CRI ER MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
Love,
a senior
vol. 51/senior/may 19, 2017
upcoming
inside look
Graduation practice is Tuesday, May 23 at 11:15 a.m.
Find out who won senior bests on page 3
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
Dear
LEFT: student section at Gary West Side BELOW: (from left) Jaylan Scott and Justin Goshen
Goodbyes are hard. Sometimes there’s only one thing left to say
seniors,
Tell me about Homecoming:
HOT
Jenna Cappo
Describe senioritis:
Painful
Meredith Lee, senior
T LEFT: MarShay Neely RIGHT: MaryEllen Gilhooly BELOW LEFT: Emily Zellinger BELOW RIGHT: Alex Raycroft and Alyssa DeJoan
he y tell you senior year flies by. Well, take a moment and look, here it is:
How does it feel to say goodbye?
Bitter sweet
M
emories, victories, laughter and spirit—these instances are the last year. So dear seniors, this is it:
LEFT: Marijke Van Dyke RIGHT: (from left) Melissa Fronczek, Kaitlyn McHale and Tim DeRolf ABOVE: (from left) Kiriako Tsoukalas and Demetri Fotopoulos
What was spirit week like?
creative
Peter Pappas
relieved
Alex Bleza
Fulfilled Elisa Del Toro
Scary Ella Speckhard
Lexi Chipules
Miguel Hernandez
Indescribable Perima Shah Matt Georgas
Emotional
GodBless
Genesis Tienstra
Right Liberating FREE Happy
Maggie Vaitkus
GOODBYE
Kyra Marriott
Vinny Misch-Ramirez
Class of 2017
What was it like being a second semester senior?
careless
Rodrigo Contreras
LEFT: Brittney Lee MIDDLE: Kosta Karagan RIGHT: Hannah Zaremba
Continued on page 8
2
community support
may 19, 2017
Home Cooking Elegant Atmosphere Family Dining at its Finest
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Carry Out Available
DRIVERS EDUCATION !! It’s too important not to go with the BEST!!
Dixon’s Florist
Certified Driving School
Renee’s House Cleaning Congratulations to the Munster Mustang Class of 2017 20% discount on Announcements
Pre-order Fowers for Graduation Day 919 Ridge Road Munster, IN 46321 (next to Butterfingers and the Munster Post Office)
219-836-1668
JOR DAN
Congratulations!
We are so proud of your hard work, determination and leadership. Good luck at Ithaca College — you’ll make things happen! Love, your family
Call or text Renee Bilek at (219) 512-2573 to make an appointment for an estimate
may 19, 2017
And the winner is... Senior class votes for senior superlatives
superlatives
Best eyes Andrew Jumonville Best hair
Kate Stanko Genesis Tienstra
Kyle Buvala
Best sense Kiriako Tsoukalas of humor
Lauren Mosley
Heart of gold Tim DeRolf Best dressed Best smile Best musician
Alex Raycroft
Brendan Ristenpart
Jolie Goldberg Priscilla Carvajal
Tim DeRolf Jacob Yalowitz
Annie Phelps
Best performer Matt Travis II Most attractive
Ani Arzumanian
Matt Marcus Andrew Jumonville
Priscilla Carvajal
Most artistic Jordan Wright Most Intelligent
photo by Easan Venkat CROWNING GLORY At the Student vs. Faculty game on Feb. 15, Cami Kekelik, senior, crowns senior Tim DeRolf Turnabout King at half time. It is tradition for the Homecoming Queen to crown the Turnabout King.
