TNL Issue 5 Volume 59

featuring...

Seniors going to college!

3 open house treats!

Oil spill in Ecuador!

And more! the northern lights // north central high school May 2015 // Issue 5 // Volume 59

4peat

Brain Game team continues dominance

Thank you to The Washington Township Schools Foundation for their support of student media at North Central High School!

in the news Calendar

may 2015

Picture of the Issue

Racing For Riley A Big Success

May 19 JEL Recognition Night is meant to recognize all the students that have worked hard in the JEL Career Center this year.

May 20 The IMS Fan Experience will take place days before the Indy 500, and will give fans a chance to drive their cars around the Motor Speedway.

May 24 The Indianapolis 500, an annual 500 mile car race around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, brings visitors and festivals to Indianapolis.

May 28 MSDWT’s End-of-Year celebration for the teachers is thrown the day after students get out of school. This “party” will be in the auditorium.

May 30 Senior Blast-Off, the last celebration for seniors after commencement, will be in the main gym.

June 3

the big

5

College Boot Camp, hosted

by Susie Bremen, will be from 1-5 p.m., and will also take place June 4 and 5.

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Racer Andrei Petrache finishes the last leg of the race while team members Cam Kosnoff and Ash Mahenthiran cheer him on. NC Prix and Rockin’ For Riley combined for the first time this year to form Racing For Riley. The event raised $2,700 for Riley Chilrdren’s Hospital. Gabby Leavitt photo.

Commencement The graduation ceremony for seniors takes place at the State Fairgrounds Coliseum on May 27.

Last Day of School After all the closings this winter, the last day of school for grades 9, 10, and 11 is May 27.

Racing For Riley and NC Prix The National Honor Society concert fundraiser and NC Prix combined this year to form one event.

Ivy Leagues A senior, Stefan Stoykov, was accepted into all eight Ivy League colleges, along with Stanford.

AP Tests Tests for students in AP courses will take place between May 11-22.

The Wind Ensemble performs at the Fall Band Festival in September. Wind Ensemble performs around six times per year, including the performances at State Qualifications and Finals. Candi Granlund photo contributed.

In the Spotlight

Wind Ensemble goes to state finals again On Saturday, May 9, North Central’s Wind Ensemble competed exhibiting maturity and remaining dedicated to the band, despite for the 25th consecutive year in the ISSMA State Concert Band Finals their hectic schedules. Granlund helped the members of Wind Ensemble to create a goal for state competition that under the direction of Rick Granlund. went beyond a desire to win.

Senior Lily Boots plays the clarinet, and “The Wind Ensemble always approaches has been a member of Wind Ensemble competition in a way that is very wise,” Granlund said. all four years of her high school career.

“When you simply make something a competition She credits a large amount of the band’s you don’t truly respect the activity. Our goal is success to Granlund. always to give an incredible musical performance, “Mr. Granlund is such a good director enjoy ourselves, captivate the audience, and have because he holds us all accountable,” no regrets.”

Boots said. “He knows what it takes to be Going into the competition, senior Emily an amazing ensemble, and he pushes us Plunkett, a piccolo and flute player, knew that to be the very best that we can. He is very Wind Ensemble was set apart from the other bands knowledgeable and experienced, and he because of the bond that the members share. puts his own spin on every piece that we “Wind Ensemble is such a cohesive group,” play.”

Plunkett said. “There’s such a familial environment, In order to compete at the state making it more than just a class. That’s not level, Wind Ensemble competed at state something a lot of groups have.” qualifications. Preparation for this event Boots is proud of the musical product that is a required students to work both inside and result of both the hours devoted to practice and the outside of school. closeness of the band members. As Boots graduates, “For qualifications, we rehearsed every being in Wind Ensemble will remain one of her fond day in class and every Monday from six Senior Adam Pierce poses with the State memories from her time at NC. to nine at night,” Boots said. “I also have Finalist award. Wind Ensemble finished “The thing I will miss most about being in Wind private lessons once a week and practice fourth in the state. Owen Royal photo.

Ensemble is simply the beautiful music we create on my own time. We have already put and the feeling of knowing that I am a part of that in most of the work needed to qualify so there is not much else we can do to prepare for state except to be sound,” Boots said. “It is very different to sit on a stage and play a piece instead of just listening to it.” confident in our abilities.”

After performing this weekend, Wind Ensemble came in fourth Granlund acknowledges that Wind Ensemble is a large time commitment for students. He is very proud of his students for place. —Cat Curtright .BZ r

EJBHSBN

“I was honored to be named teacher of the year,” Hodson said.

“But now I feel the harder part of teaching begins. I have to keep improving my skills and find new ways to reach students.”

Earlier this month, social studies teacher Andy Hodson was selected as NC’s Teacher of the Year.

Teachers nominate their colleagues and then vote once three finalists are determined. The other finalists included math teacher Jan McNulty and journalism teacher Tom Gayda. by Adam Friedman r .BZ

NBZ

“This may sound corny but my favorite thing to teach is students,” Hodson said. Hodson has been a teacher at NC for four years — he previously taught at Westlane Middle School.

Hodson put up his own light because he believes fluorescent lights don’t create the best learning environment. He prefers CFL lights. In other spots throughout his classroom Hodson has lamps that use CFL bulbs.

The wall is filled with selfies taken by students.

Hodson uses this wall to put up student achievements and allow other students to write nice things about their classmates.

.

The new desks can be moved easily and are arranged in a different pattern almost every class.

Hodson will change the chairs based on the activity he has planned for the day. It allows for better interaction among students.

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NBZ thought it was the flu, strep throat, and all the tests for these illnesses kept turning up negative. Finally one doctor ordered a blood draw, and it came up positive for leukemia.

TNL: What were your thoughts when you heard it was Leukemia?

MB: It took a while for it to really hit me.

When I first heard it, my mom got a call from the doctors and she went upstairs to her bedroom. She stayed up there for a while. I learned later that she stayed up there to call one of her friends to ask her what she should do. I had tried to go to school that day, I was just feeling so terrible that I felt I had to go home. I was lying down on the couch when she came downstairs crying, and told me the doctors said it was leukemia. From there we went straight to the emergency room at Riley. My mom was still crying. It took about a week or two for it to really hit me that this is real, this is actually happening. In that initial time, I don’t really know what I was thinking, but I don’t think I understood how big of a deal it was.

TNL: How did the doctors decide to treat your specific case of Leukemia?

Brumer’s chemotherapy aimed to kill the cancerous cells in his body. This treatment is an effective way of treating cancer, however it has harsh side effects. Brumer’s body became swollen and moving became difficult. Photo provided by Matt Brumer

Brumer battles with leukemia TNL’ s Carter Herman sat down with Matt Brumer to discuss his compelling story about his battle with leukemia.

TNL: Can you describe what happened to you and how a diagnosis of cancer was reached?

MB: In April of 2013, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). For about a month or two before that I had felt r .BZ

really bad. I had barely any appetite, for the two weeks leading up to my diagnosis I ate practically nothing. I got exhausted walking from one class to another. I was vomiting, and when I would blow my nose there would be blood.

Doctors thought my symptoms were a result of a bunch of different things. My mom thought it was mono for a while because I was always really tired. At one point they

MB: In the emergency room, tests were run on my blood to determine the type of leukemia that I had because there are different protocols for each type. My doctor explained everything to me thoroughly. The next day I went into surgery to get a port in my chest so that they could do infusions or chemotherapy straight through my heart.

Most patients stay in the hospital for what about a week to make sure the side effects of the chemo are under control. I was there about a month. The chemotherapy worked really really well which is both good and bad.

