CRIER
sept. 17, 2021 volume 57 issue 2
munster high school 8808
H
columbia
ave.
munster,
C
in
46321
O O
THE BIG QUESTION Louis Wolf, senior, asks Emma Miles, senior, to Homecoming after last week’s Girls’ Volleyball game. BLAST FROM THE PAST Senior Charlie Mason walks to class as a founding father. HELPING HAND Mr. Steven Stepnoski, English teacher, helps Emmaline Miller, senior, with an assignment. CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS Sammy Fuller, senior, works on physics. PLAYING THE WAITING GAME Dressed as a senior citizen, senior Louis Meldgin fills his water bottle. MEDDLING KIDS Seniors (from left to right), Arman Kumar, Aishik Dhori, Sammy Fuller, Iris Gong, Alison Lee, Kaush Vhavari. PREP FOR SUCCESS Seniors Kenna Teske and Paige Vukadinovich, pose with SAT and ACT prep books for nerd spirit day ACT YOUR AGE Before school, seniors dressed up as senior citizens pose for a photo.
H
omecoming week: a time for school spirit and silly costumes. Despite the countless changes we’ve faced this and last school year, this week has shown us that some traditions, though modified, can withstand the trial of time. In the spirit of changing traditions, Crier has decided to change a tradition of its own—a special issue with a different Backtalk on every page.
photos by ej boersma, anthony young illustrations by kristin baurain and henry hofferth
BACKTALK “Career day.” —Ryan Bouktache freshman
“Pool Day.” —Elisabeth Kreig sophomore
“Dress like your parent day.” —Zoie Bailey senior
If you could create any spirit day, what would it be?
“Old school dress up.”
—Lance Pyburn freshman
“Black and white.” —Nneka Oniah sophomore
“Greek toga costume day.” —Allison Burris senior
“Students dress as teachers.”
“Celebrity day.”
—Campbell Gideon sophomore
— Madalyn Martin sophomore
“Superhero day.”
“Sports day.”
—Aniqa Ali junior
“Twin day.”
—Zachary Kasten junior
“Pet day.”
—Ms. Valerie Pflum —Mr. Steve Stepnoski math teacher English teacher
2
S E P T. 17, 2021
NE W S
munster high school crier
BACKTALK From teacher to administrator Three administrative positions are filled for the new school year ALISON LEE
deadline manager
photo by ej boersma
Name: Ms. Beth Raspopovich
Position: Assistant Athletic Director Education: Bachelor’s in Math Education from DePaul, Master’s in Leadership from Ball State Background: Math teacher in Chicago for six years and math teacher in Munster for 24 years What I Do: “The biggest thing we try to do is scheduling, lots of paperwork for the coaches, running events, lots of problem solving, dealing with some of our athletes as well as the issues they may have. Helping the coaches as much as we can in order to have seasons run as smoothly as we possibly can.” What I Like About MHS: “We have some amazing students not only in the classroom (but) on fields, and honestly good human beings for the most part.” Things I Appreciate in MHS: “I appreciate all the help that Mr. (Ira) Zimmer (athletic director) is giving me. I have so much to learn, (and) he’s been super helpful. First teaching me, but also allowing me to make my mistakes and figure it out.” What I am Looking Forward To: “Learning all the different nuances and aspects of this job because there’s a lot more than what I had anticipated. So getting the lay of the land.” Favorite Color: Red Fun Fact: “I’m in the DePaul Hall of Fame for softball.”
September is Naitonal Breakfast Month. What is your least breakfast favorite food?
Name: Ms. Helen Fuller
Position: Dean of Students for Juniors and Seniors Education: Bachelor’s in English (Focus on Education) from PNW and Masters in Education from IUN Background: English teacher at Portage High School for 18 years and teacher at Portage middle school for 10 years How I Use My Experience: ”I just think it’s important to understand what students are like in the classroom. My main job here is to support kids and teachers. I’m fresh out of the classroom, so I know what that is like.” What I Like About MHS: ” I love how fully staffed the school is, I just feel they have supportive adults here for kids and help get that full experience. Based on where I come from, that’s unusual to me, and I think it’s wonderful, just a very supportive people.” Things I Appreciate in MHS: “Mr. (Brian) Clark (assistant principal) is such a patient, kind, wise teacher for both me and Mr. Docter, and I love that Mr. Docter and I are both new in this position, so I really appreciate that.” What I am Looking Forward To: “To learn and grow and get to a point where I know what I’m doing.” Favorite Color: Yellow (on flowers) Fun Fact: “I bought myself a new accordion this summer. I played it when I was a kid, so I’ve been looking for one forever and I found one. It’s gold and sparkly.”
photo by ej boersma
A new face in central office
“Waffles!”
