Indiana Dunes and other National Parks brace for staffing cuts
About a half an hour away from Munster, the Indiana Dunes National Park raises concern on the maintenance and employees within the park. Recently due to the Trump administration’s reduction to the federal workforce, around a thousand National Park Service employees have been laid off in an effort to reduce financial waste.
Psychology teacher Matthew Kalwasinski, who leads bird walks at the Indiana Dunes, expressed his concern about the state of the park following a decline in the numbers of rangers who work daily to maintain the park. Due to the lack of park garbage collectors, rangers are forced to continuously remove trash. Rangers are also responsible for keeping people and pets on trails. However, invasive species control is the most important job at risk.
Ashley Taylor-Ebert predicts a decline in rangers available to run the education programs the class usually takes advantage of, or even a decrease in park maintenance. As for the future of the program, it is a lot more uncertain at this time.
“I think we’re going to have to see how the longevity of these plans play out,” Taylor-Ebert said. “We’re going to have to see if these cuts are things that are going to be upheld, or if these cuts are things that are going to be reversed.”
With her love of the environment and the support from her mother, senior Natalie Minyard decided for her last year of high school to take Project Bio. Once in the class, she began to appreciate the dunes more, along with nature in general, than in previous years.
“ “ It’s important that we have those places like national parks and we put funding
and
education towards that, so people understand that Earth is special and we only get one.”
“The National Park does a lot of controlled burns, even spraying invasive [species] control. The problem with invasive species is they just take everything over,” Kalwasinski said. “If they’re left unchecked, they’re gonna choke out the native species. So, long term, or even five years, and they go back to where it came from. You’ve lost five years of control. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
Natalie Minyard Senior
Students in Project Bio will still be taking their historical trip to the Everglades over spring break, although Project Bio co-teacher
“The cutbacks are disappointing; it shows that we’re not valuing the space that we’re occupying,” Minyard said. “We don’t own the Earth. It’s not ours. We’re just borrowing it. It’s important that we have those places like national parks and we put funding and education towards that, so people understand the Earth is special and we only get one.”
The impacts of these cuts are far-reaching and uncertain. However, for biological enthusiasts such as Minyard, it reads like a bad omen.
“We’re here on this Earth for a limited amount of time, and it’s our job to be caretakers of it for the people that come after us,” Minyard said. “National parks are one of the ways that we take care of the earth and preserve it for the people that are going to be here when we’re not.”
by Josephine Zangrilli
Photo
Lexi Villalobos & Emma Starkey Deadline Manager & Web Chief
Larry Hautzinger, Project Bio takes photos of the trail leading to the lake shore. (Photo by Gabriella Van Horne)
Lake Michigan, small waves collide on the rocky sand at the Indiana Dunes. (Photo by Gabriella Van Horne)
Smiling at the camera, seniors Ken- ny Blue, Luke Fugger and Kevin Martinez sit at the top of a hill at the Indiana Dunes. Members of Project Bio visited the Indiana Dunes last year on Oct 19. “I learned how sand dunes are formed,” Blue said. “I like being outside with the friends.” (Photo by Gabriella Van Horne)
Changing gears
Robotics begins their competition season
Gabby Van Horne Beat Manager
Robotics finished fifth at their competition at Penn High School on Feb. 27, and are heading to their next competition this weekend in Lafayette. At each competition, the robotics team is eligible for an “alliance,” with neighboring schools from Crown point to Hammond.
““
“You can either get chosen for defense reasons or offense reasons to help them get high placings on the competitions, and we were chosen for defense,” sophomore Adrian Monroy said.
This year, the team has struggled with funding, but has been working on fundraising using methods such as selling coffee to the community, as well as senior president Anastasia Savic going to the statehouse for funding.
engineering, programming and funding, are decided using a survey and opinion of the people in charge of them. Although previous experience in those committees can help, the members of the robotics team are not required to have it before applying for a certain committee.
The Reefscape challenge this year is one of the most precision-demanding challenges FRC has ever released,” Amelia Rzeznikowski Junior
“Our team is doing very well at overcoming and adapting this year,” junior Amelia Rzeznikowski said. “The Reefscape challenge this year is one of the most precision-demanding challenges FRC has ever released, and our team is doing quite well at working around that by redesigning and improving our moving parts to remove points of failure.”