Mei Brasel
Matt Kvasnica
Most athletic
Matt Marcus
Most likely to succeed
Jake Ingoglia
Cutest couple
Jason Crary
Best friends
Cami Kekelik
3
Perima Shah Nicole Howard Perima Shah
& &
Cami Kekelik Lizzie Fies
Describe senioritis:
Chronic Drained Lexi Pitsas
Thomas Beckham
Book us for your event in 2017! Receive one hour of ballon twisting for $50 (regularly $85)
Call (929) 322-3768
4
future plans
may 19, 2017
Onto the next
step
Seniors begin next stages of their lives with college, military, work force or other decisions Indiana Ball State University
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston Nicole Wakefield- Sport Management
Fox College
Arizona
Tinley Park Ashley McPartlan- Veterinary Technology
Arizona State University
Tempe Brandon Andreasen- Urban Planning
Governors State University University Park Kayla Warner- Communication Disorders
University of Arizona
Tucson Anisha Kondamuri- Finance
Loyola University Chicago Chicago Natalie Kaczka- Biology Meredith Lee- Biology and French Erin Maley- Biology Pre-Med
California University of Southern California Los Angeles Jolie Goldberg- Business Administration
Florida Florida State University
Tallahassee Porter Taylor- Environmental Science
University of Florida Gainesville Corin Erwin- Nursing
Georgia Georgia State University Atlanta Anthony Smith- Undecided
Illinois Augustana College Rock Island Cami Kekelik- Undecided
Columbia College Chicago Chicago Elisa Del Toro- Communications Weronika Bilek- Undecided
DePaul University
Chicago Vrusti Patel- Actuarial Science Paige Sevald- Pre-Med Jordan Wright- Animation
Northwestern University Evanston Patrick Wu- Political Science Jake Yalowitz- Music and Political Science
Muncie Ani Arzumanian- Musical Theater Jenna Cappo- Business Marketing & Sales Brittney Lee- Nursing Sidney Milne- Fashion Merchandising Vincent Ramos-Niaves- Creative Writing and English Shane Smolinski- Psychology and Criminal Justice MacKenzie Torphy- Criminal Justice and Criminology Breann Ward- Nursing Chloe Wineinger- Telecommunications
Butler University
Indianapolis Thomas Beckman- Marketing
Holy Cross University East Chicago Lillie Cockrum- Undecided
Indiana State University
Chicago C.J. Gloff- Accounting
Terre-Haute Matt Travis II- Business/Advertising/ Communications Daniel Zuccarelli- Sports Medicine
South Suburban College
Indiana University
Saint Xavier University
South Holland Mackenzie Dickeson- Nursing
University of Chicago Chicago Jason Crary- Biology Anna Whitney- Linguistics
University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Danijela Kaurin- Pre-Med Molly Korman- History
University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign Champaign Steven Donovan- Mathematics and Computer Science
University of St. Francis Joliet Katherine Szakacs- Nursing
Wilbur Wright College
Chicago Evyn Everett- Occupational Therapy
Bloomington Alexandria Bleza- Marketing and International Business Isaac Brody- Undecided Zeke Clark- Sports Marketing Jillian Dixon- Marketing Josh Engle- Criminal Justice Melissa Fronczek- Communication Studies Elliott Fus- Music Education Matthew Georgas- History and Political Science Jesis Ghimire- Undecided Mary Ellen Gilhooly- Human Biology Emma Gouliaev- Human Biology Skyler Gronkiewicz- Biology Dylan Harish- Undecided Jake Ingoglia- Economic Consulting and Public Policy Analysis Michael Jonelis- Finance Kosta Karagan- Undecided Sid Khajuria- Gender Studies Sara Ladd- Pre-Dentistry Dana Levitan- Nursing Matthew Marcus- Business Serena Marin- Finance Kyra Marriott- Public Policy Analysis Lauren Martin- Undecided
Describe being a second semester senior
Done Slothful Goofy Stressful Elena Bedolla
Melissa Fronczek
Gabrielle Ramirez
Miguel Hernandez
Reid Miller- Biology Isabel Nieves- Journalism Georgia Pappas- Nursing Nirav Patwari- Biology Annie Phelps- Animal Behavior Alex Raycroft- Business and Public Policy Brendan Ristenpart- Management Eric Salzeider- Psychology Nicholas Sopcic- Business Frank Storino- Mathematics James Svolos- Finance Mariah Villaroman- Spanish Education Henry Wolf- Business Hannah Zaremba- Marketing
Julianne Roser- Biomedical Engineering Hunter Small- Physics Katelyn Stanko- Elementary and Special Education Lane Terry- Chemistry Genesis Tienstra- Accounting Caia Trykall- Pre-Pharmacy/PharmD Maggie Van Kleek- Pre-Pharmacy Makayla Woods- Accounting Kayleigh Yaeger- Pharmacy Michael Yoniles- Computer Science Frank Zahariadis- Pharmacy
Indiana University Northwest
