aug.11.17

Welcome Issue

Munster High School | 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321

Crier

volume 52 | aug. 11, 2017

INSIDE LOOK guide to graduating early | page 3 letters from the editors | pages 4

UPCOMING 2017 yearbook pick-up | tuesday no school for open house | thursday alumni hall of fame | next friday drop/add period ends | next friday

COMMON GROUND (left) After fourth hour period lunch, students stand in the Commons waiting to for the 11:10 bell. QUICK STUDY (top) Sitting in Mr. Jason McCauley’s class, students use laptops to complete history assignments. LUNCH BREAK (above) Students stand in line, awaiting their blue trays, during lunch.

No, it’s not— as long as you know what you’re getting into Welcome to high school. Freshman have a lot coming for them over the next four years. The “when will I…” turns to the “now that I…” Colleges are always around during lunch, where students can talk to representatives about what that college offers. That first day is a breath of Story by Alex Kojich fresh air for the majority of students, Reporter where opportunities to reveal who they are arise. o get from Mr. Shinkan’s room in So, it’s time to the evSouth to Mrs. Holloway’s room answer erlasting quesin North, the average student has tion of “is high seven minutes to walk 873 steps. school scary?”

Jonathan That doesn’t sound intense, but ev- Del Real, sophery second counts and before you’re omore, was of how aware, it’s been six and a half min- afraid high school utes and you’re only just reaching would treat the trophy case in North. Crowded him.

“I first imaghallways are the aisles of your fa- ined high vorite retail stores on Black Friday school like it be a lot and turtle speed students make would harder (than those seven minutes dreadful. middle school), and that I’d have to work even more towards what I wanted to get,” Jonathan said.

Once he settled down, the fifteenyear-old would soon realize that things aren’t what he once assumed was true.

“Well, since entering a new building it’s just like middle school. I mean sure, your teachers will expect more from you, but just treat it like an average school day,” Jonathan said.

T

Jonathan recalls his freshman year as an “average ride”.

MHS has a variety of clubs that promotes the acceptance of every student, such as STAND and GSA. Mr. Mike Wells, Principal, explained how diverse the MHS student body is.

“I think we have a very diverse student body, where students are accepting of one another’s differences,” Mr. Wells said.

Mr. Wells, who’s been the principal for five years, believes that every student has equal opportunity.

“I think students have a huge opportunity here at the high school with the availability of different clubs and so forth to get involved with,” Mr. Wells said.

Mr. Peter Gregory, guidance counselor, has watched as students develop over the past five years, often dealing with scurrying freshmen.

“We encourage them (freshmen) to come in during registration, where they can come in when everybody’s not here and get the opportunity to walk around and see where everything is,” Mr. Gregory said.

MHS is home to a variety of clubs, from Project X to Speech and Debate.

Students have the ability to connect with one another and meet new friends, whether it be choir or the theater company.

“Colleges are going to look at the students club participation down the road. It’s also an opportunity to cultivate some interests in life, to see what it is that interests you that may lead towards a future career,” Mr. Gregory said.

Do’s & Dont’s

schedule Do plan ahead. When talking to your counselor think about the classes you want to take next year, find out the prerequisites and take those classes hallways Don’t stop in the middle of the hallway and congregate (especially in the entrance to North by the trophy cases) lunchroom Do get to lunch as early as possibly for the first two weeks of school to ensure you keep the table you want laptops Don’t forget to charge your battery. Teachers are not cannot allow students to charge their batteries for safety reasons homework Do take advantage of the small assignments early in the year

02 news aug. 11, 2017

Guidance

Mr. Peter Fatouros,

guidance counselor for last names A-D.

Administrating

guidance

Administrators and guidance counselors give advice on making the best of high school

Reporting by Luke Hermansen Reporter

Mr. Robert Snyder, Director of Guidance

Favorite club in high school: School newspaper

Mr, Snyder’s Advice: “Get involved with a club or sport. High school is about relationships and experiences as much as it is learning. Give yourself the opportunity to meet new people and try new things.”

Administration

Mr. Brian Clark,

Mr. Mike Wells, Principal

Mr. Clark’s Advice: “I would try to get involved with something, whether it’s a sport or a club, because you’re going to make new friends and meet new people, and if it is a sport, you don’t necessarily have to go for a sport that you get cut, you could go for a sport that everyone makes like wrestling, track, cross country, or football.”

Favorite sport in high school: Track Mr. Wells’ advice: “Become involved in a sport or club. The more connected you are in high school, the more friends you will make and it will help you be successful in the classroom.”

Mrs. Valerie Zemaitis Student Services

Athletic Director Favorite sport in high school: Football

Mr. Morgan Nolan,

Joining the staff this year: Students may remember Mrs. Zemaitis from Wilbur Wright Middle School where she taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies before joining the MHS staff as Dean of Students.

Director of Student Services Favorite sport in High school: Swimming

Favorite club in high school: Spanish Club Mr. Fatouros’ advice: “If you come into high school with a mindset of I don’t want to be here, you’re not gonna have a good time in school, regardless of what you do. Just try to join a club, or a sport, and if you’re not sporty, just join a club. We have a club here for anyone. As you become more involved in the school, you’ll like it a lot more.”

Mr. Peter Gregory,

guidance counselor for last names E-K Favorite sport in high school: Swimming Mr. Gregory’s advice: “Don’t procrastinate on things, make sure you get the things that you need done on time. And another thing that a lot of friends that go into high school don’t realize is how important their relationships are. You might not remember what you learned in class 20 years from now, but some of those relationships could be very important later.”

Ms. Sharon Vail,

Guidance counselor for last names L-Rid Favorite club in high school: Band Ms. Vail’s advice: “Try to work on your communication skills and speak up for yourself.

Coming over here, you’re expected to be a little more independent, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t wait till the very end to ask.”

Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

guidance counselor for last names Rig-Z

Mr. Nolan’s advice: “Get involved with extracurriculars. They add value to the day here and give you something to attach to. They help build relationships, make friends, and help you learn about yourself.”

Favorite Sport in high School: Volleyball Ms. Sanchez’s advice: “Get involved with something. It doesn’t have to be a sport like it was for me, but it is a truly great way to meet new people and discover new interests.”