The committees of the robotics team, like
The final pin
Munster bowling concludes their season
Charles Chen Writer
After a convincing victory at sectionals and being moved up to the Academic All-State team, senior Alyssa Torres bowled at Indiana’s All-State Scholarship Tournament in Kokomo on March 8th, taking home fifth place for Munster.
Torres started bowling in her freshman year. Despite having no prior bowling experience, previously being a swimmer, she took up bowling lessons soon after switching sports. She has been bowling with the school ever since.
“I am motivated to keep bowling because it is a fun sport. I love the tournaments and the competitive atmosphere, and I have made lifelong friends through it over the years,” Torres said. “Once my technique began improving, my scores became more consistent, which also motivated me to keep practicing.”
Despite not playing at the All-State Tournament, freshman Autumn Strode bowled alongside Torres at sectionals, earned a spot on the All-State team and was awarded the Munster High School MVP Award.
A big part of bowling is staying focused on the ball. With how much precision is required to line up shots, the slightest amount of deviance can send the ball rolling down the gutter. Strode keeps herself grounded with a steady mindset that keeps her locked in on each frame.
“Distracting thoughts have a big impact on bowlers, and the only way to be able to cope with them is to block them out. I’m only able to control how I’m bowling, and I can’t do anything about how others are bowling,” Strode said. “You need to focus on your game, what you’re doing and what you’re able to do on the next shot. It’s all about making the next shot better than the last.”
Art Showcase
“My friend Carter was on the programming committee last year and he didn’t know how to program in Java, but he learned along the way throughout the season,” Rzeznikowski said. “Since it’s my first year in robotics, I’m looking forward to learning more about different ways the robot can function to accomplish its tasks, as well as how the general competitions play out.”
This year, the team hopes to fix their problems with funding and make competitions more affordable, but they are also looking forward to their competitions getting in full swing.
“We’re shooting for the stars,” Rzeznikowski said. “We hope to advance to state and do well there to move on to worlds in Texas. We’re pretty confident in our redesigns for the upcoming Lafayette districts and the robot will only continue to get better and better every competition.”
South Shore Arts is hosting their 51st annual art fair, which is open to students of Munster High School, as well as Wilbur Wright Middle School. Entrants are competing for a total of $12000 to all prize winners, and seniors are also eligible to compete for the Berwanger Scholarship. Portfolios are due April 11th to director of South Shore Arts Brandon Johnson at the office of South Shore Arts or via email to brandon@ southshoreartsonline.org.
As of Feb. 26, Kaleidoscope Magazine is available to access. Edited by English teacher Ben Boruff, it is a literary magazine focused on sharing poems, short fiction and creative nonfiction written by MHS students. Launching with poems written by the fall 2024 creative writing class, the magazine is open for submissions at https://kaleidoscope-magazine.com/submissions/
Student government is hosting a pickleball tournament on April 12 at 2 p.m. on the tennis courts. Teams are doubles, and all students and faculty are able to participate. Matches are double elimination competing for a prize for winning. Student government is providing paddles for people who need them, but encourage players to bring their own.
Spring break dates
Next week marks the start of spring break. Break goes from March 24 to 28, with school starting back up the following Monday, March 31.
Corrections
In Issue 7 of Crier, on page 3, the final quote in the article titled “Run, jump, throw, repeat,” was said by senior Ryan Bouktache. Crier regrets this error.
SPARKS FLY Trimming bolts, sophomore Carter Young uses an angle grinder on the frame of the team’s newly redesigned robot. The bolts had to be trimmed down due to being too long, a factor that would be a potential hazard. “The bolts were sticking out of the frame,” Young said. “So we had to grind them down to size to mitigate potential wire-snagging or injury.”
(Photo by John Kullerstrand).
Student Government Pickleball
SHAPIN’ IT Preparing to make a new plate, senior Olivia Olivares begins to center her clay. Centering is a process that helps with the pieces’ overall quality. “Centering determines structure, like whether the walls of your pot are even and the sides are the same,” Olivares said. (Photo by Natasha Nguyen)
THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’ Arm in the air, freshman Autumn Strode looks down the lane as her ball rolls toward the pins. Not only did Strode practice with the Munster Bowling Club, she also practiced on her own at Stardust Bowl in Dyer. “During the season, the team practices two days a week, Sunday’s and Wednesday’s this past season,” Strode said. “I practice personally about four times a week, sometimes more, depending on how much homework and studying I have during the week.” (Photo submitted by Tiffany Strode)
In August of 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service. It is responsible for protecting the native species that call parks their home, ensuring the site infrastructure is functioning and clean, preserving the nature in national parks for generations to come and much more. If you’ve ever seen the beauty of Indiana Dunes or any of the other 432 national park sites in the United States, you have the NPS employees to thank.
