Ian S. Brundige

Photographers Moira Glowaki, Szymanski, Robert Young

Managing Editor Mimi Brody Section Chief Joseph Bermudez

People Editor Carey Scott Page Editors Alyssa Bass, Alex Kojich, Erianna Sims, Mercedez Williams Social Media Editor Melanie Powers Business Manager Micala Boyd Head Photographer Kess Vaitkus

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Lauren

Kozy,

Megan

Homecoming Issue

Crier

homecoming edition | sept. 8, 2017

INSIDE LOOK football game preview| page 8 homecoming queens| page 6

Seniors

JUST WARMING UP: Justin Gill, senior, leads the seniors in the 80s workout. GET PHYSICAL: (from left) Seniors Abby Nita and Olivia Foley work on their fitness during the 80s workout

80’s workout day dominated the morning

as seniors stopped their workout to pose for selfies

Sophomore

Juniors

Freshmen

ABOVE LEFT: Ethan Stewart, junior ABOVE MIDDLE: Ella Uylaki, junior ABOVE RIGHT: Joseph Bellachen, junior FAR RIGHT: Ashton Rivera, freshman BOTTOM LEFT: Stephanie Niemiec, sophomore BOTTOM RIGHT: Nikolai Hoogewerf, sophomore

Juniors and seniors dressed in their traditional 70’s and 80’s fads but...

For the first time since 2010 freshman walked through the hall dressed in fads of the 2000’s and sophomores threw-it-back to 90’s

DECADES DAY This was the new

photos by Elizabeth Fonseca, Moira Glowacki, Megan Szymanski and Kess Vaitkus

06 queens sept.,8 2017

n w o d w o B

Get to know the homecoming queen candidates Sofia Balac

Katie Dedelow

Escort: Tommy Maloney

Escort: Ben Barilla

Q: Did you think you’d be on homecoming court?

A: “I was definitely surprised, there were so many awesome girls in my grade who I thought also had a great chance of being on court.

It’s definitely an honor to be nominated by my grade.”

Q: How did you feel when you heard your name called for Homecoming Court?

A: “I was really shocked, and then when I heard the other girl’s names, I was like oh my god! This would be so much fun because they’re all good friends of mine.”

Q:Who in the world do you admire most?

A: “My parents because they embody the idea of never giving up, and perseverance through tough circumstances.”

Q: What makes a homecoming in your opinion?

A: “Historically, a homecoming queen is usually someone who is nice and sweet to everyone, really kind, and puts out positivity.”

Q: What has been your greatest achievement at Munster High School?

A: “I would say being elected for Vice President, but what matters most to me are what good friendships I’ve made and the cool people I’ve met here throughout the years.”

Q: How do you want to be remembered by your senior class?

A: “I want to be remembered as someone who always tried their hardest to be nice, I feel like that is important.”

Reporting by Erianna Sims, Mercedez Williams, Gavin Hamilton page editors, visual chief

Emma Harvath Escort: Dylan Brann

Q: Do you have any Homecoming traditions?

A: “Every homecoming day, I have to go to school super early to actually set up for the dance. It’s probably the worst thing ever, but its pretty cool when you get to the dance and you’re like, “Wow, I actually did this.”

Megan Wolski Escort: Elian Magana

Q: If you become Homecoming Queen, what do you want to be remembered as?

A: “I want people to remember me as someone who is nice and funny, and is a friend when needed.”

Q: Who in the world do you admire most?

A: “My grandma because she’s very connected to me, and I’ve always felt that since I was younger.

She’s very independent and strong, always encourages me to do different things, and is always proud of me.”

Q: “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: “Be nice to everyone. Try to talk to as many people as you can. I don’t like sitting alone and being quiet, so I’ve made many friends by talking to anyone who sits next to me in class.

I definitely recommend it.”

Gabrielle Ingoglia

Kendal Ziel

Escort: Vince Bravo

Escort: Xavier Unzueta

Q: How did you feel when you heard your name called for Homecoming Court?

A: “I was really surprised when Mr. Nolan came in and told me I was on the court, and when they announced it over the intercom, it felt humbling just because the court was made up of an amazing group of girls, and to think my name fits in among that list was really cool for me to know.”

Q: What makes a Homecoming Queen in your opinion?

A: “A Homecoming Queen is someone who is nice to everyone, involved in school activities and works hard to achieve her goals.”

Q: What are some of your best spirit week memories?

A: “I have 3 older brothers, so I watched them wear my dance leotards and all my crazy stuff for 80s workout day before, so I always get really excited for decades day.”

Q: If you could add anything to Homecoming week, what would it be?

