3.3.17

CRI ER

MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL

vol. 51/issue 9/march. 3, 2017

upcoming

inside look Page 9: Dance team went to Nationals yesterday to compete this weekend Page 3: Students discuss gun laws in Indiana

8808 Columbia Ave

Sign up for AP testing by March 10 in Guidance

page 6-7 Meet this year’s Battle of the Bands performers

Orchestra hosts Five Guys fundraiser all day Sunday Tonight’s Boys Basketball student section theme is “rich out” at East Chicago Battle of the Bands tickets go on sale Monday during lunches for $5 per person

. Munster , IN 46321

A

hallmark of American society, the First Amendment is arguably the most quintessential of all things American.

Yet, these freedoms are limited in schools across the country.

According to Mr. Morgan Nolan, Assistant Principal, it is necessary to limit student speech to maintain the sanctity of the school environment.

“You have a student body that is required to be here for school, so you have this compulsory attendance process in Indiana and across the United States,” Mr. Nolan said.

The Indiana House of Representatives has decided to expand the breadth of students’ First Amendment rights, starting with student press. This past December, legislators drew up House Bill 1130, which limits censorship on student media. The bill passed through the House 88-4, and will be heard in the Senate on March 15.

Mr. Ed Clere, State Representative from New Albany and author of the bill, is hopeful that the bill will pass through the Senate, and he believes it is necessary to give student media more freedom. “(Free student press) is an essential part of civics education,” Rep. Clere said. “It can really enrich the school environment by providing valuable news and commentary in the school community, while also bringing about more accountability and engagement by students and other members of the school community.

The press plays a critical and fundamental role in our civil society.”

Others are more doubtful of the efficacy of the bill.

“I don’t think the bill if it gets passed, will last very long because it opens up a Pandora’s box if you will, of issues. I think the system we have in place works pretty well,” Mr. Nolan said. “I think that if the Game against bill passes, there will be a situation where a Lake Central at student newspaper is 7 p.m. at East out of line, and it will Chicago tonight cause a big issue in the district.”

It should be noted DRIVING IN Josh Davis, freshman, dribbles past the bill does not allow Gary West Side defendtotal press freedom. er, Jaiwon Carson, as “Even this bill does the Mustangs win 42-36. not give students 100

Shedding light on

student rights

students speak Survey reveals students’ views on First Amendment rights at MHS Do you think students should be given more freedoms in regards to speech?

77%

said yes

Do you feel your speech has been unfairly restricted at MHS?

43%

said yes

source: survey on Google forms of 504 responses from Feb. 27 to March 1 photo illustration by Danijela Kaurin

Mimi Brody Page Editor

Students’ First Amendment rights explained as House Bill 1130 passes through House

Basketball advances to semi-final of Sectionals

photo by Kess Vaitkus

percent freedom,” Mrs. Diana Hadley, Director of the Indiana High School Press Association, said. “They still can’t print anything that is unlawful, they can’t libel people or print anything that would cause a major disruption to the school day. There are still boundaries on what they can do. But if they have more freedom to cover more topics, they might actually make their lives better for their fellow students or make their school better.”

With the current abundance of technology and social media, not only has speaking one’s mind become easier, but it is easier to be heard. This has presented a tough situation for schools, as it seems the line of what is considered protected speech is blurrier than ever.

“We don’t have any specific policies about social media outside of school or off school grounds other than those related to substantial disruptions,” Mr. Nolan said. “It’s a very very fine line. In most cases we need to make an educated or gut judgement if speech that took place off school grounds was causing too much of a disruption. It doesn’t always have to be something where the student body feels that the speech off grounds is causing a commotion, it could misrepresent the school.”

Vince Bravo, junior, was in his study hall class when a fight broke out between two students. Vince reached for his cell phone and recorded the event, eventually posting the video on Twitter where it got about 200 re-tweets.

“I really wanted it to go viral,” Vince said. “My first aspiration wasn’t even to put it on Twitter, I just wanted to show my friends. Once I looked at the video and realized how funny it was, I just had to post it.”

Upon hearing about the video, administration quickly reprimanded Vince as he broke a rule saying, “Filming or audio recording of staff members or students without explicit permission is subject to discipline.”

“I see people recording videos on Snapchat every day,” Vince said. “They don’t get Saturday detentions. If the school gave Saturday detentions to everybody that recorded in school, there would be 40 kids in a Saturday detention room each week. If the school has an issue that needs to be fixed, and a student calls them out on it, the student shouldn’t be punished because of that,” Vince said. “It’s not a dictatorship here, students should be able to express their thoughts how they want as long as they say them with respect toward the school and staff, even if it is negativity towards the school.”

Rep. Clere is hopeful that the effects of the bill will trickle down into giving students more freedoms in school.

“I think this (the bill) will help create a more open atmosphere in schools which will lead to more openness over all, not just a more open student press. It will have all kinds of positive consequences. On some level, this is a great civics lesson in that the content student journalists produce is very much civics in action,” he said.

2

news

march 3, 2017

SIDE NOTE on news Color Guard

What: Competitions Where: Lake Park High School, Shawnburg show When: This weekend Color Guard attends two performances this weekend. So far, they have had good season and they expect to do well at these performances, as well as later on down the road, according to Ms. Stephanie Peterson, French teacher.

“I feel like they’re gonna go very well,” Ms. Peterson said. ”We’ve been doing very well this season, it’s been a very strong season.

We’ve actually been able to stay just under the bump score. If we hit the bump score, we are pushed into the next highest class, which means the competition would be much more difficult than what we’ve ever done before. The nice thing is we keep getting scores that are just under that bump score, which is nice because it puts us in a really good place for getting a medal at state finals. We’ve had to do a lot of updating with the show. We’ve had issues with injuries and people quitting, so the show has gone through many versions and even the version we end up performing at State finals is going to look different than what we have been doing. It’s a constant process.”

STEM

What: MHS makes efforts to become STEM certified When: Evaluations April 17-18 Eleven MHS STEM teachers and Mr. Mike Wells, principal, are making efforts to obtain a STEM certification.

The staff is currently collecting artifacts, a checklist that will need to be met to earn the accreditation. “(Two external reviews will) talk to students, they’ll talk to parents, and then that day, the 18th, they’ll make a decision if we’ll be STEM accredited,” Mr. Wells said. “If we do get STEM accredited, we’ll be the first school in the Midwest to achieve that status, and obviously, the first school in Indiana. Right now, nationwide, there’s only 53 schools that are STEM accredited.”

Robotics

What: Districts Who: MHS Robotics Team When: This weekend Where: Penn High School, Mishawaka Robotics leaves for their first competition this weekend after finishing their robot for competition. Robotics often goes much farther than Districts and the team finished earlier this year, so the team is confident that they will do well and that districts will help them to improve, according to Julian Ramirez, senior.

“In the past years Districts has been the place where we learn what we’re doing wrong and what we need to improve, so it’s more of a learning experience,” Julian said. “I feel like this year with our robot, it’s going to be even more of a learning experience and we have a good chance of winning it.”

Corrections In issue eight of Crier on page one, inside look says page three lists our classic/contemporary reviews, but the review was actually on page five. On page two the Maya Radjenovich quote should have read, “We are always trying to make them more than a bun or a simple ponytail.” On page three, the drivers for the Robotics team were falsely identified and not announced at the time.

On page seven the caption “Looking for the Charge,” should indicate that the foul was called on Mr. Jeff Hamstra. On page nine, Emmanuel Calhoun was falsely identified as Emanuel Smith. Crier regrets these errors.

Expect the best DECA prepares for state competition in Indianapolis Chloe Wineinger Design Chief Once again, DECA will travel to Indianapolis to compete at State at the Marriott Hotel downtown. Of the 102 competitors traveling to the competition from Sunday to Tuesday, most aim to qualify for the International competition. DECA has been relatively successful at State in the last five years, with 24 people qualifying for Internationals last year.

For new members like Nikki Choros, sophomore, who competes in the market advertising event, pulling out a solid performance may be a closer goal. Nikki is putting even more work into preparing for State than she did Districts, but is in a group event, which helps take some of the pressure off.

“I like having someone else to bounce ideas off of, and when you’re stuck, someone can come in and help you,” Nikki said. “We can bounce ideas off of each other, keep communication flowing.”