In February of 2025, President Donald Trump laid off roughly 1,000 NPS employees. The same employees who pick up trash, restore buildings, educate residents near national park sites and protect endangered animals by giving them safe spaces free from logging or pollution. With fewer employees, there’s a higher risk of wildfires spreading out of control and of trails becoming overgrown. As a result, tourism to these parks will suffer and small businesses who depend on the parks will also be impacted.
our
take
Preserving nature for future generations is worth the money
These people are not expendable. They are an integral part of keeping our national parks operational and pristine, yet they are being cut for no reason other than short-term
Phantom
cost savings at the expense of our country’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s very clear that the priority is not our environment, instead, it’s money.
The fact that we mistreat nature to save money is honestly sad. Our environment is oneof-a-kind and worth more than any possible amount of money. Not just national parks, but the planet as a
In her speech, she stated, “I am so grateful. Not just for my performance, but that you highlighted this film — this genre of horror films that is normally overlooked and not seen for the profundity that they can hold.”
whole. The natural world is not a commodity, nor is it an expense that can be written off. It’s a living, breathing being that deserves our respect and our love.
We cannot keep being blindsided by greed and continue to neglect or environment. Only we, as humans, can preserve the Earth for the generations to come.
And it starts with keeping our beautiful national parks beautiful.
A visual Something greener than cash Staff Opinion
After 15 years from the fourth movie “Shrek Forever After,” a teaser was finally released for the fifth movie. The anticipation and excitement was quick to die down when fans were instantly disappointed when seeing the early 2000s animation was replaced with an unrealistic look. The older movies gave a more textured and slightly rougher look and now leave out the nostalgia factor of the movies. Because of this change, many people throughout different social media platforms started commenting opinions that were mostly the same—unhappy or predictable to the plot.
“This trailer feels like those fan-made YouTube edits that use old movie clips to create a fake trailer before the actual film is released” (@lisbon_voyage via Instagram).
“Let me guess...She is a rebellish girl, who wants to explore the world, but Shrek being the overprotective dad doesn’t let her go, but in the end he will become a better father” (@ uxxi_b via TikTok).
“As someone who had the longest ‘Shrek’ obsession when I was younger, this hurts me physically” (@poetpanda via TikTok).
On Feb. 7, award-winning Demi Moore was awarded “Best Actress” at the Critic’s Choice Award Ceremony for her performance in “The Substance,” portraying the insecurities of an aging actress in search of restoring her youthful prime.
While the Critic’s Choice Awards are not considered part of the four mainstream annual entertainment award ceremonies, as per the “EGOT” season, Moore’s speech is a testimony to the underrepresentation of horror. The horror genre, despite its position as a lead runner at the box office, often lacks the proper recognition it deserves.
This history of snubs is no unfamiliar pattern. The last time a horror movie was awarded the honor of “Best Picture” was the 1991 “Silence of the Lambs” — over three decades ago. Additionally, oth-
CRIER CRIER
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.
er 2024-2025 films like “I Saw The TV Glow” were commended for their compelling production this year, but received no recognition by any of the four mainstream award shows this season. What’s the industry more afraid of: the supernaturalism of the film, or the undertones of existentialism and dysphoria the critics avoid to confront?
Horror deserves recognition, but it is long overdue. While this Oscar season finally recognized the production of “The Substance” for its first and only Oscar win of the season, winning “Makeup and Hairstyling” is only one step in the right direction. The academy needs to step out of the dark and embrace the uncomfortable. Media isn’t crafted to make an audience always feel good, but simply feel.
•Opinions expressed 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 either emailed to the editor (emilydywan@outlook.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155. 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 or Instagram @munstermedia.
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Some fans even pointed out that if the other four movies have the same animation, why change it now? This is something that I as well agree on. I always loved watching Shrek then and now because of the animation that they had. The realistic look made it fun to watch, and now it just seems like a typical movie.
Comments online were happening offline too. During a meet and greet at Universal Studios at Orlando, Donkey said, “Did you guys watch the new ‘Shrek’ trailer? I’m just saying I look rough. Donkey looks homeless. That’s why you always get final approval of all your film and movie rights.” When seeing the video, it brought a comedic effect to the disappointment of the release.
