3.1.16

CRIER Vol. 50/Issue 8/March 1, 2016

MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Page 6-7: Students practice for Battle of the Bands competition this Friday

8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321

Don’t

talk

UPCOMING n

AP Exams: Online registration for Advanced Placement exams ends at 5 p.m. Friday

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Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27: Makeup dates for days missed last week due to snow

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Choral Concert: Choirs perform tonight at 7 p.m. in the auditorium

INSIDE LOOK

RACE

photo illustrations by Rachel Bishop

Page 2 Speech qualifies 35 entries for State competition after Sectionals

Page 4 With recent release of Netflix original series “Fuller House,”a sequel to TV show “Full House,” Crier staff member reviews 90s sitcoms

about

Students provide perspectives on stigma surrounding discussion on race

E Pages 10 Boys’ Basketball competes at Sectionals tomorrow against East Chicago Central at 7 p.m.

Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

veryone is talking about what happened, yet no one will talk about it.

Beyoncé produced and performed a hit song criticizing it. Kendrick Lamar exposed it during his Grammy performance.

Chris Rock, while hosting the Oscars, spun it into a candid joke.

The “it” is racism. It makes headlines. It is controversial and sensitive. It is treated as taboo.

For Vivian Reba, senior, and many other individuals, racism affects their lives.

“When I was six, I was at a dance competition and they wouldn’t let me change in the dressing room with everyone else,” Vivian said. “When I was nine, I was at a restaurant after a competition and a group of girls walked past me and said, ‘Why did they let these n****rs in?’”

Racism exists. And with yesterday ending Black History Month, the importance of discussing issues like racism is raised. Yet, while recognizing the accomplishments and resilience of a race, we must also think of the racism that undoubtedly plagues it.

What is perceived as “racist” can range from the such extreme situations to microaggressions, such as making insensitive

Continued on pg. 8

2 news Quick Notes ACDA American Choral Directors' Association select nine students to Conference

Nine Honors Choir students, the largest group in Munster history, attended the American Choral Directors’ Association (ACDA) Conference in Chicago for the first day of rehearsal yesterday.

These students, sophomores Richard Caraher, Alainna Carey, Olivia Hesterman, Chloe Jancosek and Abigail Negri; juniors Elliott Fus and Frank Storino; and seniors Yiorgo Karnezis and Jonathan Neeley, were chosen to attend conference after an audition which featured singing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" and a song of their choice.

“We were able to learn the pieces really well and perform them really well," Frank said. "Our director is well-informed, and he really understood the pieces."

This story was originally scheduled for publication on Feb. 25. See page 5 for a note from the editors.

TEAMS TEAMS prepare for Purdue Calumet competition today

As the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) members prepare for their competition at Purdue Calumet today, TEAMS sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher, hopes for a strong showing at the team’s only regular season competition. Because the several teams of MHS students were the only teams in attendance, Munster was able to win every event. The teams will receive a packet which they will fill out and have judged at three separate locations.

“We’ll be bringing four teams out to Purdue Calumet (today), and we’re hoping a handful of other schools will be in attendance,” Mr. Koszut said. “In the past, we’ve been able to do very well at this competition."

Academic Super Bowl Academic Super Bowl prepares for tryouts, focus on practices

Crier/March 1, 2016

Eyes on

the prize Speech wins Sectionals, looks ahead to State competition Mary Ellen Gilhooly Business Manager The Speech team traveled to Valparaiso High School Saturday to compete in Sectionals. Students competed to qualify for the 2016 State Finals, which will take place March 12 at Fishers High School. In order to qualify for the State Finals, students must have placed in the top 6 in their event at Sectionals.

Speech qualified a total of 35 entries for the state tournament, winning the tournament sweepstakes with a total of 199 points.

To prepare for the competition, the team held sectional Production and Tech weeks. During these weeks leading into the competition, students developed their pieces with teammates and alumni.

“We often break into groups to watch one another perform and then give critics on how they could improve before sectionals. Then the coaches periodically pull students to work with them as well,” Chloe Zatorski, senior, said.

Chloe placed third in both the Memorized Duo Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation events. These events include students performing a story by focusing on portraying relationships between characters.

“For me, it is always important that I feel like I am telling the stories in a way that does them justice, so a lot of pro-

photo by Easan Venkat

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Working on her Humorous Intrepretation piece, a 10-minute interpretation of a play, Alex Raycroft, junior, placed fifth in both her Humor and Memorized Duo Interpretation events. "We practice just about every day," Alex said. "We usually run or time pieces, which is really important. We always try to get other people's opinions on our pieces because the more opinions you get, the better your piece will turn out."

duction week is spent on making my character as believable as possible,” Zatorski said.

Students also took the time during the production and technical weeks to fix anything in their pieces and practice them before going to competition.

“I have been working on cutting down my pieces because both have been going over the ten minute time limit, as well as working on making my characters as believable as possible,” Chloe said.

The preparation that members participated in during these weeks allowed the team to get many opinions

Academic Super Bowl begins practice for tryouts in March to determine who will attend future competitions.

“Everyday after school to about 5:30 p.m., we will be practicing for our first competition. Tryouts are March 30 through April 2,” Brian Araya, senior, said. “Tryouts determine if you can qualify to attend invitationals in the future.”

As practices are underway, the team prepares individually for tryouts, according to Brian.

“Practices, right now, are pretty lenient,” Brian said. “Studying is up to the individual competitor to decide what they need to study for tryouts."

Music to their ears Band members discuss ISSMA competition last weekend Gavin Hamilton News Editor

Corrections

In issue 7 of Crier, senior Camille Jancosek’s name was misspelled on page 2. Additionally, freshman Jackie Webber’s name was misspelled. Also, the production “Too Fabulous to Fail” ran through Saturday Feb. 6. Page 8 reflected the incorrect number of Color Guard members. The correct amount should be 19 members. On page 9, Thalia Chioros, sophomore, was incorrectly identified. Crier regrets these errors.

and critiques on their pieces from the volunteer judges that came in.

All of the students’ standings at Sectionals determine who they will face at the state competition.

The team will also travel to Plymouth High School to compete at the National Speech and Debate Association National Qualifier competition this weekend. To qualify for the national competition in Salt Lake City, students must place in the top two in their event.

This story was originally scheduled for publication on Feb. 25. See page 5 for a note from the editors.

photo by Rachel Bishop

ONE MAN BAND At Jazz Band practice, Jake Yalowitz, junior, practices for the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble competition both inside of and outside of school. According to Jake, the practices help him perfect his new piece, which he chose a little over a month ago. "Getting to State is a big honor because you have to play a Group One piece, which is a college level piece generally," Jake said.