Other competitors compete in written events, which involves writing a paper to be evaluated and performing a presentation for judges.

“Honestly, in my opinion, written events are much easier because you just have the paper done and just doing the presentation doesn’t take that long,” Anusuya Bandyopadhyay, junior, said. “When you’re in a normal event, everyone crams the week before, but you don’t need to cram as much, you just have everything with you, you know what your paper’s about, so you just have to go in and talk about it.”

Written competitors like Anusuya have more time to prepare for their event because they did not compete in Districts.

“The extra time is nice because a paper takes a while to write because the max is a 30 (pages), so having the extra time allows the paper to be better and not having to rush and having a chance to get disqualified,” Anusuya said.

Additional reporting by Ian Brundige

Step

up it

photo by Easan Venkat

PREP FOR SUCCESS While preparing for his upcoming event, Jonathan Harris, junior, alters his prep strategy to fit a solo event rather than for a partner event. “It’s been a lot more difficult because you’re managing everything by yourself, so it’s kind of, like, it’s difficult because you have a smaller time frame as well as limited ideas,” said Jonathan.

Teacher grading based on standardized test scores, controversy over teacher assessment based off individual student achievement

Principal said. “I was pleased to hear that our staff was able to receive incentive money based on last year’s results. However, I think you also have to acknowledge that there are reThis week tenth grade students participated in the first part ally good teachers throughout the state who received much, of the state-issued ISTEP+ exams, a test required to graduate. much less based on their school’s test scores. I know that the Students are being tested over concept knowledge of English state wants to look at this. I hope they can find a way to truly 10, Biology and Algebra. This was also a major change for reward teachers in a meaningful way. “ teachers that taught these Another controversial subjects, as this year’s teach- Teacher grading topic is exactly what effect er evaluation rubric takes How ISTEP+ scores relate to forming teacher grades said bonuses have on the into account their student’s students. Many are worried total school assessment grasp of content on these that in pursuit of a bonus, (determined by the by ISTEP+ exams. teachers might be prone to individual Indiana Department of student ISTEP+ scores now play teach towards the test, renEducation) achievement Overall a part in determining teachdering the test redundant All teachers (ISTEP score) evaluation is in gauging a student’s actuers’ overall evaluation grade.

25% 25% then formed receive a Students like Moira Glowacal knowledge on a subject. depending grade from ki, sophomore, think that Will McComis, sophomore, 50% on the 1 to 4 this method of evaluation is disagrees and believes that four being teachers 1-4 unfair for teachers. the incentives only help stuthe best rating “They work their butts off dents in the long run. classroom observation trying to teach us and trying “I think that (having ingrade to help us understand,” Mocentives) helps,” Will said. source: STM Teacher Evaluation Plan ria said. ”If they see us strug”It pushes the teachers gling, they go out of their way to help us. They should not be to actually put work into helping their students. Sometimes harmed for what we do.” there are teachers that think, ‘I’m not getting paid for this, so Moira believes that a teacher’s livelihood should not rest why do the work?’ I think this helps the teachers that wouldn’t on the shoulders of students, especially students that are not otherwise want to do it.” particularly motivated.

It should be noted that apart from teacher incentives, some “There are kids that just don’t care,” Moria said. “They believe the ISTEP+ must undergo reformation as Mr. Snyder, think that it’s just a standardized test and they don’t have to among others, find issues with how the test is administered. try. Teachers should not be penalized for what we are doing.

“With ISTEP+ being in two parts, we issue a total of seven It is up to us if we want to learn or if we try hard enough.”

English sessions, five math sessions, and three science sesIn addition to this system, the state distributed teacher sions,” Mr. Snyder said. “Teachers lose teaching time each bonuses based on test scores. The School Town of Munster day when one of those sessions is administered, and I feel received some of the highest teacher bonuses in the state; bad for students who spend a week or more testing in their however, this may change.

English and math classes. I’d also like to see more items re“As soon as (which schools received bonuses) was re- leased so that teachers and students have a better idea of leased, concerns surfaced that more affluent districts qual- what will be on the tests and how questions should be anified for the highest bonuses,” Mr. Robert Snyder, Assistant swered.”

Mimi Brody Page Editor

march 3, 2017

Within reach

news

Recent gun violence in Chicago sparks discussion on gun laws

3

Gun Laws in Indiana

Indiana licensing is not required for the possession of firearms, whether it be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The carrying of a handgun is the only circumstance that requires Indiana licensing. So just how easy is it to obtain firearms license in Indiana?

Can I buy a firearm in Indiana?

Are you 18-years-old? yes

Have you been convicted of a crime and/or have a criminal record? no

yes

photos by Weronika Bilek and Summer Witvoet

no Cannot purchase one

TWO WORLDS At the Cabela’s (right) on Indianapolis Boulevard, a gun display showcases a variety of firearms available for purchase. (Left) The front entrance of the Community Hospital sports a sign banning firearms and other weapons from entering the building.

Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief In certain instances, convictions regarding certain crimes may not be necessary to deny a license

I

Are you addicted to drugs or alcohol and... p Have exhibited a history of violent behavior? p Have provided for any false or untruthful information in the application itself? p Have convictions regarding violations of Indiana law dealing with firearms within five years of the application date?

no

yes

Cannot purchase one

You can apply for a licensing permit in order to buy and carry a firearm in Indiana

f a bomb exploded 29 miles away from Munster, it would be safe to assume the town will feel its

effects. A bomb might as well have exploded as Chicago ended 2016 with 762 homicides, began the new year with two fatal shootings in uptown and Feb. 13, two young girls were all fatally shot in separate incidents across the city.

The bomb’s effects can be catastrophic and although Munster may feel safe enough away, loose gun laws and regulations bring the effects closer to home.

Indiana proves to be one of the least strict states regarding gun laws. The only real opposition comes when carrying a handgun, according to Indianagunlaws.gov.

In 2017, Indiana lawmakers gear up to make gun laws even less restrictive and possibly get rid of the license needed in order to carry a handgun, according to Fox News. In a state with less confinements, Nick Eliopoulos, senior, expresses his concerns for the direction Indiana is heading.

“There are so few regulations,” Nick said. “And this has to do with the way people feel like, ‘Yeah, I have the right to bear arms. It’s all about the Second Amendment.’ People like to use that as their rally cry, it becomes ingrained and the lack of policy reflects that.”

Other students reflect Nick’s concerns, so much so that and a group of classmates have chosen gun violence as their topic in an extensive research essay for AP

Language and Composition.

“Gun violence is definitely a big problem, but it is more interesting to see how the media portrays it, “ Nick said. “I think they definitely blow it out of proportion; crime levels have decreased in recent years, but they’re still a problem. Our paper is not about completely eliminating (guns); it’s culling the use.”

The group is examining state and national laws and providing solutions to the recent violence.

“There are laws that shouldn’t be in place,” Nick said.

“There is a national law that says if you need a background check to buy a gun, but it isn’t processed in four days, then you get your gun anyway. So, we kind of look at laws like this. Then we introduce new strategies like an additional screening process for people that want to buy a gun.”

Despite the proximity to Chicago, some students like Andy Riddle, senior, view the violence as a far away issue.

“I don’t think the violence in Chicago will affect us all that much because we are far enough away,” Andy said. “And we are out of their jurisdiction, so we won’t be affected by whatever rules they create in response to the violence. However, crimes in Lake County can and do affect us.”

Andy Riddle agrees the argument for or against guns can be subjective.

“Whether you are pro or anti guns,” Andy said. “You should know the facts and know your rights because gun laws aren’t simple and there’s good arguments on both sides.”

source: Indianagunlaws.gov

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march 3, 2017

Within reach

news

Recent gun violence in Chicago sparks discussion on gun laws

3

Gun Laws in Indiana

Indiana licensing is not required for the possession of firearms, whether it be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The carrying of a handgun is the only circumstance that requires Indiana licensing. So just how easy is it to obtain firearms license in Indiana?

Can I buy a firearm in Indiana?

Are you 18-years-old? yes

Have you been convicted of a crime and/or have a criminal record? no

yes

photos by Weronika Bilek and Summer Witvoet

no Cannot purchase one

TWO WORLDS At the Cabela’s (right) on Indianapolis Boulevard, a gun display showcases a variety of firearms available for purchase. (Left) The front entrance of the Community Hospital sports a sign banning firearms and other weapons from entering the building.

Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief In certain instances, convictions regarding certain crimes may not be necessary to deny a license

I

Are you addicted to drugs or alcohol and... p Have exhibited a history of violent behavior? p Have provided for any false or untruthful information in the application itself? p Have convictions regarding violations of Indiana law dealing with firearms within five years of the application date?

no

yes

Cannot purchase one

You can apply for a licensing permit in order to buy and carry a firearm in Indiana

f a bomb exploded 29 miles away from Munster, it would be safe to assume the town will feel its

effects. A bomb might as well have exploded as Chicago ended 2016 with 762 homicides, began the new year with two fatal shootings in uptown and Feb. 13, two young girls were all fatally shot in separate incidents across the city.

The bomb’s effects can be catastrophic and although Munster may feel safe enough away, loose gun laws and regulations bring the effects closer to home.

Indiana proves to be one of the least strict states regarding gun laws. The only real opposition comes when carrying a handgun, according to Indianagunlaws.gov.

In 2017, Indiana lawmakers gear up to make gun laws even less restrictive and possibly get rid of the license needed in order to carry a handgun, according to Fox News. In a state with less confinements, Nick Eliopoulos, senior, expresses his concerns for the direction Indiana is heading.

“There are so few regulations,” Nick said. “And this has to do with the way people feel like, ‘Yeah, I have the right to bear arms. It’s all about the Second Amendment.’ People like to use that as their rally cry, it becomes ingrained and the lack of policy reflects that.”

Other students reflect Nick’s concerns, so much so that and a group of classmates have chosen gun violence as their topic in an extensive research essay for AP

Language and Composition.

“Gun violence is definitely a big problem, but it is more interesting to see how the media portrays it, “ Nick said. “I think they definitely blow it out of proportion; crime levels have decreased in recent years, but they’re still a problem. Our paper is not about completely eliminating (guns); it’s culling the use.”

The group is examining state and national laws and providing solutions to the recent violence.

“There are laws that shouldn’t be in place,” Nick said.

“There is a national law that says if you need a background check to buy a gun, but it isn’t processed in four days, then you get your gun anyway. So, we kind of look at laws like this. Then we introduce new strategies like an additional screening process for people that want to buy a gun.”

Despite the proximity to Chicago, some students like Andy Riddle, senior, view the violence as a far away issue.

“I don’t think the violence in Chicago will affect us all that much because we are far enough away,” Andy said. “And we are out of their jurisdiction, so we won’t be affected by whatever rules they create in response to the violence. However, crimes in Lake County can and do affect us.”

Andy Riddle agrees the argument for or against guns can be subjective.

“Whether you are pro or anti guns,” Andy said. “You should know the facts and know your rights because gun laws aren’t simple and there’s good arguments on both sides.”

source: Indianagunlaws.gov

DRIVERS EDUCATION !!

It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!

Certified Driving School

Carry Out Available

Follow us on Twitter @munstermedia -on Snapchat at munstermedia

4 speakout

march 3, 2017

Not just for column

girls

Gavin Hamilton Graphics Editor

cartoon by Gavin Hamilton

CHAIN REACTION Teachers work all year to prevent the imminent doom of the ISTEP test, which could destroy life as we know it at Munster.

If the student body does badly on the ISTEP, it affects not just the students, but everyone at the school.

editorial

Tried and (not) trusted

ISTEP+ testing season begins, and it seems the teachers are being put to the test just as much as the students.

A year ago, the current Vice President Mike Pence was the governor of Indiana. He signed the House Enrollment Act 1003 into law, which solved sanctions placed on teachers and schools because of poor ISTEP+ scores in InOUR Teacher’s diana due to more rigorous evaluations TAKE should not be testing. The governor made by a test that a statement saying, “I sign continuously changes these bills into law with a prayer, that through this action our teachers and those who lead our schools across the state of Indiana will hear a thank you from the people of Indiana.”

So what happened to “thank you?”

This year, it has morphed into a “do better.”

With state ISTEP+ scores being lower for the second time in 2014-2015, schools look to the state to exempt ISTEP+ scores from school grade. MHS finds itself in a unique predicament where in the high school, scores are average: 10th grade students passing both English and Math exams at a 61.5 percent rate, which is 29.3 percent better than the state’s average. Despite success, teachers are being held accountable.

In new evaluations, teachers may be affected if

there is not evident growth between the prior sophomore tests and the current year’s. This means if the sophomore’s 2016-2017 ISTEP+ scores are not better than a 61.5 percent passing rate, the teachers suffer.

There are a number of things wrong with this method, including the assumption that teachers in our school town earn enough to take a financial hit in the first place.

Assuming a 10th grade math or English teacher is the sole blame for poor standardized test scores is irresponsible. It assumes no fault of an individual student’s lack of motivation for the test, or personal adversities from stress or other classes.

It also morphs learning within the classroom around a test which works in the opposite direction of a well-rounded student. Ignoring that a student is within the school for seven hours a day with seven other classes assumes that a normal student can ignore their everyday life for a two-subject test.

All of this comes from a test the state might disregard the scores of for the second year in a row, a test that might not measure a student’s full success in the first place. And because of disconnect between this test and a student’s ability, the school suffers in funding and support.

For that, we have the state standards to thank; maybe in this area, they could afford a “do better.”

In the realm of male dolls, Mattel’s Ken practically stands alone, until now.

After over 30 years of only producing exclusively female dolls, American Girl released a male doll, named Logan, on Feb. 16, a move which does not seem to propose any issue, but was met with opposition from those who believe that dolls are for girls only.

Specifically, Rev. Keith Ogden from North Carolina sent a message out about the doll, claiming that it was “emasculating” and “killing the minds of male babies,” claiming that the doll might “confuse (boys) role to become men.”

This statement is utterly ridiculous as examples of male dolls in the past have not done this to boys and saying a doll is going to emasculate and confuse young boys is like saying playing with toy cars is going to make boys confused and think that they are transformers.

Traditionally, dolls are seen as a girl’s toy, while action figures belong to boys. However, the concept of boy dolls is not a new concept. At the bottom of it, an action figure is just a doll by a different name. The only difference between Logan and a power ranger is that Logan is labeled as what it is. A doll.

But action figures are called such in order to create a divide of what is socially acceptable for a boy to play with and what is acceptable for a girl to play with.

The American Girl company had a large demand for a male doll, with some parents even making their own. Although the American boy doll is sold in the American Girl Doll line, at least it is a more accurate representation of what a boy really looks like, instead of the unrealistic looking action figures with eight-packs marketed to boys today.

Toys need to stop being strictly marketed to one gender or the other because if a boy plays with a doll, or a girl an action figure, it does not matter. First of all, companies marketing to both boys and girls is a smart move because it allows for more potential customers. Additionally, toys sold to children seem to be strongly seperated by gender, while television shows and movies are successful with both genders, despite possibly not being marketed to them. An example of this are the widely popular AMC show “The Walking Dead”, which actually has more female viewers, despite being seemingly marketed more towards the male viewers.

So stop acting like this is a new thing.

American Girl should not be criticized for creating a male doll to meet the demands of their male customers, but instead should be appreciated and praised for listening to their customers and for not refusing to include a boy doll in their line because of the stigma that “dolls are for girls.”

CRI ER 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 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 and should be given

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

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

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Jordan Szymanski Design Chief Chloe Wineinger Managing Editor Ian Brundige

Copy Editor Joseph Bermudez Graphics Editor Gavin Hamilton Page Editors Mimi Brody, Josh Kim, Danie Oberman, Carey Scott Business Manager Joseph Bellahcen Head Photographer Weronika Bilek Chief Photographer Danijela Kaurin Photographers Joseph Bellahcen, Lauren Kozy, Vrusti Patel, Melanie Powers, Austin Skeens, Kess Vaitkus, Easan Venkat, Summer Witvoet Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Pressto play start Gavin Hamilton Graphics Editor

Ian Brundige Managing Editor

Atmosphere

While the typical beeps and dings from the arcade machines are silent the space at Twincade in downtown Griffith still exudes what I can only imagine were the sounds of a classic arcade. The sounds of joysticks swinging and buttons smashing are enhanced with more contemporary, electronic music in the background.