The same situation with the criticism happened with the 2019 “Sonic” movie, leading the director Jeff Fowler to announce there would be a change in animation. With “Shrek,” there are some viewers that do not mind the animation and mention that the movie does not come out until Dec. 23, 2026, leaving time for an animation change if needed. So, there can be hope for an animation change.
Editor-in-Chief Emily Dywan
Deadline Manager Lexi Villalobos
Head Photographer Zoe Clark
Cartoonist and Design Chief Damien Salahieh
Story Editor and Web Chief Emma Starkey
Photography Trainer John Kullerstrand
Writer Charles Chen
Photographers Evelyn Koncalovic, Sophia Rodriguez, Ben Schirz
Social Media Manager Josephine Zangrilli Beat Manager Gabby Van Horne
Adviser Ms. Alexandra Sulewski
Illustration by A. Kirk
Lexi Villalobos Deadline Manager
Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief
Oscars
Who run the world? GIRLS
How students advocate for female representation and leadership in Munster
Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief
Whether it be from the studios or the laboratories, the female students and presidents of our school pose the question: How can we create a platform for the female student population and curate opportunity? For robotics president Anastasia Savic, this was the leading question that drove the October Women’s Round Table.
“This last round table that was earlier in the year was focused on how to engage all students, especially girls, in fields like STEM that they may not be fit for yet,” Savic said. “It came out from our round table talk that many girls interested in STEM lose interest very early on in their childhood because they are not exposed to it enough. This same concept is applied to males who may lose interest in fields such as fashion or art, and it starts at a very early age.”
way that women have been able to explore their freedom and speak up for themselves,” Svilar said. “Women use fashion now to not only dress up for themselves to feel good, but also send a message to society that they cannot control us.”
Junior Rhea Bathla, who presented at one of robotics first Women’s Round Tables last school year, utilizes both her experience in the STEM field and her current position as Debate Secretary to advocate for female representation in the industry.
11% 46%
The robotics team increased their female participation from to over the last two school years.
Over the course of her presidency, Savic’s reflection on the exposure, of lack thereof, can shape the demographic of gender representation in not only STEM but a spectrum of creative liberties. As one of the original members in support of founding president Juliette Dixon, senior and current Fashion Club president Teodora Svilar sees fashion as more than a female-dominated industry, but rather an ever-evolving platform to reflect a powerful medium of expression.
“Fashion has always represented the suppression that women have faced for years, and I think in the last century fashion has been a
Annie Fuller, senior: “My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is always there for me and pushes me to be the best version of myself. I want to be just like her.
I’m also a big fan of Millie Bobbie Brown, who started her own production company and make-up company, and even wrote a book. She isn’t afraid to stand up to their negative commentary. I think we can all learn a lot from her.”
Rhea Bathla, junior: “My biggest female inspiration is my mom. She’s an engineer and she has pioneered through the difficulties in the STEM field while remaining strong. Even though I am pursuing a path in the medical field, she serves as an inspiration for her hard work and willingness to continue what she loves to do despite the tough times.”
“I believe that it’s important to continue spreading the word about females and their mental health in the STEM field,” Bathla said. “These issues are often overlooked and not addressed as often as they should be. Several people are trying to work hard enough, especially women, to be seen in the STEM field, and that can be draining for many. I hope with my advocacy efforts, I can help others to be more vocal about their mental health problems and help women to feel heard in the STEM community.”
“I think supporting and encouraging young women starts with having an environment where every student feels comfortable to ask questions and share ideas,” student body president Annie Fuller said. “Creating a space where everyone can have their voice heard—promoting discussion, not debate — is key. When it comes specifically to young women in leadership positions, listening is a simple yet powerful support. Many young people are not always taken seriously because of their age, but I think that there’s a lot to be said if we all took the time to hear as much as we speak.”
Leave a lasting mark
Female students and leaders reflect on their most influential female role models
Anastasia Savic, senior:
“I would definitely say my mom. Though she’s not in STEM, she’s a business woman. She was the co-founder and the vice president of the first internet radio and TV company in Serbia, the first private company to ever exist in the country. My other role model is the president of FIRST Indiana, Ashley Robbins. Every single time I get to meet her, she wants to improve our team and our students, all while making every one feel included.”