A: “I wish that at our powderpuff game we had guys who did a halftime performance. I’m part of the dance team so I thought it would be fun to work with the guys and help them make a dance.”

Q: Do you have any Homecoming traditions?

A: “Taking pictures at Centennial Park, having my cousin do my makeup, and going with the same date.”

THE ROYALS (from left) Gabrielle Ingoglia, Sofia Balac, Megan Wolski, Kendal Ziel, Emma Harvath, Katie Dedelow

Q: Do you think you’ll remember this experience 30 years from now?

A: “I will absolutely remember this experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am honored that the senior class nominated me to be a part of it.”

photos by Easan Venkat, Moira Glowacki, Megan Szymanski, Sydney Pastor

Play houses

CEC builds themed playhouses to raise money for charities, second year

Freshman ET

Humane Society

Sohphomores Juniors

Out of this world Ronald McDonald House

To bid on a house

Astonomy

The Down Syndrome Association of NWI

1. Attend the football

game, visit the CEC tables and fill out a form

Senior

Star Wars

The Force for Change

Beth Thornburg 2. Contact @ 219-689-3109 or bthornburg@munster.us to place your bid until Sunday Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

plans

sept, 08 2017

07

Homecoming is tomorrow, but some students still are unsure of their plans.

Take this quiz to find out what your plans should be for Homecoming night.

5. What are your plans for after?

If you got mostly A’s...

a. Dinner b. Party all night long c. Chill at a friend’s house

6. Did you dress up for spirit week? a. Yes, I matched my significant other. b. No, school spirit isn’t my style. c. Yes, I’m full of school spirit..

Story by Melanie Powers and Carey Scott Social Media Manager and People Manager

1. Do you have a significant other? a. Yes

7. What’s your favorite part about dances?

a. Getting ready and matching someone else. b. My after dance plans c. Seeing my friends happy with their night

b. No c. It’s complicated.

8. What are your plans for pictures before the dance?

2. Do your friends have dates?

a. Go to a park for some pretty pictures.

a. Yes

b. I don’t like pictures.

b. My friends aren’t going.. c. Some of them do, some of them don’t.

c. I’m going to someone’s house to take them.

3. Do you already have a dress or a suit?

9. Where will you be at the Homecoming football game?

a. Yes

a. Walking around

b. No, I don’t want to spend money on that.

b. Sitting with my family in the bleachers

c. No, but I really want one.

c. On the field or in the student section

4. Where can you typically be found at a dance?

10. What song are you looking forward to dancing to the most?

a. On the edges

a. A slow song

b. Sitting at one of the tables

b. I don’t like to dance.

c. In the middle, dancing with everyone

c. Something I can move and jump to

Story by Micala Boyd Business Manager

Photo by Nicole Roberts

FIGURES OF SPEECH Freshman Siobhan Carroll, Shristi Sarkar and Shivani Collur go door to door selling tickets in August for the Speech and Debate chicken barbecue, taking place tonight.

Fifty years, going strong Speech and Debate hosts chicken barbecue for the 50th year in a row

Every Homecoming Friday for the past 50 years there has been that same distinct smell lingering in the hallways—the smell of the annual Chicken Barbecue Dinner, hosted by the Speech and Debate Team in the cafeteria before the football game.

Speech and Debate founded the first year of the school, and then three years later, in 1968, the team hosted the first annual Chicken Barbecue dinner. At that time, Mrs. Helen Engstrom, former Speech and Debate director, was looking for ways to fundraise for the team.

“The idea of canvassing around Munster door to door was founded by (math teacher) Mr. (Bob) Shinkan’s father,” said Mr. Jordan Mayer, Speech and Debate Director and English Teacher. “His father helped us design the canvassing maps and organized the system for selling.”

To this day, the Chicken Barbecue runs through the blood of the Shinkan family.

Ally Shinkan, senior, is the granddaughter of the Chicken Barbecue founding fathers, and has been on the team since her freshman year.

“It is important (to host this event at the beginning of the year) because this is where we get all the money to support the team,” Ally said. “If we don’t have a success-

You should take the risk and ask your crush, or play it safe and go with your significant other. You can even try going with a group of other couples to have more people to share the night with, just like Kosta Fotopolous, junior, is planning on doing for this year’s Homecoming.

“I prefer a date, it’s fun to share the experience with somebody, just go with your friends and have fun,” Kosta said.

If you got mostly B’s...

Maybe this dance isn’t for you, but you should try again for Turnabout. Whether it was poorly planned, super last minute, or just not your style, you could make other plans such as: a movie night with a friend or two, going out to dinner, or just chilling at home with your family, like Nicole Lu, junior.