Places to go, Staff discuss their role in school, people to see services available for students Story by Linda Plebanski Reporter Where would you go if you hurt yourself or just need to lie down for a bit? Ask for a pass to go down to the Nurse’s Office.

“I think that it (the Nurse’s Office) is a safe zone for students,” Ms. Minnie Martinez, nurse, said.

Next to the LGI in North, there is the Media Center, which is open before school at 7:15 a.m. and is closed after school at 3:15 p.m.

“There’s a vast amount of resources here for the school,” Ms. Twila Marsh, media specialist, said. “We have everything here from books as far as a help desk. The help desk for the computer is how we keep everybody on board so that it is working

effectively in the classroom by making troubleshooting adjustments to it and things like that.”

Students can get information about the electronic databases that are available here at MHS, and they can use the Media Center as a place to study and meet with friends.

In the event you get lost in the hallways of North or are not sure how to find a certain thing, do not hesitate to ask the Media Center.

“We also pride ourselves to kind of be the ‘Answer Man’ of the school if freshman need to know where to go for a certain thing we can direct them as well,” Ms. Marsh said.

Next to the fieldhouse, there is the Athletic Office. In the Athletic Office you can find out about sports teams, learn about physicals, and pick up an award or certificate you may

have not picked up before. If a student would like to get involved, they could walk in there and ask how they can help out.

“If I had a high school kid that wanted to announce games, or learn how to run the scoreboard, we’ll do that and give them a job,” Mr. Brian Clark, Athletic Director, said.

In the Main Office, which is located on the left immediately after you walk in through the main doors, you can find the lost & found, get work permits, and even pick up something a parent has dropped off for a student such as food or clothing.

Student Services, located in the hallway walking towards North, is where students go for attendance issues, disciplinary issues, or even if a student just has a question about where to go and how to get there.

“Students can also come down here if they need to talk to someone,” Mrs. Deborah DeLooff, Student Services secretary, said.

The Guidance Office, located in the hallway towards South, is where a student can learn more about classes, schedules, scholarships, colleges and diplomas.

The Guidance Office is also where the guidance counselors are. Students may make an appointment with their counselor to talk to them if needed.

“Students can come down here to sign up for MHS tutoring, they can find out about colleges, and we have information about SATs and ACTs,” Ms. Kay Hansen, Guidance secretary, said.

See the map

news03 aug. 11, 2017

Finishing ahead

Early graduation is an option, here is how one student did it Reporting by Gabe Haro

LETTER OF THE LAW In AP Government class, Annie Phelps and Alex Raycroft, both class of ‘17, review their pocket constitution. AP classes provided the option for earning college credit through the AP exam.

Starting early

Frequently asked questions about college credit answered Story by Uriel Soto Reporter College credits may not be the number one priority on most of freshman’s minds. Students may think more about the core classes, clubs or sports. But for students that are thinking forward, here are some answers to questions you may have about dual credit classes: Why should I care? Earning college credits can help you better qualify for scholarships and get into the school that you want to attend.

What’s the biggest benefit of these classes? Guidance counselor Mrs. Jessica Sanchez says that the biggest benefit to taking college credit classes in high school means that you need to take less classes in college— saving you money.

Which classes offer college credit? There are two ways to receive college credit: dual credit or AP. With dual credit your instructor has to be certified by a college (MHS works with Ivy Tech and Purdue Northwest) and the grade you get in that class will be directly on your Ivy Tech or Purdue transcript. You can also see if these credits with transfer over to other schools in Indiana or out of state.

To get credit from an AP class you must take a test at the end of the year. The test is score from 1-5, and most colleges require a 4-5 to reward credit.

So I just take these classes, and I get full credit? When a student take these classes, the grade they earn is the one that ends up on their college transcript . Brendan Ristenpart, class of ‘17, took dual credit class because he wanted to attend Indiana University-Bloomington because of the good business school. He said that he thought taking these classes would help in the future.

“It shows you what kind of difficulty you will have in college,” he said.

Okay, so these credits apply to any colleges? It will help you most in Indiana, but it can’t hurt to ask for elsewhere.

“We have a strong agreement in Indiana but students have (gotten credit) out of state,” Mrs. Sanchez said.

Are these classes exactly like college classes? While these courses are not an exact replica of college classes, they come close.

“Our curriculum are required to be consistent with what a college course would offer,” Mrs. Brook Lemon, English teacher, said.

ABC’s of ACTs Brief explanation of the difference between the types college credit, standardize tests

AP test south

commons

Door A

north

Some AP exams may cost less than dual credit courses if they are covered under state fee reductions, and may be better options for stronger testers

or

Dual Credit athletic office auditorium cafeteria fieldhouse guidance office

student services main office mustang corral library

Dual Credit Courses through Purdue Northwest or Ivy Tech allow for college credit based on grade. Which gives less strong test takers a better opportunity

Middle School

Weronika was in advanced math throughout middle school meaning she took geometry as a freshman and was done with her required math by the end of junior year.

In seventh and eighth grade she began taking Spanish so her foreign language requirement was met by the end of sophomore year

While taking these courses in middle school assisted Weronika in her early graduation it is not necessary

Underclassmen During her freshman year Weronika joined the Crier staff as a photographer. With newspaper now requiring room on her schedule, Weronkia took summer school each year to complete required classes (like gym, health, and speech) early.

As soon as a student thinks they want to graduate early they should communicate that to their counselor

Eleventh Grade

SAT

The SAT is given through College Board, the same company which administers AP test allowing students to access a number of score in one place

ACT

Reporter Going into high school most students probably think that they’re going to be there for the next four years, but that isn’t entirely true.

For students who decide to put in the time and effort, early graduation is a possibility.

A student must obtain at least 40 credits throughout their high school career in order to graduate, according to the MHS handbook. There are specific requirements for many of those credits (for example six science credits and eight English credits) but once those requirements are met a student is eligible to graduation, regardless of grade.

“Going into high school everyone always told me how important senior year is, but once I got into sophomore year I decided that I didn’t want to be here,” said Weronika Bilek, class of ’17, publications member.

Here is the path Weronika took to graduate early:

or

ACT has a science reason portion in addition to math, English and reading. This allows for slightly less time in every other section of the test sources: collegeboard.com; princetonreview.com; act.org

The summer before junior year Weronika again attended summer school. This time for Government and Economics.

This is helpful if you want to graduate a year early because in your junior year you will be taking double English courses.

