MHS Crier | Issue 4 | 11.21.2024

CRIER

November 21, 2024 Volume 59 Issue 4

mhs

Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, Indiana 46321 http://mhsnews.net

Highlighting Ruby Bridges’ impact on being the first African American to attend an all-white elementary school

Lexi Villalobos & Emily Dywan Deadline Manager & Editor-in-Chief

S

ixty four years ago from now, six-year old Ruby Bridges walked up the steps of William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, as one of the first Black students to be admitted to an all-white institution. As her enrollment was possible by the pass of a placement test, Bridges’ story serves as a testament towards the dismantling of a segregated curriculum.

As the Ruby Bridges Foundation honors Nov. 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, Crier walks through how Black models of history such as Bridges have carved the way of education for generations of students to come, and how colored students of Munster reflect on the ever-evolving changes of diverse education has been inlaid into our curriculum today.

Continue reading for student outlooks on diversity on page 5

BREAKING BARRIERS Posed at desks, junior Brandon Walker and math teacher Mr. Brian Parker discuss the value of diversity in Munster schools.

“In the past few years, Munster has been doing a much better job at incorporating diversity into the way they teach,” Walker said. “They’ve hired numerous black teachers and staff, and that encourages them to think ‘I could do this, too.’” (Photo illustration by Josephine Zangrilli)

02 NEWS

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

In their element

Science Olympiad works towards their Palatine competition this weekend Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief

DUSTED OFF As sophomores Kate Huang and Rachel Rancid assemble supplies for their forensics kit, they unpacked old equipment including forceps and flasks. The Science Olympiad members are preparing for the upcoming tournament at Palatine this Saturday. “Science Olympiad constantly challenges us to think creativeley, and I love seeing how our team improves with each competition” (Photo by Ben Schirz)

With 20-page Google documents packed with formulas and notes, the Science Olympiad team has been working towards their Palatine Invitational this Saturday on Nov. 23.

Competing in five different events for the invite, junior captain Eileen Eriks is particularly excited about the Helicopter build event, a monumental way to kick off the team’s season.

“Palatine has one of the best setups for that event since their gym has two floors,” Eriks said. “You can sit on the balcony on the second floor and watch the helicopters fly by.”

The 2024 school year has welcomed an influx of new faces to the Science Olympiad. Senior captain Noel Dorai observes the wave of freshmen that have taken interest in the club this year and their promising potential.

“This year has one of the higher numbers of freshmen I’ve noticed,” Dorai said.

“It’ll mean there’s a learning curve, but

it’ll also mean that we have a team well set for the next four years.”

Science Olympiad has faced substantial hurdles to their progress. As the northern wing of the high school undergoes major construction, the team’s loss of laboratory space has posed a major obstacle for preparation. Senior captain Alexander Tu expresses his concerns for their limited work space and team motivation.

“It’s a little worrying,” Tu said. “We usually have some lab space where we can test and work with some of our builds. I’m not sure how it’ll affect the motivation for some new members without the available space.”

Despite their setbacks, the support of class of 2024 Science Olympiad alumnus Simon Nirenburg and Ethan Loredo have collaborated with the captains to help structure the team.

“It’s a huge help, because we aren’t starting over every year,” Dorai said.

“We’re able to build off of the work that members from previous years laid out for us.”

Going all the way

Speech team prepares for Glenbrooks Tournament from Nov. 23-25 Gabby Van Horne Beat Manager

After starting their season, select Speech members are preparing for the Glenbrooks Tournament from Nov. 2325. Along with the meet being open to travel team members from previous years, members can also be invited based on their performance and work done so far.

“I’m excited,” senior Jordan Fefferman said. “Something speech has really taught me is how to deal with pressure and nervousness and how to use it to my advantage. When I first started

sometimes I’d get scared and it would really psych me out. Now I’ve kind of learned to use that as energy and fuel to get me through the tournament.”

The meet will be an overnight trip and six members will be attending.

“I think we really support each other as a team,” junior Nicole Odegaard said. “If someone makes a final round or gets to place or something we’re always there for them, and I think that’s probably one of the most important parts of this.”