Band members competed at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Solo and Ensemble competition last Saturday. This year, nine of the 13 solo entries received gold and three of the five ensemble entries received gold at the State competition. The rest of the entries, who did not receive gold, received silver.

“Most of the time, they do fairly well (at State), mostly because they’ve already been through the process once (at Districts),” Mr. Bret Winternheimer, band director, said. “The reason students advanced to the event was because they were well-prepared.”

The students either compete by themselves or in a group of about three to 20. These students perform for a judge who supplies feedback and a score, which determines what medal they receive, according to Arlo Detmer, senior.

“I wasn’t surprised (about advancing to State) because I’ve been doing ISSMA for years, so I know what it takes to get a gold. It is a lot of pressure and things could go wrong at any time, so I wasn’t sure,” Arlo said. This story was originally scheduled for publication on Feb. 25. See page 5 for a note from the editors.

news 3

Crier/March 1, 2016

photos by Easan Venkat

CRUNCH TIME Preparing for the State competition last weekend with an increase of practices and mandatory study days, juniors Henry Wolf and Rowell Irfan review their role-play scenario in preparation for State. “We were told that we are supposed to help a struggling company and choose the best option to help this company and support it,” Henry said. YOU BE THE JUDGE Being judged on her “Principles of Marketing” event by Vince D’Angelo, senior, Priyana Reddy, freshman, prepares for State.

Reclaiming the throne State DECA attempts to regain State title after revamped season

Danie Oberman Associate Editor DECA entered last year’s State competition award ceremony as seven consecutive year champions, and left with a second-place finish to Carmel High School.

“It was just really awkward and you could feel the tension, and Carmel’s celebrating in the corner, and we’re just awkwardly, silently walking out,” Tara Layous, sophomore, said.

However, the loss was not surprising to Anisha Vavilala, senior. Last year, Carmel allowed freshman and sophomore students to attend State, increasing their team’s size. “(Carmel was) a really good team,” Anisha said. “They did completely deserve the win. It was a little disappointing because we had won several years in a row, but we didn’t have the numbers, so I guess it was something to boost you up for next year.”

DECA has made changes all season, and hope to return from State today with a win. “(Our loss) definitely made our motivation ten times stronger,” Tara said. “And this year we have a new system of practicing and a new system of everything basically, because not only do we have a new sponsor, but Mega (Dafiaghor, senior) the current president, has been working really hard to implement a system that is effective for the studying techniques of the students and just the overall practice they’re getting in.”

All DECA members are required to attend a certain number of practices and study days in order to compete at State. This changed the work ethic of the group, according to Mega.

“We just decided that DECA’s only hard if you don’t try at all, so we just put in specific requirements so that way we would be able to win it this year, because it’s not something that’s hard to win,” Mega said.

Role-plays, which are situations where mem-

bers must solve a problem, have improved the most out of all of the events that DECA has to offer, according to Mega.

“People are more confident Take your pick going into (the role-plays), so it makes what they’re saying DECA members qualify for seem more plausible,” Mega state competition through said. two different processes Members who do not qualn Single or Partner events: ify for State in their original Members take a written test and events were able to choose to perform a role-play, or somecompete in written event to times multiple role-plays. The top boost their numbers and give seven scoring members qualify more members a chance to for state competition. Top four compete in hopes to improve single or partner will qualify for their scores.

Nationals in Nashville.

“They just have more kids n Written events: Members can than we have. We’re bringsubmit a correctly formatted, ing 122 students, they’re goproper length paper to automating to bring over 300, so our ically qualify for state competikids are going to do well, tion. Top three singles will qualify but because of numbers it’s for Nationals in Nashville. still going to be very diffisource: Mrs. Denise Moore, DECA sponsor cult to beat them,” DECA sponsor Mrs. Denise Moore, study hall supervisor, said.

Anisha cannot predict how DECA will fare against Carmel but continues to hope for the best.

“I think we have significantly fewer numbers than Carmel, but I think we’re better prepared,” Anisha said. “I think members have put more time into it. More tests have been done, more role-plays have been practiced. I don’t know, hopefully it goes our way, but I’m not sure.” As of press time, awards and results were unavailable. See page 5 for a note from the editor.

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4 spotlight

Crier/March 1, 2016

Straight outta the

90s

After “Fuller House” debut on Netflix, Crier staff member reviews the most memorable sitcoms of the 90s Ian Brundige Student Life Editor

A town called Bel-Air

Yadda, yadda, yadda

All in the family

Launching the acting career of 90s rapper Will Smith, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was the perfect duet between rap music and 1990—1996 the small screen. Led

by Will Smith, the show told the story of a boy named William (Will) Smith from the streets of Philly adjusting to his new life with his high society family in the affluent Los Angeles suburb, Bel-Air. Smith essentially plays himself…well, the 90s version of himself, and he is bursting with as much energy as the train in Smith’s 1999 blockbuster “Wild Wild West.”

Smith was the reason people tuned into the show. Carlton, Will’s straightlaced cousin, dancing is amusing and it’s cute to see Ashley Banks, Will’s younger cousin, being sophisticated at country club luncheons, but seeing Will interact with the characters is the highlight of the show.

Will Smith is the only actor who could pull off the eccentric, energetic “character” Will Smith.

Available on Amazon streaming for purchase.

“Seinfeld” could be called the show about nothing... beloved, hilarious, amazing nothing.

Jerry Seinfeld’s conversational comedic tone led the show, creating a world were 1989—1998 one could be entertained by simply having a conversation with, or listening to, anyone from the bizarre Kramer, convincing you to loan him money, to the practical best friend, George Costanza.

While it’s relaxing to just turn off your brain and get a quick laugh at any point in the show without any pretext, it lacks the substance necessary to be the best. Available on Hulu.

It’s happening: “Fuller House” was released on Netflix last Friday. Expectations were low, but it was great to see members of the Tanner house back.

The concept of “Full House” was simple; two 1987—1995 friends, Jesse Katsopolis, the bad boy bachelor, and Joey Gladstone, a comedian who is great at entertaining kids, move in with Danny Tanner, a single father, and his three daughters after Danny’s wife dies. The three men become the children’s under-qualified “parents,” creating a collection of goofy adventures in parenting and family. Available on Hulu and Amazon streaming for purchase.

A world of learning Cory Matthews is the classmate everyone wants.

Although the halls were often water-war zones and everyone was talking about drama between the high 1993—2000 school sweethearts, Topanga and Cory, viewers cannot help but laugh. The life lessons that “Boy Meets World” taught were more frequent than Mr. Feeny’s pop quizzes.

As the show advanced, the romance between Topanga and Cory became the focus of the show but never in a typical romantic comedy way.

Unlike the other shows on the list, this 90s gem was unfortunately revisited with Disney Channel’s nightmarish “Girl Meets World,” proving that the feeling of innocence that “Boy Meets World” created can never be repeated.