“I have a meet (with cross country) so I’m just going with to Chicago. Homecoming is expensive, sweaty and a waste of time,” Nicole said.

If you got mostly C’s...

You should probably go stag with a friend or a group of friends. That way you can dance the night away with your friends and not worry about anything else. Good friends make a good time, and that’s what’s going to make your Homecoming experience like James Bugajski, Senior.

'You can socialize more and

talk to as many people as you want, and dance with anyone,” James said.

ful Chicken Barbecue, we won’t have the funds for our team.”

The event typically serves between 1,500 and 2,000 people chicken from Nelson’s Catering. Planning the event takes a lot of coordination including going door to door to sell tickets, foil cutting, setting up and cleaning up the cafeteria. The chairperson is in charge of coordinating all of the volunteers, the students, the parents, from the beginning to the end.

In 1968, Ms. Silvia Friedman was the first chairperson. While holding the chairperson position, she volunteered to judge and coach members. She was there from the beginning.

“Silvia was mother one of the original team members of the Munster Speech and Debate team,” Mr. Mayer said. “She was heavily involved with the program for over thirty years.”

The current chairs are George and Nadene Shinkan. The chairperson positions have been held by people in the Shinkan family for several years now.

In efforts to emphasize the 50th anniversary of the event, the team is decorating the cafeteria, where the event is held, with large posters memorializing past teams and barbecues.

“We are going to celebrate our tradition by showcasing the barbecue through the years,” Mr. Mayer said.

08 sports sept. 08, 2017

Fight for the

flag

Junior girls beat seniors in Powder Puff game Tuesday, 24-6

BACKTALK If you could bring anyone to Homecoming, who would it be?

Story by Joseph Bermudez Section Chief

A photo by Kess Vaitkus GOING FOR GLORY In the first game of the season, Carl Adindu, senior (77), blocks Lake Central’s Blake Shannon (91) from getting to Quarterback Vince Bravo, senior (6). Vince fumbled the ball a total of four times, losing it twice. “(The turnovers) don’t really affect our mindset because we played really well last week,” Bravo said.

Round two starts now

Mustangs take on Hammond Morton second Homecoming game in a row

Story by Alex Kojich Page Editor For 52 years, the Homecoming game has drawn spectators from Munster and beyond to witness the Mustangs and their opponent clash.

Last year’s Homecoming game drew 2,130 attendees as the team defeated Morton 20-7. This year, the team will take on Morton in round two, as the red and white push to place another win on their record after a 1-2 start to the season.

Head coach since 1980, Coach Leroy Marsh, health teacher, reminds the team to stay focused during the Homecoming game.

“We remind (the team) that the Homecoming is the football game, not the chicken barbecue, not anything else. Without our game there would be no Homecoming,” Coach Marsh said.

The game is often the team’s biggest draw of the season, completed with a student section who rally their team to victory, and parents who cheer as their kids work together for a common goal: victory.

“I think the (crowd) doesn’t put

more pressure, I think it puts more motivation,” Coach Marsh said.

“Players like to play in front of big crowds, so we usually play better.”

Starting quarterback Vince Bravo, senior, also had a say on the crowd and any pressure that may be present during the game. “(The crowd) kind of puts pressure, but more than anything, we’re excited, because we have a lot of people watching us,” Bravo said.

Bravo has been apart of the Varsity team since his sophomore year, and is proud of the team and how they improve throughout the season.

“We have improved every week.

We need to cut down on mistakes and play physical,” Bravo said. “As long as we execute in the game and have a good week of practice, we should be in good shape.”

After a 35-7 victory over East Chicago last Friday, the team hopes to use that momentum to propel them to victory over Morton.

“We feel confident (that) if we can eliminate turnovers and mistakes like we did against East Chicago, we can compete against anyone on our schedule,” Coach Marsh said.

fter both teams started off with turnover on downs, a long run Monica Fronczek started the scoring for the juniors who struck first blood: 6-0 juniors.

The seniors tied it up their next possession with a long run of their own by Sarah Johnson, but the juniors were quick to respond with another score: 12-6 juniors.

The score remained the same at halftime.

Once play resumed and the juniors forced a turnover on downs by the seniors, they never looked back. With some insurance scores late, the juniors defeated the seniors 24-6.

“We decided that we were going to end the trend that the seniors always beat the juniors,” Coach Lisa Wilson, main office secretary, said. “We had two Saturday morning practices and two Wednesday practices. Everybody played today, and I’m sure everyone had fun. We had strategies and plays and that’s the reason we won. We also had speed to go with that. Might not have had the size the senior girls did, but our speed made up for it.”