At a glance glance

Band Concludes Season

Clothing and Food Drives Entering the holiday season, Munster High School clubs are hosting traditional charitable drives.

Student Government is holding its annual food drive, which was Nov 4-20. Nonperishable items, such as canned beans, can be turned into your first period class and then they will be donated to families in need. The AP Psychology students also participated in the Helping Behavior project, and were given the choice to write a paper on two charitable organizations or answer 8 questions and turn in 10 food drive items.

The Environmental Club is in the middle of their textile drive, which began on Sept.

30 and ends on Dec 1. Textiles such as old clothing, shoes and stuffed animals . can be dropped off in the bins by Door O until the drive is over.

“It’s a good way to get the community together and it helps spread awareness about the imapacts of fast fashion and overconsumption can have in our environment,” senior and environmental club leadership team member Kaz Pena said. “It brings environmental issues front and center and it helps promote sustainable practices.”

LET’S RECORD IT Rehearsing for the upcoming competition, sophomores Victoria Alvarez and Natalia Rivera rehearse their speech. The speech team prepares for their upcoming competition on November 23-25. “You get to meet so many people across Indiana,” Basilia said. “Getting to compete at the next level is such a great experience.” (Photo by Evelyn Koncalovic)

IN IT TO WIN IT Posing for a photo together after the awards ceremony for the Fall 2024 JEA/NSPA convention in Philadelphia, held on Nov. 7-10, Crier members hold up their certificates. “I was really surprised because I didn’t think I was going to win,” sophomore photographer Evelyn Koncalovic said.

JEA/NSPA National Convention Awards • Senior Emily Dywan won Honorable Mention in Sports Writing.

• Senior Damien Salahieh won Honorable Mention in Newspaper Layout.

• Senior Kylee Barnes won Excellence in Review Writing.

• Junior Evelyn Koncalovic won Excellence in Press Law & Ethics.

Band concluded their season on Oct. 26 with their defeat at semi-state. While they had known they would not be competing in Grand Nationals before this competition, it was anticipated that they would advance to State. This loss resulted in their 17 year advancement streak being broken.

“It was pretty upsetting, but ultimately, I’m ready to push next year,” junior Isabella Parker-Flinchum said. “I think it’s gonna kind of make everyone work a little harder.”

FOCUSED ON THE FIELD Holding a clarinet, sophomore Abby Blue performs alongside the other band members on the football field during halftime at the football game on Oct 17. (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)

Theater Regionals Dec. 7

Corrections

After their performance weekend from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, Munster Theater Company is taking their contest show #Censored to Regionals on Dec. 7. With a record streak of first places at Regionals for three years in a row, the pressure is on to maintain the crown.

“I think that everyone is really pulling their weight and is doing their best to make this show what it is,” senior and stage manager Haylo Morgan said. “Honestly, it’s a good show and I’m really proud of everyone that’s been working on it.”

In Issue 3 of Crier, On page 1, the survey was from Sept.

26 till Oct. 7. On page 2, in the photo “Behind the Lines,” the women pictured are Erin West and Alli Sutton. On page 3, Evelyn Koncalovic took the “One Foot Forward” photo. On page 8, Emma Robbins said, “I would be Marilyn Monroe so I could take that dress back from Kim Kardashian.” Crier regrets these errors.

SPORTS

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

Back in the fast lane

03

The seahorses hit the water preparing for upcoming events this year coaches, a senior from either team hosts a party for poster making and creating the lineups. This year’s intrasquad will Kicking off for the 2024 year, the re- take place today at home. Senior Kevin turning seahorses are back along with Martinez gets ready for his fourth year, welcoming new faces onto the team. looking forward to intrasquad each Ever since Oct. 28, practices have begun year he returns to swim. to improve technique before competing “I am excited for the team bonding with other schools and will continue on and to see the improvement of the othfrom there. er swimmers,” Martinez said.