The service is casual but you won’t spend much time sitting at your table, and the relaxed feeling is refreshing.

While the waiters are young, the crowd seemed to either be people in their thirties or forties or children under ten, truly a family environment before 9 p.m., afterwards the barcade becomes only 21 and over.

While this could be a cool hangout spot with friends, be aware that Twincade has a “no kids unless you are with adult” rule, though my friend and I, both under 18, were able to eat and play games with no comments from the workers. All of the arcade games are put pretty close together and there weren’t many tables, leading to Twincade feeling a bit cramped.

Food

Twincade has different kinds of pizzas, tacos, and sandwiches (sammies on their menu), as well as vegan cheese and gluten free bread being available. Even though they do not have a vast selection on their menu, the food that they did have was good.

I ordered two pizzas, including a vegan one, and an order of fries. First off, if you are a fan of dipping

Retro demo

As remakes, reboots dominate the entertainment industry; Crier staffers highlight recent ones T.V. show

Taken Based on the 2009 Thriller, the Taken show premiered on NBC last Monday telling the origin story of Liam Neeson’s intense character

march 3, 2017

Crier staffers review local barcade; Nintendo newest system, the Switch, released today

your fries in cheese, this might not be the place for you considering the cheese dip was a bit bland. The fries, however, were great by themselves or accompanied by ketchup. The non-vegan pizza was good, although the crust was a bit crispy, while the vegan pizza seemed to be a bit undercooked. If you are a vegan, you might want to ask them to cook the pizza a bit longer.

The food, while not outrageously expensive, was definitely on the pricier side for its quality, with appetizers ranging from $4 to $13, and a lot of the entrees hovering around the $10 mark. The more expensive appetizers, however, had ingredients like white truffle butter, which caused them to be more expensive. On the menu, there are very creative options available, that are worth a trying. One example of this are the garbage tots, which are actually more pork than tater tot, but it’s all good. In total, a meal cost around $20 per person, if you get an entree and an appetizer.

Games

Above all, the Twincade is an arcade. Classic arcade games fill every nearly every wall of the space.

While today when teens hear arcade they may think of Dave & Busters or maybe the long gone Fun-Center, Twincade is the truest sense of the word.

There are many genres of games from platformers to fighting games, racing games, pinball games, and a few sports games sprinkled throughout the arcade. The selection of 40 plus offers something for everyone.

The arcade, however, did lack prize games, such as “Key Master” or claw machines, which are essential to the modern arcade experience.

The games all appeared to be in good shape for being 20 plus years old with all of them I played functioning, except one pin ball machine which ate my token.

FOR EVERYONE Twincade offers fun for people of all ages. With light hearted games like Tron and Elevator Action. There are also six pin ball machines based on pop culture references of the time.

photo by Austin Skeens

OLD SCHOOL Mario Bros. was one of the original arcade games made by Nintendo.

Players have to jump on turtles to flip them of and kick them off the platform.

Nintendo

Crier looks back on Nintendo’s continues 28 years of games

Classics

The Twincade offers a number of original Nintendo Arcade games from Donkey Kong to Popeye

Super Mario Bros.

Early platformers like Super Mario Bros. were surprisingly more difficult than exspected but is an iconic game genre for a reason

Donkey Kong With simple controls to complete four actions jump, climb a ladder and walk left or right. Donkey Kong shows the power of simplicity.

Wii U

The last Nintendo system, the Wii U, offered a number of underwhelming new features and stale unimaginative game remakes

Super Mario Maker

New features allowed players to create their own platform levels and create

Movies

Beauty and the Beast The newest in Disney’s series of live-action remakes, “Beauty and the Beast,” premiers Friday 17.

With Emma Watson staring as Belle and beautiful CGI in the trailer it looks like a spectacle Logan In Hugh Jackman’s eighth and final time playing Wolverine the tone seems gritter and earned it an R-rating. The movie premiers today.

Super Smash Bros

Added new characters to the fast paced 2-D fighting game including the retro character from Duck Hunt.

On the go

The Switch, Nintendo’s newest gaming system, was released today.

Games

New Features

Pokémon Go The app game released last summer got an update last month adding over 80 Pokémon to the game. The release was timed with warmer weather as Spring approaches, so now is perfect time to turn your Pokédex back on.

Source: NBC.com, movies.disney.com, foxnews.com, pokemongo.com

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spotlight

portability and versitality of the new Joy-con controllers

Cost: $299.99 Release games

photos by Austin Skeens

FASHI N DEP T Women’s Clothing 1830 E. 165th Street Hammond, IN 46320 219-852-0080

Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild 1-2-Switch

Source: Nintendo.com

Munstang shout outs

Send your friends Shout Outs Runs for 5 days

Example: “Congrats on getting into Harvard, Michael.

You’ll be great!”

Check out our SkoolLive Kiosks in hallways and by the MHS Fieldhouse

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infocus

To the

beat Students prepare for Battle of the Bands March 10 Mimi Brody Page Editor

march 3, 2016

march 3, 2016

Chloe Wineinger Design Chief

Morbidus Manifestum While some bands might have spent painstaking hours learning music and rehearsing together, Morbidus Manifestum opted out of the long hours and instead are going to go up on stage and “just wing it.”

The band is comprised of three members: juniors Neil Gainer, Kess Vaitkus (Publications member) and Jack Foster. Neil and Kess formed the band on a shared love of improvised music.

“Last year, we wanted to make Members something that was different from the Guitar and groups that had done things in the Keys: Neil past,” Neil said.

“There weren’t any Gainer, junior jam elements of things in previous Drums: Jack years, it was mostly covers of rock Foster, junior stuff. There really wasn’t any personal Bass guitar: improvisation in any of the music just, Kess Vaitkus, ‘oh let’s take this song and redo it. junior So we wanted to do that and we also wanted to kind of shock people.”

The duo searched for a drummer after their previous drummer dropped out, and they were glad to find Jack.

“Originally, we were going to have a different drummer but that fell through. Last minute, we got Jack to come,” Neil said. “We were all in ‘Nilla Funk together, so it is basically a spin-off of ‘Nilla Funk. Jack is probably the best drummer in the school hands down, so it was no question who we should pick for that.”

Unlike the other bands in the competition, Morbidus Manifestum is not as structured. In fact, they only have a rough plan of what they are going to play before they hit the stage.

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Solo acts

drum

Josh Kim Page Editor

infocus

of their own

Non-bands will also perform but cannot qualify to win

Olivia Bednarowski & Cami Kekelik seniors Close friends Olivia and Cami will sing the song “Hallelujah” together. They first hatched the idea to perform together when recording videos of themselves singing.

“We’ve been talking about (performing for battle) for like a year or so,” Olivia said.

“We’ve recorded videos of ourselves singing so that’s the main reason, we though it would be fun.”

The Neighbors

They are back and ready for more. The new and improved band The Neighbors has grown out of the band 3 Hunks in a Basement that performed in Battle of the Bands Members last year.

Rhythm guitar, “Last year we were kind of just piano & nervous sophomores, you could vocals: Cody say,” Cody said. “Just three guys Phillips, junior who had never really done some- Rhythm guitar, thing on stage, and we kind of bass guitar & just did it for the heck of it. Now I vocals: Robert feel like we’re more experienced, Wente, junior more committed, just overall Lead guitar: more passionate about it.”

Alex Weakland, The founding members of The junior Neighbors have been friends Drums: Luciano since the age of three.

Medina, junior “For me, personally, I’ve just Vocals: Kim always been in love with music,” Giannini, junior Cody said. “I saw Battle of the Bands freshman year and I was like, ‘Wow, that’s so cool.’ I was just kind of intoxicated almost by (the bands’) performances and I was like, “I really want to do that.’ So we got a bunch of friends together and we did it.

And it was awesome.”

Jillian Dixon

senior

Jillian aims to achieve the atmosphere of a coffee shop acoustic session with her mashup performance of two different songs. Performing in front of many people is not a new concept to Jillian.

“I love performing,” Jillian said. “I actually do open mics in the area. I’ve performed in Nashville and Chicago in front of big audiences, and I’m working on an album right now so I’m just trying to better my experience as a musician.”

Hannah Ernst

‘Nilla Funk

‘Nilla Funk is planning on flooding the auditorium with the sweet sound of jazz funk this year at Battle of the Bands. Instead of the common four-piece configuration found in many rock bands, Nilla Funk includes 11 members, many of whom are also members of jazz band.

