issue nine volume 54
munster high school
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
School, study,
March 13, 2020 CATCHING Z’S Demonstrating student sleep deprivation, Srishti Sarkar, junior, falls asleep doing homework.
sleep, repeat With new proposed middle school schedule, students talk about sleep deprivation among teenagers Atarah Israel and Alexis Perez Copy Editor and Page Editor
Roaming the halls you find students hunched over and yawning, with eye bags to complete their defeated expression. During passing periods, sighs and phrases expressing fatigue have become a mantra of the hallways. Desks are cluttered with coffee cups or energy drinks. These sightings have become standard for an average school day, and are evidence of the sleep deprivation many students claim to suffer from. These dreaded early mornings have often been
battled with arguments calling for later start times. An opportunity for this appeal is now available for Wilbur Wright Middle School students, calling into question the magnitude of sleep deprivation and the effect it has had on students. “I would guess that I average, on a good week, maybe a little more than six hours of sleep during the school week,” Michael Collins, sophomore, said. “It’s exhausting.” With the tentative possibility of an altered bell schedule in the following school years for WWMS students, the most prominent change being a regular start time of 8:15 a.m. and a late start time of 8:40 p.m., the possibility to change the high school schedule is opportune. A major concern, however, is the effect this would have on extracurriculars. “I think definitely (change the bell schedule) for middle schoolers and high schoolers because we’re all growing and we need our sleep,” Michael said. “We have the big extracurriculars and sports, so obviously that contributes to it.” No matter the extracurricular or class, almost every student has felt the effects of sleep deprivation in some form. Consistent yawning, inability to focus and even falling asleep in class are common. “Since I don’t get enough sleep I’m not recharged and ready for the day ahead of me,” Antonia Linnane, senior, said. “There is just a lot to learn throughout the school day.”
Though a change in bell schedule would require adaptation, some students say the change is worth the sleep. Under the current start time, some students have already adapted unconventional sleep schedules. “I don’t follow a schedule — I simply go to sleep when I am tired, so whenever that could be at any time,” Joshua Patel, sophomore, said. “I could be up for about five hours and go back to sleep if I become bored.” Pushed to take more rigorous classes, many students, especially upperclassmen, use most of their sleep time to study and complete assignments. “Yes (sleep deprivation affects most teens), especially with the pressure to take on a lot of harder classes with extracurriculars,” Antonia said. “There’s just a lot of stuff to do, a lot of activities to do and there’s not enough time in the day to get all that stuff done so you go into your time to sleep. So, therefore you just get less sleep.” No matter the student, after school activity or sleep schedule, the lack of sleep students face is eminent. Whether it is an individual change in sleep schedule, or a school wide transformation, a reform is necessary, according to Antonia. “I think sleep deprivation is a really awful thing that’s affecting a lot of kids these days,” Antonia said. “We should definitely fix it.”
photo illustration by Lana Salahieh
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Munster High School Crier
March 13, 2020
SIDENOTE Spanish Club planned to see
Music City, U.S.A.
play in Chicago
photo by Cali Peterson
SING UP A STORM In preparation for their Nashville performances, Hannah Zukley, junior, sings along during fourth hour Chorale. Choir will perform three times over spring break.“Being in choir definitely has expanded my horizons and has challenged me the most out of every extracurricular I have been in,” Hannah said. “Our choir receives a countless number of opportunities every year to be a part of very special events and I’m glad to be a part of it.“
Choir members discuss their upcoming Nashville trip Gage Hoekstra Page Editor
Next Saturday, March 21, Intermediate and Chorale choirs will be leaving for Nashville, Tennessee. While there, they will be given the opportunity to represent the high school in two performances. The first will be at the Ryman Auditorium and the second at the plaza right outside the Grand Ole Opry. There was also a planned performance at Vanderbilt University, but it has been canceled following the school’s closing due to coronavirus (COVID-19). “It’s a little nerve-wracking because we will have multiple performances and will probably be in front of a good amount of people,” Alexis Berumen, junior, said. “Mostly (I’m) just excited and thrilled.” With their date of departure getting
Building the future
Robotics planned to compete this weekend at Penn High School Mercedez Williams
Executive Editor
Editor’s note: Robotics’ season was cancelled the day of press due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). All interviews were concluded before cancellation. All robots have many moving parts and pieces perfectly put together, just like the Robotics team. The Robotics team competed March 6-8, and placed 12 out of 33 in State, and had planned to go to a competition at Penn High School over the weekend. “We performed really well and expect an even better outcome at this competition since we are making improvements to the robot based on how it performed in Bloomington,” Alonzo Gudino, freshman, said. Grueling hours are put into the robot, approximately two hours a day, for nine weeks. “Robotics and robotics competitions are just like any other sporting event,” Mr. Peter Frystak, Robotics coach, said.