During the fall of her junior year Weronika also began applying to colleges.

During junior year students who want to graduate early must write a letter to Mr. Wells explain their reasonings

Twelfth Grade

Most student who graduate early only graduate a semester early

speakout 4 0 aug. 11, 2017

Letter from the yearbook editor

Story by Micala Boyd Editor-in-chief of Paragon

As editor-in-chief of the yearbook, I’m so excited about the start of school. From day one, Paragon will be reporting on you and the entire community surrounding the school.

In class, after school, at sporting events, at your favorite places outside MHS—Paragon will be there.

My goal as editor is to capture the year as it happens, but also to reflect the parts of the school year that might get missed.

The yearbook is an important historical document, but it should be something that matters to you.

If you have a story or anything to share, please let me know. It’s not just my yearbook— it’s yours.

Here are some things you can expect from yearbook: n The 2018 yearbook will be here in May. For the first time ever, we’ll be getting spring delivery. This will mean seeing the yearbook before the end of the year. We’ll have a release party in May where everyone can sign yearbooks and celebrate the year. n You! You can expect yourself in the yearbook. It’s our goal to cover every single student, either through quotes, pictures or stories. We believe that everyone has an important story to be told, no matter what you might think.

What about the 2017 yearbook?

Pickup for current sophomores through graduated seniors will be after school in the Commons on Tuesday.

Want to get in contact with your editors?

E-mail Micala at 9002280@ student.munster.us E-mail Ian at 8001126@student. munster.us

crier

BREAKING THE NEWS The 2016=2017 Crier staff poses for a picture on the last day of school at their fourth of July themed farewell party. The staff of 19 put out 13 newspapers, writing hundreds of stories and taking thousands of pictures, with the goal of meeting their readers’ wants and needs.

Letter from the Editor

Crier is here for you First and foremost, we, Crier, are your newspaper, your school’s newspaper, and your community’s newspaper.

In my three years of high school, I have experienced Crier from the point of view of a passive student, a hesitant new staffer and a driven managing editor.

I have learned that the news is not always easy to understand and helping other people understand it is even harder.

But that is the role of Crier or any scholastic newspaper—to inform its student body about important events and expose them to ideas and opinions that may be different than their own.

Now that I am editor-in-chief, my focus through the next nine months is to deliver the most important news to the students of MHS in direct and interesting ways.

Social media is one of those ways.

Follow @munstermedia on Crier’s Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, where we’ll bring you news that matters to you, directly to you, when it happens.

While school and community current events are our focus, in a time when global news is at the center of so many conversations, Crier is also a host for meaningful dialogue on such topics.

Outside of the walls of the school, journalism can be seen as a check on politicians and public figures; however, when it

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

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

Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the

comes to scholastic journalism, the job is not as clear.

Decisions we make in our newsroom rarely seem as influential as those in the national media.

Politics are not directly at the forefront of the discussions we are having, but they are still important and if the editorial board deems it necessary, we won’t shy away Crier is the most from talking about those issues. direct venue for We are aware that we are serving a diverse audience of students to have young students and that, in do- dialogue on local ing so, we have to be exceeding- and global issues ly vigilant in selecting the news we choose cover and covering it without bias.

At the end of the day this is a student made paper, made for students. That is not to say that it does not matter or that quality should not be expected. But instead to say that we are learning, all of us here in this place eight hours a day, five days a week for nine months learning and improving together.

My take

—Ian S. Brundige, Editor-in-Chief

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

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

The Staff Editor-in-Chief Ian S. Brundige Managing Editor Mimi Brody Section Chief Joseph Bermudez Visual Chief Gavin Hamilton

People Editor Carey Scott Page Editors Alex Kojich, Erianna Sims, Mercedez Williams Social Media Editor Melanie Powers Business Manager Micala Boyd Head Photographer Kess Vaitkus Chief Photographer Easan Venkat Photographers Weronika Bilek Joseph Bellahcen, Danijela Kaurin, Lauren Kozy, Vrusti Patel, Austin Skeens, Summer Witvoet Reporters Alyssa Bass, Samm Flatt, Kaylee Galvan, Catie Gilhooly, Gabe Haro, Luke Hermansen, Adam Klaich, Linda Plebanski, Francesca Servi, Uriel Soto, Chas Varkalis Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

speakup 05 aug. 11, 2017

5W’s about Insight into Crier’s objectives this year

W

hat is Crier? Crier is

one of the best high school newspapers in the nation. Last year Crier won a silver crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

W

ho makes the Crier? The

students in the Newspaper 1, 2 and 3 classes (which all take place during the same period in the same classroom) are responsible for everything that is Crier: deciding the content in paper, conducting the reporting, taking the photos, writing the stories, designing the pages, and all of the small details in between. Lead by one Editor-in-Chief, this year (as of the date of printing) the Crier staff is made up of seven writers, seven photographers and one business manager who are tasked with cover the news that affects MHS students.

W

hen is the paper made?

Typically an issue is planned around three weeks before its distribution date at a meeting called an Editorial Board Meeting (EB). Everyone on staff is expected to bring ideas for each section of the paper.

Stories are decided, and there is a week and a half to report and write.

&How the H you can get involved in publications

The week of distribution is called build week because the majority of the paper is built in that week. The staff stays after school working on the paper until at least 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, preparing for Friday distribution.

And then, after a long Thursday night (often lasting past 8 p.m.) all the work is done and the staff leaves the paper to the students, the community, for them to take, read, digest and respond.

Finally, they critique themselves.

They review the process of making the paper, they correct their mistakes in an effort to be accurate and ethical and they work to improve for the next issue.

W

here do they find their stories and sources?

With 15 staff members and nearly 1,500 students, there is a lot of ground to cover between news in academics, clubs, sports and student life. While each staff members is assigned to a beat, a number of clubs and activities they are responsible for finding ideas from, those are not the only places news is happening.

The staff often looks to profes-

H

ow can you make your mark on award-winning publications? To be a

photographer or a designer, take Ms. Lanman’s Photography class. It’s a semester and includes instruction about darkroom and digital photojournalism. If you are very passionate, you can join mid-year. To be a

Cover to cover

sional news outlets to see what is being discussed on a large scale both in the Northwest Indiana and around the country.