W M
MIC DROP Hyping up the crowd, senior student body president Annie Fuller presents at the student government charity volleyball game. “If I had to choose one legacy to leave for future leaders, I would hope they take this years positivity and excitement with them,” she said. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli) AGAINST THE GRAIN Working the hand saw, junior Amelia Rzeznikowski trains her woodworking skill at a robotics workshop. “At the end of the day, its just building a robot with your friends,” she said. (Photo by Karla Aguilar) CUT A RUG Pointing to the crowd, senior Sam Bleza performs for dance at the basketball half-time show. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli) SIT TIGHT Sat cross-legged, senior Anastasia Savic presents their next project to the Head Committee of robotics. (Photo by Karla Aguilar) TAKE HOME THE CROWN Holding her trophy, dance coach Elyse Skalka poses for a photo. (Photo by Ben Schirz)
WCelebrating 2025 Women’s History Month with
female students and athletes
O
Pep in your STEP
Reflecting on the Dance team’s season after concluding at State
go just yet.
The Munster Dance Team held their breath as they awaited the claim of gold for Senior Solos at State Finals. With a score of 93.20, the gold placing for senior solos as senior captain Sam Bleza wins her second consecutive state title, making Indiana High School Dance Team Association (IHSDTA) history as the first dancer to win two solo titles in a row.
Bleza’s routine to the song “All By Myself” by Celine Dion was entirely self-choreographed. Drawing her inspiration from the music and her self-reflection, Bleza reviews the work that goes into crafting the routine.
“It’s a process,” Bleza said. “Usually, it’s just me standing in the dance room, staring at myself in the mirror and seeing what I can do that perfectly fits. I can’t count the number of days I’ve been in that room just trying to figure out my routine.”
The IHSDTA Solo & Ensemble State Finals marked the official end of the dance season for the team. Bleza, who has been dancing for Munster for her entire experience of high school, is melancholy to let it
Code RED
“It’s honestly really bittersweet,” Bleza said. “It’s been a huge part of my life for four years, and now it’s done. Just like that.”
Senior Bleza is in pursuit of continuing her interest in dance post high school, whether it be on the floor or even choreographing her own routines. Over the course of the last year, she’s participated in “clinics” with other dancers across the state and even the nation.
“For combines or clinics, it’s basically a team that holds an event, and they invite dancers to come to learn. Secretly, they’re scouting girls out all the time. For actual recruitment, you have to submit a video of you talking, introducing yourself, skills, certain routines… Then you have to play the waiting game.”
In reflection of the end of her season as a senior, Bleza honors her biggest female role model in dance: her coach.
“My coach, Elyse [Skalka], is my biggest inspiration. She’s just so determined all the time, and so strong and resilient with everything that she’s going through,” Bleza said. “It just makes me want to be just like her.”
NEThe design process of the dance team’s costume, “Roxanne”
For the 2024-2025 season, dance coach Elyse Skalka drew inspiration from tango and ballroom styles to craft the “Roxanne” costume. After drawing a design and sending a prototype to a design company, Skalka and other dance-affiliated moms such as Heath Bogner assisted with the tedious rhinestoning process.
Elyse Skalka, dance coach
Munster’s varsity dance head coach Elyse Skalka has been named Indiana High School Dance Team Association coach of the year. This award recognized Skalka for her exceptional leadership, dedication and impact within the dance community.
“ “
“I am constantly learning and trying to educate myself on what I can be doing better as a coach in this industry,” Skalka said. “This season, we had a lot of younger dancers on our team and really taught me more about how I need to nurture their needs differently than my older athletes. Allowing more space to define our team culture and support our goals with mental preparedness is something I will increase in our following years.”
area, and started coaching here upon her return. This year, the dance team was very young compared to past seasons, and that changed the team dynamic. Athletes have many ways to get better: train, listen to coach advice, observe and much more. For coaches, it’s a bit different.
Allowing more space to define our team culture and support our goals with mental preparedness is something I will increase in our following years.
Elyse Skalka
Skalka started coaching in 2010, but returned to Munster in 2019, after moving out of the
“I get better as a coach by making sure I am always educated and staying on top of trends and sharing that information with my athletes,” Skalka said. “I make sure to involve myself in groups such as NDCA and the IHSDTA Board of Directors where I can shape Indiana Dance. I am diligent in working with accomplished choreographers and consultants that can offer new perspectives and a fresh set of eyes.”
Sam Bleza, senior
Beat Manager
Gabby Van Horne
Emily Dywan Editor-in-Chief
BROUGHT TO KNEES Performing during a basketball half-time show, sophomore Milli Kankarla showcases the “Roxanne” uniform. (Photo by Evelyn Koncalovic)
Illustration by Emily Dywan
Dance coach
Block-must or block-bust?