Available for Amazon streaming for purchase.

Depicting a decade This show needs to stay in the 90s: the clothes, the repetitive cliché storylines, all of it. Every aspect of this show is so saturated in 90s that in any other era, it would 1994—2004 not be considered entertainment, but that is what makes “Saved By the Bell” such a great 90s sitcom. The crazy patterns, Slater’s neon tank tops and all the fringe transports viewers, for a half hour on Netflix, to the amazing world of high school in the 90s. Available on Netflix.

They’ll be there for you The sitcom that relates most to modern day than any other of its time, when thinking about 90s sitcoms based around a group of friends, “Friends” is the first thought.

1987—1995 The show ran for 10 seasons, and unlike most sitcoms, especially today’s, the final seasons of “Friends” were still just as satisfying as the rest of the show. The reason this sitcom was so popular in the late 90s was because of its ability to relate to people and their lives. The reason it has lasted as an icon in pop culture for so long is because it pushed everyday relatable situations just past reality so that viewers wished they could be living them.

However, in doing this, the show often became cheesy and lost its realism.

Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Ross and Chandler will always be the “Friends” we all want.

Available on Netflix.

graphic by Gavin Hamilton

speakout 5

Crier/March 1, 2016

CRIER Munster High School

A note from the editor: This issue of Crier was originally meant for publication last Thursday; however, Crier was forced to postpone publication due to the snow days last Wednesday and Thursday. Although some of our coverage may not be as timely as planned, we believe the content of this issue is significant enough that it deserves publication.

Meena Kandallu, Editor-in-Chief

HITTING BARRIERS When it comes to same-sex marriage and feminism, society will not miss a chance to discuss its issues. However, when it comes to race, the fear of saying the wrong thing prevents people from saying anything at all, which only adds to the issue.

editorial

Turning a colorblind eye

Some common fears include claustrophobia, the fear of small spaces; arachnophobia, the fear of spiders; or acrophobia, the fear of heights.

Then there are phobias for fruit, memories, clouds—but is there one for talking about race?

There isn’t, yet race is one of the most feared discussion topics today. Many people are unsure of who has the authority to speak on race, and others worry that one slip-up can mean being labeled as a racist.

OUR TAKE Society has become overwhelmFear of being ingly concerned with being politipolitically cally correct. No one wants to be the incorrect should white person who offends the Hisnot deter one from talking panic person. No one wants to be the about race black person who misspeaks about the Asian person. No one wants to speak and risk accidental racism.

We have become so afraid of talking about race and making a mistake that we simply do not talk about it anymore.

And not talking about race has caused harmful practices in the world today. The term “colorblindness” refers to more than visual acuity; it also means disregarding racial factors in all as-

pects of life, treating each person as if their race didn’t exist.

While equality is an achievable standard, colorblindness encourages the idea that race is a disposable concept: a topic unworthy of discussion.

We were all born with our races. Each person’s race is easily seen and will never disappear. Ignoring our races and taking on “colorblindness” promotes loss of identity. Also, it severs communication, allowing for further misunderstandings between people of different races to occur.

Racial activists fought, rallied or even died, so we could continue to talk about race. Martin Luther King Jr. stated in a speech given March 1965 in Selma, Alabama, “A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”

Our races are true, and the manner with which we talk about them should be as true also.

If there is no open field of communication regarding race, our society can never expect to learn and correct ourselves. Misspeaking while talking about race is okay—let’s recognize the mistake, correct it and learn from it. Open communication about a controversial topic is necessary and should never be feared.

Be healthy, not hungry Mary Ellen Gilhooly Business Manager “No thanks, I’ve already had too much to eat.”

We’ve all heard stories, gossip and rumors. We’ve seen so many awareness campaigns for eating disorders, including last week, which is National Eating Disorder Awareness week. Even with all this attention though,anorexia is still the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.

Recently, Mattel released a new version of their iconic Barbie doll, which is now made in four different “sizes” (curvy, tall, petite and original). Long standing complaints about the classic Barbie’s unrealistic figure prompted this change, and although the new dolls are a step in the right direction, Barbie’s figure

isn’t the biggest battle to fight against body shaming now.

Yes, Barbie may have added to problems with eating habits and body shaming long ago, but this isn’t the case anymore. The biggest struggle is the fact that most people are not even sure what qualifies as an eating disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, an eating disorder is defined as “a serious condition related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life.” Disorders start when bad habits begin to hinder a person’s life.

Eating isn’t something people should feel ashamed about. People shouldn’t be afraid to eat because they want to look “healthy,” which has become a false image that people are striving for. The idea of healthy is mistaken for being thin and looking a certain way, but your health is

really the way you feel and making sure you don’t feel sick or weak.

The word “health” has developed a connotation far from its true meaning, leading people to believe that skinny is equal to healthy. This isn’t healthy; it is far from it, and most people don’t recognize this. Too many people think that becoming healthy is based on how much you eat, but that’s only a small part of the battle. Focusing on food’s nutritional value is the key because feeling good physically is the real meaning of health.

There is something more to this epidemic, something that people are skipping over when they start planning their various diets. Your body will tell whether or not you’re healthy, not the shape of your body in the mirror or the number on the measuring tape. There’s no reason for teens to try to fit into one of Barbie’s four new sizes because no one can put a shape on what healthy is.

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

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and twoway 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, truthfulness, 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 and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia.

Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.

Crier is published 11 times a school year.

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Meena Kandallu Design Editor Chloe Wineinger Copy Editor Mariah Villaroman Associate Editor Danie Oberman Media Editor Jordan Szymanski Opinion Editor Danie Oberman Sports Editors Joseph Bermudez Jordan Szymanski News Editors Gavin Hamilton Simon Pirok Infocus Editor Sofía Navarro Student Life Editor Ian Brundige Cartoonists Ian Brundige Gavin Hamilton Head Photographer Rachel Bishop Business Manager Mary Ellen Gilhooly Photographers Veronica Bilek Elisa Del Toro Elizabeth Fonseca Mary Ellen Gilhooly Olivia Hesterman Brandi Hoover Ashwin Iyer Bree Karl Danijela Kaurin Sidney Milne Vrusti Patel Melanie Powers Nicole Roberts Jaylee Rodriguez Emma Trivunovic Easan Venkat Andrew Vicari Summer Witvoet Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

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Crier/March 1, 2016

Crier/March 1, 2016

Preparing for

Hot

After a close loss in last year’s Battle of the Bands and losing two band members after graduation, Hot has been working intensely to perfect their performance.

Their newest members, Anna Whitney, junior, and Chloe Moffett, sophomore, believe their diverse musical backgrounds bring a variation to the Vocals: Annie band, that hasn’t yet been seen.