Front The news that the Editorial On the opposite side of the specBoard believes will be the trum is social media and everyday most important or interesting life. Most of the stories in the Crier to the student body come from observing trends in the world and asking questions about News Additional community/ them: Why is this happening? How school news as well as brief does it affect students? And are club and academic news there any outliers?

Once a story is decided the sourcSpeakout Includes an editorial (the staff es have to be finalized. Usually, opinion on a topic covered in these sources are you (students, issue) and a staffer column teachers and administration at MHS) but when it strengthens the Spotlight story, writers look outside of the Staff reviews of movies, school for the most official source. restaraunts, music, local businesses, etc.

If you think there is a story that the paper is missing or source that Infocus would add value to a story, let the Three pages in the center staff know they cannot find everyof the paper for in-depth thing. coverage of feature stories, Each of the seven sections of Crier serve a specific purpose

may also cover club and academic events

Sports

Dedicated to covering high school sports news and sports profiles or columns

Student life

Focuses on trends, social media and other topical news outside of academics

reporter or an editor, take Ms. Lanman’s Journalism 1 class.

It’s a full year class, both to teach the fundamentals of journalism and journalistic writing.

After you take one of these classes, you are qualified to sign up for Newspaper or Yearbook.

A nice benefit? You can get fine arts and honors credit.

or write a

W

hy do we make Crier? We make Crier because it allows us to start an important dialogue about news in the school. Using visual and verbal communicate we are able to tell the stories of MHS students and members of our community to an engaged student body.

letter to the editor It is a letter a reader writes to Crier in response to an article. We print ALL letters so long as they are...

1. limited to 250 words 2. signed and given to us 3. given in timely manner 4. contain no personal attacks 5. pertain to school issues These requirements can be found in all published issues in the masthead on Speakout.

6 clubs aug. 11, 2017

aug. 11, 2017

Go with the

flow

Sport or Club?

Team Player or Solo?

Do you want to spend your time practicing a skill or helping others?

Team player

Solo

p Cross Country p Track p Golf p Swimming p Diving p Wrestling p Tennis Indoors

Follow the chart to find the best clubs and sports for you

Club

Sport

Outdoors

p Football p Soccer p Dance p Baseball p Cheerleading p Softball p Volleyball p Tennis p Basketball p Color guard p Winter guard p Lacrosse See page 10-11 for p Cheerleading

Performing or creating?

Academic

No

Who: Mr. Kevin Clyne, English teacher What: Students writing together on any topic. In November they participate in National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO) and through out the year they play brain storming games Where: N153 When: After school once a week FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE Chloe Jancosek, senior, and Elliot Fus, class of ‘17, perform in the spring musical for theater.

Dance

Who: Cynthia Banas, WWMS math teacher What: Competitive dance team. Attended nationals in Florida last year When: throughout the school year Where: WWMS gyms

DECA

Who: Mr. David Kaplan What: DECA is a student-centered organization whose program of leadership and personal development is designed for students with a career interest in marketing, management, hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and/or business administration.

Where: N116 or the Resource room When: Beginning of year Why: To expand learning about general business and meet new people

p Poetry Club* p Creative Writing Club* p Crier p Paragon p Art club

p French Club* p NHS. p Spanish Club* p Read and White Book Club*

clubs that meet/require work from you once a week or less are marked

Band

them through the school year When: year-round extracurricular

Munster Theatre Company

Who: Mr. Ray Palasz What: The Munster Theatre Company is an organization that produces all theater productions at Munster High School Where: Munster Auditorium When: year-round Why: “Theatre has a place for everyone, whether they want to be different characters, a part of the technical side of theatre, or even work backstage. I think theatre is a great activity, and I encourage anyone that wants to be a part of it, to do so,” —Elliot Fus, class of ’17

National Honors Society

Who: Mrs. Val Pflum What: a club that a student gets inducted into for good grades, volunteer hours, and extracurricular activities When: inductions are held in the spring Where: S125 Why: “It looks good for colleges,” —Haleigh Gronwold, senior How: in Junior/Senior, it is required to have a minimum GPA of 3.25.

Based on scholarship, character, service, and leadership

Yes

Who: Mr. Bret Winternheimer What: Consists of the Marching Mustangs concert band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, jazz lab band, pep band, and small ensembles When: Practices start during the summer; year-round co-curricular (must also be enrolled the class) Where: S144 Why: “You shouldn’t be afraid of all the work you’re going to have to put in and any mistakes you might make,” —Luciano Medina, senior

p DECA p Science Olympiad p Speech and Debate p We The People p Spell Bowl p Academic Super Bowl p T.E.A.M.S. p Chess club

ASL Club

Who: Ms. Hannah Fus, ASL teacher What: Continues students’ education of ASL and interacts with the deaf community When: year-round Where: S154

Choral (SING and SONG)

Who: Mr. Andrew Robinson, choir director What: Advanced choir groups who sing for the community with tryouts to join; students can start in regular choir classes When: all year Where: Choir room

CEC

Who: Senior class: Mrs. Katie Harris and Mr. Dusan Vidovic; Junior class: Mr. Mike Coil and Ms. Leigh Ann Westland; Sophomore class: Mrs. Beth Thornburg; Freshman class: Ms. Val Pflum What: Duties vary depending on grades; fund raise through Homecoming play house, juniors plan Prom and seniors plan senior banquet When: depends on grade Where: depends on sponsor

Color Guard & Winter Guard

Who: Ms. Stephanie Peterson (often called Millie), French teacher What: The Color Guard is the main visual component of the Marching Band’s show. They dance and spin flags, rifles and sabers Where: The parking lot and football field, practices at WWMS in winter When: Tryouts in May, training over the summer Why: To meet new people, dance, and compete

Environmental Club

Who: Mrs. Samantha Ebert, science teacher What: People who are interested in informing the student body about the important of protecting the environment When: While Mrs. Ebert is on maternity leave, the club is on hiatus Where: N137

Who: Mrs. Bridget Speranza What: a group of students that play string and/or woodwind instruments together When: year-round co-curricular (must also be enrolled the class) Where: S138 Why: “It’s a really good program to be in. We have a lot of fun and it’s like a second family,” —Isabel Malagon, senior

HOSA

Who: Currently without a sponsor What: The Ping-Pong club will familiarize students with the equipment and rules of Ping-Pong. They will play individually or in pairs for fun or in tournaments Where: Commons When: Beginning of second semester, ends in the beginning of May

Project X

Who: Ms. Leigh Ann Westland, English teacher Where: LGI When: Once every month Why: “I’ve been in charge of this club for three years now. We provide volunteers for different groups and organizations. We don’t just provide events, people volunteer events we don’t organize such as the humane society, hospital, food shelters and banks, soup kitchens,” Ms. Westland

Robotics

Where: Room 121 When: Everyday immediately after school Sponsor: Mrs. Lyndee Govert, math teacher Why: “I have been in robotics since my freshman year. There is team building and learning in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math fields). You learn a lot, not just about engineering, about finances, about team building and about life, more than robots.