Freshman Emilia Buschmann As of this year, seniors Paul Buck, feels that having a good Andrew Manick, Nicholas mindset is a big part in Sanchez, Lauren DumaFollow the leader working hard to bring resq, Jeorgia Garcia and 2024 season senior captains Aranxta Rivera were improvement with Girls: Lauren Dumaresq, swim techniques. She announced as team Jeorgia Garcia and Arantxa has swam ever since captains on Nov. 12. RiRivera she was six years old, vera, who has been on Boys: Paul Buck, Andrew now transitioning the team since freshman Manick and Nicholas over for her first year year, strives for the idea Sanchez on the highschool team. of team bonding—wanting “It is definitely scary, the everyone to be included withpractices are more intense,” in the team. Not only to enjoy beBuschmann said. “I have to balance that, ing in the sport, but as well as enjoying but otherwise it is really fun. We are like the social aspect and people that are in a family.” it.

Boys’ and girls’ swim both participate “I’m always trying to make jokes with in intrasquad, the first meet of the sea- the team and making sure they all unson that presents a mock swim meet to derstand what we’re doing,” Rivera prepare for the real events. Once all to- said. “You do not do it because you are gether, everyone is split into two teams: good at swimming, you do it because it red or white. After the split ups done by brings you to other people.”

Lexi Villalobos Deadline Manager

WIN THE RACE Arm in the air, freshman Mia Terfler performs backstroke at swim practice. Every Wednesday, the swim team has their “lactic acid” set in which they swim as they would in a real meet to gain race experience. “Lactic acid sets push me to be a better person in and out of the pool,” Terfler said. “They make me visualize every aspect of my race and really take into account what I can do better to improve myself as a person and a swimmer.” (Photo by Sophia Rodriguez)

Snapdown to a takedown

Wrestling teams train their new recruits Kylee Barnes Page Editor

ALL TWISTED UP At practice, sophomores Mia Jimenez and Ally Compton run through drills to improve her take downs. This year the team has seen a increase in girl members. “I think that it is really good for the program and seeing the team grow has really made a difference in the room,” Compton said. (Photo by Ben Schirz)

As girls’ and boys’ wrestling snap into season, athletes are welcoming new members to the mats. Since placing 4th out of 25 during their last meet, the girls wrestlers are being trained and inspired by teammates and coaches, covering the mats with blood, sweat and tears as they train vigorously for their next meet.

“The most challenging part of being on the team is pushing yourself to get better everyday, and how much hotter it gets in the wrestling room simply because there’s so many people,” junior Noemi Gonzalez said.

From the moment the girls prepare

their shoes for the mat, to the second they sink into the foam, the dedication and preparation put forth has only brought the team closer together. With daily conditioning, bowling and sleepovers aimed to build the team’s connection, each wrestler has formed their own connection with the sport and their team.

“We have done a handful of things but one of the most impactful in my opinion was when we built the stands. It took multiple days and really brought us closer and taught us how to work together not only off but on the mat as well,” senior Francisco Betancourt said. “I think that with

the sport growing and especially our team growing that we are going to boost the morale immensely.”

The coordination and healthy competition between the team members is exactly what will take them to their State Series in December.

“When I started with Munster two years ago, we had only two on the team. We wound up getting ten girls, and this year we’re up to 21 girls,” girls assistant wrestling coach Estevan Marks said. “It keeps growing more and more, and the camaraderie that I see with all the girls blows my mind.”

Warm the court

Boys’ and girls’ basketball starting their winter season Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief

PUT ‘ER THERE Hyping each other up before the game Nov. 15, seniors Nina Garner and Kinga Grabowski go through a handshake. Garner was named Player of the Game against Chesterton, losing 57-32. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)

The court sounds with squeaks of sneakers as the boys’ and girls’ basketball team readies their seasons.

With their season already underway since earlier this month, the girls basketball team currently holds a record of 1-2 after three games. The team’s next matchup is tomorrow at Hobart High School.

Senior co-captain Lia Sotiropoulos reflects on the team’s braced challenges this season such as losing valuable players and how they plan to grow.

“I’m a little nervous because this is the first season without Gracyn

Gillard, but I feel like we’ll do just fine with the awesome talent on our team,” Sotiropoulos said. “Right now, we’re working to be physical, aggressive and consistent on the defensive end.”

Having beat Emily Zabrecky’s record for most three-pointers in a single game, Sotiropoulos sets expectations to reach the net once more.

“My personal goal for this season is to break my record again,” Sotiropoulos said. “As a team, our goal is to be a lockdown defensive team.”