Hammond Andrew Aiken- Mechanical Engineering Nick Buell- Undecided Jordan Chansler- Biology Jon Fahey-Smith- Nursing Maddie Gleason- Nursing Chris Gonzales- Undecided Ashley Hayes- Psychology Katie Kordeck- Elementary and Special Education Christina Mendoza- Daycare Reily Opilka- Business Julian Ramirez- Civil Engineering Andy Riddle- Mechanical Engineering Lazar Stanisavljevic- Computer Engineering Lexi Starkey- Nursing Mariah Vargas- Communications Matthew Wright- Engineering Hunter Zukley- Pre-Med
Gary Maraya Alvarez- Radiology Elena Bedolla- Fashion Merchandising Javier Campos- Business Samantha Chua- Business Agatha Grabowski- Fine Arts Gurkiran Kaur- Psychology Eric Martinez- Business Jessika Miller- Sociology Tia Nichols- Business Amanda Reyes- Fine Arts Maya Rosales- Undecided Joshua Ruiz- International Business Angad Sidhu- Biology Anna Slosser- Radiologic Sciences
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Ashwin Iyer- Business and Marketing
Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Stacey Cross- American Sign Language Interpreting Hannah Curtis- Informatics Lizzie Fies- Radiology Gabriella Herrera- Marketing and Political Science Nicole Howard- Nursing Siman Khatra- Biology Ruth Kurowski- American Sign Language/ English Interpreting Abbey Nielson- Radiation Therapy Hunter Ward- History and Teaching Nyssa Wedgeworth- Foreign Language Interpreting (Spanish and ASL)
Purdue University Northwest
Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame Mary Kate Pruzin- Business
Valparaiso University Valparaiso Tim DeRolf- Meteorology and Spanish Paige Mecyssine- Health Administration and Music Ella Speckhard- Undecided Lily Warren- Political Science and International Business
Iowa
Western Michigan University
Ellsworth Community College Iowa Falls Jaylan Scott- Physical Therapy
Kalamazoo Thomas Gervase- Chemical Engineering
Missouri
University of Iowa
Iowa City Danie Oberman- Psychology and Creative Writing Jack Wulf- Sports Marketing
Saint Louis University
St. Louis Nikki Katalinic- Nursing
Washington University
Massachusetts Boston University
New York
Medford J.R. Bales- Biology
Radnor Township Armani Chavolla- Chemical Engineering
University of Utah
Salt Lake City Vinny Misch- Undecided
Wisconsin Concordia University Wisconsin Mequon Olivia Kindt- Accounting
Ithaca College
Ithaca Jordan Szymanski- Writing for Film, Television, and Emerging Media
Tufts University
Villanova University
Utah
St. Louis Madhuri Kesani- Biomedical Engineering Kayla Williams- Biology and Chemistry
Boston Megan Wimmer- Biomedical Engineering
Marquette University
Milwaukee Kristin Osborne- Nursing
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Michigan
University of Wisconsin
Madison Mallory Grim- International Business Saveda Majety- Biochemistry Obie Oniah- Psychology
Syracuse Lexi Chipules- Environmental Resources Engineering
Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant Michael Madura- Kinesiology
Military
Ohio
Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo Anna Gambetta- Biology
Zachary Geron Shane Gomez Isaac Luehrs Alejandro Ramirez
Miami University
Oxford Blake Gardiner- Undecided
Michigan State University East Lansing Alyssa Chronowski- Kinesiology
Work Force
Ohio State University
Northern Michigan University
Marquette Margaret Vaitkus- Fisheries and Wildlife Management
Columbus Emily Zellinger- Accounting
Garrett Glover Shawn Heritage Nicholas Van Sipma Andrew Vicari
Pennsylvania
Trade
University of Pennsylvania
University of Michigan
Philadelphia Adam Richter- Chemical Engineering and Biology
Ann Arbor Matt Kvasnica- Undecided
Cody Bertrand- Professional Fishing Patrick Massengill- Denmark College Barber School in Merrillville
Across the map
Seniors attend colleges across the United States, most stay in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Students staying in-state
Gary Ashley Breger- Information Technology (Online Degree) Andrew Opat- Undecided
Marian University
5
Indianapolis Jake Strbjak- Exercise with Sports Science
Purdue University
West Lafayette Amjad Alshamaileh- Computer Science (Graphics) Ashley Anderson- Nursing Alexandria Ashenbaugh- Nursing Claire Bailey- Business Management Kyle Buvala- Pharmacy Siqi Chen- Accounting Safa Chowdhury- Biomedical Engineering Abby Chronowski- Business J.P. Cieslak- Engineering Brandon Cordero- Applied Physics Megan Dato- Speech Pathology Alyssa DeJoan- Kinesiology Rosalinda DeLuna- Engineering Mackinzie Farnell- Engineering Alondra Lopez- Pharmacy Kaitlyn McHale- Undecided Melanie Mooney- Biology/Pre-Veterinary Milan Obradovic- Engineering Noah O’Mara- Engineering
5
future plans
may 19, 2017
3
6
22 129 2
1
1
2
30%
2
out of state
70% in-state
2 Most popular majors 1. Engineering major
3
2.