It offers a lot of opportunity to its students in scholarships and connections and experience,” —Andy Riddle, class of ’17

Science Olympiad

Who: Mr. Keith Koszut What: 15 students compete on 20 different science categories including: labs, astronomy, biology, chemical, environmental, physical, and geological sciences When: Practice begins in the middle of first semester, competition begins in February Where: N137 Why: “What I liked about it is that we learned scientific concepts that didn’t get covered in school like astronomy, materials, epidemiology, so a lot of things that you don’t get in high school science courses,” —Mackinzie Farnell, class of ’17

Best Buddies

Who: Ms. Mary Spina What: Challenges students to explore the medical world as a career option When: Primarily takes place during second semester

Who: Mr. Brent Barton and Mr. Pete Fatouros, guidance counselor Where: In the resource room When: After school once a month Why: “This club helps socialize with the (students with) special needs, helps one understand them more, helps you work with them and take them out into the community and hang out with them. Students should join this club to understand that those with special needs are the same as you, just with different academic and social skills, but they can do the same stuff as you,” —Jacob Freeman, sophomore.

French Club

Who: Ms. Stephanie Peterson (often called Millie), French teacher What: The French Club celebrates French culture through activities, such as a cheese party, holiday party, Mardi Gras festival, picnics and field trips Where: S168 When: Meets once a month

Ping-Pong Club

SADD

Who: Mrs. Jessica Baird, math teacher What: create awareness campaigns and promote a safe Prom though an activity fair When: year-round extracurricular Where: S132

Orchestra

*for students with busy schedules:

Who: Mrs. Elena Lopez, art teacher Where: S104 When: After school weekly Why: “I’ve been in Art Club since freshman year. We have multiple events which help out people in the community. Wherever there is an artistic need in the community or the school, we will fulfill it. Students should join art club because it’s a unique experience to meet different people through experimenting with media,” —Rachel Lyons, junior

Who: Ms. Kristen Szafasz, social studies teacher What: During the Basketball and football seasons the team cheers at games. They also have their own competition season When: Throughout the year Where: N179

Reporters

Creating

Performing

p Band p Orchestra p Theater p S.I.N.G./ S.O.N.G. p Poetry Club*

Cheer

Competition?

more details on each sport

Art Club

p Environmental Science Club* p GSA* p Link Crew* p SADD* p Project X p Civics Club p Student Government p S.T.A.N.D.* p Best Buddies

Academics or art?

Art

Link Crew

Reporting by Erianna Sims, Who: Mr. Morgan Nolan Alyssa Bass, Francessca Servi, What: a group of upperclassmen Samm Flatt, Mercedez Williams who welcome freshman and guide

Creative Writing

Helping others

Practicing a skill

Indoor or outdoor?

clubs An introduction to MHS clubs

ALL SMILES Wearing a paper hat Shannon Hocker, senior, dances during French Club.

7

Student Government

Who: Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, FACS teacher, and Mrs. Kyleen Nolan, science teacher What: Plan Homecoming week, fundraising events, Battle of the Bands, and others. Made up from grades 9-12 When: Elections are held in the spring for weekly meetings (freshman elections at start of year) Why: “If you’re hesitant about it, do it. If you’re thinking about it, do it.

If you don’t make it, then there are other options.” —Jake Ingoglia, class of ’17, former student body president

Spanish Club

Who: Mrs. Rosie Malagon Where: Held in the cafeteria When: Once every few months Why: “I have been in Spanish club for sophomore year from the beginning. In this club we’ll sometimes have meetings what we’re going to do and what events we’re going to plan out. Sometimes we’ll vote and sometimes we’ll even have small little parties. This club has to offer students an introduction to new culture. Students should join because it’s fun and give you the opportunity to meet new people.” —Juan Salgado, junior

Speech and Debate

Who: Mr. Jordan Meyer What: Students work on speaking and acting skills through competitions at the state and national levels Where: N151 When: after school practice with tournaments on the weekends

S.T.A.N.D

Who: Students Together and Socially Diverse What: People from different cultures come together and celebrate their diversity When: Starts during first semester of the school year Why: “My favorite thing to do is every year we have a diversity dinner, where we meet with Gay Straight Alliance and we have a party,” — Brandiline Hoover, class of ’17

Poetry Club

Who: Mrs. Kelly Barnes, English teacher What: allow student self-expression through writing verse When: once a week Where: N127

Read and White Book Club Who: Ms. Twila Marsh, media specialist What: give a space for students to discuss books of the month and share their love of reading When: bi-monthly Where: Media Center

We The People

Who: Currently without a sponsor What: focuses on the history, philosophy, and implementation of the United States Constitution as well as civil rights and liberties When: co-curricular

08 infocus aug. 11, 2017

opinion

Crier staff’s school survival guide

4 years•

Freshmen

Story by Chas Varkalis Reporter I’m sure right about now you’re telling your friends about how confusing this place is, whether it be trying to find your locker or getting lost on the way to your next class.

Don’t freak out: this is just one day of the next four years to come.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Because someday, in the real world, you’re going to have to ask questions about things, and if you didn’t build those skills in high school, you’re going to get affected in the workplace,”

standard required classes Health Prep for college and careers

540

days until graduation

MAKE THE GRADE Presentations in Prep for College and Careers are common.

Juniors

Story by Ian S. Brundige Editor-in-Chief Every year of high school people told me that junior year was going to be the most difficult and that it matters the most to colleges.

While I have not finished applying for college, so I cannot comment on the latter part of that statement. But I can say that junior year is the year you should push yourself the most.

typical required classes Economics (AP) Government (AP) days until graduation

180

WRITING ON THE WALL Seniors can expect to take an English class, just like every year.

standard required classes

Matt Dempsey, class of ‘17, said.