—Mr. Mike Wells principal
photo by ej boersma
Name: Mr. Brad Docter
Position: Dean of Students for Freshmen and Sophomores Education: Bachelor’s in Education from Trinity Christian College, Master’s in Administration from PNW and Bachelor’s in Marketing from Arizona State University Background: Business teacher at Lowell High School for eight years and business teacher at MHS for four years What I Do: “I know everybody thinks that the dean is discipline and attendance, and that’s a lot of it. But I (also) do school IDs, parking, drug tests, supervision, 504 plans—a whole bunch of different things.” What I Like About MHS: “I really like the students here. I think they’re all driven and all have a focus on what they want to do and where they want to be.” Things I Appreciate in MHS: “Mr. (Mike) Wells (principal) has always been really good to me since I got here. He knew my last principal and he’s kind of taken me under his wing and given me some projects to do.” What I am Looking Forward To: “Completing a full year of everybody in-person. You want your Homecoming, you want your Prom, I do too. I hated teaching to a screen. I love seeing faces.” Favorite Color: Blue Fun Fact: “I’m 100 percent Dutch. I walked a mile and a half in a parade with my Little Dutch Boy outfit.”
“
“Oatmeal, the texture is either too thick or too runny. It’s just bad. —Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis assistant principal “Coffee. I don’t drink it, (but) coffee drinkers believe it is an essential food that can’t be missed in their daily diet.” —Mr. Ira Zimmer athletic director “Oatmeal. The texture of it I guess. That would be my last thing to eat.” — Mr. Brian Clark assistant principal “I hate Pop Tarts. I hope they don’t survive the apocalypse. I cringe when my kids want it for breakfast. I like everything else.” — Mr. Bob Snyder assistant principal
The new Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction enters the school year as a proud Mustang JOSEPHINE MITTELBERGER
that fit the curriculum and much more. “I want (staff and students) to know within our curriculum and thinking of that I value shared leadership and that means not just from ways to improve overall. SHE WAS IN MY INDIANA teachers, (but) ad“I think what PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP ministrators,” she said. “I’m here just I’m excited to do is to really dig in— INSTITUTE COHORT MY FIRST to support all the YEAR AS A PRINCIPAL NINE great things that to figure out what little tweaks can YEARS AGO. I HOPE SHE IS are already hapbe made so that SUCCESSFUL IN HER NEW pening, and maybe we’re not the third POSITION AND I WISH HER ALL even be able to give a different perspecfrom the best, but THE BEST. tive on some things we are the best,” — mr. mike that maybe we can she said. “Kind of wells, principal enhance, to continlike our mission and vision statement—supporting ev- ue to make us that school of national distinction.” ery student every day.” Attracted to the School Town of Corrections Munster’s community work, Mrs. Ber- In Issue 1 of Crier, Mrs. Kristin LaFlech’s gren sets her goal to make our schools room is N114, not N144. The Cyberpatriot the best in the state by writing grants, caption should read “Cyberpatriot” not sitting in on classes, adopting books “Cyberpatriots.” Crier regrets these errors. the assistant superintendent takes care
business manager of—finding strengths and weaknesses
photo by ej boersma
A BUSY BEE Having to run over to N155 in between meetings, Mrs. Colleen Bergren poses for a photo. Outside of work she has picked up woodworking, having made two of her own chairs.
Down the street at Central Office, changes are occurring. Mrs. Colleen Bergren has taken the position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and plans to help improve MHS. “I look forward to really working with everybody to make them feel that they are valued and have ownership within the school and the school community,” Mrs. Bergren said. A new assistant superintendent seems important, but what really changes? In short, superintendents control anything related to the instruction of classes. Mainly affecting teachers, they create standards for high ability classes and what is taught in general. Also working to get the schools grants, they watch classes and check data. Mapping classes is an essential role that
3
S E P T. 17, 2021
munster high school crier
Activism: not a trend
O P INIO N
REENA ALSAKAJI
story editor
Over the course of the last two summers, my Instagram timeline has changed tremendously. From a platform allowing people to share photos of themselves, it’s become a place where people share information on social issues. In theory, this is a positive—all they’re doing is spreading information, right? Wrong. The utter sense of relief and joy that I felt when I initially saw these posts quickly turned into a dreaded sense of realization within a few months. The issues that I’d seen my entire life— my familial heritage to Palestine and the resulting comments of “terrorist”—were disguised as acts of education, when the movements were reduced to nothing in a matter of seconds. The posts promoting protests eventually started to die down— 10,000 likes to 5,000 to a mere 100. Suddenly, the Instagram stories of my peers who I had never heard speak a word about said movements went from an overwhelming amount of posts to utter, deafening silence. To put it bluntly—reposting a story with a pretty filter and an eye-catching color scheme for a few months is not the extent of activism. Scrolling through Instagram slides and getting a few facts is not the extent of activism. Whether it’s concerning issues of racism, homophobia, islamophobia—doing no further research is a characteristic of the ignorant. Spreading information through social media can reap benefits—but the argument falls flat when it’s exemplified as the only form of activism, and its worth shatters completely when merely used as a trend for a few months. The line between performative activism and true activism has been shown most clearly in the past year. The long-term pressing matters of our world should not be reduced to a trend. A sudden influx of posts and advertisements by the same people who contribute to the issues they post is contradictory in itself. Activism is strongest when people sign petitions, donate, call representatives—but arguably the easiest yet most impactful method is simply reading more. Only once people actively seek out research, does the line between performative and real activism become most apparent.