Anna believes that some of their Phelps, junior setlist’s charm comes from what a Guitar: Rachel different array of members the band Bishop, senior has.

Bass: Julia Torres, “We try to connect with the audisenior ence and play things that reflect our Keyboard: Anna own style but also get everybody pumped.” Anna said.

Whitney, junior Annie Phelps, junior, fuels her Drums: creative drive with music.

Chloe Moffett, “Music is my main outlet for self sophomore expression, and when I’m singing or playing an instrument in front of someone, it just feels indescribable,” Annie said.

As for the performance itself, Annie believes Hot has made significant improvement from last year, and she believes first place is well within reach.

battle

Student bands practice in preparation for Battle of the Bands competition this Friday Sofía Navarro Infocus Editor

infocus 7

Chloe Wineinger Design Editor

photo by Olivia Hesterman

KEY TO SUCCESS Practicing in Annie Phelps’s, junior, basement with the rest of her band, Anna Whitney, junior plays her keyboard. “I think that all of us have a bit of a different style and background,” Anna said.

“We each bring a dish to the potluck of musical beauty.”

3 Hunks in a Basement

photo by Olivia Hesterman

photo by Veronica Bilek

PLAY HARD Hangman’s band members, including Levi Gonzalez, TF South student, on bass guitar; Milan Obradovic, junior, on vocals; Mike Winnick, TF South student, on drums; Calvin Leick, senior, on guitar practice in Calvin’s Basement. “A lot of people like to put themselves in a box,” Calvin said. “Some people who play ‘hard’ music don’t want to play soft, and some people who play ‘soft’ music don’t want to be hard. I want to be all of that, and I want it to come through in our music.”

Hangman

Milan Obradovic, junior, was disappointed after his original band for Battle of the Bands, ’Nilla Funk, fell through. However, he regained hope after another group called Hangman led by guitarist Calvin Leick, senior, sought Vocals: Milan him out to sing lead.

The members bonded instantly over their interests in similar mu- Obradovic, junior sic, such as funk and “heavier rock,” according to Milan. Although Guitar: Calvin Leick, Hangman has already been around for a year, with the original senior members having experience in other bands as well, this will be Mi- Bass: Levi Gonzalez, lan’s debut with a group.

T.F. South student “This is my first experience performing with a band, so it’s a bit Drums: Mike Winnick, of a learning curve for me,” Milan said. “I’m used to singing in choir in a more formal manner, but now I’ll be switching to having T.F. South student more of a free-flowing attitude towards my singing.”

Hangman will be playing a variety of music styles, including two original songs that the band wrote together. With each band member having slightly different musical tastes than the others, they can create a more dynamic and complex sound, according to Calvin.

FACE THE MUSIC At a gig at Royal Skate and Apparel in Lansing, Jerry Jacinto, senior, sings for his band, Belladonna. The band practices multiple times a week for Battle of the Bands and performs about two gigs a month. “My favorite thing (about performing) is that I can forget about everything that’s going on in my life, all of my problems disappear and nothing matters,’” Jerry said. “And it doesn’t matter if it’s 50 people watching us or just five, we always play our best and have fun.”

Belladonna

with different bands, both members have learned about different band dynamics. Jerry, When seniors Jerry Jacinto and Brett Butler put who performed in last year’s Battle of the Bands together the band they had wanted to perform with contender Soundcheck, has learned valuable for two years, there was one major factor performing lessons from his experience. that they had yet to consider: an official Vocals: Hannah “First of all, I have learned not to band name. It wasn’t until Brett heard straighten my hair (since last year’s Ernst, junior Mrs. Elena Lopez, art teacher, talk about Battle of the Bands),” Jerry said. “And Guitar: Jerry a particular flower that they had an idea.

I’ve learned how to prevent most of Jacinto, senior; “It’s a poisonous flower in Italy, and the technical difficulties that came up Nic Blackstone, women would take it and it would during last year’s show, which mainly make their pupils dilate, but then it ’14 just involves being prepared, like poisoned them too and made them sick,” Bass: Brandon checking that an amp isn’t too loud or Jerry said. “It’s also supposed to mean changing the (guitar) strings a week Gill, senior ‘beautiful woman’ in Italian, and it’s a before instead of the night before.”

Drums: Brett pretty cool looking flower, so we just The band focuses on their work by Butler, senior decided to stick with it.” practicing weekly for gigs performed Jerry and Brett have performed in about twice every month. Although they different bands, but they have been are excited about the competition, their friends throughout high school and knew that main aim for the night is to gain more support for they wanted to perform together. After playing the band.

Despite their confident approach to performing at battle, sophomores Rob Wente, Alex Weakland, and Cody Phillips are not entirely intent on winning battle. To 3 Hunks in a Basement, this is only the beginning.

“I don’t think this year is really about winning for us. This year is about being accepted into battle, (and) next year is us in second or first place.” Alex said.

Rob believes his band has a softer feel comVocals: Cody pared to most performers at battle.

Phillips, “Our performance--obviously since we’re sophomore; Rob acoustic--we’re going to be different. We’re Wente, sophomore not going for exactly a gentle approach, but Guitar: Cody more of a relaxed approach on stage,” Rob Wente, sophomore, said. “I’m excited for all Phillips, of (the acts). We saw Hot last year—what sophomore; Rob they do is really cool. I really like their lead Wente, sophomore; singer, she’s pretty talented. Belladonna, I’m Alex Weakland, excited for them too. All of them are going to sophomore be big competition. “ Each member of the band has a different musical background. While Alex enjoys his country roots, both Cody and Rob take inspiration from classic rock photo by Easan Venkat and progressive metal.

“I love the impact (music has) on people’s emotions.” Rob said.

STRIKE A CHORD Practicing with his band, 3 Hunks in a Basement, Alex Weakland, sophomore, strums his guitar. “My grandpa was a big southern guy, “How it can completely change the mood of someone or depressed he got me my guitar and all that,” Alex said. “I can’t ditch my roots.” or angry. I love how powerful music can be.”

Talent Acts

Hum- Indian dance group Danica Jerkan and Hannah Ernst, Jerry Lexie Lyons Jacinto, and Annie Phelps “As weird as it sounds, I “Expressing myself through music is a really important part of my life, so I think it’s crucial that I take every opportunity to show that.”

- Hannah Ernst, junior

love being surrounded by Indians who can relate to my culture. We’re all also good friends, so it makes it ten times more enjoyable.”

- Saveda Majety, junior

“I’m mostly looking forward to showing people how we perform and bringing a different style to the show.”

- Danica Jerkan, senior

Jacob Lyza

Matt Travis

“I feel like all acts should receive participation awards for the blood, sweat and tears they put into their performances.”