Editor’s note: this event was canceled the day of press due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). All interviews were concluded before cancellation. Spanish Club planned to go on a field trip to see a play inspired by the popular book, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.” The book is about a Mexican girl learning about herself through the investigation of her sister’s tragic death. Mrs. Rosemary Malagon, Spanish teacher and club sponsor, organized this field trip. “Growing up in a Mexican family, a very strict Mexican family, I can relate to it (the book),” Mrs. Malagon said. “I thought it was very believable, and I felt the struggles that the main character felt and had to endure during her teenage life.” This play was one of the many opportunities provided to members of Spanish Club. Spanish Club is not just about having fun, it’s about learning new things. “(I try) to expose the kids to as many different Spanish-speaking countries as we possibly can,” Mrs. Malagon said. “We’ve done Cuba, Spain (and) Mexico. I plan on doing a Colombian restaurant. There’s a Costa Rican restaurant that I haven’t taken them to.” Mrs. Malagon is continually looking for new activities to broaden students’ understanding of the Spanish-speaking culture. “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” was the perfect opportunity to teach students about Spanish Culture on a more insightful aspect than just the holidays and fun parties. Mrs. Malagon continually uses Spanish Club to her advantage to educate students. “These are things that kids would normally not be able to do on their own, or would be afraid to do because we don’t know about it,” Mrs. Malagon said. “So I like to expose people to the Spanish speaking culture.”
closer and closer, practice is ramping up. Members of both Chorale and Intermedi- Planning the days ate will be attending this trip and perform- Activity schedule for Nashville ing together for the first time. Saturday Arrive “I have a great group. We had a rehearsPerform on plaza al a couple of weeks ago, which was the outside Grand Ole first time everybody got to be together, Opry and I really liked the sound of the group,” Enjoy Grand Old Mr. Andrew Robinson, Choir director, said. Opry Performance “We’re doing six acapella pieces, so there’s no piano or other instruments accompanying the choir, so that’s definitely a new Visit Country Hall of Sunday experience for most of the Intermediate Fame folks. I think that everybody has a really Perform at Ryman good attitude about the trip in general, Auditorium and I really think a lot of them really like the music that we’re doing.” While this may be their first time workGrand Ole Opry ing together, members of both choirs seem Monday backstage tour to be doing a good job of combining their skills and working as a team. “It’s a really good learning experience, Return home especially for me because I’m in Chorale, Tuesday having to help them through some of the tougher songs,” Caroline Chael, senior, said. “I think that I’ve improved because Source: Alison Lee of it and that they’re also improving a lot.” Students start Film Club A slew of new clubs and extracurriculars have been created in our school over the past years, each with their own cultures and goals. Film club is no exception, with incorporating film, arts and critiquing. The Film Club has two kinds of meetings, one in which they want various films and the others where the club analyzes the film and give their opinions. “The goal of these meetings is to enjoy films with other film lovers,” Sarah Resch, junior, said. “As well as discuss film and learn about techniques we can use to make better films. At the second meeting, we create short pieces of film with an emphasis on the techniques we analyzed in that month's film. Our goal is to work our way up to making photo by Madi Green longer short films, as well as promoCOG IN THE MACHINE When preparing the mechanics of the robot, Austin Beetson, freshman, checks the quality of a router. “Robotics has been everything I had thought tional material for other clubs, sports, it was going to be and so much more,” Austin said. “Every day I can’t wait until I go to and organizations throughout the the robotics lab and work with the smart-minded (people) who have joined the team to school.” achieve the same goal.” Meetings for film club are on the “Except we are a sport that utilizes commonly used in motorcycles. second and fourth Thursday every “Our team thinks that we will peryour ability to creatively accomplish a month. goal. So it’s a sport for the mind. Just form better than at (the) last compelike athletes use muscles and their tition and make it to finals because we Corrections ability to run, jump or throw a ball, we have an amazing drive team,” Antonio In issue eight of Crier, the quote Cantu, sophomore, said. “The drive use our brain.” from Mr. Mike Wells should read, The team’s robot for this year was coach and mentors on the team will “Which will be neat to see and the nearly 4 feet tall and 115 lbs, which help and guide the students. Everyone kids will really enjoy seeing that.” On goes to show how many parts and ef- works hard and does their part and page eight, Maguire Butler’s name is fort was put into it. The robot was that’s what makes this team so special. misspelled. The Turnabout survey on built from scratch using various parts Everyone is willing to put their all into page 12 is out of 100 students. Crier and tools, such as a battery that is used our robot and into the competition.” regrets these errors.
March 13, 2020
Alyssa Bass Managing Editor
T
Munster High School Crier
3r e v i e w
Crier staffer reviews “Friday the 13th” movies, a series to watch if staying indoors due to COVID-19
hirteen usually brings about superstitions and bad luck. In 1980, Friday the 13th cemented that day as the unofficial/
“Friday the 13th” (1980) I kept in mind that this movie came out in 1980. It is painfully 80s, I don’t mind much, but the acting and special effects date definitly it. I do enjoy the first person point-of-view that the movie takes on anytime we are with the killer. “Friday the 13th” did keep me entertained, though there were a few moments when fight scenes would drag on too long for my liking. I appreciated that they limited the jump scares in this movie and kept the audience in the shadows until the very end. I was also disappointed to learn that this movie did not come out on Friday the 13th, but Friday, May 9th, especially since in June 1980 (just a month after the initial release) there was a Friday the 13th.