2
Business major
3.
1
Biology major
Students attending state colleges
2
30 20 10
Out of 357 seniors, 182 responded with their college choices for Crier’s survey
9 37 14
8
30 17
BSU IU IUN IUPUI PU PUN
6 academic awards Marks of
excellence
Students received honors at Academic Awards ceremony last night Underclassman honors Junior Class highest honors: Lissette Araya, Sofia Balac, Nicole Crowe, Brooke Dills, Rebecca Dogdson, Zachary Dong, Olivia Foley, Haleigh Gronwold, Emma Hand, Jonathan Harris, Michael Hrinda, Jack Jones, Kali Konstantinopoulos, Tara Layous, Ji Yoon Lee, Justin Lukowski, James McKeever, Abigail Nita, Adaobi Okolocha, Hansa Vavilala, Vivian Wei, Joseph Yoniles
Jordan Wright; Mikell Wright- American Sign Language II; Madolyn Foley- French IV; Meredith Lee- French IV; Kali Konstantinopoulos- Spanish IV; Eli NirenbergSpanish III; Wisdom Ibikunle- Spanish III Indiana University World Language Honors Program France: Michael Hrinda, Isabella Blackford Spain: Nicole Biestek, Micala Boyd, Melissa Mardyla, Eli Nirenberg, Chyan Rangel, Hansa Vavilala
Hoosier Boys’ State award: Zachary Dong, Marco Ivetich, Connor Meyer, Easan Venkat
The DOC 200 Project Award: Katie Kordeck, Grant Gronkiewicz, Skyler Gronkiewicz, Lauren Stofko
Hoosier Girls’ State award: Gabrielle Ingoglia
Underclassman Principal’s Award for Excellence 2017: Anthony Daniels, 11; Brooke Dills, 11; Emma Hand, 11; Kalie Miles, 11; Easan Venkat, 11; Anuoluwapo Abiove, 10; Joseph Bellahcen, 10; Jonah Clark, 10; Elizabeth Fonseca, 10; Mira Fefferman, 9; Timothy Giannini, 9; Luke Hermansen, 9; Emma Higgason, 9.
Department awards Art: Outstanding Senior: Samantha Chua; Mei Brasel- AP Studio Art; Mia BissiasIntroduction to 2D Art; Andrea LopezPainting I; Maria Rucinski- Advanced Classes; Melina Banaszak- Advanced Ceramics; Lexi Chipules- Advanced Ceramics; Weronika Bilek- Photography; Samuel Szala- Drawing Business: Outstanding Senior: Claire Bailey; Andy Riddle- Web Design; Matthew Kvasnica- AP Computer Science; Siqi Chen- Accounting; Kyra MarriottPrinciples of Business Mgt.; Michael Yoniles- Web Design Family & Consumer Science: Outstanding Senior: Michael Jonelis; Evyn EverettChild Development; Noah Moell- Intro to Culinary Arts Music: Outstanding Senior: Elliott Fus; Paige Mecyssine- Choir; Isaac LuehrsChoir; Jacob Yalowitz- Band; Annie Phelps- Band; Patrick Wu- Orchestra; Kayla Williams- Orchestra Physical Education: Outstanding Senior: Garrett Glover; Roberto Diaz- Physical Education I & II; Emily Eisha- Physical Education I & II; Noel Fary- Physical Education I & II; Timothy Giannini- Physical Education I & II; Shane Hoogewerf- Physical Education I & II; Jacob Whitaker- Physical Education I & II Technology Education PLTW: Outstanding Senior: Nicholas Eliopoulos; Nicholas Eliopoulos- Digital Electronics; Joshua Hoogewerf- Intro to Engineering Design; Laura Weller- Principles of Engineering; Nicole Dominguez- Intro to Engineering Design; Benjamin Foreit- Civil Engineering & Architecture; Nicholas Larson- Digital Electronics English/Language Arts: Outstanding Senior: Timothy DeRolf; Mei Brasel- Composition and World Literature; Mariah Villaroman- AP English Language & Comp.; Kalie Miles- AP English and Composition; Easan Venkat- Advanced Newspaper II; Maya Radjenovich- English 10; Emma Higgason- Honors English Mathematics: Outstanding Senior: Franco Storino; Adam Richter- AP Statistics; Matthew Kvasnica- BC Calculus; Joseph Yoniles- BC Calculus; Rebecca RadtkeAlgebra II; Shreyas Iyer- BC Calculus; Ann Ostojic 9- Honors Pre-calc & Algebra II H Science: Outstanding Senior: Mackinzie Farnell; Mackenzie Duff-Integrated Chemistry & Physics; Adam Reinsma-AP Environmental Science; Tyler Zabrecky-Chemistry 1; Sierra Gronkiewicz-Physics 1; Ella McComis-Honors Chemistry; Madison Steapleton-PLTW-Prin. of Biomedical Science Social Studies: Outstanding Senior: Jake Ingoglia; Ella Speckhard- Advanced Sociology; Franco Storino- AP Economics; Caia Trykall- AP Psychology; Sofia Balac- AP US History; Connor Meyer- AP Government; Eli Nirenberg- AP Human Geography World Languages: Outstanding Senior:
Underclassmen previous winners of the Principal’s Award For Excellence: Ian S. Brundige, 10; Olivia Foley, 9; Gabrielle Ingoglia, 10; Tara Layous, 10; Ella McComis, 9; William McComis, 9; Sage Sweeney, 9; Ella Speckard, 11; Silvia Lombardo, 10; Isabella Malagon, 10; Alexandria Shinkan, 10; Joseph Yoniles, 10; Tyler Zabrecky, 9; Kendal Ziel, 10
Senior honors Principal’s Award of Excellence 2017: Abigail Chronowski, Ezekiel Clark, Jake Ingoglia, Andrew Jumonville, Matthew Kvasnica, Saveda Majety, Melanie Mooney, Lily Warren, Anna Whitney, Michael Yoniles Previous Winners of the Principal’s Award of Excellence: Ani Arzumanian, 11; Elliott Fus, 11; Anna Gambetta, 11; Ella Speckard, 11; Mariah Villaroman, 11; Alyssa DeJoan, 10; Alexandra Raycroft, 10; Perima Shah, 10; Arris Yoniles, 10; Timothy DeRolf, 9 Student Leadership: Student Body President—Jake Ingoglia Student Body Vice-President—Milan Obradovic Senior Class highest honors: Tessa Bales, John Bales, Safa Chowdhury, Johnathan Cieslak, Ajeyo De, Timothy DeRolf, Mackinie Farnell, Madolyn Foley, Ian Frantal, Anna Gambetta, Matthew Georgas, Jake Ingoglia, Micheal Jonelis, Madhuri Kesani, Ruth Kurowski, Matthew Kvasnica, Saveda Majety, Lauren Martin, Paige Mecyssine, Noah O’Mara, Nirav Patwari, Anna Phelps, Adam Richter, Perima Shah, Lane Terry, Caia Trykall, Mariah Villaroman, Anna Whitney, Patrick Wu, Jacob Yalowitz, Alexander Yao