“I’d consider (my song I wrote) an idealist’s perspective on working retail, and how the facets of a store can relate to real life.”

- Jacob Lyza, senior

- Matt Travis, junior

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8 infocus ‘Don’t talk about race’ Continued from Front

comments about one’s culture, according to Vivian.

“I definitely believe it (racism) exists, but often it’s presented in ways called microaggressions,” Vivian said.

“Like calling natural hair unprofessional or when businesses prefer to hire people whose names sound less ethnic.”

A large portion of racism stems from preconceived ideas and perceptions people have of one specific race.

Individuals with a background that do not fit the majority are often singled-out, and although this can happen to any group of people, non-white minorities feel the brunt of racism, according to Vivian, who is biracial, both black and white.

“I think I perceive racism and notice it more frequently because I am conscious of it because of my background,” Vivian said. “When you have experiences that someone else wouldn’t, it will make you more sensitive to those experiences—both your own and others—in the future. That is why I don’t believe in reverse racism (discrimination against white people).

Yes, white people can be subject to prejudice, but racism is more the systematic oppression of the group that is believed to be inferior.”

For Mrs. Kelly Barnes, English teacher, who is white, growing up on

Crier/March 1, 2016 terrorist group.”

By the numbers

Statistics reveal Americans’ opinions on racial relations

According to a survey conducted by PBS NewsHour and Marist College’s Institute for Public Opinion last September,

racial relations was the second most discussed political issue on Facebook regarding the 2016 presidential election responses from black Americans responses from white Americans

Percentage of Americans who say the country has made the changes needed to give blacks equal rights with whites 57%

56%

54%

40%

17%

13%

17% 8%

Nov. 2009

March 2011

March 2014

July 2015

Percentage of Americans who say the country needs to continue making changes to give blacks equal rights with whites 81%

79%

86%

79%

53% 36%

38%

39%

prestigious event, the Oscars. The award show was criticized for its lack of minority nominees: this year not a single minority actor or actress was nominated for an award. However, the problem lies beyond the award show, according to Rohan Chatterjee, ‘15, who is Indian and currently attends NYU in pursuit of a career in film. of Americans supported this “The Oscars are not racist,” Rohan decision said. “The Oscars are a symptom of the disease. Why are more white actors being nominated than people of color? Frankly, there are a lot more Of this 57%, white actors to choose from in larger roles than minorities. Representation is what it means to be American; if an industry as ‘progressive’ as Holsaid they supported the flag’s lywood can change its definition of removal because it represented what it means to be American— not racism and slavery. This was the just white actors— then we’ll see more most commonly cited reason for minorities at the Oscars. I want to see supporting the flag’s removal. a film industry where the leading man or woman can be a person of color but source: Pew Research Center still an American, not a black slave, U.S. Census Bureau data shows American not an Indian taxi driver, not a Chinese dry-cleaner, etc.” demographic breakdown by race The film industry’s main objective Native Hawaiian is to make a profit; however, with or other Pacific recent blockbusters casting minorities Islander 0.2% Asian 5.4% in leading roles, it could show the Two or more races 2.5% industry it can make progress on truly American Indian and Alaska representing people of color, according White 77.4% Native 1.2% to Rohan.

“If we want to be a socially progressive society, we need to show HollyBlack or African American 13.2% wood that they can make marketable movies with minorities,” Rohan said.

“Hollywood doesn’t like casting minorities because they fear those movies don’t make money. Thankfully, we’re starting to go in the right direction: the note: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, new Star Wars starred a woman, black Hispanics may be of any race; therefore, they are man, and Guatemalan-American and included in the applicable race categories obviously made a lot of money. More graphic by Meena Kandallu importantly, their characters weren’t dependent on their race/gender.”

In July of last year, South Carolina removed the Confederate battle flag from state grounds.

57%

36%

the East Side of Chicago in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood shaped her opinion on racism as a whole.

“I actually grew up on the East Nov. 2009 March 2011 March 2014 July 2015 side,” Mrs. Barnes said. “But I went source: Pew Research Center to a private Lutheran elementary and middle school. My school was pretty multicultural, lots of people from different races. My best friend Jessica cool one,” Mrs. Barnes said. “Because I they do. It’s everyday that they feel was black and my other best friend Melinda was Puerto Rican. Our neigh- was the ‘white, unhip kid’ who didn’t different, that they don’t fit and feel accepted because of their race. Which borhood was predominantly Hispanic, know about rap music or hip-hop, so isn’t fair because they can be just as I was always trying to catch up.

And so most of the kids intelligent, just as wealthy, or just as in elementary and I was friends with beautiful as anybody else, but that is middle school it was outside of school holding them back.” strange because the were Hispanic. So

idea of being cool I really didn’t have Talking about these very real was really importa lot of Caucasian ant to us—which I circumstance is too friends growing up.” guess it is for kids often viewed as taboo.

As Mrs. Barnes anywhere—it was a With the media and grew up and her different type of cul- Hollywood’s biggest parents started ture getting acceptsuperstars blatantly thinking about high ed.

But in my friend drawing attention to it, school, they were group, I always the spark of discussion concerned with her felt kind of left out might ignite; howevsafety when attendbecause Jessica and er, all sides need to ing the public high Melinda were closer, remain open-minded school. and I think that had according to Vivian.

“I didn’t go to the something to do “I didn’t see Kendhigh school I should with the fact that I rick’s (Grammy perforhave gone to, which was white and they mance), but I watched would have been weren’t.

I felt from Beyoncé’s (Super Bowl George Washinga pretty young age performance) after the ton,” Mrs. Barnes -Mrs. Kelly Barnes that I was an outsidfact.

I thought it was -Vivian said. “It is pretty er because they saw fantastic,” Vivian said. well known to be a me as a majority: the privileged, white “People are trying pretty rough school. They have metal girl.” to use the fact that detectors and police on guard, so I Having experiences like this early they were dressed as Black Panther was pretty scared. So I ended up goin life caused Mrs. Barnes to view the members as an argument that it was ing to Luther East in Lansing, which idea of racism in a different light. racist because the Black Panther party was a pretty multicultural school, as “I think that I have a better perwas labeled as a terrorist group. But well.” spective,” Mrs. Barnes said.

“Not to there are many positive things that Being one of the only white kids in say that I don’t feel privileged—bethe Black Panther party did in black her friend group and neighborhood, cause I do—because I am white, but communities, and I think part of the Mrs. Barnes experienced firsthand I think that I see why people who are reason people are offended by it is what it must feel like to be a minority. in minority groups feel the way that because we’re taught that they were a “For me, I always felt like the un-

“

It’s every day that they feel different, that they don’t fit and feel accepted because of their race. Which isn’t fair because they can be just as intelligent, just as wealthy, or just as beautiful as anybody else, but that is holding them back.”