While the girls have started their stride on the court, the boys’ basketball team is now working towards their first home game against Ham-

mond Bishop Noll on Nov. 27.

Junior captain Josh Malloy, along with senior captains Blake Trilli and Tyler Fuller, have worked to mentor the next class of players, transitioning their preseason practices into competition. Being one of the three returning varsity players, Malloy shares his hope to lead the team by example and instill a legacy in the new players.

“I’m excited to spend November through March with our team,” Malloy said. “We graduated eight seniors last year, so us captains are working hard to build up the younger players and get them on track.”

04 REVIEW

Green or Pink

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

Reviewing various products for tomorrow’s “Wicked” release

Emma Starkey Web Designer

Illustrations by Emily Dywan

Soaped Up

Quality: 5/5 I was surprised at how good of soap this brand was. I tried both “So Popular” and “Defy Gravity,” and each one felt equivalent to the Bath and Body Works soaps I’m used to. The scent was well balanced as well, with it strong when first used but not lingering in an obtrusive way.

The green was more citrus, reminding me mostly of limes due to the citrus and green color combination.

I genuinely enjoyed it, despite how strong it was originally. I’m partial to citrus scents, which is a bonus.

The pink was softer and more floral. It took more effort to pick up on the scent, which is a point in its favor as it brands itself as more feminine.

The floral scent was similarly soft, following the more feminine pattern.

It’s best for people who don’t like very aggressive scents.

Usefulness: 5/5 I appreciate a product that actually can genuinely be used and enjoyed.

A good soap can go a long way, and it appeals to a much wider audience than dolls or clothes. And since the quality is so high, it makes for a con-

Dress To Impress

Quality: 5/5 The gloves were soft, and big enough to comfortably fit an adult sized hand, especially when compared with the other “Wicked” line clothes that are sized for children. The embroidery was well-done, and the fabric had no obvious stitching flaws.

Usefulness: 1/5 Despite being pretty, these gloves combine fancy and sparkles in strange ways. The pink is an elegant shade, perfect for any fancy event, howev-

er the beads and gems contradict this formal aesthetic with the look of something that would fit more at a comic-con. I’m honestly not sure what these are for.

Theming: 2/5 The style of these gloves do fit the silver-and-pink aesthetic that Glinda is known for, but beyond that, the theming is mediocre. It feels like they just slapped some pink and jewels on gloves, and called it a day. For designer attire, this is disappointing.

(photos by Emma Starkey)

tender for just genuinely viable soaps.

Since the packaging is subtle, it also makes for a good product even for people who do not enjoy “Wicked.”

Theming: 4/5 For what it is, I’d say the brand did a decent job. The colors of each are striking and the silhouettes look great. They’re named after Glinda and Elphaba’s iconic songs: “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” respectively.

I like that the duo also fits as a pair, meaning that if you purchase both, nothing sticks out too much. The detailing makes this one a go-to.

Killing Karaoke Quality: 1/5 I have never expected a song-based product from a musical to be so obnoxious. The music is played loudly and there is no volume control. The flashing lights just sort of turn on and off, and the speakers sometimes crackle while playing audio. Yikes.

Usefulness: 4/5 Taking into account that it is a toy meant for children, the idea is solid.

It has Bluetooth features and the four buttons are accessible. The echo ef-

fect is a nice touch. Despite its flaws, it does its purpose well.

Theming: 5/5 What is more on theme than a literal recording of “Defying Gravity” straight from the movie? The colors work well together and the “Wicked” logo is front and center. The pink, green, gold and white all match the movie’s aesthetic. At the bottom you have Elphaba and Glinda’s silhouettes to complete the package. Good job, microphone.

INFOCUS

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

“It’s not just representation, but inclusion.”

05

Continued from front

ed,” Walker said. “It’s not just representation, but inclusion.”

The culture clubs within Munster such Teachers and staff, the backbone of Munas Black Culture Club work toward buildster’s ever-evolving environment, echo the ing a community of diversity for a valued student’s voices as they recognize the growvoice, posing the grand question: how will ing diversity within Munster. Growing up in we install a legacy into the workings of our a private Catholic school in Michigan City, school? math teacher Brian Parker was one of four As Black figures of history have endlessother Black students. Now teaching at ly carved the path of education, students Munster after 13 years at Michigan such as senior and BCC president Ava Adam City, he reflects on the change of dereflect on their embodiment of strength. mographic.