Senior special awards MHS Booster Club John Mybeck: Timothy DeRolf MHS Booster Club Grand Mustang: Timothy DeRolf, Matthew Kvasnica MHS Booster Club Colleen Lusk: Lane Terry Munster Lions Club Scholarship: Ani Arzumanian, Madhuri Kesani, Paige Mecyssine Munster Rotary Club Scholarship: Elliott Fus, Jillian Dixon Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship: Abigail Chronowski, Jonathan Cieslak, Ezekiel Clark, Alyssa DeJoan, Madolyn Foley, Melissa Fronczek, Matthew Georgas, Mary Ellen Gilhooly, David Green, Jake Ingoglia, Micheal Jonelis, Sara Ladd, Kyra Marriot, Noah O’ Mara, Nirav Patwari, James Svolos, Lane Terry, Caia Trykall, Stephanie Vjestica, Hannah Zaremba Yoirgo Karnezis Scholarship: Ani Arzumanian, Megan Dato, Timothy DeRolf, Mellisa Fronczek, Nicole Katalinic, Katie Kordeck, Kaitlyn McHale, Lily Warren Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Academic Scholarship: Erin Maley
may 19, 2016
Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Fine Arts Award: Samantha Chua Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Performing Arts Award: Paige Mecyssine Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Band Award: Elliot Fus Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Orchestra Award: Patrick Wu Eads PTO Scholarship: Timothy DeRolf Frank H. Hammond K-Kids Scholarship: Skyler Gronkiewicz Dr. Wallace Underwood Education Award: Mariah Villaroman Central Indiana Community Foundation Joel Yonover Scholarship: Ani Arzumanian and Paige Mecyssine Dr. Terry White Memorial Scholarship: John Fahey-Smith, Jill Dixon Janice Grau Watson Memorial Scholarship: Mariah Villaroman Wabash College Scholarships: Andrew Jumonville Legacy Foundation Webster Cornell Scholarship: Ian Frantal Legacy Foundation Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Perima Shah Edward “Robbie” Robertson Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Fronczek Munster Chamber of Commerce MHS Scholarship: Timothy DeRolf Eternal Valor Foundation 1st Lt. Shaun Blue Memorial Scholarship: Timothy DeRolf
Senior Class awards and scholarships Matthew Aquino: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship, VU Supplemental Award Ani Arzumanian: Ball State University Presidential Scholarship, Mr. and Mrs. Olive K. Ho Scholarship, David and Leighann Rinker Scholarship, also offered five scholarships from other universities Alexandria Ashenbaugh: Purdue University West Lafayette, Purdue Marquis Scholarship John Bales: Tufts University National Merit Commendation, offered three scholarships from other universities Tessa Bales: Vanderbilt University National Merit Finalist, VU National Merit Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Thomas Beckman: Butler University, offered three scholarships from other universities Mei Lin Brasel: Purdue University West Lafayette, offered two scholarships from another university Safa Chowdhury: Purdue University West Lafayette National Merit Commendation, offered one scholarship from another university Abigail Chronowski: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship Alyssa Chronowski: Michigan State University, University Scholars Award Jonathan Cieslak: Purdue University West Lafayette, offered one scholarship from another university Brandon Cordero: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Commendation, an academic scholarship Ajeyo De: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, IU National Merit Scholarship Alyssa DeJoan: Purdue University West Lafayette, offered three scholarships from other universities Matthew Dempsey: Miami University of Ohio, Redhawks Excellence Award, also offered three scholarships from other universities Timothy DeRolf: Valparaiso University Board of Directors Scholarship, EPIC Scholarship, Department of Meteorology Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Seshan Devanathan: University of California Santa Cruz, National Merit Commendation, Undergraduate Dean’s Scholarship, Also offered one scholarship from another university Jillian Dixon: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Direct Admissions Kelley School of Business, Hutton Honors College Kelley ACE Program, also offered one scholarship from another university Mackinzie Farnell: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Commendation, Perfect composite score of 36 on ACT Madolyn Foley: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Commendation, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Presidential Scholarship, also offered one scholarship from another university Ian Frantal: Purdue University West Lafayette, Webster Cornwell Scholarship, Alberico Foundation Scholarship Melissa Fronczek: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, also offered six scholarships from other universities Elliott Fus: Indiana University Bloomington Jacob School of Music, Indiana Premier Young Talent Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, also offered four scholarships from other universities Anna Gambetta: Kalamazoo College, National Merit Scholarship Winner, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Lux Esto Scholarship, J.T. Williamson Award, also offered three