The idea for the band started when Andrew Rapata, junior, thought of the idea and shared it with Members Calvin Leick, ‘16, during Vocals: Milan football practice. The two Obradovic, were able to pull together senior a band, but were not able Lead Guitar: to perform last year due to a Kess Vaitkus, scheduling conflict between junior members.

Guitar and “We practiced once before we Keys: Neil found out that the jazz band comGainer, junior petition fell on the same day as battle, we couldn’t skip so Calvin Drums: Jack ended up making his own band,” Foster, junior Andrew said. “I just thought ‘Oh Bass guitar: man.’ We really wanted to do it. Andrew Rapata, We had all this music, we had writ- junior ten out parts for everybody and Aux. we were just so pumped for it. percussion: We were really bummed when we Luciano couldn’t do it,” Medina, junior The band is primarily a jazz and Brass section: funk band, which contributes to seniors Isaac the size of their band and their Brody and resilient sound. Members, like AnJake Yalowitz; drew, developed a great liking of Riley McKeever, jazz music and are excited to bring junior; Emma it onto the stage.

Stevens, “I was kind of born with a sophomore; love of jazz music I guess,” Serena Alvarez, Andrew said. “Around the freshman house my mom always plays Michael Jackson and Earth Wind and Fire and that kind of stuff. I guess I just grew up around it. Last INDIAN TWIST Practicing with his band Morbidus Manifestum, Neil Gainer, strums the sitar. While the band might not spend hours perfecting songs, year and my freshman year in jazz band, we some preparation is necessary in improvised music. “To prepare we use a lot of improvised practice,” Neil said. “We will go into a rehearsal and we had great musicians and a great instructor would pick a key, say A for instance because that is an easy key to play in, and then we would say, ‘Okay we are going to pick A, we are going to do so I was able to get exposed to really good it in four-four, and we are going to try to make it dark.’ Then we will just individually put our own twist on what we are going to do.” jazz music, funk and Motown.”

photo by Summer Witvoet

photo by Olivia Hesterman

senior

After performing last year with the band Belladonna and a solo act with Annie Phelps, senior, Hannah looks forward to singing and playing the ukulele again “Battle of the Bands gives students a creative outlet to express themselves musically.

With this opportunity, I wanted to showcase my singing abilities,” Hannah said. “Singing is what I love to do most and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”

HUM HUM is returning this year as the only act in Battle of the Bands that is not playing music or singing. Instead, HUM will perform traditional Indian dances with a modern flare in an effort to familiarize others with their culture.

“We just really want to share our culture with our peers. We think it is really exciting to be able to show a part of our culture to people that wouldn’t normally see that,” Hansa Vavilala, junior, said.

Paige Mecyssine & MarShay Neely seniors photo by Summer Witvoet

DRUM ROLL (top left) During The Neighbor’s practice at junior Cody Phillips’ house, Luciano Medina, junior, plays the drums with the rest of his band. “Robert (Wente, junior) was doing something cool on the bass and I would play the accents,” Luciano said. “It was pretty fun.” STRUMMING AWAY (top right) In his room, Ty Hesterman, freshman, practices guitar for his band Sunshine Delirium’s performance at Battle of the Bands next Friday. BACK IN BRASS (bottom) Brass section members Jake Yalowitz, senior, Emma Stevens, sophomore, Riley McKeever, junior, and Serena Alvarez, freshman, play alongside the band ‘Nilla Funk in junior Neil Gainer’s basement.

Sunshine Delirium It all started by the discovery of similar interests of three freshmen Kyle Adams, Ty Hesterman and Ben Blaesing. This led the trio to forming a band and to the participation of Battle of the Bands. Call them Sunshine Delirium.

“We are all a group of friends and we discovered that we play separate instruments so we decided to form a band from that,” Ty said, “We also like the same type of music as well.”

Performing the instrumental songs is very difficult. People don’t realize the amount of talent and practiced needed when performing, according to Ty.

“I didn’t really appreciate the talent that went into it until about one and a half years ago,” Members Ty said. “It was when I started playing guitar Bass Guitar: and I was listening to bands where I tried to Kyle Adams, learn their songs and it got harder for me to freshman learn, and I realized ‘man this is really hard.’”

Battle of the Bands will be the trio’s first Guitar: Ty performance ever. Kyle expresses his hopes Hesterman, and expectations for their performance. freshman “I’m hoping that a lot of people will like Drums: Ben us, because the genre that we are into, not a Blaesing, lot of people focus on these days,” Kyle said, freshman “I think it would be cool to revive the genre, have a lot of people like it.”

Seniors MarShay Neely, and Paige Mecyssine, are collaborating to perform the song, “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston.

“I felt like this song needed some dedication to her,” MarShay said. “It needed to be shown a little love because people always kind of overlook a lot of her songs.”

Paige has high hopes for the performance.

“It shows her (MarShay’s) voice so well, and it is such an empowering song,” Paige said.

Matt Travis II

senior

Matt Travis has participated on Battle of the Bands ever since he was a sophomore.

Now he’s going to be on the stage for Battle for the last time as a senior singing “Your Song” by Elton John. “‘Your Song,’ I think it’s a song many people of all ages can relate to one way or another,” Matt said. “It’s just saying ‘Hey, I appreciate you, I might not have a lot of money, I might not have a lot of cool things, but I want you to know from my heart I appreciate you,’ and I think it’s good for people to be appreciated.”

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march 3, 2017

Concert hall to Carnegie hall

Orchestra heads to NYC to play at Carnegie hall Danie Oberman Page Editor

First they learned they were going on a trip. Then they learned they were going to New York City. Then Mrs. Bridget Speranza, Orchestra Director, gave the Orchestra members the best news of all.

“They were doing their happy dances and jumping up and down and stuff, and then I announced that not only we were going to go to New York, we were going to get to play at Carnegie Hall,” Mrs. Speranza said. “And there were actually some people that were crying they were so happy. “ Orchestra leaves for NYC March 17.

“Everyone was so happy (to hear the

news). We were so shocked, but in a really amazed at the fact that she could good way, so excited, happy, just thrilled. reach a level that’s able to play at CarneLike, Carnegie Hall? Come on,” Ji Yoon gie Hall,” Danielle said.

In order to fund their trip, Orchestra “Jean” Lee, junior, said. “It’s like a dream come true for basically all musicians in has run several fundraisers including silent auctions, performances and fundthe world.” raisers at local This dream come eateries. true is not some- Counting Carnegie “I think it’s thing Danielle Carnegie Hall is a location with rich just great that DeCesaris, junior, history and many different statistics we had so many would have conopportunities to sidered when she p Carnegie has 3,671 seats in total learned clarinet at p The main hall’s stage is 42 feet deep do it, so it’s really awesome how eleven years old. p In total, the whole building has 64 “Eleven-year-old many restaubox seats Danielle probably Source: ww.carnegiehall.org rants, how many didn’t know what businesses, gave Carnegie Hall was, honestly, but if she us the opportunity to raise funds for this knew the context she would have been trip,” Hansa Vavilala, junior, said.

During their time in the NYC, Orchestra will tour the city, as well as see the New York Philharmonic and cellist Yo Yo Ma. “A lot of these kids have never been to NYC, so just getting to experience the culture of the city, the fast-paced lifestyle is going to be really fun,” Mrs. Speranza said.

Orchestra will perform for judges and get feedback on their three pieces: Radetzky March, a loud, fast march; Old Castle, which features a saxophone solo and the final movement of Sibelius’ second symphony.

“The Sibelius finale, which is the longest one that we’re playing, is a fairly difficult piece,” Lydia Smith, sophomore, said. “It’s four pages long, it’s a lot of almost physical work for a person to actually play for that long and play that many notes.”

Jake Yalowitz, senior, will be performing the saxophone solo in Old Castle.

“It’s a really haunting movement, it’s very slow and drawn out,” Jake said. “It’s very dissonant, it’s moving, and requires a lot of expression from both the orchestra and the soloist.”

Playing on a stage this size will be an entirely new experience for Patrick Wu, senior.