It killed almost all of the cancer cells almost immediately. The problem was the cancer had progressed so far that the majority of blood cells in my body were cancer cells. My kidneys had to try and process all of that and couldn’t, so I went into kidney failure. I’ve been told all of this later. I kind of blocked out all of the memories. I was asleep a lot, and just don’t remember a lot of it. At one point, I needed emergency life saving medicine.

After that incident the doctors said I was going to be ok. So I was in the Intensive Care Unit for about a week. I wasn’t able to eat most foods. For a little while I had a feeding tube. I did not like that. My blood pressure would either be really low or really high, and so they had to put a tube into one of my arteries to give constant measurement of

my blood pressure. My mom would just lie awake watching the screen.

TNL: How did you manage that?

When I was first diagnosed, I had a lot of friends come into see me. That was really helpful. During my junior year, I was stuck at home so I didn’t get to see my friends as often as I wanted to. It’s really important to me to have really strong friendships with a lot of people. That’s mainly what I have taken away. To really value friends, so this senior year has been amazing.

MB: “I had amazing homebound teachers I was in the ICU for about a week before I who helped me get through the rest was allowed to return to the normal part of my sophomore year of classes, and of the hospital. Then my blood pressure through all of my junior year. They were spiked again, and I started having seizures. amazing they came to my house every Those thankfully I don’t remember first week to help me get through stuff. They hand. I was in the ICU for another week. were understanding when I was just too Then I finally went back to a regular room tired and wasn’t able to work. They were for another two weeks before I got to go fantastic. Without them I wouldn’t have TNL: When you tell other people what home. At that point, even though I was in been able to graduate on time.” you have been through do you think remission, the chemo had a really big effect they understand? on me. My body was swollen pretty much MB: I think most people try everywhere. I could to understand, and most barely walk. I could people understand most barely move around. of what I’ve been through.

I had to go through a I think what a lot of people lot of physical therapy. don’t understand, and what I don’t remember I didn’t even understand how many pills I have until a couple of months had to take for blood ago is how bad it was right pressure. At some at the beginning. How close point I had a stroke, so I came to not making it at I was taking medicine the beginning. to prevent seizures.

All of these pills TNL: What advice would were in addition to you give to kids who are chemotherapy which going through the same I had once a week, struggle that you went every week, for a year. through?

Each time the measured counts.

MB: It sounds kind of cliché, My ANC (Average but it gets better. You just Neutrophil Count), During his stay at Riley, Brumer was visited by Colts players Sergio Brown, a measurement of Matt Overton and Jack Doyle. The visit yielded Brumer an autographed ball, have to keep working at it the immune system, memorabelia and a break from his homework. Photo provided by Matt Brumer and keep fighting through. normal peoples’ ANC is Don’t give up on school around 5,000 to 6,000. work. Don’t give up on When you are receiving chemotherapy, TNL: How do you feel now, and are you friends. Don’t give up on life because it they want the count to be lower than completely cancer free? does get better. normal otherwise the body won’t take the chemo. Doctors like to keep the count MB: I feel fine now. I’m in remission at TNL: What about people who aren’t sick, around 1,500, and they tend to not give this point, which means they can’t detect what advice do you give to them? chemo if it is lower than 750. Mine dropped any cancer, but they don’t like to say I am to zero several times. Even within this past cancer free. I’m still taking daily chemo MB: Don’t take life for granted. A lot of school year it did that a couple of times. pills. They don’t really have much of an people say they want to have a more affect on me other than sometimes they exciting life because they have a boring TNL: How did having leukemia affect make me kind of tired. life, but sometimes exciting isn’t a good your high school career? thing. A lot of people complain about TNL: What do you want to do with your having to go to school everyday. I was out MB: I wasn’t able to go to school for the life? of school for over a year. Trust me being remainder of sophomore year. I didn’t out of school gets old really quickly. For a really go to school for more than a class MB: I want to be an engineer, so I am going little while I was excited about not having period a day during junior year, and I didn’t to Purdue University next year. to go to school, but it didn’t take me very even do that very often. long for me to be disappointed that I don’t TNL: What have you learned through get to go to school. This senior year. I don’t TNL: Are you still graduating on time? the whole experience? miss a day unless I absolutely have to.

MB: Yes I am.

MB: I’ve learned to really value my friends.

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food

NBZ

Open House Treats

by Maddy Wagner

Chocolate Directions melt the candy melts following the directions on the package t JOTFSU TUSBXT JOUP UIF SJDF LSJTQJFT MFBWF TPNF PG UIF XSBQQFS PO UP IPME PO to while you push the straw in) t EJQ UIF UPQ IBMG PG UIF SJDF LSJTQJFT TRVBSF JOUP UIF DIPDPMBUF PS VTF B TQPPO to drip the chocolate on t JNNFEJBUFMZ BEE UIF TQSJOLMFT Rice Krispy Ingredients 5 Tbsp butter 8 cups, plus 2 cups mini marshmallows 6 cups Krispie Cereal ½ tsp salt Directions Line a 9x9 pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray, set aside. *O B MBSHF QPTU PWFS MPX IFBU NFMU CVUUFS 0ODF CVUUFS JO NFMU ed add in 8 cups mini marshmallows, stirring constantly.

0ODF UIF NBSTINBMMPXT BSF KVTU NFMUFE SFNPWF GSPN IFBU BOE TUJS JO ZPVS DFSFBM BOE TBMU VOUJM KVTU DPBUFE JO NBSTI mallow mixture. Now stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.

1PVS NJYUVSF JOUP QSFQBSFE QBO BOE QSFTT JO FWFOMZ "MMPX UP DPPM DPNQMFUFMZ CFGPSF DVUUJOH JOUP TRVBSFT #FTU JG TFSWFE TBNF EBZ For Melted Chocolate 1. Melt one bag of Wilton White Candy Melts using double CPJMFS PS NJDSPXBWF NFUIPE SFGFS UP QBDLBHJOH

2. Stir in 2 tablespoons shortening or oil until smooth.

3. Dip Rice Krispies Treats, or pretzels one at a time, into the melted chocolate. Set on parchment paper and add sprinkles to chocolare.

-FU TFU UP IBSEFO PO QBSDINFOU QBQFS PS USBOTGFS QBQFS UP GSJEHF GPS RVJDL set.

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Red Velvet Cupcakes Preheat oven to 350. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake papers. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the went and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake papers, about 2/3 full. Bake in oven 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once halfway through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.

Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 3 tsp cocoa powder 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature 2 large eggs, room temperature 3 T red food coloring 1 tsp distilled white vinegar 2 tsp vanilla extract Butter Cream Frosting ½ cup softened butter (salted or unsalted, depending on your preference) 4 cups/one pound powdered sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 3-5 tablespoons milk or cream Directions Add softened butter into your stand mixer or bowl Beat butter on medium to high in stand mixer or with a hand mixer for 3 minutes until fluffy Just before the end of 3 minutes add vanilla and 3 tablespoons milk to butter, keep beating Reduce to medium low or medium Slowly pour in powdered sugar and continue beating for a total of 3 more minutes on medium moving up to high speed as sugar is incorporated.

If you want to add in food coloring, add in while it is beating that last 3 minutes.

If frosting is too stiff add in more milk 1 tsp at a time and beat until combined.

Spread on cake or cookies To store place butter cream in an airtight container and store in refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Bring to room temp prior to frosting.

Chocolate Buttercream 3 cups confectioners’ sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 stick butter, softened 3 - 4 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla Sift sugar and cocoa together into a large bowl. In another bowl combine 1 cup of sugar mixture with butter and 1 tablespoon cream, beating until smooth. Add another cup of sugar and another tablespoon of cream, beating well. Continue until all ingredients are combined and frosting is fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Spread frosting on top of one round. Top with second round and cover top and sides completely with frosting.