Don’t forget to look beyond just the day-by-day.

“A tip that I’d probably give is that, your freshman year is the most important. Some kids just take it for granted and really it could affect you in the long run,” Riley Portone, junior, said.

Ultimately, remember that you are here for one thing: academics.

“Freshman year is when stuff starts counting. You need to forget not turning in homework assignments, winging tests and start trying,” Shreyas Iyer, junior, said.

Gym STICKING POINT Playing hockey in gym class is something that everyone can expect sometime in their high school career.

days until graduation

720

Sophomores Story by Mimi Brody Managing Editor Freshman year is new and exciting. You enjoy the variety of people and activities at your disposal and learn how to thrive in the very place you will call home for four years. By the time junior year rolls around, school consumes every aspect of your life. It is almost as if all of your time is spent studying for ACTs, juggling AP courses and sleeping. By senior year, you let out a sigh of relief. You did it. Now you just need to battle senioritis.

Oh wait. Did I forget sophomore year? Sorry, it’s easy to overlook it because it is not that special. Sophomore year is kind of a conglomerate of all three. It is only your second year of high school, so you are still enjoying new experiences but some things have lost their luster.

Like junior year, you find that it’s important to keep up your grades and learn good study habits that will help you succeed in upcoming years.

Similarly to senior year, it is kind of a relief to already have one year of high school under your belt, and you have free time to spend with friends.

standard required classes US history (AP)

In a year, everyone will be asking you about college and what you are doing after MHS even more than they probably are now. It’s important to be able to answers those questions.

Junior year is the year to decide what you like doing, maybe even what you want to be doing for the rest if your life, and start doing that.

You do not need all the answers but you should at least be thinking about the questions.

Seniors

Story by Jordan Szymanski Former Editor-in-Chief, class of ‘17 This is not something I think you have to read before you start your last year of high school. This is not to remind you again and again that these will be the last times of your high school experience. These are warnings, words of advice, pieces of the year that I wish someone would have told me about.

FIrst, and I know it is the last thing you want to do, but start the Common App now. It opened Aug. 1. Do as much of it as you can stand at a time as early as you can because November is closer than you think.

But also, it’s okay to take a break.

You’ve had a long haul.

Go to the football game. Or don’t.

Dance at Homecoming—or not. Ditch

In order to crush sophomore year, you need to keep these things in mind. Like a freshman, hunt for new experiences and meet new people.

Take notes from juniors who are dutifully hitting the books. Learn some study habits, they help immensely by the time AP testing rolls around.

Like seniors, don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy being able to go out with friends during the week. It is important to take school seriously, but sophomore year is a good year to enjoy yourself rather than spending your time locked in your room with a textbook.

days until graduation

360

AP OPPORTUNITY Junior year is when the majority of AP class are offered to students, These students work together on a group project in AP literature.

on ditch day. Or maybe you can’t.

There is not a set way to live senior year. Don’t let the mantra of this being you last time force you to do things you never felt like doing in the first place. You will make memories regardless of if you are dressed in a hula skirt cheering on Friday night or laughing until chocolate milk comes out of your nose at Round the Clock early Sunday morning.

The essence of senior year is that it will come and it will go. If you stay true to who you are and who you want to become then you will look back a year later with no regret.

Don’t be the kid that did or did not do something just because it is “senior year.”

I think you have to remember life does go on after senior year. This is a period in your life that is one of your most significant transitions.

With that change comes self-doubt, anxiety, fear of the future or the unknown. Just relax. Not a single graduating senior knows exactly how his or hers life will turn out. The ones that talk and brag like they do, don’t.

The ones that make you fee insecure about your decision to stay home for a year and figure it out, don’t. No one is asking you to know either. And if you ever feel like someone is, you have no obligation to answer them.

Your only obligation is to make small decisions that lead to another transitional one.

Pick a college you feel comfortable at. Pick a school because their programs interest you. Pick a job you feel secure in. Pick somewhere you could see yourself figuring out what the rest of your life will look like.

Then go. Because that’s all anyone is asking you to do.

09infocus aug. 11, 2017

WwhatEevery F freshman S K should know ACADEMICS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Do all of your homework: Teachers give homework to help you practice, make sure you do the practice.

Don’t Procrastinate: Waiting until the last minute to do homework or study never works in your ad-vantage.

Challenge yourself: Take courses you can handle but challenge your-self and don’t give up when things get hard.

Teachers are always available for extra help: Seek out help from your teachers and other teachers if you need to.

Be an active student in the class: Ask questions, participate in discussions, and answer problems.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE Justin Lee, junior, carefully measures dimensions for a Science Olympiad project.

FRIENDS

AFTER THE BELL Jevon Morris, junior, and Faith Blair, sophomore, walk side by side through the hallways.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Always be open to making new friends: Wouldn’t you want the same out of others?

Know who your closest friends are: Rely on them to get you through the tough times.

Understand you are going to disagree with friends on certain things, but respect their opinions and their choices.

Stay positive and surround yourself with positive friends.

Don’t exclude people from your group.

PARENTS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Communicate with your parents: Remember, communication goes both ways.

Respect your parents and their rules: Remember, they are still in charge.

Listen to what they say: They want you to be successful and want to achieve your dreams.

Thank them for everything they do.

Remember to tell them you love them!

FAMILY MAN Shawn Heritage, class of ‘17, poses with his parents at graduation.

RULES FOR SCHOOL

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TECH TALK Mr. Jim Davidson, PLTW Teacher, instructs Michael Archer, senior.

Don’t be late to class; get there early, walk on the right side of the hallway. Don’t loiter in the hallways.

Respect all adults in the building.

Don’t cheat; it’s not worth it.

No PDA (Public Displays of Affection) Do the right thing; you’ll have more fun if you do.

source: Munster High School Link Crew

10sports aug. 11, 2017

On the

Field Fall

Sports to play at MHS Reporting by Kaylee Galvan and Adam Klaich Reporters

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY Who: Coach Brown and Coach Sluder What: Meets Saturday morning and conference, sectionals, semi-state, and state October and running four to seven miles after school When: 3:15 to about 5 p.m. during the fall Where: Boy’s PE locker rooms Why: “Cross Country is important because you get out with a group of guys, you go out for a run, and you interact with each other and talk about all kinds of things and it gets you in shape.”