scholarships from other universities Tori Gary: Alabama A&M University, AAMU Merit Scholarship, also offered 12 scholarships from other universities Matthew Georgas: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Cox Research Scholarship, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading Jolie Goldberg: University of Southern California, offered four scholarships from other universities David Green: Indiana University Bloomington National Merit Finalist, Provost Scholarship, Direct Admissions to College of Arts and Sciences, Hutton Honors College, also offered five scholarships from other universities Nicole Howard: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Academic Excellence Scholarship, also offered one scholarship from another university Jake Ingoglia: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Civics Leaders Scholarship, United States Senate Youth Program Scholarship, also offered four scholarships from other universities Michael Jonelis: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Commendation, Provost Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Nicole Katalinic: St. Louis University, Dean’s Award, also offered four scholarships from other universities Madhuri Kesani: Washington University National Merit Finalist, Perfect score of 800 on SAT Critical Reading, Perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, also offered nine scholarships from other universities Siman Khatra: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Academic Excellence Scholarship Olivia Kindt: Concordia University Wisconsin, Presidential Scholarship Luther Promise Award, also offered two scholarships from other universities Natalie Kuipers: Butler University, Academic Scholarship, Butler Grant Ruth Kurowski: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, National Merit Commendation, Bepko Scholar Matthew Kvasnica: University of Michigan, National Merit Finalist, Perfect composite score of 36 on ACT, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, Perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, Regal Award of Excellence, also offered four scholarships from other universities Megan Larson: Carthage College, CART Endowed Scholarship, Carthaginian Scholarship, Director’s Grant, Robert Todd Grant, Trustee Grant, also offered one scholarship from another university Brittney Lee: Ball State University, offered two scholarships from other universities Meredith Lee: Loyola University Chicago, Presidential Scholarship Dana Levitan: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Nolan Lomeli: Indiana University Bloomington, Hudson and Holland Scholarship Michael Madura: Central Michigan University, Academic Prestige Award Presidential Award, Maroon and Gold Scholarship Saveda Majety: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, National Merit Semifinalist, offered two scholarships from other universities Lilean Mansour: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship Michael Marich: Bradley University, National Merit Semifinalist, Presidential Scholarship, Out-of-State Award, Caterpillar MFG Scholarship, Project Lead the Way Scholarship, also offered two scholarships from another university Michael Markovich: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Kyra Marriott: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship; direct admit to Kelley School of Business Asia Marshall: Illinois State University, Bishop D. Alford Jurisdictional Academic Scholarship Paige Mecyssine: Valparaiso University, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Presidential Scholarship Forte Scholarship Elk’s Indiana Most Valuable Student Scholarship, Also offered 12 scholarships from other universities Matthew Michel: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship Christo Mitrakis: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship, also offered one scholarship from another university Melanie Mooney: Purdue University West Lafayette, Abrahamson and Uiterwyk Scholarship Tianna Nichols: Indiana University Northwest Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship Anthony Niemiec: Purdue University West Lafayette, Direct Admissions Computer Science, also offered two scholarships from another university Isabel Nieves: Indiana University Bloomington, Hudson and Holland Scholarship Danielle Oberman: University of Iowa, Academic