“Friday the 13th: Part 2” (1982)
Right off the bat “Friday the 13th Part 2” hits you with a quick intro scene and title card then about 14 minutes of recaps from the first movie and credits that eventually culminate to the beginning scenes. It might have been because I just watched the last movie, but the nine minutes of recaps and five minutes of credits was just annoying, though I understand why they were there. In this movie there seems to be more jump scares, although they use expectation subversion more than a jump scare to the killer. The plot of “Part 2” was solid and it was like any typical horror movie; a bunch of teenage camp counselors doing dumb things while you think “Why would you go into the woods at night while you know there is a killer on the loose?” Overall, it was an okay movie. “Part 2” also serves as an important movie in the franchise, establishing Jason as our main character. It also came out on April 30, again not on Friday the 13th later in the year.
official day of bad luck. With a total of 11 movies, starting in 1980 and ending in 2003, the “Friday the 13th” franchise blew the box office and captured the attention of many with their first and second movies. Today is Friday the 13th: to honor this spooky day I reviewed all 11 movies.
“Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” (1984) Just like “Part 3,” “The Final Chapter” was supposed to be the end of the series, it was named “The Final Chapter” to ensure it was the last. Seeing as there are seven more “Friday the 13th” movies, I don’t think it worked very well. It was an decent movie. Nothing was out of the ordinary, still a bunch of teenagers doing suspect things in the woods, but now they introduced a neighboring family into the gore. Nothing stood out to me about this movie, which doesn’t mean it is a bad movie, it just isn’t the best. I do think the people working on it caught on that the movies labeled “Friday the 13th” should come out on Friday the 13th, since the previous two movies were released on that day.
“Friday the 13th: A new Beginning” (1985) “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason lives” (1986) “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood” (1988) “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan” (1989) “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday” (1993) “Jason X” (2001) “Freddy vs. Jason” (2003)
SCARED STIFF (clockwise starting at the bottom) The years each movie was released every year in the 1980s, except for 1983 and 1987, and continued in 1993, 2001, and 2003 There has been no shortage of Jason since the characters creation..
“Friday the 13th: Part three” (1982) “I have warned thee!” It is only the third film of the series, but there seems to be a formula for making these classic movies: someone warning unsuspecting teenagers + the woods + teenangers doing questionable things + creative murders + jump scares every once in a while = “Friday the 13th.” Part three was supposed to be the ending of the series, originally only expected to be a trilogy. This was easily a stand alone film, if you had not watched the first two you would not be confused upon viewing this. This is also the first movie that debuts Jason’s famous hockey mask, now a symbol of the franchise. Even with the repeated story line, I think this was better than the first two movies, which is backwards since movies usually get worse the more they produce. This movie actually was released on Friday the 13th, and that makes it even better.
graphic by Charlie Hofferth_ Movie posters provided by Paramount Pictures
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Munster High School Crier
March 13, 2020
What really matters most opinion by Erianna Sims
Growing up in a nation filled with an endless amount of complicated issues and critical circumstances, equality is one of the most pressing social issues that our society struggles to perfect everyday. Whether it’s gender equality, racial equality or anything in between, every single form connects back to a similar central message: everyone deserves to be exposed to equal opportunities in life. Our attitudes, mindsets and overall interactions with others tremendously impact the opportunities for equality that are available and attainable for us. Living in a world that has managed to embrace so much hatred, deceit and jealousy, creates significant barriers between us all. We see our peers get into college, receive scholarships, win awards for exceptional abilities and so much more. Celebrating the success of others and being supportive of their efforts is often a distant thought. Instead, we disrespect, scorn and degrade people when we see them achieving their goals, or simply doing well in life. We build up a distasteful image for ourselves when we show reluctance towards others’ accomplishments. Sometimes our negative reactions to people are not intentional, but they are still impactful. You don’t have to be obsessed with what other people do, or always love their choices. It’s okay to have opinions and be open and respectful about how you feel. What’s best for you in life, and what makes you happy, should always be your top priority. However, this doesn’t give you the right to put other people down in the process of your own success. When you become jealous of others, and purposely try to damage someone’s image for a selfish reason, you lose sight of what’s important. Feeling as if someone else is moving ahead faster than you, attaining their desires, should never make you hostile or resentful. Realizing your own abilities, and knowing you are capable of whatever you put your mind to, should be a constant reminder of your true potential. Crippling others’ opportunities will not get you closer to your dreams or aspirations. Learning how to be supportive of others and celebrate their victories will benefit you more than you know. The good you put out is always capable of coming back to you when you need it the most.