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PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS Orchestra Awards 20142015 National School Orchestra Award Adrienne Beck Arion Award Sam Lazaron Indianapolis Symphony Side by Side Orchestra Leah Brinkman Andrew Danforth Katie Danforth Talon Johnson Lauren Palladino Danny Rhoda Thomas Schilling Matt Szolek-Van Valkenburgh Sean Szolek-Van Valkenburgh Jene Williams

HONORS

Concert Orchestra Most Improved Jama Witherspoon Concert Orchestra Outstanding Leadership Payton Jarrett Concert Orchestra Spirit Award Jessica Frey Concert Orchestra Director’s Award Mary Borum Philharmonic Orchestra Most Improved Anissa Navarro Philharmonic Orchestra Spirit Award Krystal Marquez Philharmonic Orchestra Outstanding Leadership Kathy Berryhill Philharmonic Orchestra Director’s Award Nicki Herod Festival Orchestra Most Improved Raimi Woodruff Festival Orchestra Outstanding Leadership Noah Motter Festival Orchestra Spirit Award Dean Tinkle Festival Orchestra Director’s Award Emily Schilling

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Symphony Orchestra Outstanding Freshman Sophie Langfitt Symphony Orchestra Outstanding Sophomore Talon Johnson Symphony Orchestra Outstanding Junior Pearl Garvey Symphony Orchestra Most Improved Lindsey Schwomeyer Symphony Orchestra Spirit Award Isra Haider Symphony Orchestra Outstanding Leadership Award Molly McMath Symphony Orchestra Director’s Award Sarah Kincade Orchestra Seniors Symphony- Strings Adrienne Beck Matt Behrmann Lena Duncan Courtney Fisher Nikhil Harish Sarah Kincade Sam Lazaron Savanah McAuley Molly McMath Drew McNutt Jacob Ray Austin Sandoval Abigail Ward Jene Williams Symphony- Winds/ Percussion Emory Brunner Maggie Buchanan George Clark Adam Cox Terrionna King Adam Pierce Emily Plunkett Thomas Schilling Tyler Thom Max Von Deylen Alex Williams Allie Wineland Alexis Wood Ben Woolgar Festival Orchestra Sebastian Cooney Grace Hale Dean Tinkle Philharmonic Orchestra Kathy Berryhill Angie Carbenia Julieta Chavez Danny Cheng Celeste Coppedge

Sidney Harrington Avery Haynes Corey Howard Sasha Pickens Akeem Snorden

Tommy Nguyen Caroline Short Ben Sparrow Issac Weber Dylan Williams

Theatre Awards 2014-2015

King’s Court Scholarship Winner Emma Nickel

NC Theatre Outstanding Seniors Matthew D. Conwell Hope R. Fennig Katherine G. Haan Matthew R. Henn Jeremy M. Pomerantz Luke A. Skulski Alissa C. Wineland Student Helper Kathy Berryhill Erin DeVoe Hope Fennig Choir Awards 2014-2015 Student Helpers/Mrs. Click Richard Dunn Aquarius Durden Chris Giden Jacob Hampton Sam Keedy Student Accompanists/ Mrs. Click Samantha Flores Joel Padgett Clare Sale Accent Band Jaden Clark Tyler Galbaith Mark Kincade Dan Sullivan Ben Urschel Madrigal Brass Louis Imperiale Noelle Johnson Adam Pierce Nick Snider Jimmy Stueve King’s Court Seniors Karli Canada Aquarius Durden Tommy Nguyen Emma Nickel Accent Seniors Aquarius Durden Samantha Flores Rondos Senior Elizabeth Arnold All-State Choir Members 2014-2015 William Blakely Richard Dunn Aquarius Durden Davon Graham Chris Giden Gabe McGill Matthias Murphy Emma Nickel

Messiah Concert Soloists Grace DeBrota Hope Fennig Chris Giden Joey LaPlant Joey Mervis Eitan Geller-Montague Matthias Murphy Emma Nickel Allie Wineland Organizational Contest Results Accents Choir (Group 1) Gold Medal at ISSMA Organizational Contest 2015 Allegros Gold Medal at ISSMA Organizational Contest 2015 Ambassadors Gold Medal Rating at ISSMA Organizational Contest 2015 Rondos Gold Medal Rating at ISSMA Organizational Contest 2015 King’s Court State Finals at ISSMA Organizational Contest 2014 ISSMA ALL MUSIC AWARD North Central Choirs 2014 Gold Medal Ensembles at 2015 ISSMA District Solo and Ensemble ContestAllegros (3), Rondos (2), Ambassadors (2), Accents (3) King’s Court (9 in Group 1) Gold Medal Ensembles at 2015 ISSMA State District Solo and Ensemble Contest King’s Court – 9 Ensembles Demonstration Choir at Indiana Music Educators Conference – 2015 King’s Court Singers Band Awards 2014-2015 Concert Winds Edmund Osburn - Service Award Charles Wissler - Most Improved Jared Ragsdale - Mental Attitude Richard Alley - Outstanding

Woodwind Erika Pioch - Outstanding Brass Benjamin Urschel Outstanding Percussionist Anna Chinni - Most Outstanding Symphonic Band Carl Anderson - Service Award Sean McAuley - Most Improved Rachel Carver - Mental Attitude Jessica Robinson Outstanding Woodwind Aaron Birnbaum Outstanding Brass Rylan Webb - Outstanding Percussionist Miranda Harmon - Most Outstanding Symphonic Winds Bayem Footman - Service Award Lara Crittenden - Most Improved Ben Plunkett - Mental Attitude Jasmine Brown Outstanding Woodwind Tyler Galbraith Outstanding Brass Gus Wolf - Outstanding Percussionist Zoe Kashin - Most Outstanding Wind Ensemble Joey LaPlant - Service Award Adam Childers-Arnold Most Improved Noelle Johnson - Mental Attitude Kathryn Petersen Outstanding Woodwind Jonathan Schwartz Outstanding Brass Sophie Beck - Outstanding Percussionist Sean Szolek-Van Valkenburgh - Most Outstanding Marching Band Taylir Christian - Drum Major Sarah Guieb - Drum Major Service Award - Jared Ragsdale Most Improved - Conor Nocoson Mental Attitude - Emily Plunkett Outstanding Woodwind Lauren Palladino Outstanding Brass - Matt Szolek-VanValkenburgh Outstanding Percussionist Tyler Thom Most Outstanding - Adam Pierce

Marching Band Seniors Samantha Bye – Flute Taylir Christian – Drum Major Alana Gifford – Alto Sax Sarah Guieb – Drum Major Matthew Halbherr – Percussion Kelly Hann – Trumpet Gabriel Hawkins – Percussion Michael Hohe – Trumpet Aaron Jefferson – Alto Saxophone Hannah Myers – Tenor Saxophone Adam Pierce – Tuba Emily Plunkett – Piccolo Gep Saenkhamun – Percussion Thomas Schilling – Trombone Kyle Staschke – Trombone Tyler Thom – Percussion John Philip Sousa Award Sarah Guieb Arion Award Award Adam Pierce Allie Wineland Karen S. Potter Award Emily Plunkett Louis Armstrong Award Thomas Schilling IBA ALL REGION HONOR BAND MEMBERS Rebecca Smollen - Oboe Elise Granlund - Clarinet Eli Goldstein - Trumpet Conner Nicoson - Tuba Eric Feeney - Percussion Indiana Bandmaster Jr. All State Band Elise Granlund - Clarinet Marissa MeadowsMcDonnell - Bassoon Eli Goldstein - Trumpet Tyler Galbraith - Trumpet William LaPlant - Trombone Conner Nicoson - Tuba Indiana Bandmasters All State Band Honor Band Alexis Wood Sean Szolek-Van Valkenburgh Ruth Krueskamp Luke Smith Owen Kraft Matthew Szolek-Van Valkenburgh Jonathan Schwartz All State Band Katherine Danforth Marissa MeadowsMcDonnell Sean Egloff