Success Scholarship, UI Gold Scholarship, Member of the Honors College Noah O’Mara: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Commendation, Presidential Scholarship Obiageli Oniah: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Powers-Knapp Scholarship, also offered two scholarships from another university Kristin Osborne: Marquette University, Pere Marquette Scholarship, also offered four scholarships from other universities Georgia Pappas: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Nirav Patwari: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Finalist, Perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, Provost Scholarship, Will T. Hale Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Anna Phelps: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Commendation, Perfect Score of 36 on ACT Reading, Provost Scholarship Mary Katherine Pruzin: St. Mary’s College, Dean’s Scholarship, offered one scholarships from another university Alexandra Raycroft: Indiana University Bloomington, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Provost Scholarship, offered three scholarships from other universities Adam Richter: University of Pennsylvania, National Merit Finalist Brendan Ristenpart: Indiana University Bloomington, offered two scholarships from other universities Perima Shah: Indiana University Bloomington, A&S Herbert Presidential Scholarship, Hutton Honors College, Provost Scholarship Thomas Shu: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Commendation, Provost Scholarship Rasha Siddiqui: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Dean Scholar-Science, Special Academic Scholarship, Distinguished Scholar Nicholas Sopcic: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, also offered one scholarship from another university Ella Speckhard: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship Alexis Starkey: Purdue University Northwest, Academic Achievement Scholarship Franco Storino: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, also offered two scholarships from other universities James Svolos: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Hutton Honors College, Direct Admissions to Kelley School of Business, also offered one scholarship from another university Katherine Szakacs: University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL), Trustee Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship Jordan Szymanski: Ithaca College, Direct admit to Park School of Communications, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Rod Sterling Scholarship, Ithaca Grant, also offered two scholarships from other universities Lane Terry: Purdue University West Lafayette, An academic scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities Caia Trykall: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship Margaret Vaitkus: Northern Michigan University, Wildcat Achievement Scholarship, National Academic Award, Kaye-Munson Scholarship Mariah Villaroman: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship,Hudson and Holland Scholarship Direct Admissions to the School of Education, also offered four scholarships from other universities Stephanie Vjestica: Indiana University Bloomington, an academic scholarship, Lily Warren: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship, Also offered two scholarships from other universities Anna Whitney: University of Chicago, National Merit Finalist Kayla Williams: Washington University, offered three scholarships from other universities Chloe Wineinger: Ball State University, Presidential Scholarship, TCOM Merit Endowment, Member of the Honors College, also offered five scholarships from other universities Jordan Wright: DePaul University, Presidential Scholarship, also offered two scholarships from other universities Patrick Wu: Northwestern University, National Merit Finalist, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, Perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Perfect composite score of 36 on ACT Kayleigh Yaeger: Purdue University West Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship Jacob Yalowitz: Northwestern University, National Merit Finalist, Perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Northwestern National Merit Scholarship Alexander Yao: Indiana University Bloomington, National Merit Commendation, Provost Scholarship, also offered five scholarships from other universities Michael Yoniles: Purdue University West Lafayette, Marquis Scholarship, PU Honors College, Direct Admissions into Computer Science Hannah Zaremba: Indiana University Bloomington, an academic scholarship Emily Zellinger: Ohio State University, National Buckeye Scholar, Trustees Scholarship, also offered three scholarships from other universities
may 19, 2017
senior columns
7
Everything I need to know
I learned from a movie A
photo by Easan Venkat
Guest Column Ms. Val Pflum Math teacher
s I begin to write this column to you, I can’t help but to be caught up in the many memories that we have shared. I am saddened when I think that you won’t be gracing the halls of MHS next year, or hanging with me at soccer or sitting in my classroom outside of school hours. Before reading the rest of this not-so-sappy and definitely not-so-serious column, know that you affected the lives of your teachers in every moment that you spend with them. What I appreciate immensely about your class is that you are friends. I am in awe of how much you support each other in various aspects of your lives. Whether it was jamming out at Battle of the Bands or going to HUM night wearing traditional Indian attire, you have encouraged each other to be the best that you can be in each situation.