Not thinking they were going to prevail, Maddy Lakomek, junior, was surprised the final score was what it was.

“At first, we were all talking smack to the seniors saying stuff like ‘We’re going to beat you’ but we were joking around because we thought we didn’t have a chance at all,” Lakomek said. “But when the game started and we had the lead at halftime we thought we actually had a chance to win and we did. It was actually a surprising outcome.”

Despite losing the game, Johnson enjoyed playing alongside her fellow classmates.

“Directly after the (touchdown), the seniors on the field were waiting for me to jump and celebrate the touchdown that evened the scoreboard,” Johnson said. “I love those girls and how happy we get for each other. I feel so lucky to have those girls by my side for my last year of high school.”

“Tom Felton because he’s really hot and he is a really great wizard in the Harry Potter series.”

Ariel Shoriak, freshman

“For sure I would go to Homecoming with Marilyn Monroe because she is the most beautiful woman to ever walk this earth.”

Josh Foreit, sophomore

“Beyoncé. She’s the queen.”

Kamden Gorang, junior

Before Friday night Football practices leading to game

Monday - Thursday Flexing & Calves

3:30

at

Sled push and pull

3:55

at

Individual group work

4:00

at

Team activities

4:40

at

Group work

4:20

at

“I would go with Ms. (Valerie) Plfum, (math teacher) because I need help with AP Calculus.”

Luciano Medina, senior

Offense/Defense drills

5:00

at

Conditioning

5:30

at

source: Coach Leroy Marsh, health teacher

Happening tonight Schedule up to Homecoming game Speech Barbeque

photo by Kess Vaitkus AT THE HALF Despite striking first against Lake Central during the first game of the season, the Mustangs head to the locker room trailing the Indians 21-7 at halftime. Even though there was a strong offensive showing, the team fell to the Indians 33-14.

Kickoff

7:00 Queen crowned at halftime 4:30-6:30

from

at

“Teddy Roosevelt, and we would just pick up a lot of girls.”

Mr. Morgan Nolan, Assistant Principal

spotlight09 sept. 8, 2017

Review

Horror movies reinvented Classic Stephen King movies are compared to updated counterparts Story by Gavin Hamilton Visuals Editor

“It” (releases today) My prediction: I have high hopes for the new “It” movie coming out today. With only the trailers to base it on, the “It” movie looks like it will be worth checking out. It seems that the movie will be at least somewhat faithful to the original, with some similar scenes to the original featured in the trailer.

The movie will be going for a more exaggerated version of the 1990 “It”, just making the original scare scenes more dramatic. It seems as though the new version may change some of the events of the original.

For example, the new version has a scene with a projector where Pennywise appears, which was not present in the original. Although this change could very well be fine for the storyline, I’m concerned that this is not the only thing that they will change about the movie.

Straying from the Stephen King style of not being conventionally scary, but being more of a psychological thriller and turning Stephen King’s classics into nothing more

than a horror movie with no storyline.

I fear that the this movie might be more targeted to today’s viewers and trade storyline for cheap scares.

If this happens, it would make the movie lose what makes “It” unique and would ruin everything that makes “It” a classic.

That said, if the movie stays closer to the original, “It” could be one of the best movies of the year. The movie could either lose its uniqueness and flop, or it could do the original justice and improve the story with the updated graphics.

“Carrie” (1976) This film, though about 40 years old, has near the quality of a film shot today and is not cheesy, like many older movies tend to be. The special effects are more subtle than other films of the time, using simple effects rather than flashy effects. This is good because dramatic effects tend to date the film and take away from the seriousness of the film.

The film stood out as a horror movie because the antagonist was not some kind of mythical being, but instead normal people who torment the main character, Carrie. You fear for Carrie, and you fear for the abuse she endures from both her mother and her classmates. Though it is not traditionally scary, the suspense built through the film does put you on the edge of your seat.

Carrie finds out that she has telepathic powers, which she learns more about and practices during the beginning of the film, however her devoutly religious mother condemns the act as the devil’s work when she finds out, physically and

“Stephen King’s It” (1990) “It” is one of Stephen King’s most well known works, and for good reason. The 1990 TV movie still manages to be interesting after nearly two decades, despite not having the production quality of recent movies.

The movie initially has goosebumps-esque feel with confusing flashbacks. Although Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the main antagonist of the series, is not very prevalent until later in the movie, I did not lose interest before he became more important in the story. Even before the real plot of the story begins unrav-

eling, Stephen King did a great job building up his characters; showing what happened to them as kids and how it affected them later in adult years.