Meena Moorthy Taylir Christian Ethan Hodes Nick Snider Kai Sandstrom Alternates Emily Plunkett Kathryn Petersen Symphonic Band Seniors Aaron Birnbaum Rachel Carver Samuel Harlan Miranda Harmon Gabriel Hawkins Aaron Jefferson Janeika Matthews Jessica Robinson Kyle Staschke Shannon Young Jazz Lab Band Seniors Alana Gifford Sarah Guieb Matthew Halbherr Samuel Harlan Aaron Lasbury Jayde Rauber Austin Sandoval Gep Traynor Symphonic Winds Seniors Brandi Buckner Paige Imel Lauren Lad Matthew Halbherr Michael Hohe Alana Gifford Gep Traynor Wind Ensemble Seniors Emily Plunkett Terrionna King Alexis Beverly Samantha Bye Emory Brunner Alissa Wineland Emil Risk Madeline Smith Lily Boots Sarah Guieb Taylir Christian Hannah Myers Anna Rice Aaron Lasbury Louis Imperiale Ben Woolgar Kelly Hann George Clark Adam Cox Thomas Schilling Maggie Buchanan Adam Pierce Samuel Lazaron Alexander Williams Tyler Thom Max Von Deylen Julia Weiner JAZZ ENSEMBLE SENIORS Galileo Asher Nathan Bercovitz Margaret Buchanan Thomas Schilling Tyler Thom

James Woolgar Concert Winds

Service Club of Indianapolis Chase Waldman

ISSMA ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEST - Gold Rating & Sight Reading Gold Rating

Sons of the American Revolution Charles Pierson

Symphonic Band ISSMA ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEST - Gold Rating & Sight Reading Gold Rating

Veterans of Foreign Wars (Attitude) Jacob Russell

JROTC AWARDS Association of the United States Army Ethan Tromiczak American Legion General Military Benjamin Holmes Angela Olivieri American Veterans Outstanding Male Cadet Nahom Kiflu American Veterans Outstanding Female Cadet Madison Wilson Daughters of the American Revolution Amanda Frazee Jewish War Veterans Victoria Klingsmith Korean War Veterans Allbry Major Military Officers Association of America Reece Murrell Military Order of the Purple Heart Association Mya Cook 82d Airborn Assoc Medal Eli Marsh National Sojourners Medal Shelese Baiyee National Sojourners Certificate Samanth Myers Non-Commissioned Officers Association Tory Watson Recruiting Command Ribbon Joseph McAuley Reserve Officers Association Medal James Raines Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Max Elizalde

Veterans of Foreign Wars (Character) Nichole Herod Veterans of Foreign Wars (Leadership) Christian Weems Superior Cadet, LET I Katharine Hernandez Superior Cadet, LET II Joseph Haines Superior Cadet, LET III Nicholas Devine Superior Cadet, LET IV Chris Malkemus Distinguished Cadet Award Leo Horvath Academic Excellence Ribbon, LET I Nathaniel Lazorchak Academic Excellence Ribbon, LET II Joseph Haines Academic Excellence Ribbon, LET III Shalese Baiyee Academic Excellence Ribbon, LET IV Carlos Gonzalez Leadership Ribbon, LET I Benjamin LaMar Leadership Ribbon, LET II Samantha Myers Leadership Ribbon, LET III Dakota Chavis Leadership Ribbon, LET IV Ron Potjakkha Marksman of the Year Charles Cremer Senior Army Instructor Recognition Medal Markyia Baines Cole Beiswanger Jacarra Clairmont Benjamin Gillmore Benjamin Kohler Connor Shelley Dane Standhardt .BZ r

JROTC Merit Medal Daria Dickerson Noah Ford Itzial Najera Austin Perkins Mewecha Sheke Nina Winston JROTC Outstanding School Support Medal Joseph Crouch Dairen Diaz Jamal Goldstein Zach Hess Demonte Plummer Caleb Williams Asia Woolery Special Awards/ Recognition Senior Presentation / Coins LTC Michael Kelley Leadership Award – Grant Vockel; Nicholas M. Borschel Memorial Scholarship – Chase Waldman Battalion Staff JOURNALISM Senior of the Year Carter Herman Yearbook Staff Member of the Year Luke Haag Print & Online Staff Member of the Year Carter Herman PANTHERQUEST Student Directors Rachel C. Pinkus and Max Von Deylen Student Facilitators Kathy Berryhill Lily Boots Brian Combs Alaina Dehnke Natalie Ferguson Grace Freese Ben Fulkerson Bird Anna Fuquay Marquice Gee Jeremy Gerstein Ari Gerstein Katie Haan Mary-Kate Hamilton Juliet Hardesty Nikhil Harish Marina Higuera Noelle Ibrahim Brache James Myanna Kelly Sam Lazaron Perla Marquiz Jake Matters Jacob Meyer Sofia Michal r .BZ

Luca Miller Emily O’Hannesian Allie Prein Jaleel Pryuer Nick Quigley Anna Rice Emil Risk Emily Sanner Julia Shamo Will Stolz Sean Strunk Sean Strunk Rosie Thompson Lilly Von Deylen Dylan Wolfe Kate Woods STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERS Student Council President Julia M. Shamo Vice-President Jackson C. Rogers Secretary Liya A. Ghiday Treasurer Claire M. Sale Senior Class Council President Marquice I. Gee Vice-President Patrick B. McAuley Secretary Olivia N. Watson Treasurer Tlotlo L. Westmoreland Junior Class Council President Erin A. Poulsen Vice-President Myles L. Garrett Secretary Nicholas A. Van Fossen Treasurer Amanda Neves STUDENT ASSISTANTS Athletic Office Charlotte Ahls Carson Brooks Jared Clark Xavier Colvin Anna Fuquay Esther Htoo Kayla Kabrich Julia Keesling Jigar Kuman Patel Will Loggan Patrick McAuley Emma Purcell Shakara Strayhorn Emma Taylor Metta Thomas Dylan Wolfe Attendance Kristian Bass Dasia Beck Rickey Bonds Anyea Brown Elbert Coleman

Sean Davie Jada Devincent Amoni Fleming Raven Gibson Amanda Kuhl Delila Lopez Klya Mahomes Kaylan Mahomes Cassie Medveseck Payton Randolph Paige Robinson Chelsea Robinson Tia Robinson Michael Ryan Devante Scruggs Wesley Stowers Derrick Sykes Kameron Tardy Kyra Taylor Raylond Toland Angel Wade Reigan Waldon Miyah Watford Joshua Wooten Bookstore Ann-Marie Cook Ashley Greer Tisara Hardee Janae Jones Jasmine Stewart Nakyla Tharpe Mrs. Corn’s Office Falcon Baisa Caleb Brown Jack Georgopulos Grace Haines-Gallagher Tatum Hoopingarner Lucy Lahr Aminah Mussa Alyssa Ostendorf Carli Ripley Koby Tavel Isabelle Trusty Lucas Watson James (Ben) Woolgar Dean’s Office Alexus Abdullah Bronze Bostic Sophia Caldwell Kaila Curley Tesfome Gebrenegus Lachandra Holden Alexis Lewis Sydnie Miller Breytn Minor Gabrielle Price Akayjah Rankin Shakara Strayhorn Cierra Venable Rayanne Webber General Office Matthew Behrman Morgan Hughey Courtney Jewell Madison Kozlowski Ashley Lane Grace Lucchese Jordan Rhinesmith Sarah Schwomeyer Justin Tyler