CRIER
Editorial
cartoon by Mercedez Williams
Understanding equality
We have equal rights already. A century ago on Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified. All American women were granted the right to vote, a milestone that women had been rallying for decades before it’s approval. So yes, we already have equal rights. In 1964, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was created and continues to enforce laws that forbid discrimination against gender in the workplace. So yes, we already have equal rights. The Equal Pay Act of 1963, Family and Medical Leave Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. All of these legislations show we have equal rights, so why are we still talking about it? We are talking about it because we are not quite equal. Women are still underrepresented in government. Men are still scrutinized for showing emotions. There are still loopholes to create wage gaps. 91 percent of victims of rape and sexual assault are female. Our generation is at its prime as we shift into the adult stages of our life. We are becoming the majority, and we have the opportunity to make a change and fully promote gender equality. While it is unlikely that we will completely cease the overbearing burden of gender equality, there are simple day to day objectives we can accomplish. Keeping an open mind to female issues is a great place to start. Historically and recently, there is strong evidence
Letter from the editor : Crier is aware that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the issue on everyone’s mind. With our paper being planned three weeks in advance, there was no telling how bad this pandemic would become—as it had not even been a pandemic three days ago. With local events and competitions getting canceled, the school awaits guidance from the CDC, Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Department of Education, and Lake County Health Department on where to go next. As of last night, Governor Eric Holcomb announced that non-essential gatherings must be limited to 250 people and schools will receive a 20-day waiver of the required 180 school days if necessary.
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; or via fax at 219836-3202. 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 should be limited to 250 words. All letters
of a gap between male and female rights, with females always getting the lower end of the stick. By simply acknowledging this gap and openly talking about it, we can work to diminish it and maybe someday reach a point where it is nonexistent. Celebrate female accomplishments, listen to what women have to say, respect them as human beings and understand everything they had to go through to get to that point. We must also treat everyone equally in ways that are manageable. No, we cannot kill the threat of wage gaps, but we can stop social issues. We should stop belittling each other for falling into gender stereotypes or refuting gender stereotypes. If a guy is emotional, do not call him weak or a lesser man. If a woman is tough, do not assume she is cold hearted Simple steps can be and calculated. Stop taken to normalize grossly objectifying gender equality women, but also stop doing the same thing to men. Stop pushing this ideal body type onto women and men. Let everyone know that their gender does not put them in a box, they can do whatever they want and they will not be mocked for it. If we start now and try to make a difference, we can one day live in a genuine world of gender equality.
Our take
With the future unknown, we sit in anticipation for the fate of the school and our world. However, Crier promises to cover this pandemic in our next planned issue on April 3. If school were to be canceled, we will release a special edition of the Crier whenever school resumes. In this time of uncertainty, Crier hopes that everyone can enjoy the other stories that we are publishing today. It is nice to get a break from all of the coronavirus headlines and panic to learn about some other events and issues going around the school, community, and society as a whole. Finally, Crier urges everyone to wash their hands, cough into their elbows, be cautious of physical interaction, and most importantly, stay safe Mustangs.
must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (alexislindenmayer@gmail.com), 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. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief Alexis Lindenmayer Managing Editor Alyssa Bass
Executive Editor Mercedez Williams Design Editors Lilia Brunetti, Adam Klaich Copy Editor Atarah Israel Page Editors Gage Hoekstra, Alison Lee, Alexis Perez, Erianna Sims Director of Photography Charlie Hofferth Head Photographer/Graphics Editor Robert Young Chief Photographer Lana Salahieh Photographers Madi Green, Henry Hofferth, Max Lindenmayer, Lauren Morris, Cali Petersen, Anthony Young Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
March 13, 2020
Munster High School Crier
Out of harm’s way
5i n f o c u s
Play it safe
MHS guidelines to taking safety precautions during a lockdown
With the change of lockdown procedures, students and staff discuss the potential harm it has on students’ mental health
conducting active shooter drills that are unannounced,” and “prohibition on drills that simulate gun violence.” With the advocacy group “Every Town for Gun Safety,” the AFT and National Education Association (NEA) expressed that lockdowns may have a lasting impact on students’ mental health, particularly elementary school children. Despite the harsh reality that follows these drills, Ms. Erin Goodman, a fifth grade teacher at Elliott Lilia Brunetti Elementary School, believes that these drills do have a Design Editor place within our schools to ensure the overall safety for With the amount of school shootings increasing students. over the past few years, so has the frequency of active “In a perfect world we wouldn’t have to do these shooter drills, commonly known as lockdowns. drills, but that’s not the case,” Ms. Goodman said. “I feel According to the school security manual, a safer knowing that we have a procedure if something lockdown “will be announced in certain emergency were to happen. I think it also makes the kids feel safer situations.” These occur when there is an active threat knowing we have a plan in place, (and) they trust that within the school. In this case, an announcement will the adults at school will keep them safe. I think what be made over the intercom and teachers are required would interfere more with students’ education is if we to lock their