Review of live-action vs. animated movies in honor of Snow White live-action coming out tomorrow
Evelyn Koncalovic Photographer
Lion King: Long Live the King
Accuracy 4/5
Though we see live animals and not cartoons, the movie’s quality does not change. This movie has the songs from the original version and more humor added to be more entertaining. This movie has always been one of my favorites and adding a little bit of extra content, while still using the same story made it worthwhile and enjoyable. Even in the live-action form, the movie was as incredible as it was in the original version.
Cast 3/5
Although all of the animals are CGI generated, the movies’ quality does not change. Almost completely similar to the voices in the animated form, the songs are performed so well by the amazing voice actors, such as Beyoncé and Donald Glover. The extra humor and emotion expressed made this movie a very entertaining and interesting watch.
The Little Mermaid: A Splashing Hit
Accuracy 4.5/5
Although there is content added, it is relevant to the movie and doesn’t stray far from the original storyline. Watching this movie in a slightly different way, with different scenes and songs, made me want to watch it again and again. Compared to the original movie, the songs are the same, and the “under the sea” environment is really realistic.
Cast 3.5/5
Accuracy 2/5
Cast 3/5
The cast differs slightly from the animated form, but it makes the movie more enjoyable and interesting. The character development is played well, and the chemistry between the characters is what draws you into the movie. The underwater characters look realistic and the voice actors for these characters were great. The diverse casting was highly praised in this movie, and it opens the doors for people of color to represent princesses to come.
Mint Madness
At the beginning of the movie, I could tell that it was already different from the original. There were no songs and extra characters, as well as some of the original characters were taken out. The storyline of the live action follows the original, but adds unnecessary content. It seems the purpose of this movie was to expand on Mulan as a character and not recreate the movie in live-action form. Allin-all, this movie was not worth the watch.
Besides the fact that some of the original characters are taken out like Mushu, this was a well casted movie. The cast follow their roles well and they have similar personalities that can compare to the animated characters. The cast in Mulan used effective gestures and facial expressions to show emotion even when no words were being spoken. The chemistry between characters is really good as you feel the tension between characters.
What’s the best minty ice cream available around St. Patty’s Day?
Mint Oreo Blizzard
Although this wasn’t the green est mint flavored treat, it exceed ed my expectations. There was just enough mint to leave a cool and refreshing feeling without tasting like toothpaste. I would recommend this to someone wanting a St. Patrick’s Day sweet treat.
Presentation 3/5
The shake was pleasant while drinking but it had an odd aftertaste. The mint was also almost lime-esque, instead of pure mint. Overall it was a good shake, but a regular chocolate shake is far superior.
4/5
3/5
For ice cream, you can’t go wrong with a Frosty, but because it was marketed as a thin mint, St. Patrick’s Day-esque treat, it was a fail. The ice cream had almost no mint flavor, just a ribbon wrapped around the outside of the regular Frosty.
Presentation 4/5
Overall 3/5
Illustrations by Damien Salahieh
Mint meter
Shamrock Shake
Thin Mint Frosty
Gabby Van Horne Beat Manager
Mulan: Fake It Till You Make It
Hobbies beyond the classroom
Exploring teachers and facultys’ hidden hobbies and interests
Lexi Villalobos Deadline Manager
A bl ming passi n : Helen Fuller
Ever since growing up in her grandmother’s home surrounded by lilac bushes and the woods, a love for flowers stuck to the dean of students Helen Fuller. Her father’s family in England even made money by selling cut flowers as well, which continued her interest. Once she moved into her current home five years ago, Fuller decided to take initiative with the three acres and began learning and experi menting with flowers and veg etables.
“It brings me great joy, I’ve always loved flowers,” Fuller said. “From the time I was a child, I’ve been obsessed with picking flowers—like obsessed. I usually have fresh flowers on my desk because they just bring me pure happiness.”
super pleased with it and that was all that mattered to me.”
Regardless of the weather, Fuller loves to be outside as she has been working out on the acres every day. Along with heading outside, she takes the time to go through seed catalogs or read about different kinds of fertilizers.
Last year was the first time she began planting seeds indoors to have flowers grown on time since she had the honor of growing the flowers for her daughter’s wedding. With the help of YouTube, she learned how to make the bouquet as the moment was bittersweet.