CRIER
cartoon by kristen baurain
EDITORIAL
A call for school spirit
Here it comes again—an- some students with a skewed or coupled up, dressed up or other year of expensive dress idea of what school spirit entails. dressed down, students this shopping and “superficial” Taking part in school spirit year have the ability to celequests for popularity. Except, means being yourself, but also brate together as themselves, it’s not so superficial, is it? Yes, being a part of something much arriving just as they are. visiting five different larger. Spirit days are The past two years have stores to find the ab- OUR TAKE one of the few ways taught us that there is immense solute perfect color that all students can value in forging memories and Students tie that matches your actually express uni- embracing the moment—the date’s dress can be a bit shouldn’t feel form support for palpable disappointment of stressful, but the thrum ashamed for their school while last year’s lack of school dances of the music and thrill exhibiting also staying unique demonstrated the significance of the night prove that to themselves. Even these moments hold. With a school spirit. it’s worth the hassle evmore, it creates an year seemingly still up in the ery time. opportunity to comfortably add air, treasuring the memories In spite of the fun that inevi- humor to a repetitive school that we are able to make now is tably comes with a night full of day—it is the only time some- the best we can do. So, go buy dancing and countless selfies one can show up School dances are that $15 grandma wig from underrated with friends, the process lead- to school in a hot Party City—high school is too ing up to the day is always a dog costume short to worry about uphold23% dangerous tiptoe of excitement and it is totally ing a thinly veiled facade of School dances aren’t and indifference. The popu- acceptable. disinterest. underrated lar against-the-grain argument It is not just has been that school dances are the spirit days overrated—in a Crier survey of that unify us. This 357 students, 51.3 percent said year more than ever, the idea of School School as much. what Homecoming means has dances are dances aren’t For many, the pressure of pre- been stripped to a fundamental overrated overrated paring for one grandiose day purpose—bringing the student pales in comparison to simply body together. The outdoor sethanging out with your friends ting of this year’s dance even Source: email survey on any normal one. This, cou- further invites students to let of 357 students from Sept. 7-13 pled with the uniquely adoles- go of preconceived expectations cent phobia of looking “lame” and enjoy the night without the in front of one’s peers, leaves pressure of formality. Dateless
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 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www.mhsnews.net. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2. •Opinions expressed 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 must be signed
77%
48.7% 51.3%
and should be either emailed to the editor (tahlee20@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 10 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Our Staff
Editor-in-Chief Atarah Israel Deadline Manager Alison Lee Photography Scheduler, Trainer and Equipment Manager Anthony Young
Graphics Chief Henry Hofferth PR Manager Gage Hoekstra Story Editor Reena Alsakaji Photography Expert and Source Manager Anna Evilsizor Business Manager Josephine Mittelberger Design Chief Alexis Perez Page Editors Lauren Hoogeveen, Sofia Sanchez, Photographers EJ Boersma, Kristen Baurain Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman Special thanks to Paragon for all their help and contributions
4
S E P T. 17, 2021
HO C O
munster high school crier
The spirit of
HO
photos by anthony young and ej boersm ROAD TO HOCO Spirit Week builds anticipation as students celebrate the week until Homecoming. (from left to right) Seniors Jenna Kosco, Emma Miles and Avery Beerling, are dressed up as sen citizens, Corey Dennis, junior, is dressed up for tropical day and Antonio Cantu, senior, is dressed up for nerd day and seniors Rebecca Franco, Carsyn Sobczak and Robyn DeJoan pose in their nerd d costumes. “I love spirit week,” Robyn DeJoan, senior, said. “Dressing up is so fun and I love to see everyone’s creativity.”