doors, turn off lights and keep students didn’t have these drills and something unspeakable inside the classroom, away from windows and doors, were to happen and no one had a plan.” with all cell phones powered off. In response to the outcry about school safety, In the school’s manual, protocol for students who administration created the Student Advisory Council, are not inside a classroom has always been to find known as SAC, during the 18-19 school year. The goal of the nearest classroom or bathroom. However, as of this student committee is to address the student body’s Feb. 10, administration now advises, “If a student safety concerns and ensure they feel safe in school, cannot find a safe place, they may leave the school.” according to Amelia Konstantinopoulos, sophomore. According to Mr. Brian Clark, assistant principal and “We do a lot of surveys throughout the year and look school safety coordinator, the protocols the school through those very carefully to see what actions we follows have been in place for about four years. need to take to help the student population,” Amelia However, administration believes said. “We start off every meeting by that a shift in instruction was Our philosophy is to get asking if anyone has heard anything necessary if a student is put in an about a student’s concern. It’s very inside the classroom with important (for students) to use the unsafe situation. “Our philosophy is to get resources that Student Advisory a locked door. inside the classroom with a Council gives because we take all - Mr. Brian Clark, those resources seriously when locked door,” Mr. Clark said. “The assistant principal making decisions.” difference we’ve made is if there is a secretary, custodian, teacher, Although these drills potentially or student walking in front of the main entrance in present a threat to students’ mental health, Ms. the commons, (for example) and we have a lockdown Goodman says that she believes communicating with and they see the shooter, they can flee the building. If her students is imperative, and may alleviate potential you can’t get in a classroom, or you’re trapped, and if trauma. (you see) the bad guy and there’s an exit, it’s common “There is a way to talk to kids and, as educators, sense which way you want to go.” we are trained to do this,” Ms. Goodman said. “You Munster holds these lockdown drills twice a school don’t teach kindergartens long division or about the year and aims for them to last no longer than 30 Constitution, you break it down in a way that they can minutes, according to Mr. Clark. understand. Until society acts towards helping those “Obviously, it interrupts a class period,” Mr. Clark that need it and help to prevent these shootings, we said. “I think positives outweigh losing some minutes have to have something in place to protect ourselves of instruction for knowing what you need to do in a and our students. The students are aware of school case of an emergency.” shootings, which is a sad truth, but if they know about However, concerned parents, teachers and students them, they need to be educated and ensured they should have expressed their opposition to lockdowns—not still feel safe here. I think that ties into the culture of just because of interruptions, but they believe that the classroom and school. I make every effort to make these drills may cause irreversible trauma. On Feb. 11, personal connections with my students so that if they the American Federation of Teachers, (AFT) released ever feel angry or unsafe they can come to me and we a statement advising that “schools refrain from can work through that before it gets to a serious point.”
“Sit in back of room quiet and away from windows and the door”
“
Calculated risk
Comparing the results of an identical survey sent out by SAC from the past two consecutive school years
Key: 19-20 18-19
77% stated that they are
comfortable in knowing what to do in an emergency in the absence of a teacher Source: two SAC surveys sent out Jan. 14, 2019 and Feb. 18, 2020, out of 631 students
Respondents that feel safe in school
“Proceed immediately to the nearest classroom or office”
“If in gym, go to locker room and stay there”
86% 84%
7% Stay home because they do not feel safe 6% 89% Confident in knowing what to do in an emergency 91% 82% Report to authority if threat is visible
91%
85% Comfortable telling an admin about a threat 85% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
“If you can’t find a safe place, you may leave through nearest exit” Source: MHS lockdown procedures sheet photos by Lauren Morris and Anthony Young
PARAGON 2019 Yearbook
Last Day to Buy: April 11
yearbookordercenter.com code: 3357 Yearbook Pickup will be May 14
s p o r t s6
Munster High School Crier
March 13, 2020
Dancing
up a storm
Dance discusses Nationals and the State competition Adam Klaich Design Editor
Editor’s note: Dance State was canceled the day of press due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). All interviews were conducted before cancellation. Coming off of their National competition last weekend in Orlando, Florida, the dance team was heading to State tomorrow in Indianapolis before its cancellation. There are no current plans for rescheduling. This was supposed to be the last competition of the season. The fact that the team attends Nationals before State may seem unconventional, but since the competitions are run by different organizations, the ordering is different from other sports. “Our season is coming to an end this weekend,” Layna Kounelis, senior, said. “But I think it was a really interesting season. We had a young team at first, so it was kind of hard to adjust, but the team grew a lot and most importantly, we grew together.” The team practiced every day and was always preparing for what’s next. For example, shortly after they arrived at their National Tournament, the team practiced in the hotel parking lot for three hours. “In between our competition dances, we practiced, practiced and practiced,” Kounelis said. “But it ended really well. We finished fifth in Jazz in the nation and in a very hard category, medium (medium is the category), which is very competitive. There were amazing schools there, so it was quite an honor to
Games of unity
photo by Todd McKechnie
POM PERFORMANCE At halftime at the Boys’ Basketball game, Clara Zuniga and Taylor Olmstead, juniors, perform their Pom routine. The team placed fifth in the nation at Nationals last weekend in the Medium Pom category. “My favorite part of being in dance is going out with my friends and performing our hearts out,” Olmstead said.