Another outcry against discrimination surrounds the film industry’s most

The conversation about race is a two way street, as a society we need to ad-

just to listening to both sides of it and not be afraid of what the other person has to say, according to Rohan.

“Sometimes I am (afraid to talk about race), sometimes I’m not,” Rohan said. “If I’m talking with someone reasonable and well-informed, I try to have a productive conversation with them.

Too often, people enter a conversation with a certain frame of mind and are not willing to listen or change.

I’m guilty of this too, and it’s something we need to work on as a society.”

The first step to correcting racism in society is not to shut down the conversation encourage it and Reba, senior but contribute, according to Vivian.

“I think the best thing we can do about correcting racism is to open up a conversation about it: about blatant racism, about microaggressions, about privilege,” Vivian said. “The only way to change something is to talk about it.”

only way “Ttohechange something is to talk about it.”

This story was originally set to publish on Feb. 25, please see page 5 for a note from the Editor.

sports 9

Crier/March 1, 2016

Don’t sweat it

Students experiences with hot yoga Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief

W

hen Lexi Chipules, junior, walked into her first hot yoga class after a group of her Track

teammates decided to attend the class together, she was immediately struck with how hot the room was. However, after a few minutes, she began to consider the environment relaxing as she became accustomed to the temperature of the studio.

Hot yoga, a type of yoga in which classes take place in a room with elevated temperature and humidity, has become a popular form of exercise.

Bikram hot yoga, the original form of hot yoga, requires that participants do yoga for 90 minutes in a room that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit and has 40 percent humidity. However, other forms of hot yoga, such as heated Vinyasa yoga, that vary slightly from the traditional Bikram hot yoga, have also seen a recent increase in popularity.

“The temperature really helps you relax a lot. If they did it in a normal-temperature studio, I don’t think it would be the same at all,” Lexi said.

“I like that I can work on my flexibility a lot, and being in a room that’s hot makes it easier than if I just tried to do it on my own.”

After her first experience with hot yoga, Lexi started attending classes regularly at PurePower Hot Yoga in Highland. Currently, she attends one hot yoga class weekly and plans to attend more classes when she has more free time after the Track season ends.

Over a year ago, Nikki Katalinic, junior, decided to try Bikram hot yoga.

She and her sister attended a class with their mom because her sister has scoliosis and heard about the perceived health benefits of exercising in an environment with an elevated temperature.

However, Nikki found the experience extremely stressful and demanding.

“I was totally scarred. My sister threw up and I cried,” Nikki said. “My mom loved it but my sister and I hated it, and we never went back.”

Despite her initial negative experience, Nikki decided to try hot yoga again about a month ago. “(My first experience with hot yoga) was long enough ago that I kind of forgot about it, and everyone was trying it, so I decided I would give it another shot.”

This time, Nikki chose to attend a heated Vinyasa yoga class, which requires more moderate temperatures of 78 to 95 degrees, and she loved the experience.

Looking back, Nikki says that she didn’t enjoy her first experience with

hot yoga because she wasn’t wearing

the proper clothing, wasn’t properly hydrated and didn’t have an open mind.

She also says that a switch to a new studio that has more windows and a more relaxed atmosphere has made her more comfortable.

Beyond doing hot yoga for exercise, Nikki considers it a method of stress relief. She also attends hot yoga classes because of the unique freedom they offer her compared to other, more structured forms of exercise.

“I like how calming it is and how you’re allowed to do whatever you want,” Nikki said. “You can push yourself the way you want to, but there’s no right or wrong way. If you want to sit on the mat the whole time, you can do that. It’s really relaxing and it helps you clear your mind. When you’re there, you don’t think about school, you don’t think about work. It’s really helpful to relieve stress.”

1.

2.

Balancing act Nikki Katalinic, junior, demonstrates different yoga poses 1. HEADSTAND Squeeze core while keeping head to the mat and lifting legs into the air 2. WARRIOR The warrior pose starts in a low lunge with hands placed on the mat and foot in between the hands. Without moving the feet and keeping the lunge position, lift the chest and extend arms outward while glancing over the front hand. Keep the front foot facing the front of the room and the back foot at 45 degrees.

3. DOWNWARD DOG Starting in a high plank while keeping hands in place on the mat, lift hips while still touching heels to the mat. source: Nikki Katalinic, junior.

3. photo illustrations by Danijela Kaurin

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10sports

Crier/March 1, 2016

Start to finish

Across the board

Boys’ Swimming finishes with State, reflects on vigorous season

Girls’ Diving

Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor He woke up in the morning knowing one of the biggest competitions of the year is in a few short hours. He was on the 35-minute bus ride to Sectionals to qualify for State. The nerves and tension bottled up, but was released once the meet started.

The morning of Boys’ Swimming Sectionals, Feb. 13, was nerve-wracking for Steven Nowaczyk, senior, and the team, but those nerves accelerated into adrenalin once the meet began.

“I was pretty nervous on the bus ride down (to Crown Point). Even through warm ups,” Nowaczyk said.

“Before the meet, though, the other captains and myself got everyone pumped up with some team chants.

Once the meet started with some stellar opening swims, the nerves went away and the team became excited more than anything because we were off to a fast start.”

The team met up for a pasta party at a swimmer’s house the day before.

That night, Girls’ Swimming TPed the team’s’ houses.

“The Friday before Sectionals, we met and had a pasta party and the girls TPed our houses,” Nowaczyk said.

“The dinner was a nice way to calm

be rested.”

For swimmers like Tony Bohling, freshman, the training and preparation for State, Feb. 20, started before the season even began. “(When I first was told I was going to compete at State) I thought about how long I’ve been training for this,” Bohling said. “My training didn’t start at the beginning of the season, it started my first day of swimming when I was seven. I was also thinking about things down. I think all of the guys how fortunate I am as a freshman to go love it when the girls TP our houses down to State and experience a meet so important so early in my because it’s something cool high school career.” and fun to wake up to and Journey to state Although the team finkeep you relaxed before the Boys’ Swimming ished 31 out of 63 down in biggest swims of the sea- postseason schedule Indianapolis last weekend, son.”

The long and vigorous Two weeks before Preliminaries for returning swimmers Taper begins like Matt Dempsey, junior, practices during the seacut of yardage State has always been an son were not only tiring, swam daily rewarding experience. but effective once the team “It was amazing to swim took on tapering, the cut Feb. 18 at state again,” Dempsey of distances swam during Sectional Prelims competition said. “I used to go (to Indy) practice in preparation for to qualify for every year for age group competitions, according to Sectionals (another swim competiNick Lundin, senior. tion), so it was really nice “During the swim sea- Feb. 20 Sectionals to go down to Indy again.” son, we were definitely competition The team’s placement over-practicing, which isn’t to qualify for was not ideal, but with a a bad thing,” Lundin said.