“Carnegie Hall is the place that everyone wants to be, and I’ve never played there before, so it’s pretty cool to get an opportunity to play on such a big stage, and to share it with all my friends, that’s even better,” Patrick said.

photo illustration by Joseph Bellahcen and Vrusti Patel

MAKING SACRIFICES The faded outlines of the mural in the south hallway by the math classes represent a possible loss of programs for the school. Without the referendums that will be voted on May 2, the town will be making some tough decisions regarding clubs, activities, and pro-

grams. Although it is too soon to tell what any of the cut backs will be, the town looks ahead to financial set back and must readjust the budget without the referendums. Hoping to keep the programs, the school also wishes to update the buildings and technologies with the money.

Programs at risk

Referendums running in May to provide money for restorations, programs Jordan Szymanski Editor-in-Chief

will provide; it will also help save programs and activities the students value most, according to Dr. Jeff Hendrix, superintendent.

The mural stands only as a reminder of what once “We want to bring back some of the specials at the was. Glass doors leading to the auditorium do not swing middle school and elementary schools that we have open and invite in songs and laughter; it is quiet. The had to cut back on,” Dr. Hendrix said. “We also where smell of paint and clay do not seep from the rooms in we can would like to add additional teachers in certain the art hallway. There are no groups of kids huddled in areas of the school incorporations. We find it necessary corners rehearsing speeches until perto continue to provide great instrucfection. It is 9 p.m. and publications’ tion for students and expanding some room is dark; there will be no newspastaff as well.”

Upcoming community of Ifourthesupport per on Friday morning. No yearbook current referendum running meetings to discuss to point to 20 years from now. drops off, the school town stands Although it may be too soon to tell, referendums to lose up to $3 million a year. Also without passing the referendums up in 2020, there will be exempt tax of for voting on May 2, the school town about $4 million that has to be reconin the MHS auditorium will be forced to make some tough defigured under the standing tax cap, cisions. With these decisions, the schools could stand which means the amount of money in capital projects, to lose the various activities and extracurriculars that transportation, and bus replace funds has to be reduced make them so unique. With the referendums providing by that $4 million amount. This is referred to as the fiscal a influx in money in the capital project and operating cliff, and the proposed referendums play a large role in funds the school will receive a face lift. Restorations and cushioning the budget, according to Dr. Hendrix.

“We’ve been in such a financial mess, our goal is to upgraded facilities are just part of what this referendum

Reaching out

March 16 & March 22

be very careful about what we bring back,” Dr. Hendrix said. “We’re going to evaluate what is truly needed at each building first instructional and what will help our students grow. Our goal is to support students in the classroom. If it doesn’t pass, we have to start really looking hard at how we’re going to reduce our budget and save some money for that fiscal cliff. I don’t want to get people excited or upset until we know if the referendum passes. But the other side of it is the board and administration is going to have to make decisions on how we’re going to move forward in the next couple of years.”

With current financial trouble and proposed solutions, Dr. Hendrix urges the community to stand behind the schools and have faith in the precedent the school town has set for education.

“The School Town of Munster plays a pivotal role in the community. They provide what I would call a world class education,” Dr. Hendrix said. “We have 97 percent of students graduating and 86 percent of those students heading to four-year universities. We have a history of outstanding alumni. So we see the school system impacting the quality of life by keeping home values up and creating a stable community. People come to our community for our schools and an educated community makes the community better. So, we all benefit. Even if you’re retired, good schools make the community more attractive.”

Gaining support for the referendum gives support to the entire school corporation.

“This new referendum will help,” Dr. Hendrix said.

“We need support and by people getting on board and students telling their parents how important these programs are, we keep going the right way. No one wants to see the culture change—I know I don’t.”

march 3, 2017

sports

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photo by Weronika Bilek

HIGH KICK (right) During their Pom routine, Monica Fronczek, sophomore, Caia Trykall, senior, and Skyler Gronkiewicz, senior, do toe touches at Regionals.

photo by Weronika Bilek

TURN AROUND (left) Performing their gron sequence, seniors Sugar Fane, Mary Kate Pruzin, Stephanie Vjestica, and Skyler Gronkiewicz perform their Jazz routine at Lake Central High School for Regionals Feb. 25. Though Jazz is more free-form, it is less intense than a Poms routine. “I like how it’s half as hard as going through a whole run of Pom,” Fane said.

Chloe Wineinger Design Chief When traveling to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, most would imagine having a simple, care-free vacation. But for the Dance team, who left yesterday to compete at Nationals, it means practicing wherever they can—including the hotel, parking lots and large patches of grass—in between having fun at the theme park.

This year the team is attending the National Dance Alliance (NDA) National competition at Universal Studios, as opposed to the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National competition they usually attend at Disney World. Though both associations are owned by the same parent company, the difference in competitions may pose a challenge for the team.

“The UDA is more of what we’re used to in Indiana with our competitions and the way that people dress and the dance style,” Caia Trykall, senior, said. “NDA may be a little more like studio dance, because especially with the NDA Nationals it’s on a stage, so we’re kind of raised up above and there’s curtains, a curved floor--— it’s not like our normal rectangle

One team, one dream Dance team competes at Nationals in Orlando this weekend

gym floor.” individuality, because we all look the The team begins competing today in same in terms of movements and strucpreliminary rounds for their Poms event ture. Whereas jazz is a lot freer in interand tomorrow for Jazz to try to final on pretation.”

Sunday. Their goal The team will be most is to final in Poms, Only the essentials concerned with Lake Cenwhich they have Dance packs special tral as local competition, esdone in the last items for each competition pecially in jazz since scoring two Nationals.

1/8th of a point away from Hair Gel “So far we’ve them in Regionals. Though had an unde- About two to three drops the team has not been able feated season, needed to keep hair in place to break past preliminaries so we’re really in jazz, the team has risen in Shout wipes/pen excited about Needed to clean potential score between the last two that,” Trykall said. make-up smears out of costumes years at Nationals.

“We’re hoping to “I think our goal is to also Extra pair of tights final at Nationals, final in jazz, especially since In case first pair of tights and I think we at this past competition,” become torn during dance have a really good Trykall said. “We’ve only Icy Hot/bio freeze chance because been one point, two points as much as Pom is To soothe sore muscles after away from (Lake Central) difficult to do be- dance so that’s probably the closcause it’s so fastest Munster’s ever been to Warm-up jacket paced and it’s so New this year; to wear before Lake Central, ever. So that’s energy -consum- competing a really big goal for us to get ing, even though up there and possibly beat source: Melissa Fronczek, senior it’s hard to do, them, so that would be an we’re pretty good amazing feeling.” at it. It’s a lot less subjective and there’s After the Regional competition at Lake a lot less, I guess you could use the word Central last weekend, the team’s poten-

tial looks upward by the team placing first in Poms and second in Jazz, beating out their competitors Crown Point and Penn High School.

“I think their performance and endurance is definitely an improvement this round,” Varsity Coach Cynthia Banas, WWMS teacher, said. “We always have to continue to improve our technique, make it stronger, more solid. With 16 dancers you have to make sure that they all look exactly the same.”

Poms has been their best event for the last few years, though it is the most intensive routine and requires the most practice and perfecting. The team’s connection and passion catapults their performance, according to Jolie Goldberg, senior.

“We really just have trick after trick after trick,” Goldberg, said. “We have some really tough jump sequences and really really long turn sequences that the whole team does together, so making those turn sequences synchronized is really difficult to do because if just one person is off it’s really noticeable. I think that of all teams we have a lot more jumps in there that makes it a lot more difficult to execute.”

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Call or text Renee Bilek at (219) 512-2573 to make an appointment for an estimate

10

sports

march 3, 2017

Train to reign Softball begins first outdoor practices, hopes to recreate same success as last season Josh Kim Page Editor Expectations are high for Softball, as they made it to Semi-State last season. With players returning from last season, along with younger players joining the team, everyone hopes to recreate the success they had the previous year.

Playing softball ever since she was six years old and playing for the team for the past three years, Nicole Howard, senior, prepares for her last year with the team with a different role.

“I’m a lot more comfortable as senior on varsity versus a freshman because when I was a freshman on Varsity I kind of was just the man that needed to get the job done,” Howard said. “It was different, but now, since I’m a senior, I have younger girls that are freshmen and sophomores that are looking up to me, and I have to set an example, and I have to be the leader on the team.