finish top five in that category.” Even with the success they have found, the team still continued their rigorous practices to prepare for state. “We make a lot of changes the week before,” Taylor Graham, junior, said. “We get our costumes for some of the different dances a lot. We practice every single day for around two hours.” Dance competitions are split into different categories. There is Jazz, a more emotional and expressive dance, Pom, which utilizes pom poms and features fast, up beat music, and Gameday, which is where the team performs the dance they perform during high school halftime shows. The team has won the Pom portion of the competition for the past 10 years. “We are known for our Pom dance. I’ve been a State champion for all of my high school years and, this weekend (tomorrow), we have the chance to defend our title and we’d love to bring it back home,” Kounelis said. Of course, such a reputation also carries pressure. Unfortunately, the team will not be able to carry on the record this year. “We are pretty stressed this year,” Graham said. “There’s new people in the category this year and we are going against teams like Lake Central, but I think we’re doing pretty well.”
“I am very honored to be a part of the Munster dance team not only because we are excellent dancers, we have excellent coaching, our program is strong, and it teaches us how to be strong individuals.” - Layna Kounelis senior
State Champions In Pom 10 Years Running illustration by Henry Hofferth
The love in a season
Girls’ Tennis prepares for next season Alexis Perez
Unified Basketball aims to take the crown at upcoming tournament
Page Editor
Alyssa Bass Managing Editor
In alliance with Best Buddies, the school’s first Unified Basketball team is up and running. “Our team is a lot smaller compared to the school’s we play, like Crown Point and Lake Central,” Cole Lesinski, senior, said. “The players have definitely improved a lot and gotten a lot better. The team has played against Lake Central and Crown Point and is preparing for their upcoming Tournament. “I am really excited to go (to the Tournament),” Gia Cvitkovich, freshman, said. “I love helping out the kids and seeing how happy it makes them when they make a basketball shot.” With their previous game on Feb. 27, the team prepares for their Tournament tomorrow at 8 a.m. in Crown Point. The exceptional athletes make up the team, along with their teammates who help if needed. “(Unified Basketball is a positive experience) because the kids are learning a team sport,” Cvitokovich said. “(They are) learning to bond with one another and congratulating each other for making a basket or a good pass. You will always see a smile on their face.” The team has also had an impact on the players outside of the team, according to Cvitkovich.
What it means to win
Layna Kounelis talks about what it means to her to be a part of a winning team
photo by Anthony Young
DOUBLE TEAM Dribbling down the court, Jay Harris and Alex Lesinski, seniors, work to secure the win during a Unified Basketball game on April 27.
“Unified basketball has an impact on my life because it made me realize that I may want to work with kids one day,” Cvitkovich said. Some of the best things to come from it are the experiences that students gain from it. “I just enjoy watching the players,” Cole said. “Especially my brother Alex go out there and have a good time.” Alex Lesinski, senior, is a player on the team along with his brother Cole Lesinski. “(I like Unified Basketball) because it is fun,” Alex said.
Girls’ Tennis is starting back up, even though the girls never stopped training. Shalini Tallamraju, senior, leaves school during 8th hour to go and practice in Illinois. Maria Delis, senior, does consistent training three times a week. These are some simple examples of how the girls practice their skill outside of the season and how they each practice in different ways. Tryouts for the Girls’ Tennis will be March 16 and open to all. Coach Patrick Spohr is the WWMS Gym teacher and Tennis coach for the high school team. “I think this year the girls are more hungry and eager to succeed,” Coach Spohr said. “They only have one goal in mind and that is a State championship.” Since her freshman year, Emily Rakich, junior, has always tried her best. She would like to make the current seniors last year their best. “I am looking forward to seeing the team again and just to get to play every day team goals make it to state personal goals are just to always get better,” Rakich said. At the call out meeting for the Girls’ Tennis, 16 freshman showed interest, which is higher than the previous year. This year, four of their top seven players are returning back to the team and all their games are stronger than ever. Their goals consist of being the best team in the region. They are expected to start the season being ranked in the top two teams in the state. “The team consists of a very strong core of girls which have state championship aspirations,” Coach Spohr said.
March 13, 2020
Winter’s endgame
Munster High School Crier
7s p o r t s
Reporting by Adam Klaich, Atarah Israel, Erianna Sims, Gage Hoekstra, Lilia Brunetti
Boys’ Basketball Record: 21-2
photo by Todd McKechnie
ON TOP Shooting a layup, Luka Balac, junior, scores against Chesterton at their home game on Feb. 11., losing with a final score of 63-53.