The first hour of the film mostly sets up the story, which is refreshing in comparison to recent horror movies where nothing but jump-scares and bad acting are prevalent. Although outdated, the graphics were good enough to not ruin the film for me, like some older movies.

About half way through the movie, “It” transfers to the current day, where the film becomes more interesting. The main characters of the film, now grown up, return to where Pennywise once tormented them.

This adds depth to the characters because it shows the psychological damage the murders had on them and how they have changed now as adults.

This change is when the story materializes and the flashbacks stop. Once this happens, the story becomes more engaging as the ,now, adults once again face their childhood fears. This is the climax of the movie and is very engaging.

Although the bad production quality makes this part not so great, the story is very suspenseful.

The film is meant as a horror flick, but in comparison with today’s movies, is not scary in a traditional sense. As a whole, do not watch it and expect to not be able to sleep at night, instead watch “It” for the storyline, I’m sure that you will not be disappointed with the outcome.

“Carrie” (2013) mentally abusing Carrie to ‘rid her of the devil.’

Throughout the entire film, suspense builds until the climax of the film, when, at the prom, Carrie wins Prom Queen through a rigged vote and pigs’ blood is dumped on her. This leads her to finally break and use her telekinesis for revenge. Instead of being scared at the climax like many movies, you actually sympathize with Carrie and feel like her classmates got what they deserved.

Much like It, Carrie strays from the path of traditional horror movies and is more of a psychological thriller. Carrie is a timeless film that can be watched, even if you have seen the 2013 remake, another interpretation of King’s classic story. This film is great for Stephen King fans new and old and should not be looked over because of its old release date.

Although the movie follows the events of the original movie, Carrie is a much different character. In the original, she was scared and kept to herself. In this interpretation, Carrie is quiet, but is confident in her actions.

The new Carrie stands up for herself and is much more confident than the old Carrie. The movie followed the original very well, even including exact lines from the original film. The plot stayed the same, nothing was really taken out or changed.

However, how the characters act and the CGI

photo by Lauren Kozy

did change how the story felt.

Although, in some cases, an updated version of a film is better than the original, this is not the case with Carrie, although it was not a bad movie and it stays true to the 1976 version.

The newer movie did the special effects well, however the acting of Sissy Spacek in 1976 far overshadows that of Chloë Grace Moretz’s version of Carrie. Sissy Spacek brought more emotion and authenticity to the story that felt absent in this version.

Rating system explained Don’t waste your time

Watchable

Good choice for a rainy day

Watch this if you haven’t already

Drop everything and watch this... now

10 infocus sept. 8, 2017

All teched out Students join new Tech Club, participate in eSports teams

Story by Alyssa Bass Page Editor After a seemingly endless day at school, with the 45-minute classes seeming like hours, everybody is ready to go home—except tonight, there is eSports, electronic sports, practice for the video game Counter-Strike: Global Offense.

“There is a lot of practicing, discussing strategies, and going over situations a player might be in so they can get the best outcome possible,” Nicholas Ylo, junior, said.

Counter-Strike is a first person shooter video game often used in competitions; some of the people on the team include the entry fragger, lurker, the support, and the IGL or in game leader. All of these team positions are part of the school’s first eSports team, which one of the major parts of Tech Club.

Competitively playing video games have grown in popularity over that past few years, which has sparked the interest in many students.

“ESports is really focused towards video games perspective, like focusing on the competitive aspect of it,”

Adam Kojich, senior, said. “Really getting it, instead of just playing for fun with your friends and stuff, this is like a job.”

Braedin Moore, senior, and Adam Kojich, senior, created the club with the help of Mr. Nathaniel Thompson, science teacher.

“The goal really was to bring them together, get those people to really kind of join into one center group,” Adam said. “The love for technology and the love for video games is something not everybody has.”

Tech Club has other branches that deal with different activities. If video games doesn’t sound appealing then there are different things tech club has to offer. Other activities have to do with programming and learning how to use Notepad ++, and the different PLTW (Project Lead the Way) systems. There are also activities almost solely focused on computers where you learn about the central processing unit, the motherboard, and the random access memory.

“We have people from all over, all these different demographics, the thing about it is we just want people to play video games,” Adam said.

photos by Kess Vaitkus

BUILDING, FLYING, PLAYING At the callout meeting on August 30, Kamden Gorang, junior, listens as Mr. Nathaniel Thompson explains what Tech Club is about. “We offer building robots, learning how to fly drones, and you could play eSports,” Mr. Thompson said. FIRST CALL-OUT MEETING People gather into Mr Thompson’s room as the first Tech Club call-out meeting takes place. “There were way more people than anyone expected,” Olivia Hesterman, co-president of tech club, said.