May I have this dance? ATARAH ISRAEL
editor-in-chief
Between finding a group to go with, and figuring out how to tailor her dress, Khusi Jhaveri, senior, has her hands full for Homecoming. Like other students, preparing for the dance tomorrow has given her a night to look forward to. “This dance in general is another way to show school spirit and that you’re supporting school events,” Khusi said. “Whether that be through the pep rally, the parade or the dance itself, you’re taking pride in where you’re coming from and there’s just something really special and uniquely high school about that.” Though Homecoming looks different this year due to changes brought on by
COVID-19 related precautions, students remain excited for the dance. Among these changes is the plan for a virtual pep session like last year, a collaborative effort between Film Club and Student Government. The video will be played during MRT today. “(It’s important to have a video) so we know what all the different clubs are in the Fall and who to talk to if you have any questions about it,” Alyssa Sangueza, senior and Film Club vice president, said. Paralleling the twists of last year, Homecoming will be held in the same place as Prom—between the tennis courts and North classrooms. Though the outdoor aspect has left some students feeling underwhelmed, it is also a chance to redefine their idea of
Students anticipate new guidelines fo Homecoming as MHS shifts to stage orange
what Homecoming is, according to Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher and Student Government sponsor. “It’ll be an opportunity for everyone to get dressed up if they want to, or even go a little casual,” Mrs. LaPorte said. “But to have some type of memory (all the same). Obviously, I love to dance in the gym, it’s the biggest one we put on. But we can’t ignore what is still happening within our own community and the comfort level for kids.” For Student Government, the challenge is creating an environment that has all of the elements of a dance that make it fun, while also keeping students feeling safe. “I think it’s important for the student body to have a Homecoming, because of the rough year we had last year,” Jonathan BrysonHarvey, senior and vice president of Student Government, said. “A lot of our students
weren’t able to experience the norm high school experience. So, it’s importa to really try to get those this year becau we have limited time here.” The plan for Homecoming has been on of constant adaptation and change. Despi this, students are excited to have a dance all. For Khusi, the process of preparing f a dance, even if it is substantially differe from before, is worth the effort. “I think that it’s a way of adapting to th situation,” Khusi said. “It’s really possib that there could have just been no pe session, no parade, anything. Having th spirit week and the virtual pep session st tries to make it more normal, while st adapting to these circumstances with the pandemic. I think it’s really cool f the administration to do that when the could have done nothing.”
They got your back
Student Government explains how they organize Homecoming for students GAGE HOEKSTRA
page editor
photo by kristen baurain IN GOOD HANDS Arman Kumar, senior, and Sierra Sweeny, senior, discuss Student Government’s upcoming Homecoming plans. Student Government also plans drives, donates to charities, and distributes funds to clubs. “Generally at these meetings, there’s an agenda we need to discuss,” Arman said. “We collectively come up with ideas that we feel represent the student body.”
Tasked with representing the student body, Student Government serves as both leaders and ambassadors. Members propose new ideas, while teachers, students and administrators are free to make any suggestions. Meetings are held each Tuesday in Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte’s, sponsor, room. There, discussions are held and led by the president and vice president. These discussions are followed by voting. While they cannot create or implement policies directly, they do maintain a direct link to the administration. “I view them as a liaison between us and you guys,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “They have their own agenda that they discuss, and if they want to do something in the school, they bring it to my attention.”
Events such as Homecoming provide th funds necessary to carry out other even initiatives down the road. Much of Student Government’s time is spent on these activities, purchasing supplies and managing setup. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, ensuring all can run smoothly. “Seeing some of those things taken away, I’ve come to realize how important and fun some of the things I thought were stupid really are,” Anushka Majety, senior and student body president, said. “Even if it is difficult to push ideas that will enhance the student body’s experience, I think it is significant to have a platform to force adults in this school to examine issues and check themselves. Ou campaign was meaningful to me in that w were able to at least acknowledge dispariti and problems that so often go unspoken.”
OCO
ma nior day
or
mal ant use
ne ite at for ent
he ble ep he till till hin for ey
he nts
o l ur we ies
Under construction
CEC works on their playhouses for the Homecoming parade today page editor
5
HO C O
Queens Backtalk
Marley Anderson Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? A: I would visit every country to try their pasta and rate it out of ten. Q: What is your favorite cookie? A: I love oreos. I always have a pack of Oreos in my house. Just the regular double stuffed chocolate one.
Lindsey Reda
Evneki Crenshaw
Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? A: I would try to fix the world, hopefully create peace and spread out resources to places that need it. Q: What’s your favorite type of cookie? A: Double chocolate chip. Everyone knows me as the chocolate person. photo by anthony young PAINT, PAINT, PAINT Working on the senior CEC house, Laila Mosley, senior, puts on the first coat of paint for the blue sky. “The house is really coming together and it’s so fun to make,” Laila said. “I feel like it reflects our colorful personalities.”