It’s a different role than I’m used to, but I’m glad that I can step into this role and definitely lead the team to, hopefully, another good year.”

Every season will not be exactly the same as the season before, but Rebecca Radtke, junior, describes how their goals and mindset will always be the same.

“Our mindset is still the same, we want to go, we want to win games,” Radtke said. “This year, we are going to try and build our team chemistry and just have fun as the year progresses.”

Although their mindset will always be the same, the situation is different. As players graduated, many positions for the team are now vacant.

“We lost a lot of good seniors last season, so we’re rebuilding our team a little. We practically lost our whole

SIDE NOTE on sports Baseball

What: Baseball season begins When: March 13 Although tryouts have not yet occurred, Coach Robert Shinkan, math teacher, is confident in the team’s ability to compete this season.

“We definitely can contend for the Conference championship and the Sectional championship,” Coach Shinkan said. “We’ll have to see how some of the newer guys that will make the team progress as the season goes on.”

Girls’ Tennis

What: Girls’ Tennis season begins When: March 13 Since last year, the team has lost several senior players, though this will not greatly affect the team’s performance, according to Coach Patrick Spohr, elementary P.E. teacher.

“I feel like we have a lot of young talent coming back and new talent that’s coming onto the team,” Coach Spohr said.

Lacrosse What: Lacrosse season begins When: March 11 Where: Evansville With the completion of their first practice last Saturday, the lacrosse season is underway. The team will have numerous practices before they meet competition.

“I think we are going to do good because of we’ve been bonding a lot during practice and learning how to play with each other,” Iris Peck, freshman, said.

photos by Vrusti Patel

SNEAK PEEK Before their first practice outside, Rebecca Radtke, junior (left), warms up with teammate Nicole Howard, senior (right). After their practice concluded, Howard felt optimistic about how the team will fare in the upcoming season. “This was our first practice outside and we got to get on the turf,” Howard said. “It was a good practice because we got to see where the team is at, where we need to improve on and where the team stands as a whole regarding this coming up season.”

right side,” Howard said. “We are definitely trying to find some players that can fill that spot. It can be very difficult because not everyone is comfortable in that position, but we do need a body there. So the expectations are high, but I think we’re going to do just fine this year.”

While new varsity players will fill the void of the vacant positions, new relationships will have to form in order for the team to function as one.

“It is very hard to get that new relationship and build that with a freshman especially because we didn’t have that many open gyms and so our team bonding is definitely lacking a little,” Howard said. “We are very excited to welcome new teammates and definitely build this team again and be the best that we can be.”

A strong relationship is essential for all sports teams.

Radtke explains how big of a factor team chemistry is. “(Team chemistry is) very important. You might have good individuals, but if you are not a good team together; have good chemistry, it will never work,” Radtke said. “Our team has always had good chemistry. We’ve always have gone along well. Definitely it was a big thing losing six seniors last year, but I know we have three more (seniors) this year, and each of them is going to step up and they are great too.”

Despite the obstacles the team faces, Maddy Foreit, sophomore, hopes that the team will be able to have a successful year.

“I think after last year, going to Semi-State it was a big year for us, and beating Crown Point was the biggest thing,” Foreit said. “I’m hoping this year we will follow in the footsteps of last year and do as well as we did.”

The madness continues

“They’ve never came this close to winning. Just having a great team of seniors, playing through three years and getting the experience has led them to right now just to push bigger teams like IU out.”

With her dad being from the North Side, Mary Ellen used to watch Northwestern games. Now, as a Hoosier fan, she has watched less of the Northwestmy wife and children will let me.”

Joseph Bermudez As the Hoosiers step aside from the ern Wildcats, but is excited to see them Copy Editor tournament, they will be making way have a chance to compete in the bracket.

Fourteen times in the past 20 years, for smaller schools to take their place; a “I’m super excited (Northwestern is) the Indiana University Hoosiers have smaller school like Northwestern. in the tournament,” Mary Ellen said. “It’s made an appearance at March Madness.

“I’m mind blown (that Northwestern great because this is their first time in Unfortunately, Hoosier fans will have to made the March Madness bracket),” the bracket in school history and I think endure a candy-stripe-pants-less March.

Max Servi, junior, said. “Even if they are that’s great. Obviously I’m a little upset “The hardest part for the team was a low-ranked seed, a terrible seed, I am they pushed IU out, but I’m glad smaller the injuries,” Mary Ellen Gilhooly, senior, still ecstatic. (It is) their first time ever so schools get to chance to compete rather said. “They’re already a young team, and honestly it will be amazing to see them than just the usual big schools competwhen you throw the injuries on top of finally on that national stage.” ing. It’s a great chance for them to imthat, it sets them back. There’s also a lack Because Northwestern is considered prove their program and their name.” of leadership. There isn’t really that one to be a small school, the experience the Making the bracket will obviously help player that brings everyone together, es- team has gained over the last three years Northwestern get their name out to the pecially when they have something like played a large factor in helping giving public eye, but will also help them be the injuries like that the sets them back.” them the push to make it to the national known as an athletic school along with Though the Hoosiers will not make stage that is March Madness. their academic credentials. the tournament, fans will still watch the “(Making the bracket) is good for the “Northwestern has been in the shadgames, as they always do. ows for so many years,” Max said. smaller schools because it helps them “I will fill out a be known,” Max said. bracket, but I’ve “(Northwestern) hasn’t mainly followed the been known to be an Hoosiers this year, athletic school, they’re Do’s and don’ts to building brackets, watching the games which has been known for being an acDo Don’t painful these days,” ademic school. They’re Be as informed as possible Mr. Jason McCauSecond guess yourself after decent at sports, but ley, social studies making the bracket like when picking match-ups making a bracket teacher, said. “They this, with this team, will seem to invent ways help them make nationKeep up with the scores as Be negative when watching to lose basketball al media. I’m talking games finish the games games. Even though about Northwestern, Think your team is going to Stress and freak out every Indiana won’t make but this applies to any second of game it, I’ll still watch. I’ll win, stay positive smaller school pushing source: Merrick Lieser, junior watch as much as forward athletically.”

Indiana University Hoosiers, Northwestern Wildcats fans discuss March Madness tournament

Marching through the madness

march 3, 2017

Track &

field guide

Eight steps. Runners have about eight steps before they have to jump over their first hurdle.

There are two hurdles events: 100, which is one straight portion of the track, and 300, two straights and a curve. “(In) hurdles there’s a lot of things to take into account so your form is a big one,” Alainna Carey, junior, said. “Just getting out of the block, you have to be the first one out of the block and your arms have to be a certain (way). There’s so many things, it’s just crazy.”

Shot Put Thirty-three feet, 11 inches. This is the record throw for Lexi Chipules, senior, in shot put.

Shot put throwers stand inside a metal ring on the ground and throw a nearly nine pound metal ball as far as they can.

“You throw it differently than you throw anything else, which is why it’s hard for people to catch on,” Chipules said. “You throw it from your neck outwards, like you’re pushing out, kind of like when you pass a basketball, but up more.”

photo by Weronika Bilek

photo by Weronika Bilek

JUMP IN At the long jump pit, Nick Ylo, sophomore, does a sand vault. The drill helps him master the rowing motion used when actually vaulting.

Long Jump

Sprints

photo by Weronika Bilek

TAKING AIM Preparing to throw the shot put, Ella McComis, sophomore, comes up from her power stance, where she begins turned around, and prepares to start blocking by taking one hand off the shot put. Both moves allow McComis to throw the ball with maximum velocity.

They run down the track and approach the long jump pit. Right before they jump, they take what is called a “penultimate step,” which is a longer step followed immediately by a short one to create an “explosive force,” according to Joshua Hoogewerf, junior. This force allows the competitor to jump as far as possible. “(My favorite part is) the flight, the hang time, the air,” Hoogewerf said. “Just the thrill of floating, essentially, in the air—you can’t get that feeling anywhere else.”

High Jump Ever since eighth grade, when the coaches asked him to compete in an event he had never done or practiced in, Chris McLeod, junior, has pushed himself in high jump.

Running to the jump in a “j” shape and being required to jump backwards offers a unique set of challenges to high jump.

“When you hit the curve you can lose speed, you can mess up your steps, there are so many things that can go wrong with it,” McLeod said.