Boys’ basketball’s momentous season came to an end at the Semifinals of Sectionals. Despite their loss to Merrillville, the players reflect back on all the season had to give. “Our team’s success was great all year long,” Bryce Schaum, junior, said. “My favorite moment throughout the season was probably winning the Conference championship, or winning at home against Chesterton in front of a fully packed student section.” Boys’ Basketball had an energetic, worthwhile season. Although they came up short of where they wanted to be, the team has a lot to be proud of. “This has definitely been the most successful season as a team we’ve had since I have been at Munster High School,” PJ Katona, senior, said. “We have an amazing bond on and off the court that ultimately led to us being the team we are.”
Girls’ Swim Record: 8-4
photo by Robert Young
ON YOUR MARK Starting the race, Samantha Buffano, senior, jumps off the blocks. Girls’ Swim lost the meet against Chesterton 128-58 on Jan. 25.
Girls’ swim finished their season in February, with a record of 8-4. The Lady Seahorses went on to win both their Conference and Sectionals meets. In late February, the team sent 13 swimmers to their State competition in individual events. Compared to years past, this season posed a unique challenge due to a major shift in the coaching staff, adding three new coaches. Reflecting over her season, Savannah Frazier, junior, described this intimate team bond through her memory of the 400 relay at sectionals. “We had just secured the right amount of points to keep us in first and everyone was ecstatic,” Frazier said. “It was just a great feeling.”
photo by Todd McKechnie
THREAD THE NEEDLE Playing South Bend Adams on Jan. 25, Holly Kaim, junior, drives to the basket. Girls’ Basketbal won 62-54.
Girls’ Basketball Record: 22-6
Among their numerous wins this year is their most prominent one— winning Sectionals. This monumental win, according to some of their girls, is the highlight of their season. “Winning Sectionals—there’s no better feeling,” McGinty said. “It’s just insane. I know, personally, the seniors have been wishing for it since freshman year, and it’s just cool to see it all come together, and actually have proof that
Wrestling Record: 5-17
photo by Robert Young
UNDER WATER Competing in a meet against Chesterton, Mikey Dempsey, junior, takes a deep breath. Boys’ Swim lost the meet 92-87 on Jan. 25.
Boys’ Swim Record: 9-2
Although the team underwent a change in their coaching staff at the beginning of the season, Boys’ Swim pulled through and won all but two regular season meets: only losing to Chesterton and Penn in dual meets. They won at confrence and sectionals, extending their winning record to 35 years, and got runner up at state. “It was great. It was probably our strongest year,” Mikey Dempsey, ju-
nior, said. “We had some really good incoming freshman and it is the last year we have our star seniors like Holden (Raffin), Kyle (Adams), Grant (Afman), Martin (Barnard), and Aidan (Smith).” Dempsey believes that it’ll be awhile until the team experiences the success they have found this year. According to him, their strongest feature, along with talent, was their team chemistry. “We grew really close as the season progressed,” Dempsey said. “Especially after our coach left because we really bonded over that. Overall, it was really fun and I’m glad it happened.”
Beginning the year by adding nine new members to its roster and finishing it with the addition of five new medals to its collection, wrestling has had quite the season. Over the past few years, wrestling has struggled to take home any great victories, but with a sudden influx of wrestlers and a newfound team dedication this seems to be turning around. Under the leadership of Coach Zach Slosser, newly appointed head coach, wrestling managed to finish off its season at Semi-State in East Chicago, and take home more medals this year than any of the past five. “We’re improving. I’ve had nine new
we won something .” Despite the inspiring wins, Girls’ Basketball ended with a saddening note, unable to continue their season due to their loss at Regionals. “I would say we were all pretty heartbroken (after the loss), just because it was so close, but I don’t think any of us walked out too upset,” McGinty said. “I think we knew we accomplished more than we were expected to. It was bittersweet. We were sad that we lost, obviously, we weren’t continuing on, but we were so happy about everything we had done.” wrestlers this year, nine out of 22 kids,” Coach Slosser said. “It was a learning year and a growing year. We’ve done a pretty good job putting kids into varsity spots, and they’ve held their own and toughened up throughout the season.” Many of these new wrestlers would share in their coach’s excitement. “Being a first year has been a really amazing experience,” Damien Perkins, sophomore said. “It’s been totally different than anything else I’ve done, and I’ve really gotten the chance to get close with the team and fall in love with the sport.” Will Rojas, senior, looks back fondly on this year. “This is probably my most successful year,” Rojas said. “It’s probably been the most fun I’ve had”
photo by Vanessa Situ
WINNING MOVE In a fierce struggle against his opponent, Steven Campbell, senior, tries to get a grip on his compretitor from Calumet High School on Jan. 9.
s t u d e n t l i f e8
Munster High School Crier
March 13, 2020
illustration by Mercedez Williams
BAC K TALK St. Patrick’s Day is Tuesday. What is the luckiest or unluckiest thing that has ever happened to you?
Lucky: “I’m lucky I got all the tall genes, so I can reach the top shelf.”