Return to tradition
Students and teachers await the return of Speech and Debate’s annual chicken barbeque fundraiser
this year’s dinner will be somewhat different. page editor “My number one hope for this year’s Occurring since 1968, Sept. 17 marks the day a dinner is that we enjoy one another’s highly anticipated tradition will be continued— company,” Mr. Jordan Mayer, Speech and Speech and Debate’s chicken barbeque dinner. Debate Director, said. “And it provides Due to the pandemic, last year’s chicken an opportunity for connection. It’s so barbeque fundraiser was cancelled. Led by important for our students and our town the Speech and Debate Team, members look to have opportunities to connect. That’s my forward to running the fundraiser every year number one goal.” The dinner is a volunteer-run event, serving on the Friday before Homecoming. Although approximately 2,000 people. In past the goal is to earn a profit, the years, those who purchased tickets focus of were able to dine-in. Unfortunately, the only option this year is takeout. Despite looking different, there is no doubt that this year’s chicken barbeque will bring an especially meaningful impact that connects students with the community. “I think when (students) see that we’re holding the dinner, it makes them feel that we’re returning to a sense of normalcy,” Mr. Mayer said. “It’s a very special feeling to know that those that came photo by riley ramirez WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER Speech and Debate students sell before us are still with us, tickets to fundraise for the annual chicken barbeque. “It’s sort of a rite and that there are multiple of passage for Speech and Debate students when they join the team to generations working go out into the community and engage (with) our residents,” Mr. Jordan Mayer, Speech and Debate Director, said. “With this sales drive, it brings together to make this a team bonding and really connects the school to the community.” success.”
SOFIA SANCHEZ
munster high school crier
Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? A: I would give everyone a free jar of pickles. Q: What does the nomination mean to you? A: That I was able to create long lasting bonds with my peers throughout the years. I felt honored to be a part of it.
LAUREN HOOGEVEEN
COVID-19 has caused many changes to Homecoming, but CEC continues to work diligently on their playhouses for today’s Homecoming parade. Seniors chose a Candyland themed playhouse, juniors chose a playhouse based off the movie “Up,” and sophomores chose a hippie theme. Freshmen do not have a playhouse. Due to COVID-19 and MHS moving into stage three, CEC sponsors had to organize sign ups and shifts for building the playhouses, along with contact tracing. “We’re building tonight (Sept. 9). We have a meeting tomorrow on how we’re going to decorate, and everyone seems to be really excited, ” Mrs. Katie Harris, math teacher and CEC senior sponsor, said. All grades are very excited to show off their hard work at today’s parade. They spend one day after school building the house, and then three or four days decorating it. “It is always so cool to see the before and after of the houses. I think that we have a great theme this year and I am so excited to see it come to life,” Emma Gossman, senior, said.
S E P T. 17, 2021
Sierra Sweeney Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? A: I would use all the amenities as much as I could and try my best to make people’s lives better in some way. Q: What is your favorite tradition at MHS? A: My favorite tradition at MHS is definitely dressing up for the week before homecoming.
Paris Marshall Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? A: I would eat a lot of food and ban school after 8th grade. And for the people, a $5 iTunes gift card. Q: What’s your favorite compliment that you’ve been given? A: My favorite compliments are the unique ones like “you’re my manic pixie dream girl.”
Iris Gong
Q: What would you do if you were queen of the world for the day? I would have a day of arête in honor of Mr. (Michael) Gordon, (AP Government teacher.) Q: What does the nomination mean to you? A: I’ve never been a confident person so it means a lot to see I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone to connect with so many people.
6 Rewind
S E P T. 17, 2021
R E V IE W
munster high school crier
BACKTALK What kind of ‘90s music did you used to listen to? Rate one of the four songs out of five stars.
into the past LEXI PEREZ & LAUREN HOOGEVEEN
I
design chief and page editor
n the 1990’s, the human spirit was alive and thriving with eccentric era of fashion and music. Now, with a push for the vintage, ‘90s music and fashion is making a comeback. With most teachers during the ‘90s and students having not, the younger generation tends to judge it more now than then. LEXI PEREZ
design chief
“Self Esteem”
The Offspring
A majority of the teachers mentioned that this was a very popular song, so they immediately recognized it. The bass at the start is what really catches your attention and is what pulled me into listening to the rest of the song. I think this is a really powerful piece— like something from a movie scene. The teachers rated this song and automatically recognized it because of the guitar playing at the start. I am more into the guitarist and drums because I think they play a pretty important role in this song since the first part is mostly guitar. The song “Self Esteem” is based off of a semi-true story with Dexter Holland’s own experiences and his friends. It is about a guy who lets his girlfriend walk all over him—it depicts his lack of self esteem. I like the background of this song and the music really does portray that type of feeling. I would give this song a four out of five.