State strong season and a bright “You need to train harder Feb. 27 future, Dempsey would and practice a lot more than State only change one thing. usual so you can improve “Our performance at and get to where we are source: Tony Bohling, freshman state is the only thing I now. If we didn’t train hard, when we got to this taper, it wouldn’t would change about this season,” improve us because we would already Dempsey said. “I was bummed with the results because we worked hard and didn’t do as well as we hoped, but I am proud of this team. I’m also looking forward to next year’s incoming freshman, I know a few of them from age group and they show a lot of potential.”

This story was originally scheduled fro publication on Feb. 25. See page 5 for a note from the editor.

CATCHING HIS BREATH After finishing a race at Sectional Preliminaries Feb. 18, Tony Bohling, freshman, takes a breather between races.

“I looked back (at the scoreboard) to see how well my teammates did,” Bohling said. photo by Bree Karl

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The Girls’ Diving season ended Feb. 13 at the IHSAA State Finals in Indianapolis.

The team placed in 16th of 41 at their playoff meet. This is a feat Eleanor Wilson, freshman, finds to be fitting for a mostly successful season.

“Diving is mainly about focus and skill,” Wilson said. “Having friends on the team is kind of distracting, but there is time for talking and fun in between dives.”

Wilson believes that this skill and focus led to the team’s eventual success, which aided them during their competition season.

“Overall the season was a great experience,” Wilson said. “I’m looking forward to coming back next year.”

Girls’ Swimming Girls’ Swimming placed 16th at the State championship at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Feb. 13. The team was not expecting to win, according to Maggie Vaitkus, junior, because of the strong competition, like Carmel High School.

“Sixteenth is pretty high,” Vaitkus said. “We had some pretty intense teams (there). Carmel was there and it was their thirtieth State win. State wasn’t so much, for Munster, about placing but seeing how much effort we could put in to finish the season.”

Vaitkus, who swam in the 200 and 400 free relays, notes how important it is to have a quick reaction time when swimming in a relay.

Wrestling State competitions for wrestling began Feb. 19 for Jason Crary, junior, and ended in a disappointment, according to Coach Mike Crary. Crary lost his first match of the night, which ended his season. While the night may have ended poorly for Crary, the season could be considered a success, according to Coach Crary.

“Wrestling isn’t a sport where the athletes have to work harder; you’re always working hard, sometimes you just need to tweak some things,” Coach Crary said. “This season one of the main things we tried to work on was getting our positions as close to perfect as possible. Plymouth Duals, turned out to be a very big mental step for the guys.”

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sports 11

Crier/March 1, 2016

Paid to not play Sports column

Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor Les Miles, Louisiana State University (LSU) head football coach, makes $4.4 million a year. His yearly salary could pay for a 4-year Harvard University tuition nearly three times, and Coach Miles could still live comfortably.

There is no denying that there is an inflation of pay in the coaching world, but what flies under the radar far too frequently is the great discrepancy in salary between different sports.

It is no secret that more popular sports such a basketball and football get the best coaches with the most jaw-dropping salaries. But is this because of their dedication and contribution to the sports or is it because of the sports’ popularity and persona?

College athletics take on a life of their own. Take a look at any Big Ten school’s athletic program; it is astounding. The publicity of the games, the admiration for the players, the dedication of the fans, and the nostalgia of the school’s legacy seem to hang in the air as soon as the clock starts and the game begins. It is no wonder that college coaches are making astronomical amounts of money for their contributions to the spectacle.

But are we forgetting the sports and coaches that we don’t see on TV every night?

Paul Mainieri, LSU’s head baseball coach, makes $750,000 a year. Coach Mainieri led LSU to the SEC Western Division Championship in 2009 and finished with a conference record of 18-11-1. Although $750,000 is nothing to scoff at, it pales in comparison to the massive $4.4 million Coach Miles made in 2007, the same year as his team’s last National Championship.

Although football and baseball do differ on many levels, a $3.6 million difference raises eyebrows.

After all, isn’t a championship still a championship?

Apparently one is worth $750,000 and the other multi-millions. In reality, it all comes down to the popularity of the sport and the money each sport generates.

The stress and pressure that fans and critics place on the coaches of popular sports like football contributes directly to size of coaches’ paychecks.

University of Alabama is LSU’s most publicized rival and their annual game average 60 percent attendance from students of both universities.

With the last four annual games going to Alabama, LSU’s head football Coach Miles is feeling the pressure to win back the bragging right.

And he should be because he’s paid $4.4 to handle this pressure.

Imagine the stress Coach Miles must feel. It can’t be all that different from Coach Mainieri’s stress but apparently Coach Miles’ headache is worth multi-millions.

Now, trying to figure out why a championship football coach makes four times more than a championship baseball coach could give anyone a headache.

photo by Bree Karl

LOOK AT THE POST While posting up against Chesterton’s Jacob Webber, Antoine Van Dyke, senior, calls for a pass from the guard. On senior night, Feb. 13, the last game of his basketball career, Van Dyke remembers and appreciates the help and support that his parents and the team have given him. “When my name was called before the game started and I was with my parents, I was thinking about all of the time they put in helping me get to where I am,” Van Dyke said. “I also was thinking about all the help the Munster basketball organization helped me out these last four years.”

When it matters most

cause we came close last time and I feel like if we put together a consistent effort, we can seal the deal this time,” Antoine said.

The team looks to decrease the top teams in Sectionals, though they amount of turnovers they make in a are disappointed in their loss against game by watching videos from previous games and workAndrean last Saturday ing on their techniques 77-60 at Conference, It all starts here according to Coach Sectional schedule of Class 4A during practice in order to improve their Hackett. play. After about three “(The game) was Game 1 - Today Lowell vs. Lake Central months of practice and disappointing. We did competing in a season not play very well at Game 2 - Tomorrow Highland vs. Gary West Side the team’s main goal all,” Coach Hackett is to put their best foot said. “For us to not Game 3 - Tomorrow Munster vs. East Chicago Central forward. play well was disap“I’m hoping as a pointing because we Game 4 - Friday Hammond Morton vs. Winner of G1 coach that we’ll show won’t be able to play up and give them evSectionals as Confer- Game 5 - Friday erything we’ve got, Winner of G2 vs. Winner of G3 ence champs.” which means giving Despite their Con- Championship - Saturday 100 percent effort and ference loss, the team Winner of G4 vs. Winner of G5 100 percent focus,” looks forward to play- source: ihsaa.org Coach Hackett said. ing a closely matched “If we do that, I’m team at Sectionals, acfine, whether we win or lose. As long cording to Antoine Van Dyke, senior.