Your friendship is based on the genuine respect that you share for each other. I don’t know if I can recall a time when so much diversity in interests, talents, and abilities has represented a class on the Homecoming and Prom courts. As different as each member of the class of 2017 may be, you are more concerned with celebrating each other and creating an environment where all have a place. As you travel into the unchartered waters of college and “adulthood,” remember the important lessons (from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”):
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. This rings true especially today, when there are multiple technological distractions available to you. Unplug and live life with the people around you. A person should not believe in an “ism,” he should believe in himself. You become what you make yourself. People believe in you because of what you do, how you treat others and who you believe you are. The question isn’t “What are we going to do?”; it’s “what aren’t we going to do?” Your potential is limitless. Each day, our world gets smaller, which causes our opportunities to grow. You only live once, so try new things. Avoid being stuck in a rut. Hey batta batta batta hey batta batta batta SWING batta! While people will probably look at you with their crazy look if you start yelling this out of nowhere, it is fun to do. But honestly, you need to swing with all your might. Put everything behind your attempts. If you aim for the moon, you will land among the stars! While every day is a great day to be a Mustang, you will continue to find other reasons to have great days. I cannot wait to hear all the mind-blowing things the Class of 2017 will do in the years to come. “If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?” -Eminem
photo by Elisa Del Toro graphic by Gavin Hamilton
Guest Column Jake Ingoglia Student Body President
Guest Column Milan Obradovic Student Body Vice President
three lessons
‘What the heck is your problem?’
Four years,
I am both flattered and honored to have the opportunity to make this address to the incoming class. High school has had a tremendous impact on the person I am today. Therefore, I would like to share the three most important lessons I’ve learned throughout the past four years. The first lesson is to approach every situation with an open-mind. High school is a time period dominated by self-discovery; you will have an unparalleled array of opportunities presented to you. Take advantage of these new opportunities by branching out and discovering what your most passionate about. My second piece of advice is to recognize and value the importance of the anchors in your life. There will be times when you fail or feel down in the dumps. However, by establishing a strong support
system of friends, family, and teachers who unconditionally care for your well-being, it becomes substantially easier to maintain a healthy composure. The third and last lesson is to cherish the experience. These next four years will go by in a flash. One minute you’re frantically searching for your class on the first day of school, and the next you’re trying on gowns for graduation. Make sure to savor the collection of memories that are soon to be made. Before I close, I must thank the staff at Munster High School for creating such a nurturing environment, the teaches and coaches for molding my character, and most importantly, my fellow classmates for making every day worthwhile. Although the curtains are closing, the memories formed with you all will live on indelibly.
I’ll be honest, throughout my entire school career at Munster, I’ve definitely been called some less than preferable things. I’ll admit it: I am truly a weird kid. I get overly excited about things that are, quite honestly, not that exciting. I am a little hyper. I laugh too much. I do some really questionable things, “weird” things. But I truly love being weird. I love being me, every day. I love being the same person no
matter who I’m around. I guess what I’m getting at, is that it’s hard to be confident if you can’t be yourself. I decided to be my plain goofy self, and just being me got me to where I am today. Entering high school, I didn’t expect to be Vice President. I didn’t expect to be on Prom court. Being weird is probably the best thing you can be. Being weird is pretty dang cool.
What was the first day of senior year like?
Intimidating Nick Eliopoulos
Charged Vinny Misch-Ramirez
Boy-Howdy Chloe Wineinger
Skipped Josh Ruiz