Guidance and Counseling Center William Andrews Miles Benson Ahdiam Berh Alexis Bingham Armon Bollen Addison Brown Kaniya Brown Daria Campbell Olivia Carl Ja’Von Cousion Kierstin Crone Rebekah Crone Lamya Cruz Da’Shawna Curlin Dominique Curry Bailey Daniels Lorenz Davis Ashley Duran Allison Eder Legend Edwards Stephan Ellis Lin Gary Tesfome Gebrenegus Marquice Gee Clare Gordon Jasmine Graves Benjamin Groote Aaron Harris Auboni Hart Avery Haynes Ajaina Heard Demetra Hji-Avgoustis Matthew Hollon Jaron Holman Sydney Hugus Delvon Hunt Josephine Janson Taylor Johnson Ty’Riek Johnson, Jr. Eugene Jones Michael Kuhlenschmidt Yovany Leal Lopez Hannah Lemaster Emmanuel Little Delia Little Jasmine Lumpkins Daneekia Madison Tiffanie Martir Mariah McChristian Jai’Da McDowell David Miller Ariana Nephew Elijah Pollard Adam Randle-Douglass, Jr. Ronald Reed Immauni Ridley Kristopher Rush Yessicas Santos Suarez Tabrea Scales Kayelyn Schmitzer Kaylee Schneider Stephanie Selvage Avalin Senefeld Hope Shead Brittany Smith Metenie Vilcin Olivia Watson Aniah Weaver Jasmine Williams Gabryl Williamson

Computing Services and Periodical Area Tha’Er Aljoulani Tasnova Azad Keyara Ballard Alexus Brooks Kourtney Brooks Amminah Brown Alyssa Carlton Jacarra Clairmont Anna Culp Ricky Dunn Ebony Echols Kirstin Foster Alexus Gary Victoria Govan Davon Graham Elizabeth Grace Hale Yasmine Hall Max Harp Kalynn Hutcherson Martavis Johnson Betty Lorentz Janeika Matthews Brittny Mendoz Jacob Meyer Noelle Nelson Bella Oriji Ray Relford Robin Serrat Kritika Sharma Jacob Singer Alayia Smith Daija Stokes Erica Strickling Ajah Taylor Taylor Todd

Information Center, Media Services,

Mrs. Payne’s Office Bethany Alley

Journalism Samuel Alder Ethan Alspaugh Johann Bittner Caleb Brown Tauna Charleston Terrence Dixon Jack Elkins Adam Friedman Jacob Hansen Emery Horvath Ty’Riek Johnson Ashley Lane Gabby Leavitt Maddie Leistikow Brett Schneider Will Stolz Jack Williams Mathematics Betsy Cunningham JaVon Elliot Ben Johnson Michah Johnson Kayla Kabrich Abe Lahr Asher Lilljeberg Shelise McElroy Grace McIntyre Margaret Mullen Claire Sichting Aryn Snyder Talon Sowell Sydni Zack

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Edu c ashion The public education system has been plagued by an overemphasis on standardized testing, subjectivity in grading, and a constraint on the ability to think freely. In addition, the current climate of the statehouse has led to a lack of progress in educational reform, leading some to question the root of the issue. analysis & opinion

by Johann Bittner

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In order to solve a problem analytically, it is essential to determine the root of the issue and identify it in its entirety.

There’s been quite a bit of talk about education reform, or the lack thereof, in Indiana politics recently. Students and teachers have become frustrated with the overemphasis on standardized testing, subjective grading, stress during the end of the year, etc.

However, it seems that little leeway has been made in reform, especially due to the wide discrepancy between teachers, students, and administrators’ perspectives.

It’s not just a problem that needs to be addressed in the statehouse, but rather in the way society places grades on a golden pedestal.

I know for a fact that I’m not speaking for myself when I occasionally complain in frustration at the system or feel as though I have been graded unfairly in a subjective course. The flaws are all around us and in today’s political climate, it’ll only get worse for future generations if we don’t address the issue.

Overemphasis on Standardized Testing The No Child Left Behind Act instituted by the Bush administration in 2002 led to test scores impacting how much funding a particular school gets from the government, in addition to how much autonomy a school has. When a district begins to achieve poorly on state-issued tests, they risk the possibility of state officials controlling school operations, thus leading to dependency on the government.

Although the No Child Left Behind Act may have seemed like a good idea at first, (potential improvement of education, the ability to compare our schooling systems to the rest of the world), it has proven to be a roadblock for progress in the modern education system.

Standardized testing can be a good way of periodically portraying improvement or aptitude, but repeated financially driven tests are doing the exact opposite of what was intended. The passage of No Child Left Behind Act, as well as many other laws in the public education field, has led to a lack of responsibility with authority.

According to Dr. Rocky Killion, superintendent of West Lafayette School District and the man behind “Rise Above the Mark,” “In order for teachers to know if students are achieving this academic knowledge, they are required not only to assess students’ knowledge, but also summarize that assessment into one letter r .BZ

or numerical grade. This type of an assessment is known as a ‘summative’ evaluation.”

In addition to summative evaluations, teachers are required to gather “formative” assessments in order to provide feedback to students along the way as they learn. Killion believes that the current grading system, one that assigns grades in a mere letter format, is flawed.

“Since we have inherited an educational system that uses a reporting system that does not provide a more thorough and comprehensive way of reporting academic progress, we must educate parents and students that there is more to the story than just the grade listed on the report card,” Killion said. “Moving forward, educational professionals must redesign the reporting system used to indicate student academic progress. The use of grades is a flawed method.”

Teachers and faculty are at the root of the growing consensus against the overemphasis on standardized tests. The flawed perception of assessment has led to an uproar against state house officials, and even teachers resigning.

Over the past year, Indiana has witnessed a whole array of things in the statehouse regarding public education. From the Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz walking out on a hearing to the constant bickering between education officials, we’ve seen everything in the statehouse.

A teacher in Massachusetts, who spent more than 25 years in the classroom, quit her job due to growing frustration with the school system’s viewpoint on standardized testing. The teacher wrote in her resignation letter to Cambridge Public Schools that she believed her job required her to focus more on preparing students for testing rather than catering to the needs of her students.

It’s not only teachers. Students feel as though being represented by a numerical value or an SAT/ACT score is not a fair description of their academic abilities or their learning profile.

Getting accepted into college and preparing for further education requires test scores that seem to be trending higher and higher over time. Top universities such as Harvard and Yale have mean standardized test scores far into the 90th percentiles.

Junior Ash Mahenthiran, the soon-to-be valedictorian of the 2016 class, has felt some of these same pressures. Mahenthiran is adamant that grades are way too overemphasized in society.

“I feel like in our society grades have accumulated too much weight in determining our future,” Mahenthiran said. “If you look at the requirements for getting into a good school, the majority of the acceptance is based on your grades and performance on standardized testing, which should not be the most important standard used to measure a student’s value.”

Subjectivity in Grading As the stress placed on grades instead of learning in the education system has increased, the requirement of subjective classes has destroyed teachers and students’ ability to reason. Have you ever written a paper or completed an assignment in which you felt as though a teacher gave you a certain grade because of your viewpoint, instead of the quality of your work?

Have you ever tried to switch into a subjective class with a teacher that is known to give higher grades on average? Have your claims of being graded unfairly ever been shot down because “it’s the teacher’s decision”?

Since it is widely accepted that society no longer values the process of learning, instead the grade earned, students have become overly concerned about achieving high marks. As a result, classes that are subjective, such as writing oriented courses, have become a growing frustration for students.

Some such as Killion argue that the system itself is flawed.

Assigning summative scores for subjective courses does not make any sense, especially when there is no way to clearly articulate why someone received the grade they did.