All inclusive

Best buddies recruits more students, works towards inclusion Story by Ian Brundige Editor-in-chief

photo by Megan Szymanski

INCLUSION Standing in front of the LGI, Kiele Brown, senior, and Ashley Breger, senior, talk to everyone about best buddies and why students should join.

With every wall, trash can and door in the school is plastered with posters advertising callout meetings for extracurriculars like Art club, Poetry club and Spanish club, it’s the time of the year when clubs put their best foot forward looking for students that will exceed in their club. Best Buddies in one of those clubs looking for new members but this year.

Best Buddies president Taylor Dvorscak, senior’s, main goal for this year is inclusion.

“I wanted to do something to involve people that have IDD, intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Taylor said. “To interact more with the community, because they are very excluded and they don’t need to be. They are normal just like we are.”

The three kinds of members in Best Buddies are peer buddies, buddies, and associate members.

Peer Buddies like Serena Marsh, sophomore, work towards inclusion by partnering with a buddy (students with IDD).

“I’ve had multiple family and friends who have IDD and special needs and they don’t get enough recognition for how they are, and not enough acceptance,” Serena said. “I want to help them get accepted for who they are. People look at them as disabled but we should look at their abilities not disabilities.”

The other path Taylor sees to inclusion is participating in school events.

“I think we are definitely going to try to attend more athletic events and probably more school plays so they are more involved and people can that the club is important,” Taylor said.

sports sept. 08, 2017

SIDE NOTE

on sports

Girls’ Cross Country What: Lowell Invite Where: Lowell When: Tomorrow 9 a.m.

Though Girls’ Cross Country will be challenged with losing some runners to the SATs tomorrow, Coach Richard Sluder, social studies teacher, is confident the team will be able to point out the areas of improvement before the post-season and excel in the invitational.

“It’s a medium-sized meet but it’s got a lot of our biggest competition in the area,” Coach Sluder said. “It’s one we point to as a test to where we’re at and how we’re doing and see where we are come tournament time because most of the teams there are in our semi-state. It’ll be a nice tuneup here mid-season.”

Boys’ Cross Country What: Lowell Invite Where: Lowell When: Tomorrow 9 a.m.

Boys’ Cross Country is set to compete in the Lowell Invite at Lowell tomorrow morning, where, according to Nick Dorai, junior, they expect to face some of the toughest competition in the area.

“The expectations are for everyone to PR (personal record) and for us to compete with the teams we will be facing during the postseason,” Dorai said. “We aren’t expecting too much as far as beating really good teams right now because we have a few of our top guys hurt and not running.”

Boys’ Soccer What: Game against Merrillville Where: Merrillville When: Tomorrow 12:30 p.m.

Coming off a 5-0 win against Andrean Wednesday, Boys’ Soccer looks to take that momentum gained and carry it over when they will travel to Merrillville tomorrow, despite being short a few players. “(Merrillville) shouldn’t be too tough, they’re a good team but not too hard for us,” Micah Flahaven, senior, said. “I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to beat them. We’re going to lose a couple guys who are taking the SATs that morning, including myself. Well, most of (the game), we may be back at the half or something. I don’t see the team having too much trouble with (Merrillville) without us for a bit.”

Volleyball What: LaPorte Invitational Where: LaPorte When: Tomorrow 9 a.m.

Although Volleyball lost their last match against Marion High School, the team is excited for the LaPorte Invitational, which they are ready for and will go into with confidence, according to Lauren Kuipers, senior.

“I feel pretty confident; the team has been working really hard, (we have) been doing a lot of drills, and working on defense and (serving and receiving),” Kuipers said. “We just lost to Marion, it was a really tough game and everyone has been really stepping up lately and working so hard.”

11

Trust the process Boys’ Tennis competes in Warsaw Invite today, tomorrow; discuss youth of team, new head coach Story by Joseph Bermudez Section Chief

F

or the past four years, Coach Patrick Spohr, gym teacher, has served as the Girls’ Tennis head coach. This year, however, he will take that role for Boys’ Tennis.

Though he is already familiar with the team, serving as the assistant coach for six years, he was not aware of the full talent the team posses.

“The thing that makes it unique is that both (boys’ and girls’) have been new teams, so it’s been sort of a new process to figure out who’ll be in the lineup,” Coach Spohr said. “This year, I came to the photo by Easan Venkat boys’ team not know everything. I knew what we READY SET GO In the match against Lowell Aug. 24, Frank Wolf, junior, had but not to the extent of what it was. It’s been a prepares for a rally. Wolf believes the pressure the post-season brings pleasant surprise.” will not be an issue for the younger players on the team. “I think they will Containing only one senior on varsity, the youth be able to hold their own and will not crack under the pressure because of the team stands out to Coach Spohr. Though it they’ve only lost a couple matches,” Wolf said. could be interpreted to be negative, Coach Spohr sees it as a positive aspect.