Adam, alongside the collective efforts of “When you take a school such as Munother BCC members, work together in orster, this is a big cultural melting pot,” Parkder to answer this question by introducing a er said. “Oftentimes, we’re really trying scholarship offered through the club. to fight to make sure there’s equity in the “We’re working to raise five thouschool environment.” sand dollars for a scholarship, Being a teacher such as Parker whether that’s from direct echo the sentiment as Munster donations from businessevolves for a better future for You can still es, having percentile doeducation. become a role nations from purchases “If we continue to uplift model with the or even running a bake people of color and other sale,” Adam said. “It’s an correct strength ethnic backgrounds, we opportunity for seniors can break through the traand approach.” who’ve been in the club ditionally impoverished culAva Adam Senior for at least two years to ture of America and see an honor their work.” education system that serves Having been the club’s sponeverybody--in the way it could, sor since it’s initial establishment the way it does, and the way we three years ago, Kristin LaFlech fuels the want it to,” Parker said. passion of the club’s voice through a similar “I think role models, proposal. specifically Ruby BridgTO SUM IT UP In front “What I pose to any class or club of mine es, have opened up a of the Promethean is, what’s going to be your legacy?” LaFlech lot of doors in terms board, senior Ava Adam said. “What’s going to be your mark that you of education, but presents a project to the Black Culture Club. can reflect on from 10 or 15 years from now she’s also a symbol In preparation for their and proudly say ‘I did that’?” for other people upcoming joint Philosophy Junior and BCC’s treasurer Brandon Walkto take inspiraclub meet, BCC researched black philosophers and er is part of Munster’s Idea Team, where stution and place into created posters for each dents help shape the curriculum to match their own lives,” model. (Photo by Sophia the views of the student body. Walker shares Rodriguez) Adam said. “You can how he thinks cultural education has to find yourself through start from the ground up. their inspiration, such “If you start at the elementary school as speaking up for yourself and educate students on these topics up all or becoming more involved. It through high school, I think we’ll achieve a shows no matter the age that you are, you point in the future where the education syscan still become a role model with the cortem will allow everyone to feel representrect strength and approach.”

“

In their words Black teachers and faculty reflect on their most inspirational role model

“

“

My old high school mentors James Brown and Franklin T. Boyd, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and NFL Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy. I find these men influential to me because of how they carry themselves through their personal and professional lives and how they can change people’s lives.”

Rashad Daviston, Mild Interventions Teacher Falcon from Captain America the show. What’s really cool about it is the character is a Black man, but he’s stuck dealing with this expectation. All of my life I’ve grown up with people telling me I’m not black enough. He has all these expectations to be like the white Captain America. And he makes this stand like, ‘I’m not gonna let anyone tell me the kind of Black hero I’m supposed to be.’”

Brian Parker, Math Teacher

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I would have to say the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was courageous enough to stand firm and challenge hate in a peaceful but productive way which aligns with my faith and beliefs.”

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Romison Saint-Louis, Weights Teacher My role model is my dad. He was at 90% of my games since I was 7 all the way to high school. I played basketball, football, baseball and ran track.

Him being there really showed me how much he cared. Today he is one of my best friends and he has made me a better man.”

Douglas Padgett, Instructional Assistant

06 INFOCUS

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

Behind the headlines

CHASE THE TRUTH With extended arms, members from the Crier staff reaches out above in strive for the truth. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli, Illustration by Emily Dywan)

Understanding the ethics that shape what news gets told Lexi Villalobos

web designer Emma Starkey said. “So, just having a little respect does not hurt After attending sessions at the JEA/ anyone.”