Mahenthiran agrees that there are instances in which teachers give a student a lower grade merely because there is not necessarily a good relationship between the teacher and pupil. “I have personally never felt unfairly graded in a subjective class, but I do feel and have heard stories of students who have been given poor grades just because they do not have a good relationship with the teacher,” Mahenthiran said.

The majority of people who fall victims to this trap, often, never even challenge the decision. From personal experience, I have written papers before during the course of my high school career at North Central where I’ve been stunned at the outcome of a grade.

For example, being fairly outspoken about having conservative ideals has been a challenge in subjective classes. It has even got to the point where sometimes I will write a paper with the same viewpoint as the teacher, not my own, just to get the grade I deserve for the quality of my writing.

There’s no denying that this has been frustrating and I believe it’s a problem that needs to be addressed in public education, where different viewpoints should be encouraged, not punished.

Refusing to conform to a teacher’s political views shouldn’t explicate a low grade on a subjective assignment.

the Student Press Law Center, students should be aware of their freedoms and the ability to express their own viewpoints. “There is no ‘rudeness exception’ to the First Amendment,” LoMonte said.

“Disciplining a student who uses her own electronic device (not a school computer) to criticize the school during out-of-class hours is a violation of the First Amendment, period.”

But, why am I really discussing the First Amendment in a column about education reform? As previously noted, the current summative evaluation system does not take into account subjectivity.

If a student feels as though they will be punished by a teacher in terms of grading for writing a paper with a viewpoint that is not coherent with the teacher, then something is wrong. Most of the time, the student is too afraid to speak out or doesn’t have enough evidence to make their case.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed in addition to the overemphasis on standardized testing. Individuality and freedom of thought should be encouraged in the public school system not shamed away. The current grading system needs to be changed in order for students to be able to think freely and learn in the best way possible.

First Amendment and Freedom to Think in Public Schools Recently, two students at a Pennsylvania high school decided to wear Chick-fil-A shirts to protest a LGBT event that was held at their school, thus leading to a “lynch mob-like” protest on social media. The school handled the situation well and suspended the students who tweeted threatening or hurtful messages at the two students.

The parents of the students who were suspended became outspoken against the school’s decision, even pleading for the involvement of the American Civil Liberties Union. However, the school did the right thing legally by protecting the students’ First Amendment rights.

Because of this, I began to think 1. The use of grades can sometimes be valued as a about what would happen if a similar scenario occurred at North “reward,” but seldom can be valued as a “punishment” or Central and just how much of an consequence. impact a teacher may have on a particular student’s ideology.

2. Grades have little to do with the instructional process by After the 9/11 attacks, a group which teachers teach and students learn. of students wore shirts that offended other high schoolers, and as a result, were removed 3. Grades are mainly based on subjective judgements. from the school not because of what the shirt said, because of 4. Grades, if given, should be based on learning criteria and safety threats. never “on the curve.”

The school administrators’ handled the situation correctly.

Therefore, it is a good feeling 5. Grades can serve a variety of reporting purposes, but no knowing that I am in a school where method serves well all purposes the First Amendment is valued at the utmost level. However, there was an instance last winter where a student was threatened with suspension for a tweet complaining about the legging policy.

Source: Dr. Rocky Killion According to Frank D. LoMonte, Executive Director at .BZ r

sports

NBZ

Calendar

May 19 Boys Golf (Home) vs.

Lawrence North @ 4:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis (Home) vs. Park Tudor @ 4:30 p.m.

Baseball (Home) vs. Ben Davis @ 5:30 p.m.

Softball (Home) vs. Ben Davis @ 5:30 p.m.

Girls Track & Field (Away) Sectionals @ 6 p.m.

May 20 Baseball (Away) vs. Ben Davis @ 5:30 p.m.

Softball (Home) vs. Zionsville @ 5:30 pm.

May 21 Boys Golf (Away) vs. Ben Davis @ 4 p.m.

Girls Tennis (Home) Sectionals @ 4 p.m.

Softball (Away) vs.

Noblesville @ 5: 30 p.m.

Boys Track & Field (Home) Sectionals @ 5:30 p.m.

May 22 Girls Tennis (Home) Sectional @ 4 p.m.

May 23

Boys Baseball (Home) Indy Varsity Invitational @ 11 a.m.

Girls Tennis (Home) Sectional @ 4 p.m.

And...

For more sports information, visit nchslive.com.

r .BZ

The girls tennis team rallies in a huddle before the start of a match. The girls defeated Brownsburg that night. photo contributed

Sports Focus

Girls tennis continues journey to state This year the girls tennis team is gearing up to obtain yet another state title. North Central girls tennis has a prestigious history with 12 state titles under their belt already.

The girls varsity squad started off the season ranked as second in the the state, with their rival, Carmel ranked first.

The team began their season early with pre season workouts and training. The team is expected to have a big year, winning lots of hardware.

This year the team is led by Claire Reifeis and Caroline McAuley in the no. 1 and 2 singles spots. Kit Sommers and Allie McKenzie are the top doubles team.

Caroline McAuley explained how the team and herself are preparing for the rest of the season, “I am preparing by practicing 5-6 days a week for 2-3 hours with the team, and then on top of that doing training on my own which includes weight lifting and agility work. The team is preparing by working hard in practice and conditioning at least 2 days a week by doing sprints and ab work”.

McAuley also shared how she prepares for big matches against rivals and great competitors. “In order to be prepared for my matches, I make sure I play a lot of points a couple days before a big match so i get my

mind in the right place. I also like to think about the way i want to play my match in order to get focused. The day of a big match I just try to have a lot of positive thoughts going through my head to stay hype and pumped up for my match,” McAuley said.

North Central recently suffered their first lost of the season to Carmel bringing their current record to 7 wins and 1 loss. Reifeis and McAuley both pulled out wins in the no. 1 and no. 2 singles matches, however NC fell short in the other games resulting in a 2-3 overall loss.

McAuley also gave insight as to what is the team’s biggest challenge, “I think the team’s biggest challenge is attitude. In tennis it’s very easy to get frustrated with yourself and at times when things don’t go our way, we can get kind of negative and unmotivated.

I think that if we can overcome that and be as positive as we can be when the outcome doesn’t go our way, we will keep improving and succeed with the rest of our season”.

Sectionals for girls tennis begins on May 21 and will be held at North Central. The NC girls tennis team hopes for support from their peers and friends to help cheer them on in order to make it to the state finals. — Jakob Matters and Connor Bright

TNL reporter Maddy Wagner asked North Central students about their opinions on sports. Here are their responses:

What is your favorite If you could vote for one thing abuot NC sports? new sport to be brought to NC what would it be?

Will Evans, 10

Kharisa Ligan, 11

Susan Biedersteat, 9

Mario Diz, 12

Aviad Kharmazign, 10

Janasia Shazier, 11

Bad Mitten

Frisbee

Jousting

Kickball

Boxing

Chess Boxing

Cricket

Compeitiveness

Theyre fun to watch

Fan support

The people in it

Have to get good grades

Poll Vaulting

Work ethic

Team America

Pittsburgh Steelers

69 Brains

What is your favorite sports team?

Matt Baker, 11

Green Bay Packers

NC Mens rugby

US Womens soccer

Barcelona

Get the app! iPhone users, NCHS Live! is free for your phone! .BZ r

sports

NBZ Sports Feature

Sophomore commits to Louisville This spring, sophomore varsity baseball player Roy Thurman committed to the University of Louisville. Thurman has continously received attention due to his outstanding athletic ability over the past years. As a freshman, Thurman gained a varsity starting spot, and produced impressive numbers in his first high school season. It is uncommon for athletes to commit this early in their high school careers, however, Thurman is ahead of his class.