“At times, (the team’s youth) could be a chal- the Warsaw invite will help give an idea to the lenge,” Coach Spohr said. “You forget that these team what post-season play might be like.

“There’s some tough competition and everyone kids are 13, 14, 15 years old. And you expect them needs to step up their game a bit,” to know things they may not yet.

Schmidt said. “We see a lot of weakSo there’s a bit more of a teaching Fresh faces er teams around here compared to and learning element involved, but Number of players on the strength of the teams closer to it gives me a chance to build them tennis team by grade Indianapolis. We want to get a look into a player I’d like to see and like freshman: 8 to see how we stack up against othto coach.” er team outside of the area for the For freshmen like Peyton Specht, sophomore: 9 postseason.” to be on varsity this early in their junior: 3 Represented in the rankings, high school career will not only afSchmidt is positive the potential the fect this season, but will prove to be senior: 5 a benefit for years to come. source: Coach Patrick Spohr, team has can only increase.

“At the beginning of the year, ev“I think the youth of the team is gym teacher eryone saw we were number two (in a good thing,” Specht said. “It’ll prepare us to know what the competition is like. It’ll the Region),” Schmidt said. “It gave everyone a bit also help us get a feel of what it is like to be on the of a chip on their shoulder to go out and play hard and win matches and that’s exactly what we did. varsity team earlier than expected.”

Eager to face tough competition, Zach Schmidt, We moved up to number one in the region and junior, believes the strength of the opponents at 19th in the State. We can only get better.”

Family matters Story by Erianna Sims Page Editor Playing soccer for a majority of their lives, two sisters, Olivia Foley, senior, and Alice Foley, freshman, never would have guessed they would both be on Varsity Girls’ Soccer at the same time.

“I never thought I would love having my younger sister on the same team as me as much as I do,” Olivia said. “We have gotten a lot closer from it and it has made an already fun time of the year extra special because I can share it with my sister.”

Rather than proving who is the

Girls’ Soccer starts season with 4-3-2 record, discuss siblings on team better soccer player, Olivia focuses on being there for her younger sister and helps her understand what the competition is like at that level.

“In a playing aspect, we are both equals,” Olivia said. “I think she does look up to me as an older sister, however, and I try my best to help her through everything I know bothered me coming into high school. I try to be the best big sister I can be.”

On varsity, Alice is looking forward to learning team skills that she can use in her seasons to come.

“There are many valuable lessons that I think I will learn now, that will help me in the future,” Alice said.

“Discipline, how to work hard, and how to work together as a team are just some of them.”

Recognizing their potential and sincere dedication, Coach Valerie Pflum, math teacher, is confident the sisters will help add wins to their 4-3-2 record.

“They’re both very solid players, and it’s nice to see them, and to see their dynamic,” Coach Pflum said.

“They support each other, and cheer each other on a lot, which is always very good to see.”

With it being Olivia’s last year of high school, she is excited for what the future will bring, and hopes Alice can accomplish big things.

“I really see her doing well and continuing to play all throughout high school,” Olivia said. “I can’t possibly imagine what she’ll do in the following years.”

12 student life sept. 8, 2017

Munster during the

Age of Terrorism Sixteen years ago the Twin Towers were struck, and the world has not stopped talking about terror since Oxford dictionary defines terrorism as

“The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”

ber hearing about terrorism as much in mainstream media before 9/11.

Story by Ian S. Brundige “I don’t think the media covered it as Editor-in-Chief Often when an act of much,” Officer Isenblatter said. “I think terrorism occurs in the part of reason why we didn’t hear so eople used to say every American Western world, the media much about it was because we didn’t remembers exactly where they devotes endless screen time have as much social media, you know were when they heard the news of to covering the breaking cell phones weren’t around at the time, 9/11. news. important things you always heard Today, however, there is a new generaabout in the weekend news, everything tion of Americans that were not only yet But when the news is done wasn’t up to the second.” to be born when the Twin Towers were with its coverage the most Although the media is now talking struck but also are surrounded by break- relevant record is often our about terrorism more than previously, it memories.

Here are some ing news of terror attacks on a monthly does not mean everyone is listening. Ari of the attacks Officer Gabriel basis.

Isenblatter remembers.