NSPA National Convention in Phila- Act independently. delphia Nov. 7-10, Crier reflects on the The primary obligation toward ethiimportance of ethics, posing the ques- cal journalism is serving the public. For tion: how are ethics utilized through- Munster High School, Crier serves as a out our publications? It’s not a ques- resource for the student body. tion that ethics are necessary to run a “It is important to not be biased totrustworthy publication. Though, with wards a certain topic, like ideology or recent invasions of privacy folview on things,” junior social melowing the tragic death of dia manager Josephine Zansinger Liam Payne and grilli said. “We seek to tell circulation of political the truth on things and We seek to tell misinformation, the not spread an opinion or the truth and not integrity of the mepropaganda.” spread an opinion dia has been quesBe accountable and or propaganda.” tioned. The Society transparent. of Professional JourBy taking responsiJosephine Zangrilli nalists widely encourbility for one’s work or Junior ages all media to use giving an explanation for point of reference, the one’s decision brings ethifour pillars of code of ethics. cal journalism into play. To take Seek truth and report it. accountability for mistakes, Crier adds When journalists begin to gather and corrections every issue to the news report information, elements of hones- page. ty and courageousness play a role for “Corrections is something that not a accurate and fair ethical journalism. In lot of professional news organizations Crier, staffers check thoroughly with always do, but it is very valuable,” pubany information within each story be- lications adviser Alexandra Sulewski fore publishing to inform the student said. body honesty.

A simple and helpful way to remem“The fact that we are not filtered by ber each of the key components is usfaculty makes it so critical to ing the TUFF formula: Truth, report honest and valuable Unbiased, Full and Fair. In the case of Hazelwood information,” senior v. Kuhlmeier, Cathy editor-in-chief Emily You never really Kuhlmeier reported Dywan said. “There know what someethically on a preghas to be some sort of one else is walking outlet of honesty that nancy issue within the through.” sheds light on topics school district for The Cathy Kuhlmeier whether it is political Spectrum newspaper.

Journalist, former editor of The Spectrum policies or different culNames were changed to tures.” protect identity along with Minimize harm. having the sources sign a paThe Spectrum Sources within a story or colper to make sure the information leagues of journalists are treated with is accurate.

“Those are the reasons we do good much respect to lessen any harm. Crier ensures that each and every person in journalism and try to help other peothe building is valued and supported. ple,” Kuhlmeier said. “I encourage you “We are just one in a bunch of fac- to always do that and be kind, because es of students who are all trying to live you never really know what someone our lives at the end of the day,” senior else is walking through.”

Deadline Manager

It’s all in the formula Journalist’s guide to clear and concise reporting

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ruth.

Seek the truth and report thoroughly as possible.

nbiased.

Being impartial as possible, balancing rights the publication and source has.

“

ull.

As in-depth as possible for readers to understand.

MAPPING IT OUT On the way home from Philadelphia, publications adviser Alexandra Sulewski points to the map on the subway. SMILE FOR THE CAMERA Smiling at the camera, seniors Gabby Van Horne, Zoe Clark, Emily Dywan and Lexi Villalobos pose for a photo with Cathy Kuhlmeier. STANDING TALL Towering over the Swann Memorial Fountain, Philadelphia’s town hall stands over the city. (Photos by Josephine Zangrilli)

air.

Consequence based ethics, subjectivity, and responsibility within stories.

OPINION

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

07

The risk takers

Risha Panigrahi Guest Columnist

Illustration by Damien Salahieh

Staff opinion

In honor of ethics

Many people are unaware of the sys- our code of conduct we follow. tem of ethics that go into journalism.

We take our interviewing process With politics seemingly controlling very seriously. It is extremely imevery major news outlet, it is easy to portant that we do not misquote our believe that journalists just write lies sources, and that we let the sources and publish twisted facts. However, tell the story rather than us putting underneath is the code bias in what they have our take of journalism that all are said. All views are meant supposed to follow.

Crier follows a strict to be respected. ethical code for our Crier knows this well.

In addition, writers who devotion to truth.

Have you ever noticed have a personal involvethe Corrections section ment with a story topic on page 2 every issue? Every time we are not allowed to write pieces on publish a mistake, it is extremely im- that story, unless it is specifically an portant that we acknowledge it and try opinion piece. The reasoning is that to fix it. This is just one of our steps in involvement causes bias, which is ex-

actly what we strive to eliminate.