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Who: Coach Kyleen Nolan What: We do a lock-in each year, team summer camps, team dinners, road races, pool parties and pool workouts.

When: Usually second week of summer, in the mornings, through the fall Where: N162 for questions. Practices on the outside track.

Why: “Because it’s a fun sport, you can achieve your own personal goals. It’s an individual sport as well as a team sport and we make running fun.”

FOOTBALL Who: Coach Leroy Marsh What: Games after school, conference, and sectionals When: Monday-Thursdays throughout the year with a season in the fall Where: The stable, football field and weight room Why: “It teaches you basics, fundamentals, and gets you in shape.”

GIRLS’ SOCCER Who: Coach Valeria Pflum What: Typically together six days a week for practices and games.

When: May 30 for conditioning with a season in the fall Where: Outside sports locker room or S125 Why: “We’re a big family. Most girls hang out outside of school and outside the season. We’ve been Semi-state runner ups, Sectional and Regional champions and three-time conference champs.”

GOAL FOCUSED Frank Wulf, junior, squints through the sun preparing to finish his match.

Match point

With a change of coach, Boys’ Tennis reflects on past success, and looks ahead to future seasons

Story by Kaylee Galvan Reporter GIRLS’ GOLF Who: Coach Bill Smitka What: Can play 18 events, nine home matches and invites. Spending time together is the biggest activity & team bonding is unique because everyone gets to know each other.

When: Callout meeting is May 23, and summer conditioning is throughout July & August, two days a week.

Where: N191 Why: “If I can instill that love for the game in them, then they should play because golf is a lifelong sport.”

VOLLEYBALL What: a competitive sport When: fall season Where: Fieldhouse Why: “A good experience, you’d make a lot of new friends and it’s a great way to stay in shape.”- Katherine Dodgson, senior.

BOYS’ SOCCER Who: Coach Jim Prasopoulos What: Competative soccer team that competes as far as they make it through confrence, sectionals and regionals Where: N125

By the time they had barely learned to read, Joe Webster, freshman, and Henry Wolf, senior, had already picked up the tennis rackets and hit the court. “I started playing when I was 5, so it’s been about thirteen years already,” Wolf said.

As a committed 4-year member of the tennis team, Wolf looks back on his memories and said, “I met people I probably never would have if I didn’t join tennis, the intensity is great, it gives you something good to do after school, and the family atmosphere makes us close.”

But simply playing is not enough.

Tennis requires cohesion, skill, and practice to keep getting better as an individual who can help the team.

“I started playing tennis when I was three, but I really started taking it seriously when I turned seven,” Webster said. “Making varsity last year was definitely the biggest accomplishment for me, but I think making it to Semi-state was a big accomplishment as well.”

With people like Webster and Wolf, Munster tennis has been growing for a long time into a team that involves years of dedication and experience and has been coached by Mr. Steven Lopez, social studies teacher since 2003.

“Being able to continue the sectional streak (36 years), I was glad I was able to carry that tradition and add on to our regional and semistate titles,” Coach Lopez said. “I’ve

been proud of all of those accomplishments, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without all of the boys.”

Coach Lopez sees Boys’ Tennis as one of Munster’s premier programs because of the parental and community support as well as the students determination.

“When kids come out for the team, there’s those that make it our those that don’t, and they come back the next year and try again,” he said.

“They want to become part of that elite program and they understand that there’s a reputation to uphold and rather than running from that they say: it’s my turn to carry on the mantle.”

Tennis teaches you about self-determination and helps understand the cause, effect, and consequences of actions, according to Webster.

It provides lifelong friendships that many people don’t see anywhere else, according to Coach Lopez.

“It’s a lifelong sport so it’s something that you'll play until you retire” Coach Lopez said and explained how even after graduation, past alumni often come back to practice with the team. “These kids make friends that wind up being friends for life.”

After coaching since the 20022003 season, Lopez retired as a coach due to injuries, but his love for the game is still strong.

“The kids work hard every year and every year you get a new crop to mold and to get them to understand what the commitments are of the program,” Coach Lopez said.

sports 11 aug. 11, 2017

Spring Winter GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Who: Coach Jim Davidson, PLTW teacher What: Games after school throughout the second and third quarter When: Practice October with first scrimmage match before season starts Where: Fieldhouse, S107 BOYS’ BASKETBALL Who: Coach Mike Hackett What: Games on Saturdays and after school, conference, sectionals, semistate, state When: starts in November after school till around 5 p.m. during the winter Where: Fieldhouse Why: “It builds endurance, it helps hand-eye coordination, footwork, and repetition. It makes people work to get better and makes you share one brain between five people and work together to score baskets.”

GIRLS’ DIVING/SWIMMING Who: Coach Mathew Pavlovich What: Practice diving and swimming, go to meets-sometimes out of town When: Starts in October and practices are in the morning and after school every day through winter Where: Jepsen Pool, travels to different spots for tournaments Why: “My favorite part of the season is when we go to the meets and have to stay the night because you get to stay in a hotel room with your friends and have better more experienced competition.”

Alisandra Annunziata, sophomore BOYS’ DIVING/SWIMMING Who: Coach Lee and Coach Mathew Pavlovich What: Meets after school, conference, sectionals, semi-state, state When: Starts in October and practices are everyday 3:20 to about 5 p.m., plus morning practices, through winter Where: aquatic center Why: “I think swimming is important because it is the only sport that actually uses all of the muscles in your body and it’s just a really good exercise.

WRESTLING Who: Coach Zach Slosser What: Games on Saturdays and after school, conference, sectionals, semistate, state When: starts in November after school till around 5 p.m., run through winter Where: The Wrestling room

GIRLS’ TENNIS Who: Coach Patrick Spohr When: Conditioning starts in February, and the season runs roughly from the beginning of March to the end of the school year in the spring Where: For conditioning meet in wrestling rooms at WWMS, and for practices 3:15 outside at the tennis courts.

Why: “It’s a sport you can play and have fun and your teammates are always there to guide you. It helps freshman gain connections and get around.”