Unlucky: “My unluckiest experience was when I got stuck on the Goliath at Six Flags.” - Daniella Nahnsen - Alicia Watson freshman freshman
Feminism is for everyone
With women getting the right to vote a century ago, students discuss feminism and its misconceptions Alexis Lindenmayer and Alison Lee
stand for is not as clean-cut as many perceive it. Some individuals will see it People think feminists have multi- as a way for women to gain superioricolored hair, parading around on their ty over men, while others view it as a unshaven legs as they rage about not necessity to gain equal female opporhaving a boyfriend. Feminists hate tunities. “With women rebelling against the men, they are lesbians, they are irrelisocial structure of men being the head gious, unattractive and unhappy. They of the household, that was looked negfeel entitled to everything; they are atively upon because change tends to obnoxious and annoying to be around. be looked negatively upon in the first Feminists have to be women. place,” Carina Crisan, junior, said. “So In reality, anyone can be a feminist. that’s definitely where a lot of stereoThese stereotypes that society creates types came about like ‘Women just are not true. Through these stereodon’t want anything to do with men.’ types, the definition of feminism has become skewed over the years, throw- That’s definitely been misinterpreted ing off the true intentions and soci- because what it really is women just want to have that mutual respect that ety’s perception of feminists. “I think people tend to want to de- they deserve.” These stereotypes can be harmful to monize or put an undesirable face to the movement’s power, invalidating a movement and an idea they don’t people who support feminism. Diana agree with,” Diana Ayala, senior, said. discusses what her true definition of “It’s a lot easier to make them into feminism is. ‘feminazis’ or unreasonable, angry “Especially on social media you see people as compared to actually makstuff like the angry lesbian with coloring them normal people who just want ful hair and I mean, some of us (femiequality.” nists) are angry lesbians with colored The definition of what all feminists hair, but feminists come in all shapes and sizes and colors,” Diana said. “As long as you Students give their definitions of feminism want to promote equality, regardless of background, I think “Feminism is equality. Not just between two genders or two sexes, but definitely that is what makes you a feminist.” including the intersectionality of that. There is strong debate to So between different classes and whether feminism should help different races and just everyone.” dismantle harmful male ste- Diana Ayala reotypes and tackle male issues senior “Feminism is the political cultural as well as female ones. theory attempting to make females “Within feminism, it goes and males truly equal on all levels both ways,” Diana said. “So and getting rid of any harmful gender not only promoting female adstereotypes like that.” vancement, but also diminish- Eddie DeMars ing the double standard that senior goes both ways on toxic mas“My definition of feminism is wanting culinity and things like that.” women and men to be equal.” Eddie DeMars, senior, de- Carina Crisan scribes himself as a feminist. junior He doesn’t think that feminism
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should alter their ways, rather include more ways to appeal to all genders. “Feminism should speak about removing harmful gender stereotypes in general,” Eddie said. “So not change, but add onto. I do believe that feminists will be able to accomplish that.” In modern-day feminism, emphasis seems to be put on females and their accomplishments in society. “Like any underprivileged group, whenever a woman accomplishes something, it should be regarded as something special because they had that extra hurdle to get over,” Eddie said. “Specifically pointing that out can help break down further hurdles.” However, the question stands if celebrating one gender’s accomplishment over the other’s brings feminists to their goal of true equality. “Maybe in the future, we wouldn’t need to celebrate it,” Diana said. “But now, when a woman is one of the first or one of the few to be able to do something, it’s important to recognize. Growing up as a woman, you don’t really see yourself represented in all areas. It’s especially important for younger generations to see these role models and see themselves represented in these role models.” At its core, feminism is about making the changes for the future. Supporting this movement is the first step to reaching equality for all. “What feminism is doing is just making sure that we are allowing that shift to happen with as little negativity as possible,” Carina said. “That’s why I think that it’s important and that’s why we have the feminist movement to make sure it’s okay if it’s a mom working in the house. It’s okay that she’s going out and becoming an engineer and working a lot. It’s important that you know that both the mom and dad help with the laundry. It’s even just simple things like that can have such a huge impact on us growing up and in future generations. Equality for men and women is definitely a global issue. So feminist movements and discussions are important, because women and girls worldwide need help.” illustration by Mercedez Williams
Lucky: “Finding $100 at Six Flags when I got off the ride.” - Lexi Erving sophomore
Unlucky: “When I was little I got jumped by a pack of dogs.” - Sam Foreit sophomore
Lucky: “Abi Steffan gave me her Pepsi at lunch today.” - Sammy Sellers junior
Unlucky: “I got hit by a car at Red Robin on my seventh birthday.”
Lucky: “The luckiest thing that has ever happened to me was having Mr. Koszut for physics.” - Kristina Sosic senior
Lucky: “I slept through my alarm until 10 a.m., but then I found out school was cancelled.”
Lucky: “Finding my perfect husband.”
Lucky: “Having a job open up at Munster High School 2 weeks before school started.”
- Abi Steffan junior
- Mrs. Valarie
- Oliver Meraz senior
- Mr. Ryan Popa Zemaitis assistant principal business teacher