“She said, ‘I want this to be very personal and incorporate facets of our family in the wedding.’ I was like, ‘that is so touching,’” Fuller said. “She was
“I think everybody should get their hands dirty. It gives you an appreciation for what goes into things like the food we eat and just nature around us,” Fuller said.
“It’s important to connect to that, to the earth in that way, just to have that gratefulness for all that we’re provided with.”
For anyone planning to start gardening, Fuller suggests heading over to the Dollar Tree for the cheap seeds sold there and purchasing dirt before placing the plants near a sunny window. Growing the seeds in a pot is easier in order to control the soil and you do not need a ton of space. If you really want to get into it, a heating pad and a grow light is recommended.
“Decide what you like and then just try it. And if you fail, what have you lost? You’ve learned, right?” Fuller said. “If you fail, you’ve learned something that didn’t work, and that’s okay.”
Taking the graveyard shift: Larry Hautzinger
Josephine Zangrilli
Social Media Manager
After watching “Ghost Hunters” and YouTubers Sam and Colby, science teacher Larry Hautzinger decided that he and his son Daniel would attempt to hunt ghosts as well.
“I’ve always kind of wondered about the law of conservation of energy,” Hautzinger said. “They did an experiment back in the day with a dying man. Once he died, all of the sudden, his weight changed just a little bit. What is that? Is that his soul leaving? I’m not sure.”
Hautzinger visited ‘The Conjuring” house–infamous for inspiring the horror movie–last October in Rhode Island. The house is notorious for haunting the Perron family in the 1970’s and the exorcism gone-wrong of their daughter.
“We didn’t have any outright occurrences, but Daniel did. When he walked through the front door his neck started to hurt,” Hautzinger said. “One of the guides said it’s common and a spirit is trying to attach.”
Recently, Hautzinger stayed the night at the Trans-Allegheny lunatic asylum. The Trans-Allegheny is a post Civil War mental hospital which closed its doors to patients thirty years ago but stayed open for tours and overnight haunted experiences.
“It was awesome,” Hautzinger said.
“While we were in this one ward, we turned off all the lights for about twenty minutes. When we had turned the lights back on, a wheelchair had moved about 25 feet and none of us heard anything.”
Hautzinger suggests that anyone who wants to get into the hobby should be patient as well as careful while first starting out.
“You’re not always going to get stuff, not every place has something,” Hautzinger said. “But there are also places which have not so nice things out there, a kind of almost demonic type of thing. And if you mess with the wrong things, bad things can occur.”
Flipping to side B : Jim McNabney
Zoe Clark & Charles Chen Photographer & Writer
English teacher Jim McNabney listened to his father play the piano every night growing up. At six, he started taking piano lessons. Now, he plays piano and guitar, and he plays the electric bass for a band.
“[The band is] called B-side. We’re scheduling to do some jam nights sometime in April, and that’ll be our first performance,” McNabney said.
McNabney’s professional music career started at the age of 12 when he played upright bass in a rendition of “High School Musical.” He joined jazz band and marching band in high school.
“I’ve played in orchestras, I’ve played in jazz groups, I’ve played about every kind of music you can think of, really,’ McNabney said.
McNabney enjoys the humanistic aspect of music the most.
“I like the way you can get together with other people and sort of create things. Even if you’re playing someone else’s song, you can kind of do your own style,” McNabney said.
To anyone interested in learning how to play music, McNabney stresses staying consistent and practicing regularly, like any other skill. He also encourages
always finding new ways to play and playing in front of other people, even if it goes badly.
“If you only play for yourself at home, you kind of become a ‘practice-in-yourroom’ musician. You need to at least record yourself, so you know how you sound,” McNabney said. “If you have a cool hobby, show it off, honestly.”
WHAT AN HONOR Holding the homeade bouquet, dean of students Helen Fuller’s daughter Al Trevino takes a photo on her wedding day. “The dress that she’s wearing, my mom had made that dress for me in high school and I wore that to a dance,” Fuller said. (Photo provided by Helen Fuller)
BAND TOGETHER Posing, English teacher Jim McNabney, pictured in the top-right, takes a group photo with his old band. The name of the band was Son of Jake, which specialized in Blues. “It takes some time when you start a new band,” McNabney said. “If you want to sound good, you have to get synced up.” (Photo provided from Jim McNabney)
Dean of Students Helen Fuller
Decide what you like and then just try it. And if you fail, what have you lost?