SOFTBALL Who: Varsity Softball-Coach Beth Thornburg What: Practices softball on a varsity level, travels to compete with other teams and When: Practice starts spring Where: S123 Why: “Definitely join because we do need players next year, and we have a lot of players leaving. It’s just a very welcoming environment.” Nicole Howard, senior BASEBALL Who: Coach Bob Shinkan What: Games after school, Conference and Sectionals around Memorial day When: Starts in mid-March and practices are after school in the spring Where: Baseball Field, fieldhouse, batting cages, and the wrestling room (batting cages) Why: “I try to interject in them how to be a good teammate and how to work together as a team with other people because hopefully the skills they learn working together will help them later on in life.”

BOYS’ TRACK Who: Coach Stamper, Coach Crowder, Coach Seydel What: After school and conference, sectionals, semi-state, and state in May general running exercise and training When: 3:20 to around 6 p.m. in the spring Where: Track or gym Why: “I think because its an individual sport, it challenges the student athlete a lot more than sports where you depend on somebody else and I think that it’s a sport that has a lot more discipline to it then say some of the more team sports, and I think you put all of that together and you come up with teamwork.”

GIRLS’ TRACK Who: Coach Richard Sluder What: There are 16 events, so track can apply to a variety of people. Running, jumping, and vaulting can cover many talents and abilities.

When: Off season conditioning is September to February, in season from February to June.

Where: N193; outdoor and indoor track.

Why: “Because she can automatically have 90 new friends and try out 16 new experiences (events).”

BOYS’ GOLF Who: Coach Bill Smitka What: Can play up to 18 events, nine home matches, including invites.

Spending time together is the biggest activity & the nature of team bonding is unique because everyone becomes close and gets to know each other.

When: Condition starts in the end of January. Third weekend of March begins official practice in the spring Where: N191 Why: “If I can instill that love for the game in them, then they should play because golf is a lifelong sport.”

12 student life aug. 11, 2017

MAKING

the event

Story by Catie Gilhooly

Reporter The high school experience: maybe it feels like you’ve seen it in all the movies and Nickelodeon sitcoms, but what is life at MHS really like?

There are certain events to expect, and some you might not, but when the school comes together, it often makes an impact.

Homecoming is one of the first major events of the school year, a week of crazy costumes in anticipation for the Homecoming football game and the first dance in September.

Some of the themes of the week have included Twin Day and Mustang Day for underclassmen, as well as Hawaiian day and the persisting Nerd day for seniors. To top it off, there’s Decades Day, where each grade dresses up as a different decade: 50s for freshmen, 60s for sophomores, 70s for juniors and 80s for seniors.

Spirit week leads up to the big game Friday night, ending with the first of three dances offered to students throughout the year, sponsored and or-

Year in preview First

BACKTALK Students reflect on experiences that shape their school years

ganized by Student Government.

“My favorite memory [of senior year] was planning Homecoming,” said Tim DeRolf, class of ’17 and member of Student Government. “I loved being able to put in work that was for the other students.”

In March, MHS students showcase their musical talents at Battle of the Bands. Groups of any age or size can participate, in addition to a separate contest dedicated to solo talent. All types of music can be heard throughout the night, from modern alternative to classic rock to pop. Luciano Medina, senior, played the drum set and other percussion instruments for two groups that competed in the 2017 competition, The Neighbors and 2017 champions Nilla’ Funk.

“I played because I thought it would be really fun to play with friends and its’ a really fun experience to play in front of people and hear their reactions to the music,” Luciano said. “I know a lot of people who play instruments, but they’re afraid to play in front of other people or are afraid that people are

going to judge them harshly, but they really shouldn’t be. They should just go out there and do it.”

Nearing the end of the school year in May, the spring musical offers a night of entertainment and songs from the Munster Theater Company (MTC) and its auditorium staff.

“I’ve really enjoyed working for the theater company and working behind the scenes of all the musicals and plays,” said Jenna Cappo, class of ’17 and four-year member of the auditorium tech and house staff. “It is like helping to create the magic of the show that everyone works so hard on.”

No matter what events you attend or participate in throughout the school year, the real high school experience comes from the people you surround yourself with.

“The biggest things to look forward to in high school are definitely the close friends that you’ll find,” Tim said. “As I’ve gone through high school, I’ve made a lot of friends, but some of them have become people that I couldn’t imagine not knowing.”

Mark your calenders with school events, breaks each quarter

Aug. 18 Alumni Hall of fame Sept.

9

Homecoming Dance

Second Oct. 23-25

Red ribbon week Oct. 26-27

Fall break Nov. 22-24

Thanksgiving break December Mustang toy roundup Dec.

20-22 HOMECOMING Jessica Geary, sophomore, at last years’ first dance

Sept. 18

Junior picture day Sept. 19

Finals Dec. 22 End first semester

Third Jan 11-12 Improv. night Feb. 8-11

Winter play

17 Feb.

“‘Drowning,’ by Kodak Black, because I just feel like I’m drowning in homework and grades.”

Trinity Rodriguez, sophomore

“‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus. Because I cry during that song and I cry during high school.”

Faith Eriks, junior

March 26-30 Spring break April

28

Prom May

AP tests May 3-6

“‘Bounce Back’ by Big Sean. He talks about how things can be difficult but we all have to bounce back and stay with it.”

Miranda Adams, senior

Spring musical

Turnabout March 2

Battle of the Bands SPRING MUSICAL Chloe Jankosek, senior, and Elliot Fus, class of ‘17, perform in the 2017 spring musical, “Pirates of Penznance.”

Dec. 25Jan. 9

May 17

Winter break

“‘Work Hard, Play Hard’

by Wiz Khalifa because you have to work very hard in school, especially in junior year, and then you have to play just as hard to stay sane.”

Jake Yalowitz, class of ‘17

Academic awards May

Sophomore picture day

23-25

Sept. 20

Finals

Freshman picture day

May 25

Oct. 5-8

Novice Play Oct. 13 End of nine weeks

Fourth

What song would you use to describe your high school experience? Why?

THE BEAT Luciano Medina, senior, performs at 2017 Battle of the bands with The Neighbors GIVING SPIRIT Ready to shop, the football team listens to Coach Leroy Marsh during the Munstang Toy round-up

March 9

End of nine weeks

End of second semester June 3

Class of 2018

“‘We’re All in this Together’ by High School Musical because we’re all going through the same things at the same time and we’re doing it together.”

Brianne Rubesha,

Commencement science teacher