Playing baseball competitively since he was eight years old, Thurman has worked his way to the top. He has gotten copious amounts of recruiters attending his games especially in the past year. Getting attention from other schools such as Indiana University, Florida, UCLA, and Vanderbilt. All of these schools are very competitive for baseball. However, Thurman felt that Louisville was the best fit for him.

“It’s in the ACC and it’s one of the best colleges for baseball,” Roy Thurman said, “they are ranked number three in the nation for baseball and they are a powerhouse.”

During the past year, Thurman has been thinking very intensively about committing to a school to continue his baseball and academic career. He looked at the school for their baseball program, and also their academic ability. He chose to commit so early because he felt the time was right, and Louisville gave him a decent scholarship opportunity. Also, Thurman found it comforting that he had family in the Louisville area.

“The money was right and it was a perfect fit for me being two hours away,” Thurman said, “and I have family down in Louisville, so I can always go down and see them.”

The atmosphere of the Louisville campus and the level of competition drew Thurman to commit. Louisville’s baseball program has proven to be very successful in recent years.

“It’s just amazing how everybody treats you around there,” Thurman said, “the atmosphere there is just amazing and how they win every game.”

Louisville started looking at Thurman during some of his tournaments last year. Eventually their scouts were consistently coming to his games and tournaments. He started to consider Louisville when they began contacting him last spring. Louisville was the perfect fit for Thurman because it has offered him the academic and baseball opportunities he was looking for. — Ally Carroll Sophomore Roy Thurman awaits a pitch during a home game against Southport. The Panthers won both games of the double-header. Photo courtesty of Roy Thurman. r .BZ

Marion County

Baseball falls short in county tournament Earlier this month, the baseball team competed in the Marion County tournament along with 16 other local high schools.

The Panthers met the Beech Grove Hornets in the first round at Dick Templin Field. Alan Lozer started on the mound against the Hornets leading the team to a 3-1 lead after three innings.

However, the Panthers slowed down, gathering no runs the next two innings and carrying the two run lead into the top of the sixth inning. The Panthers then began to pull away with the game with big hits from Alan Lozer, Roy Thurman. Along with Lozer’s complete game including six strikeouts and one earned run, he went four for five during the first round game with three runs batted.

The Panthers gathered a 9-2 win on the road to advance.

The team then met Lawrence Central,

who had defeated Perry Meridian, at Holder Field the following Saturday. The Panthers and the Bears had previously met twice before in MIC play when each team won at home by a score of 3-1. Freshman Sam Behrmann took the mound for North Central in the quarterfinals.

It was a close game from the beginning, with the Panthers holding a one run lead heading into the top of the third inning.

Lawrence Central then answered with quick runs, followed by two more from North Central, tying the game at three after three innings. Alex Snider then hit an RBI single to make the score 4-3 after four innings.

The team held this lead into the top of the seventh, however, the Bears rallied back to gain a 5-4 lead, heading into the bottom of the seventh. The Panthers had two outs with a man on second when senior Robert

Young came up to bat. Young was previously 0-3 in the game, but managed to produce an RBI double to tie the game back up at five, and send it to extra innings.

After holding the Bears in the top of the eighth, the Panthers came up to bat. Junior A.J. Shuder was on third base with two outs as Alex Snider came up to bat. Snider was controversially called out on an infield single that would have won the game. Lawrence Central then went on to hit a threerun home run and hold the Panthers to win 8-5. “I feel like the win was stolen out of our hands, but at the same time it shouldn’t have came down to one play. All in all we were the better team,” Snider said.

The Bears went on to defeat Decatur Central at Victory Field by a score of 10-3 and win the Marion County tournament.

--Connor Bright

Inaugural Season

After years of hope, boys volleyball team debuts This year marked the arrival of yet another sport at North Central. In November, tryouts were held for the new boys volleyball team. Their inaugural season is under head coach Rolando Urquizo.

Although this high school sport has only recently begun to develop, the field possesses no shortage of competition.

Many of the teams that the Panthers have met in their first season have years of experience in the sport. Notable teams include NC’s rival Carmel Greyhounds and the Cathedral Irish.

“The team has done excellent. We have

improved steadily since our beginning games and we are getting better each game,” junior Nick Chelales said.

When asked about the team’s performance, Chelales replied, “All of our losses have been very close, as many of our wins. They often have been decided by only a few points.”

He also elaborated on what the team has done well in particular, “We’ve done well working and improving together as a team. In addition we have done a good job of supporting new players.”

As the sport gains support and recognition at NC, more prospective

players will begin to show interest in playing. North Central likely has undiscovered talent with all of the students that attend the school. Chelales also shared his expectations for next year and ways to improve the team, “We expect to have a varsity and JV team and compete in more tournaments. If I were to change anything I would have us practice more often to build chemistry and gain better skills.”

Which such a large pool of possible players for next season, North Central’s boys volleyball team can only expect to improve with the years to come.

--Jake Matters and Tommy Cagnassola

Next year....

The Northern Lights goes old school! see you in August! updates all summer at nchslive.com .BZ r

opinion

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N B Z

staff editorial

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Erin Doss

The ‘Return of Full House’ Recently on Twitter I read an article about the cast of “Full House” filming a reunion season called “Fuller House.” The new 13 episode sequel will be streamed on Netflix in 2016 and it seems like a lot of us are excited to see what’s to come since the show’s last season was aired back in 1995.

When I was younger, I remember spending countless weeks at my grandparents’ lake house in Michigan with my family during the summer. My brothers, sister and I would all go to bed relatively early and wake up around two in the morning to watch the “Full House” marathons that would be on Nickelodeon. We would watch the family comedy for multiple hours at a time, enjoying every minute of it. So, needless to say, when I found out that our favorite childhood show was coming back, I started a group message to tell my siblings the news.

I’ve heard multiple people asking in my classes “Have you heard about ‘Full House’ coming back?” which made it obvious that I’m not the only one who can’t wait.

Even though we as students were not even born when they stopped filming the sitcom, most of us probably managed to see a good portion of the episodes and were devastated when we got to the end of the show.

We all missed out on seeing how innocent Michelle, sweet Stephanie and spunky D.J. Tanner grew up and how awkward Danny managed to raise his three girls (and annoying neighbor Kimmy) with the help of Joey, Uncle Jesse and Becky.

With the new season coming out next year, Stephanie is said to now be an aspiring musician and D.J., is not only pregnant but recently widowed as well. Fingers crossed that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen agree to partake in this dream work.

That being said, explaining that I am happy about revisiting the Tanner household might be a bit of an understatement.

How do you feel about ‘Full House’ coming back?

“I’ve never seen ‘Full House’ because I’m in IB and I have other things to do. ” Jeremy Pomerantz, 12

“Jesse is probably the only one who’s still sexy .”

Kory Cempbell, 12

“I hope Jesse is still hot. He has all the sex appeal in that show but he reminds me of my dad so that’s weird.”

Allie Prein, 12

“I feel really excited. I missed it so I can’t wait for it to come back.”

Victoria Callon, 10

.BZ t

opinion

m a y 2 015 Marina Higuera

Work now, play later The final stretch of the school year is the best part of the year: the weather’s nicer, the teachers are more relaxed, the activities come to head.

However, one thing that heeds the excitement is the workload. Most would think that as school comes to a close, the amount of work you have to do tapers off. But with AP and IB exams, studying for finals, and the last minute cramming to bring your grades up, the stress levels are definitely high.

My method of accomplishing schoolwork is nothing to be proud of. I miss assignments (accidently) and forget to turn things in on time. I rely on test grades to keep my grades afloat unless I’m too tired to study for them.