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Arm around his son Daniel’s shoulder, science teacher Larry Hautzinger stands in front of “The Conjuring” house. (Photo provided from Larry Hautzinger)
From dawn to dusk
Exploring Ramadan traditions and Muslim culture clubs efforts to celebrate the month long holiday
Josephine Zangrilli & Evelyn Koncalovic
Social Media Manager & Photographer
Counting down the minutes till iftar, the meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset, senior and president of Muslim Culture Club Munazzah Ali celebrates the month of Ramadan.
“It’s kind of building that relationship with God again, which is what I actually like about it, because it’s kind of for everyone,” Ali said.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is celebrated worldwide by Muslims as a way to become closer to God. During Ramadan, there is a strict fast that takes place from dawn until dusk daily for thirty days. During the holiday, Muslims go to mosques and pray for several hours. Many Muslims follow the same traditions but have different ways of embracing their religion throughout this holy month.
meal.
“I personally wake up at 4:30 a.m. because I like to eat a lot,” MCC vice president Abeer Minhas said. “I close my fast at sunrise, I pray and then I will take a 30 minute nap before school begins.”
Before the start of Ramadan, MCC held a meeting to design a display celebrating the beginning of the holiday. Sitting in the commons, the display features a poster board with the writing “Ramadan Mubarak,” meaning “Happy Ramadan.”
Ramadan Mubarak meaning: Happy Ramadan
What is Ramadan? A holy month observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community commemorating the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
“During Ramadan, I focus more on my religion and my faith,” Ali said. “I try to read the entire Quran over the month.”
While fasting, there is a daily schedule to follow. People who practice must wake up before the sunrise and eat early because they do not eat or drink during the day. The first prayer of the day is prayed before they begin fasting. Traditionally to break the fast, people eat a date, which is followed by a large
“We had an activity where we had the members partake in the board-making that we put up in the Commons,” Ali said. “They helped with lantern making. We also plan on having a party after Ramadan to celebrate Eid.”
Eid al-fitr is the “festival of the breaking of the fast” and it marks the end of Ramadan. The celebrations consist of three days of community prayers, gift-giving and spending time with family and friends. The most important day of Eid al-fitr is the first day because the fast is broken. Once the fast is broken at sunset Muslim’s eat a meal called iftar.
“You’ll see even people that aren’t practicing Muslims, start practicing and building that relationship with God and start praying, which is a core part of Islam,” Ali said.
A day in the life
Exploring the daily routine during Ramadan
At the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan begins.
At 4:30 a.m. wake up, eat and pray before fasting begins.
At sunrise fasting begins.
At 8:00 a.m. students attend school while fasting.
At sundown, the fast ends, the fast is broken with a date and then a bigger meal follows.
At the end of the thirty days, Eid-al-fitr begins and takes place for 3 days.
March 20 is International Day of Happiness, who or what makes you the happiest?
“Chipotle makes me the happiest in life.”
“My favorite thing is Mug Root Beer. I think the mug dog is cool.”
“Definitely being with friends. Just hanging out with them makes me forget about life for a bit.”
Lamegos,
“Playing ‘Fortnite’ Zero Build with my main pals.”
“My husband, Nick Dulin, makes me the happiest.”
“My family makes me the happiest. When I’m having a rough day they’re always there for me.”
“Mac and cheese. Every time I travel, I try the mac and cheese and judge based on how good it is.”
“‘Roblox’ makes me happy. It brings me joy every time I log in.”
“Small acts of unexpected kindness from strangers always makes my day.”
“The thing that makes me most happy is to see my own children happy. I also like to see my students happy.”
Alexandra Rucinski, Freshman
Nola Brown, Freshman
Lexington Zwica, Sophomore
Gavin Gomez, Sophomore
Ayla Fragoso, Junior
Risha Panigrahi, Senior
Brook Lemon, English teacher
Kristin Laflech, Business teacher
Matthew
Junior
Axel Heramb, Senior
SIGHTING THE HILAL Smiling, sisters senior Junainah Ali and junior Munazzah Ali pose for a photo. Featured in the background is a string of cres-
cent-moon lights, a widely recognized symbol of Islam. “I personally like the sense of community and unification of Ramadan. Ramadan’s about building up to the slow steps of Islam and incorporating the rules of it,” Munazzah Ali said. (Photo by Josephine Zangrilli)
RAMADAN MUBARAK Located in the commons, Muslim Culture Club’s display explains Ramadan. Members of the Muslim Culture Club made the lanterns that are featured on the display during their meeting on Feb 28. (Photo by Evelyn Koncalovic)