By eliminating bias, we maintain a quality of story that works to represent the story’s topic honestly: no matter if it’s an in-depth look into a political issue to a piece on a club or sport. The best journalism is honest journalism.

Bias takes this honesty and replaces it with a weapon, twisting viewpoints.

In this day and age, where more and more news begin to succumb to bias, maintaining these ethics help maintain a publication that can be respected, and more importantly, trusted. For this reason, above all, we are committed to honesty and ethics.

“No matter your career choice, you will always be selling something,” comments Jeff Bogacki, Director of Group Sales for the Chicago White Sox. Selling tickets for a popularized sporting event may seem like an easy fleet, but in reality it can be challenging, especially when you are selling tickets for the worst team in Major League Baseball. In sports there are good seasons and bad seasons, but what about one of the worst seasons in history?

This does not solely affect the team, but in Major League Baseball it affects every worker, especially ticket salesmen. The White Sox did not have the best record for this past season, but persuading sports lovers became a routine for Jeff

Bogacki. The ability to advance past adversity and hardships is a crucial skill that is essential when it comes to selling tickets for a lousy team.

Why would you want to go watch a team with a 41-121 record, when the Cubs are in the same city? It takes a skilled salesman with a great pitch in order to sell what seems like a losing ticket. ...

Three strikes, you’re out Hailey Jorsch & Mia Mainellis Guest Columnists

At the beginning of November, students in english teacher Steven Stepnoski’s AP Composition class wrote ‘how-to’ essays. The students interviewed “expert” sources on their topic and build their credibility. Crier selected and Mainellis’ essay.

Read the rest of Jorsch and Mainellis’ ‘how-to’ essay on how Bogacki sells Chicago’s worst performing baseball team at mhsnews.net

mhs

CRIER

Not every pitch is straight down the middle, but with hard work and adaptation, you might end up hitting a home run.

In the past year alone in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel, 130 journalists have lost their lives—more than the number of journalists killed during all 27 years of WWII and the Vietnam War combined.

This figure underlines a disturbing reality we now face: as geopolitical conflicts intensify and journalism becomes increasingly partisan, the press is more vulnerable than ever. While global leaders rally citizens to vote to “preserve democracy,” the stark truth is that upholding the honest and ethical spread of information is the single most valuable tool we have to protect democratic ideals.

Cases like this aren’t unique to the battlefield; Latin America, a region without active war zones, claimed the lives of at least 40 journalists in 2022 alone— and was subsequently demarcated the most dangerous place for reporters.

Journalists like Daphne Caruana Galizia, who spearheaded the investigation of the Panama Papers before being assassinated in 2017, and Victoria Roschyna, who reported on critical issues in Ukraine before being incarcerated, have similarly paid the ultimate price for their groundbreaking work.

In a world with news increasingly polluted with unreliable stenography and devolution, the solution lies in doing your part to amplify truth, accuracy, and all the powerful tenants of balanced journalism free from the constraints of supposed bipartisan obligations and feigned objectivity. Now more than ever, it is crucial to advocate for the human rights and safety of the media organizations which challenge powerful interests and provide a platform for underrepresented voices.

In honoring the continuing sacrifice of those who risk everything in pursuit of the truth, we do more than protect the press; we safeguard our collective freedoms to know, speak, and decide our future; their courage reminds us that the fight for truth is inseparable from the fight for a just world. By amplifying these voices, we uphold the very principles that sustain a free, equitable society.

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Student Media: Newspaper 1-4 classes and extra-curricular involvement.

Crier’s website is mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community.

•Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community.

•Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

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

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Editor-in-Chief Emily Dywan Deadline Manager Lexi Villalobos Head Photographer Zoe Clark Cartoonist and Design Chief Damien Salahieh Story Editor Emma Starkey Photography Trainer John Kullerstrand Page Editor Kylee Barnes Photographers Evelyn Koncalovic, Sophia Rodriguez, Ben Schirz Social Media Manager Josephine Zangrilli Beat Manager Gabby Van Horne Adviser Ms. Alexandra Sulewski

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

A feast of fusions Since Thanksgiving is next xt week, Culture Club

members reflect on their Thanksgiving traditions

STUDENT LIFE

08

Backtalk

With Thanksgiving approaching, who would you invite to your feast and why?