LEXI PEREZ
design chief
“1979”
The Smashing Pumpkins
An American alternative rock band from Chicago, the Smashing Pumpkins has sold 30 million albums worldwide and is still widely talked about today. I absolutely loved their song “1979”. It’s just such a relaxing song to me. This song reminds me of summer—it feels like you are out late at night talking with your friends and having a good time. “1979” is a song that was written about the transition out of youth into adulthood, which I think is portrayed well in the music. The lead singer remembered being in high school and having adult responsibilities such as a car and job, but still being dependent on his parents. I relate to this song because I do have many adult responsibilities but I am just a highschool student that relies on my parents sometimes. I would definitely give this song a five out of five. It’s one of my favorite songs to listen to while doing homework.
“Soundguard, STP, Pearl Jam.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: two out of five stars.
LAUREN HOOGEVEEN
page editor
“Wonderwall”
—Mr. Steve Lopez social studies teacher
“The Smashing Pumkins, Dave Matthews Band.” Rating of “1979”: five out of five stars. —Mr. Steven Stepnoski English teacher
Oasis
One of Britain’s most popular rock bands of the 90’s, the band Oasis formed in Manchester in 1991. Their album “Morning Glory?” was popular internationally and became one of the best selling albums of all time. I do not think “Wonderwall” is a horrible song, but I don’t think it’s my favorite out of the ‘90s songs we picked. I like the background and the instrumental parts of it, but I do agree with Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski and Mr. Steve Lopez when they both said the lead singer of Oasis sounds “whiny.” There is a good beat but I’m not a huge fan of the vocals. I rate this song two out of five stars. Mr. Steven Stepnoski, English teacher, recognized “Wonderwall” immediately. It was one of the first songs he learned how to play on the guitar because he wanted to impress his peers in high school. Mr. Stepnoski complained that this song is “overplayed,” so he decided to give it a four out of five.
LAUREN HOOGEVEEN
page editor
“Greedy Fly”
Bush
Originating in London, England, the British rock band, Bush, had their name written all over the Billboard rock charts in the 90’s. In 1994, they immediately blew up with their debut album, “Sixteen Stone.” The song “Greedy Fly” has been interpreted as a person contemplating their view and values of the world. It is about a transformation of a person and culturally accepted beliefs in society. I really enjoyed the song “Greedy Fly” when I first listened to it. I think the lead singer has a really nice voice and I like the instrumental part in the beginning of the song. This song has a really cool vibe to it—it almost reminds me of a song you would hear in the movie “Freaky Friday” from 2003. I rate this song four out of five stars. Mrs. Katie Harris, math teacher, was particularly enthusiastic when we played “Greedy Fly.” Gavin Rossdale, the lead singer of Bush, was Mrs. Harris’ high school celebrity crush. She also went to a Bush concert when she was 15 years old—her first concert ever.
“NSYNC, Briteny Spears.” Rating of “1979”: one out of five stars. —Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte social studies teacher
“Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: one out of five stars. —Mr. Matthew Kalwasinski social studies teacher
“Red Hot Chilli Peppers, R.E.M.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: five out of five stars. —Mr. Don Fortner social studies teacher
“Queen or whatever is on the radio.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: three out of five stars. —Mrs. Katie Harris math teacher
“Dave Matthews Band.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: four out of five stars.” —Mr. Joshua Herold social studies teacher
“Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys.” Rating of “Wonderwall”: five out of five stars. —Mr. Benjamin Boruff English teacher
Watch the full videos of teacher reactions to ‘90s music on mhsnews.net.
7
S E P T. 17, 2021
munster high school crier
Netting fierce
competition
The football players play against Kankakee Valley tonight at 7 p.m. Before the game, they answered the question: If you could be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of anything, what would it be?
Volleyball prepares for upcoming games, pushes toward State SOFIA SANCHEZ
“Kick returning.”