“I was excited for the challenge be- as we give it our best shot.”

Boys’ Basketball draws East Chicago for first round of Sectionals tomorrow

Chloe Wineinger Design Editor Dec. 22, 2015: Munster loses 40-43 to Lake Central. Jan. 29, 2016: Munster loses 66-73 against Lowell. Dec. 11, 2015: Munster loses 73-77 against East Chicago.

The Boys’ Basketball team plans to close this tight score difference facing East Chicago at Sectionals tomorrow, according to Coach Mike Hackett, health teacher.

“There are three teams with a losing streak in Sectionals, and we’re one of them,” Coach Hackett said. “But with that being said, we played East Chicago to a close game, as well as Lake Central and Lowell. It can be done, but we would have to play well.”

The team maintains confidence due to the fact that they have been closely matched in previous games against the

Just skating by Simon Pirok News Editor

For long-time ice skating enthusiast Cruz Medina, junior, ice skating is a large part of his life. First being entertained by ice skating years ago, Medina discusses not only his passion for ice skating, but his hope to improve his skill on the ice.

“I first got into ice skating when I watched the Olympics a few years ago,” Medina said. “Although I haven’t competed yet, I hope to next season. For the past seven months, I’ve gotten more serious.”

Beginning 10 years ago as a hobby, Medina now considers himself almost ready to start competing.

“I think I’ll be ready to go next season but not right now,” Medina said. “Competing at the Olympics isn’t a realistic goal for me because I’m not ready yet, but I like to think that I could compete in the Senior

Junior, super fan of ice skating, pursues it as hobby Olympics (Olympic games for people aged 50 and older).”

While Medina is waiting for his skating career to take off, he is an avid fan of watching ice skating.

“My favorite skater is Gracie Gold,” Medina said. “She was the first skater I started following. I (stayed) up all night to watch the ‘Four Continents’ competition. I (supported) Gracie and another one of my favorites, Karen Chen.”

While Gold struggled at this competition, Medina recalls one of her better performances, of which Medina attended.

“I went to the ‘Skate America’ competition in October 2015,” Medina said. “Gracie finished in second in the women’s competitions. ‘Skate America’ was a really cool experience, and I’m really hoping that I can continue to go to more competitions.”

12student life

Crier/March 1, 2016

Running down the minutes

Crier survey shows students’ cell phone usage habits

43%

The number of students who responded that they primarily use their phones for social media

12

The average age at which MHS students got their first phones

Five

What is your preferred method of communication on your phone?

Sending photos (Snapchat) Calling

of students have their own cell phone

7.2% 11% 12.4%

Sunday was National Tooth Fairy Day. What is something you believed as a kid but now know is not true?

The average number of ts hours studen ir spend on the phones

98.5%

Video calling (Skype, FaceTime)

BACKTALK

source: Survey conducted

by Crier of 525 students from Feb. 1719 on Google Forms graphic by: Ian Brundige

“My future, because death is inevitable, college costs money, love fades away, and cheese sticks rot.”

Emma Stevens, freshman

“I thought that Earth was the only existing thing in the whole universe. I learned that Earth was not the center of everything in about second grade.”

Kosta Fotopoulos, freshman

Texting 69.3

Pulling the plug

With National Unplugging Day Friday, students discuss how they use today’s advancing technology

“When I was a kid, I thought babies came from eggs, until I found out in school where they actually come from.”

Laith Srour, sophomore

“That babies don’t come from stores. My mom told me when my little brother was born.”

Chris McLeod, sophomore

Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor The flip phone: commonly used by students before the popular smartphone was

invented. In junior Austin Skeens’s case, it has been his only phone.

“I don’t really think that I really need internet on my phone; I just need it to contact people and let my parents know where I’m at, (or) what I’m doing,” Austin said.

Initially, both Austin and his family agreed that he did not need a smartphone, but now it is mainly Austin’s decision. “(My dad) kind of feels the same way I do about social media and technology and stuff, yet he is on his phone all day,” Austin said. “He’s like, ‘I’m addicted but I just don’t want to be addicted. Sometimes I don’t even notice, I’ll just pick it up without even realizing it.’”

Choosing to not have a smartphone and its many mobile features, Austin has his laptop and iPod at home to check his social media or use the internet.

“In general (my friends) are always making fun of me for my flip phone,” Austin said. “I don’t bring my phone to school either. If I need to call my parents or something, I’ll just go to the office. I don’t have something in my pocket to distract me.”

While Austin has considered buying a smartphone, he sees excessive technology use as a problem with communication.

“I think your phone can definitely affect your social life,” Austin said. “I feel if you weren’t on your phone all the time when you’re around people, that people would probably think you’re a more friendly person, more talkative person, than just hanging out and being on your phone the whole time. I think it’s fine to use social media and all that stuff; I just don’t think you need to be while you’re out in public or during a social interaction.”

Her phone is in her hand until the minute before the bell rings. At the dinner table,

she sends text messages. Before bed, she does a last Instagram check.

“I feel like I’m always going to need it no matter what,” Alina Arzumanian, freshman, said. “There’s certain situations where I will just carry it in my pocket probably because I’m always texting, if I have nothing to do, I always have to check Instagram or check Snapchat. There’s always something to do on it if I’m bored.”

Alina uses her smartphone to stay in close communication with her friends through her social media accounts and group messages.

“I like to put my phone down for an hour every night,” Alina said. “Usually that’s the hour when I do my homework. I get distracted with the buzzing and the different sounds that it makes. For the most part, it’s pretty distracting.”

Alina’s one hour a night when she does not use her phone is a result of recognizing her phone’s addictive qualities.

“I think (a break from technology) is definitely needed because a lot of people are starting to live off their phones and not discovering from reality,” Alina said. “People are too obsessed with their phones that they always have to be with them.”

While Alina’s family all have smartphones, she says that her parents only have phones to reach her in long distance situations.

“At the dinner table if I’m using my phone, my dad will tell me to put it away because he likes whenever he’s home (that I talk to him), but I never end up talking to him because I’m on my phone,” Alina said.

“It does make me not talk to people faceto-face, rather I’m just going on my phone the whole time.”

“My parents would tell me that my dog really liked when I read to him, so I would read to him, but really they were just trying to get me to read books.”

“I believed that there was a monster named Adelaide that lived in my headphones and would eat my ears off if I listened to bad music. I was a weird kid.”

Jill Dixon, junior

Nyssa Wedgeworth, junior

“My parents told me farts were called fluffs, and I believed it for a long time. I had no idea what a fart was until I was around seven.”

Anna Bilse, senior

“I used to believe that the superheroes in comic books were actually real people.

Now I know that they were just in the comics, but as a kid it was inspiring for me to think that the superheroes were real.”

Mr. Jim McNabney, English teacher