Kylee Barnes Page Editor

F

or lots of students, Thanksgiving and the seasonal festivities that drag behind it not only create new memories, but hold traditional values that intertwine students with their EAT IT UP Served at the Culture Cuisine Club cultures. With Thanksgiving break around the cormeet on Nov. 14, the stuner, culture clubs around the school are preparing dents ate lo mein, spring rolls and chicken and for their fall celebrations. Senior and Culture Cuibroccoli in the spirit of sine club president Ava Adam elaborates on the Chinese culture. (Photos history behind the holiday.

by Josephine Zangrilli) “I think it’s important to highlight the Native American holiday: The National Day of Mourning,” Adam said. “The story of Thanksgiving is a misrepresentation of the Wampanoag people, and Native Americans today gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts in order to honor their ancestors and celebrate indigenous traditions.”

From fasting and prayer, to feasting and a fridge full of too many leftovers, the customs shared between loved ones take many different forms.

Adam shares her own traditions.

“We take part in the classic Thanksgiving dinner, but we make it our own by serving Mexican and Haitian foods,” Adam said. “It’s a holiday where we spend time together and connect back to our cultural traditions.”

Junior Joyce Yao among other students presented about Chinese culture at CCC’s meet on Nov. 14. The club practiced Tai Chi, learned to write ‘I love you’ in Chinese, and tasted a variety of dishes.

“We got to educate people about Chinese culture and debunk some myths,” Yao said. “For example, orange chicken isn’t Chinese. It was invented in Hawaii in 1987.”

As a Chinese-American, Yao similarly blends her culture in her Thanksgiving traditions among her family.

“On Thanksgiving, my family has roast duck instead of turkey,” Yao said. “We also speak both English and Chinese at home. There’s always going to be a blend of the two.”

The connections made during group activities don’t falter along the lines of family and friends, like Muslim Culture Club’s bracelet making meeting on Tuesday.

“In my family, we often gather with a lot of my relatives at someone’s house for a potluck style dinner,” senior and MCC president Yumna Jawad said. “This holiday is a way that people can remember what’s important to them and be thankful for everything in their lives.”

Spending the fall holidays being swarmed and swaddled by the people who love you is common among most families, but some don’t celebrate.

“I know there are some students who don’t get to experience a Thanksgiving DISH IT OUT Selecting their food, junior Mia dinner,” Adam said. “In a sense, Culture Zuniga and freshman BenCuisine Club allows people to experijamin Castillo-Mendoza dish their plates. (Photo by ence a ‘Thanksgiving’ every month with Josephine Zangrilli) varying foods. Our club is based on culCHEESIN’ FOR CHI Practicing tural education, student interactions and Tai Chi moves between lunch taconversations.” bles, senior Patrick Sabat raises

“Mickey Mouse because “Hubert Blaine he loves all Wolfeschlegelholidays.” steinhausen Anthony Sannito, bergerdorff Sr. Freshman to ask him his opinion on people with the fear of long names.”

Jake Zelaya, Freshman

“I would invite Chappell Roan because she is the pop industry and probably your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

Jaylen Alvarado, Sophomore

“Adria Flores because she is a really good friend and I want to hang out with her.”

Zoe Laird, Sophomore

“Chandler Bing, just to hear the “Gilgamesh story one more because I feel time.” like he’s an Anastazja

interesting man Matyskiewicz,

and I want to see Junior

if he was actually gigantic.”

Phillip Lewers, Junior

“David Kushner.

He is my favorite artist and I would love to know what his biggest inspiration is for his songs.”

Nadia Cortes-Anzur, Senior

“Michael Cera because he is a funny guy and he can sing folk for the table.”

Marianna Young, Senior

his arms, being careful not to hit the other club members. (Photo

by Josephine Zangrilli)

LET’S LEARN Giving a presentation on Chinese holidays, senior Paul Harkenrider points at the slideshow. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)

“My automatic answer is Jesus Christ, but if I had to choose an alive person I’d go for Guy Fieri.”

Daniel Moy, Math teacher

“Probably Bob Weir. He’s one of the only alive guitar players from the Grateful Dead.”

Luke McGinnis, Choir teacher