page editor
The sound of music flows through the locker room. Players crowded together boost each other’s morals for the upcoming game. Some are occupied with calming their anxieties and going through a mental pep talk to revive the energy needed to thrive on the court. Undoubtedly, the support contributed by both each other and the student section will encourage Volleyball to display fierce competition during the game. “The family we’ve built is like none I’ve ever seen before,” Haley Melby, senior, said. “We’re always together, hanging out and having a good time so it makes it really fun on the court. That’s another thing about our team—we play for each other, not for ourselves. That’s really important and something that I try to keep in mind for every game.” Team work on the court and a competitive environment provides a means of keeping the games engaging. At their first tournament of the season, the team beat Crown Point with a final score of 2-1. “We won against Crown Point in their opening tournament which they have every year for the first time since I was a freshman,” Emma Miles, senior, said. “That was definitely memorable because we usually win later on, but this year we started off really strong.” While dominating the courts to date, Volleyball is reaching towards their distinguished goal—making it to State. Although optimistic, seeking to prevail at State may prove to
numbers
The
photo by ej boersma WICKED WIN Celebrating after scoring a point, seniors Emma Miles, Marina Gronkiewicz and Grace Clark, win their game against Hobart on Sept. 9. “Despite even the score, I felt confident in us and knew we were going to pull through,” Marina Gronkiewicz, senior, said.
Counting down ‘til Sectionals
Football has a record of Girls’
5175
miles have been ran by Boys’ Cross Country
LOSSES Soccer goal Boys’ Tennis won out of score count: Boys’ Soccer have scored Volleyball has a record of
3
1
WINS
LOSSES
16
3
Girls’ Golf is undefeated in their Conference
WINS
5
—Max Lesinski freshman
be a challenge. trust in each other causes “It’s always so fun be“As a team we do want them to strive for greater cause we’ve bonded to get back down to State, ambitions and to continue with each other for four but we do also have a to prevail throughout the years now. So, on the huge target on our back season. court, it’s not really like because we went to State “This year I’m really I’m with my teammates, last year,” Sarah Mor- proud of how close we’ve it’s like I’m with my best “I wish I could ton, senior, said. “So all all gotten,” Morton said. friends.” be the GOAT of of the teams around us making money.” want to beat us Volleyball has eight obviously. Every more games until game is going to Sectionals be a challenge no —Frederick matter who we Johnson Oct. 12 Sectionals play. Each game sophomore is another obstaOct. 8 cle that we have Penn to face.” Ultimately, the Oct. 7 Highland team’s greatest accomplishment Oct. 5 Hobart is achieving their victories togethOct. 2 McCutcheon er. Last year for “Eating food.” the first time in Sept. 30 history, the team Andrean went to State and —Brendan brought home the Sept. 27 Kankakee photo by ej boersma Budeselich title of State runSERIOUS SERVE Hurling junior ner-ups. More than the ball into the air, Taylor Sept. 23 Lowell just cooperation, Schroer, JV member and the relationships sophomore, serves the ball Valparaiso they have formed at a home game against Sept. 22 source: https://mhs.munster.us/Our-School/General-Information/MHS-Athletic-Schedules and continuous Hobart.
The immense amount of elbow grease and energy fall sports have been exerting throughout this season, told through numbers WINS
S P O RTS BACKTALK
LOSSES
0
10
19
SPORT Football Volleyball
miles per week
—Alex Pala senior
—Anthony Cowins freshman
“Linebacker blitzing”
—Cristian Silva sophomore
“Being an athlete.” —Alec Castillo junior
“Wisdom.”
—Zach Lenaburg senior
goals
GAMES AT A GLANCE HOME GAMES LEFT
Girls’ Girls’ Cross Country Cross Country Boys’ Cross Country runs about
30
6 6
matches
“Hot dog eating champion.”
“Professional football player.”
Girls’ Golf Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Soccer Boys’ Tennis
NEXT GAME
1
Highland at 7 p.m. (away)
4
Valparaiso at 5 p.m. (home)
0 0 0 0
“I would be the greatest joke New Prairie at 8 a.m. (away) teller.” New Prairie at 8 a.m. (away)
“Golf.”
Sectionals (TBD)
St. Joseph at 2 p.m. (away)
5
Lowell at 6:30 p.m. (home)
3
Homestead at 9 a.m. (away) graphic by atarah israel
—Tommy Choros senior
—Blake Siurek senior
8
S E P T 17. 2021
S T U DE NT LIF E
munster high school crier
BACKTALK
September is National Save Your Photos month. What is the last photo in your camera roll?
2:56 p.m. Sept. 9.
“A picture of my tree named Toast.” — Jillian Blackford freshman
“A picture of me and my friend.”
“A screenshot of Drakes new song ‘Knife Talk.’”
“Me next to my Certificate of Induction into the Thespians Society for Theatre.”
— Muskaan Kaur freshman
photo by kristen baurain
LOOSENING UP Dancing, running, jumping and stretching, Joey Hladek, sophomore, freshmen Charlie Ilijevski and Evvy Kikkert, and James Ferguson, junior, warm up on stage before beginning rehearsal. Theatre warms up as a group to prepare both their minds and bodies to get into character. “We just run through different acts (and) then we have a little powwow at the end,” James said.