Distance Growing up, Melanie Mooney, senior, always loved running. Now in high school, she runs competitively.

“I think I just got addicted to (running) because I kept getting better and better,” Mooney said.

While she runs a variety of distance events, her two main events are the 4x8 relay and the mile.

“I think the relay’s more exciting because usually they’re more competitive. I think it adds more to the team perspective of things because you’re not only responsible for your time, but you’re responsible for putting your team in a good position,” Mooney said.

A freshman with one year of track experience, Robert Young has high goals for himself in pole vault this season.

“Pole vault has always been interesting to me,” Young said. “It’s meant for people who have ambition and I feel like it would be really fun to be soaring ten feet in the sky.”

Ten feet is the height that he must achieve to be able to compete on varsity.

In pole vault, upper body strength is required to pull themselves over the bungee, the cord they have to jump over. The team does high numbers of repetitions of pull ups and dips, focusing on their arms, back and core, according to Young.

Hurdles

Danie Oberman Page Editor

Spanning distances from 100 to 400 meters, sprinters must focus on their form to obtain maximum speed when they race.

The officials at a race stall the runners for a moment, checking that all competitors are set. That moment is crucial, according to A.J. Zachary, junior, because lack of proper form can lead to a stutter step or “false start.”

“We have a lot of new recruits and it’s very complex,” Zachary said. “They are learning how to train, they are learning how to sprint, they are learning how to use their legs properly. When running, you think you are running but when you learn technique you realize you have just been floundering your arms back and forth. When you join track, it teaches you a whole new meaning of running and sprinting.”

11

Pole Vault

Track and field enters their season, members participate in several events Ian Brundige Managing Editor

sports

photo by Weronika Bilek

STEP UP During warm ups, Kendal Ziel, junior, lifts her foot over the hurdle. This exercise helps her improve her form. “I thought (hurdles) would be interesting because it’s really, really competitive and I figured it would be something new to try to get good at,” Ziel said.

Discus

photo by Weronika Bilek

TOP SPEED During practice, Brittney Lee, senior, runs a 30 meter sprint alongside teammate Wisdom Ibikunle, sophomore (right).

Lee intends to run the 100 and 200 meter sprints this season. “(The hardest part of sprinting is) just keeping up your speed the entire time and not slowing down once you get tired,” Lee said.

“Mark!”

This is the call that tells discus throwers like Ashley Anderson, senior, to leave the ring after throwing the disc.

Discus is challenging because the disk has to glide off of the thrower’s palm to fly flat.

“As you get more advanced, there’s a spin you do with it, so you have to be pretty graceful in order to do this spin, which I’m currently still learning,” Anderson said.

photo by Weronika Bilek

GOING FOR DISTANCE Standing in the ring, Jeshua Pugh, junior, prepares to throw the disc.

His goal for discus is to throw over 100 meters.

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student life

Is that racist?

What is casual racism?

Casual racism is one form of racism.

It refers to conduct involving negative stereotypes or prejudices about people on the basis of race, color or ethnicity.

Examples include jokes, off-handed comments, and exclusion of people from social situations on the basis of race

What are microagressions?

Microaggressions are the constant and continuing reality of slights, insults, invalidations and indignities said about groups by well-intentioned and often unaware people.

Examples include many sayings you possibly hear on an everyday basis: “You don’t act black.” “Where are you really from?”

What is white privilege?

It’s the level of societal advantage that comes with being seen as the norm in America, associated with wealth, gender or other factors.

Examples can be difficult to notice because it is often that the person receiving the benefits of privilege is oblivious to it.

Some individuals do not instinctively believe white privilege exists; however, often this is the group experiencing the privilege. source: USA Today, Washington Post

Munster’s diversity The high school’s diversity statistics

Does Race

With Black History Month ending, students discuss experience influenced by race Obie Oniah, senior Moving to Munster in fifth grade was interesting. My parents were drawn in by the good school system and safe community but they never anticipated the things that their daughter would have to endure. Being black, I’ve been through many situations involving stereotypes and prejudices which most people never even see as problems.

There was an instance that I distinctly remember when there had been a burglary in town one day and some classmates made the assumption that the criminal “had to be black.” Someone then replied, “Be quiet, Obie is right there” and the response to this was, “It’s fine, Obie isn’t like other black people.”

It disappoints me even more that they don’t see anything wrong with this way of thinking.

I witness this ignorance and backwards mentality every day. It astonishes me every time I hear the familiar phrase, “You’ll love this one” followed by an offensive racial slur. As usual, my peers start to laugh and expect me to join in with them since I’m a “cool black person” who doesn’t care. But even though I may smile, under the surface, these jokes disgust me and are outright offensive. Whenever I try speaking out against them; however, I’m labeled as the black girl who can’t take a joke. Instead, I’ve learned how to tolerate comments such as: “You’re actually pretty for a black girl” or “Wow, I didn’t expect you to be smart” when in reality, these statements are nowhere near being compliments.

My peers always tell me that living in Munster, Indiana with doctor parents means that there’s no way that I could face any type of oppression. Little do they know, that each one of these micro-aggressions are like stones put onto my back and after so many, they eventually build up into a heavy boulder. Although this may seem over dramatic, it’s important for people to start understanding how their mindsets actually affect the people around them. Living in Munster has given me the opportunity to make people aware of this close mindedness and help make the community a more accepting place.

Nick Martinez, sophomore I just feel accepted at Munster because there are so many people that are Multiracial (3.2%) the same race (Hispanic) as me that go Black (8.0%) here. And even the people who aren’t the Hispanic (22.2%) same race as me respect me for who I am source: Indiana Department of Education and not by my skin color.

White (60.7%)

Matter?

In today’s society, not being politically correct is a social crime. However, racism comes in forms often hidden behind jokes and double-edge statements.

How do individuals often offend groups without even realizing it?

march 3, 2017

Asian (5.9%)

Evan Dong, junior

The first thing when it comes to my experiences with people being

racist is because I am very obviously Asian. It is one of the things I consistently notice; people always point out my last name. I don’t mind it as much and I’m not that offended by it. It is not always that offensive and they might not mean really harm by it but it is always: “Dong-boy. The Donger,” and so forth.

Sometimes it is all in good fun and I don’t find it to be a serious insult, but there is still an example of how people can be labeled or seen differently because of something ethnic about them.

Because I’m the kid with the last name Dong, I lose a lot of my other individuality.

Onteya Zachary, sophomore The first time I realized I was black was in a gas station. I only

had a dollar so I rummaged through the chipped shelving for an item to spend it on. The cashier floated from aisle to aisle, eyes fixated on my hands. The second time I realized I was black was when a white girl told me she knows how it feels to be black since she grew up poor. The third time I realized I was black was in an all-white cafeteria. When I told the white boy that I liked him and he responded saying “I’m not into your kind.” Every day is a crucifixion.

These moments throughout my life have shot bullets into my melanin and with this I ask—Do you know what it feels like to be black? Do you know what it feels like to grow up conflicted on the meaning of true beauty because you don’t look like the other white girls with blue eyes and long hair? Do you know what it feels like to grow up unable to understand your culture because you were compelled to believe it was too repulsive to learn?

The fourth time I realized I was black was when I was titled Oreo. The fifth time I realized I was black was when an adult told me the only way I could jumpstart my career was to stand on a freethrow line. The sixth time I realized I was black was the moment my own family told me that skin like mine belonged in cuffs.

I had always believed me speaking like this would define me as black person ranting about black people things, but this isn’t a “black people thing.”

I refuse to be called slanderous names or told that I’m not beautiful because of the pigment of my skin.

a recent survey, studies show 46 percent of people who watch a Netflix show with else, who do you watch your favorite show with and why?

BACK Insomeone TALK “Probably ‘Shameless,’ I watch it with my sister and my friends because it is hilarious and it’s relatable.”

“‘One Tree Hill.’ I watch it with my friend Alyse because we’re best friends and we see ourselves as Peyton and Brooke.”

“I like watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ with my friend Alainna. We both want to be doctors, and it’s an exciting drama to watch.

“My favorite Netflix show is ‘The Ranch’ because it has a lot of my favorite actors in it and I usually watch it with my snacks.”

Annie Foreit, freshman

Sydeny Macek, sophomore

Izzy Malagon, junior

Mr. Michael Dempsey, study hall supervisor