Arzumanian is a freshman who has lost The freshman class, the class of 2021, faith in media, influenced by political is the first class to be born entirely affigures and peers. ter the events of Sept. 11, 2001, creating Spain “I’m just 14, so I don’t know that much, a new perspective of the now historic 4412 miles away but from what I’ve heard the media is all event and its effects on society today. liars,” Ari said. “(You) never know, people Aug. 17, 2017 “It’s kind of weird because I feel like talk (and) it’s all a bunch of crap. Obvi(9/11 is) a historical events—but for evIn an attack that ously, the president. Just people that I erybody else it happened in their life,” had victims from 34 know. A lot of like Republicans, conserSophia Farias, freshman, said. “So it feels nationalities only one vatives all think the media is horrible. I weird because I don’t really know how it was American don’t really pay attention to the media felt to be there when it happened, like I that much, but I think it’s all shenanidon’t know how scared everyone was.” gans.”

England In kindergarten, Sophia learned about Officer Isenblatter has noticed a sim9/11 through movies and Brainpop vid3822 miles away ilar passive sentiment from citizens eos and stories her parents told her.

May 22, 2017 throughout the Midwest when it comes This is a very different experience to the topic of terrorism.

After a bombing at an than that of Mr. Herold, social studies “I think that a lot of people in the (MidAriana Grande concert teacher, who was a college student at west) area they hear about ‘Oh, that’s a the world reevaluated Ball State at the time and watched live New York issue’ or ‘That’s an L.A. issue’ what a safe space is as the second tower was hit. or ‘That’s a coast issue’ so I think they Throughout middle school and high take almost a sheepish outlook because school social studies teachers are tasked (terrorism is) there but it doesn’t really with teaching about the day and what affect (them).” terrorism is. An important part of that 731 miles away But not everybody has that outlook. teaching for Mr. Herold is identifying Students like Natalia Salazar, senior, acAug. 12, 2017 the difference between radical Islamic tively shows support for the causes that terrorism and peaceful Muslims.

In the middle of a she believes in by attending protests.

“I always think people are fearful of weekend of protests The day after a white supremacist drive what they don’t know,” Mr. Herold said. a driver drove into drove into a crowd of protesters in Char“I think it’s important to give them an a crowd of counterlottesville, NC, last month, Natalia was understanding so they aren’t fearful or protesters after a rally at a protest in Wicker Park sending one they understand.” by white nationalists message: “We stand with CharlottesMr. Herold describes the current genville.” eration as growing up in the age of ter“I didn’t even have to think about it, rorism, contrasting it to when he grew someone told me (about it) and I was up during the Cold War. like yes, of course I do show my source: nytimes.com “My generation, you knew who support there are people there the enemy was its clearly defined I think that a lot of people in the (mid- for (the victims),” Natalia said. whereas your its not. (The enemy west) area they hear about ‘oh that’s a More than just the act of viis) hiding in the shadows. Obviolence, Natalia was mobilized New York issue’ or ‘that’s an LA issue’ or ously, that has been something ‘that’s a coast issue’ so I think they take by the response from the media the country and intelligence community has had to deal with,” he almost a sheepish outlook because and the president.

The first thing Natalia heard said. (terrorism is) there but it doesn’t really about the attack was President School Resource Officer Gabriaffect (them).

Donald Trump say, “Both sides el Isenblatter is a member of that were at fault,” intelligence community and is — Gabriel Isenblatter, “An act of terrorism doesn’t privy to information about possiResource Officer have to be something huge,” ble threats. In the past he worked Natalia said. “The root word itself ‘terror,’ at Westville Correctional Facility, the it was a massive act of violence (that) only Supermax prison in Indiana, and scared people. If you look up the basic received additional training in how to definition each thing it says you can deal with terrorism. So for him the topic show in (the events at Charlottesville). of terror was not a new concern. HowevTo say it’s not terrorism is to say the sky er, Officer Isenblatter does not rememis not blue.

Safe Haven

P

Barcelona,

Students born after 9/11 have a different point of view on terrorism “I first genuinely realized what 9/11 was about three or four summers ago when I went to New York City and I went to the 9/11 memorial.

I mean, before that I kind of remember knowing about it and hearing about it now and then, but I first was emotionally impacted then.

Ari Arzumanian, freshman

“I’m sure (adults) probably think of 9/11 as something a lot crazier since they lived in a time before it, but since I’ve been alive a lot things have happened like that, so it’s not that unusual to me.”

Elizabeth Pucher, sophomore

“Obviously, I think it’s a lot difference because I wasn’t alive to experience it. So I think it seems a little more unreal to me.”

Genavive Bacino freshman

Manchester,

Charlottesville, NC

Munster

“

”