In the spotlight
Theatre members rehearse and prepare for upcoming play, “Harvey” REENA ALSAKAJI & SOFIA SANCHEZ
3 p.m. , Sept. 8
story editor and page editor
The auditorium lights flicker on. Students flood in, immediately filling the mute theater with excited, eager voices as rehearsal begins for the day. “(My favorite part of rehearsal) is being around everybody,” Clara Dumaresq, sophomore, said. “I’ve had problems fitting in, so (Theatre) helped a lot. These are some of the greatest people I’ve ever known. (They) are so accepting and so different from everyday people.”
3:07 p.m.
Props and furniture moving left and right, the entire Theatre staff—actors, tech crew, hair and makeup—begin setting up
3:26 p.m. Sept. 9.
the stage. After weeks of practicing lines, today’s rehearsal is the first off-script enactment of “Harvey.”
3:34 p.m.
Today, members of the staff get their headshots taken to be displayed on the walls. As members slowly gather on stage, they begin their stretches and warm ups. Warm ups typically vary from loud shouts, tongue twisters, sirens and simply running. “(My favorite part of rehearsal) is probably warm ups,” James Ferguson, junior, said. “I wish (rehearsal) was more than three times a week.”
3:42 p.m.
The entire staff is sitting on the stage as Mr. Raymond Palasz, auditorium director, discusses updates. Today, the dreaded horror felt by every member finally comes to pass, as Mr. Palasz announces that with Stage 3, the live performance they hoped for may be out of reach. But Mr. Palasz is determined to see this play live, discussing options such as an outside play or postponing it. “I just really want (this play) to go smoothly,” Chloe Sarkady, sophomore, said. “It’s our first play since our stream (plays). I just want everyone to feel like a cast again.”
4:14 p.m.
photo by kristen baurain
PEEK-A-BOO Peeking out from backstage, Joey Hladek, sophomore, and Charlie Ilijevski, freshman, wait for their cue as Ava Rozmanich, sophomore, practices lines. “I’m excited to make new bonds in the productions,” Ava said.
With the actors still on stage, Mr. Palasz does a different exercise than the norm. In an attempt to bring out the students’ creative genius, he splits the actors into groups, with one person from each posing next to props. Through this experience, students get to work in teams to capture a scene on the spot.
4:42 p.m.
The actors aren’t the only ones putting their all into creating a story. At the back of the auditori-
um, the tech crew is working hard. Near the equipment, sophomores Kyle Farnell, Robert Brunetti and Seamus Keegan sit, working on adding lights and cues into the script. “(Theatre gives me an opportunity) to be able to use my talent to help,” Kyle said. “(The lights) give the show life.” An integral part of producing life on the stage involves putting life into the characters—hair, makeup and costumes. “Harvey” is still in the beginnings of its production, so aside from the occasional dance party, the makeup staff is often working on mapping out face shapes and learning different techniques. “Makeup comes easy to me,” Clara said. “You have to pay attention to the time period (and) ages of all the characters and their personalities.”
4:43 p.m.
Back on stage, the actors disassemble their practice exercises and begin their first off script line reading for “Harvey,” starting at the top of Act 1, Scene 1. “My biggest goal is to have a well put together show—which I know is going to happen,” Jordan Fefferman, freshman, said. “It’s a great cast and I just want to have fun performances.”
— Kayla Bell sophomore
“A picture of the sky because I loved how it looked.”
— Anna Szafasz junior
— Kammy Hubbard sophomore
“A picture of my dogs, Riley and Shapoopie, after getting their haircuts.” — Brooke Vivian junior
5:14 p.m.
The reading finishes and Mr. Palasz calls everyone to reconvene on stage. Reviewing the day, Theatre members discuss their progress and set goals to improve their performance. “My goal is to embody the role since the play takes place in the 1900s,” Ini Edet, sophomore, said. “It’s a different acting style than I’m used to, because I’ve either done a very recent or past (time period).”
“It is a picture of me and my friends in the bathroom.” — Emma Geary — Eddie Minniefield senior senior “Clip art of an old man holding flowers. “
5:17 p.m.
Theatre rehearsal concludes, with the date of the “Harvey” premiere uncertain. Everyone disperses with a feeling of determination. The lights shut off, cloaking the room in a familiar darkness that marks the end of rehearsal. “In a week, month, year, we’re going to do this show,” Mr. Palasz said to the students. “For a number of you, coming and putting the minutes in is not just something you do…working on the show is part of who you are. I want the audience to see that.”
“A photo of the football plays that are going to be ran this week.” —Mr. Andrew Martin math teacher
“Notes on a whiteboard.”
—Mr. Kevin Clyne english teacher