Senioritis took a toll on me this year. Because I have already been accepted to college, I let me test and quiz score falter.

However, now that the year’s coming to a close, I’m finding myself panicking to pull these grades out of the dismal abyss I’ve created. Though I don’t care much during the year, I’m not one to want Cs, Ds and especially Fs on my transcript.

Thus begins the struggle to transform my work ethic from “underachieving” to “overachieving”. If any of you have seen the 90’s film “Clueless”, I’d always aspired to have Cher’s persuasive powers and be able to convince my teachers to raise my grades without the work, but unfortunately I don’t hold such a power.

If there were anything I would change over my four years of high school it would be my work ethic. For lower classmen reading this, don’t procrastinate.

It’s definitely easier said than done, but you’ll be so thankful when it’s almost summertime and the biggest thing on your mind is how much you’re sweating.

How do you handle school work throughout the year?

“I try for most of the year but occasionally slack. The last quarter is grind time.”

Jaleel Pryuer, 11

r .BZ

“I try hard throughout the year, that way the last months are just fun.”

Ben Ziliak, 9

“I slack off the whole time and trust my intelligence to pull me through.”

Emil Risk, 12

“Some classes I don’t try very hard in because I know the teachers will accept late work.”

Annie Bartrom, 12

WHERE IT’S LEGAL Cooper Ochs

More than just a headache Concussions are becoming a major concern for today’s athletes.

Professional leagues are beginning to understand the long term consequences of concussions, and therefore, are trying to come up with ways to make their games safer and inform the athletes on how to prevent and treat concussions.

As an athlete concussions are something I have to think about. There is a lot of evidence proving that concussions can cause long term brain damage. Athletes are starting to work out earlier than ever before. As a consequence athletes are becoming bigger and faster earlier in their lives.

The increased intensity and expectations of athletes is leading to a higher risk of concussions.

I have never been diagnosed with a concussion but I have witnessed a lot of my teammates suffer from them and it is very frustrating for them to have to sit on the bench while the rest of the team plays.

Head football Coach Kevin Kreinhagen believes education about concussions is most important when dealing with sports head injuries.

“Concussions are a serious topic in today’s sports world, students, coaches and parents need to continue to educate themselves about the signs of concussions and the steps needed to be taken to treat and prevent them in the future,” Kreinhagen said.

Football is obviously the most likely sport for male athletes to become concussed. According to the American Headache Society, Football players have a 75 percent chance of becoming concussed at some point in their careers. An NFL football player takes around 900-1500 hits to the head each year. This year there were 3.8 million high school concussions and 47 percent of them occurred in football games.

I think that concussions are something that need to be taken more seriously by high school athletes. They need to understand that concussions are not something to mess around with because they can have lasting consequences. Any time you suffer a headache after hitting your head, go talk with a trainer to get tested. Concussions are a serious issue, and must be attended to properly avoid long term injury.

What did having a concussion feel like?

“I was really sensitive to light so I had to stay inside.”

Camille Urbanski, 10

“It hurts because it is a constant headache.”

Noah Cunningham, 10

“Lights give you the worst headache and really bad nausea. It just sucks.” Sean Harmon, 9

“When you first get one you really feel out of it.”

Joseph Thomas, 9

.BZ r

A Farewell to our Seniors To the seniors who have worked so hard with us for the past couple of years, thank you. From the stresses of looming deadlines and the orders we barked at you, having such a great staff was a blessing. Good luck in your future endeavors.

Ethan Alspaugh Co-Editor of Finale University of Cincinnati Winning State in tennis Savor your time at NC

Johann Bittner Associate Editor University of Michigan Winning Marion County soccer championship Actually do some work for a change

Micheala Cobbs Writer Clark Atlanta University Football and basketball games Work hard, never let someone tell you what you can’t do or be r .BZ

Nate Bercovitz Cartoonist Indiana University Winning state in tennis Make fun your priority

Joi Cheatham Writer Indiana University Basketball Games and Younglife Clubs Always do the extra credit!

Brian Combs Social Media Editor Indiana University Visiting the Lincoln Memorial in DC No idea is a bad idea

Catherine Curtwright Writer University of Mississippi Winning State with Descants Get involved. That is how you will meet some of your best friends.

Erin Doss Staff Writer Indiana University Spanish trip to Costa Rica Dressing cute everyday is overrated

Conner Douglass Web Specialist Purdue University Prom 2014 “Put your commas inside of the quotes,” Conner said.

Adam Friedman Assistant Editor, Media Indiana University Back to back tennis state championships Don’t be lazy

Chris French Business Manager Indiana University Winning the state championship in tennis Don’t Procrastinate

Sam Gabovitch Photographer Indiana University Writing for Spec It is just as important to have fun and go on adventures as it is to study and get good grades. .BZ r

Jacob Hansen Assistant Editor, Print Miami of Ohio Running with my best friends everyday School is much easier if you keep up with your work

art by Nate Bercovitz

Marina Higuera Writer Ball State University Sleeping through every class and lunch at school one day Get sleep at night and brush your hair Aaron Johnson Columnist and Web Personality Automotive Design at the College for Creative Sciences Traveling in South America You have a voice, use it.

Sam Johnson Copy and Photo Editor Indiana University Washington DC Publications trip Trust your instincts.

Maddie Leistikow Staff Writer Indiana University Winter break senior year Don’t take school too seriously.

David Marvin Reporter and Video Personality Indiana University 8/30/2014 Get involved in extracurriculars r .BZ

Keaton Lents Copy Editor Indiana University 8/30/2014 Go to class and don’t let yourself get behind

Ellie Opsal Staff Writer Ivy Tech Community College Key Club, Prom and the publications trips to Washington DC and Denver Manage your time wisely

Yiorgos Pappas Video Production Columbia College Chicago Being in the best Spec ever Stay focused Palmer Purcell Web Personality University of Kentucky Spec last year Good luck. You’ll need it.

Saron Seilu Staff writer Indiana University Publications trip to Denver Don’t make your teachers mad Taylor Shimp Writer Indiana University Publications trip to San Diego Napping is never a bad idea

Kate Woods Co-editor of Finale DePauw University Being in Pantherquest and winning Homecoming Queen Accept change and give yourself room to grow as a person. And try new things.

Maddy Wagner Food Specialist Indiana University Publications trip to DC Make the most of every day

.BZ r

by Aaron Johnson I spent two weeks in March and April in Ecuador, a small Latin He puts it in a jug of water and the oil rises to the top where it settles, American country bordered by Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean. glossy and rainbow-like.

I attended classes at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in the The next stop comes with an unexpected surprise. We drive to a capital for a week, and traveled to the Ecuadorian Amazon for another. nearby town where supposedly we will find giant pits full of petroIn the Amazon, in the city of Lago Agrio, I had the rare opportunity leum waste, still uncovered. After walking through Amazonian jungle to talk with Pablo Fajardo Mendoza: lawyer, activist, feature in the on our own improvised trail for an hour, we arrive at a fence. “No 2009 documentary, Crude, and winner of the 2007 CNN Hero Award debe estar aquí,” (This isn’t supposed to be here) says the guide, as and 2008 Goldman Environmental Prize. Fajardo, who was born he sets off in search of another way to the site. He comes back 10 into poverty, put himself through law school with the help of the minutes later, and leads us through a hole in the fence that appears Catholic Church, and became the head prosecutor representing the to have already been there. Once through the fence, we walk for no FDA (The Amazon Defense Front) in a multibillion-dollar lawsuit more than a minute before it begins to get very hot. Through a small against Chevron (previously clearing in the tree canopy, a giant Texaco) for its responsibility for flame becomes visible. We come to environmental destruction in the a clearing, where a tower is shooting Amazon. gas flares, sending fire into the sky.

You have probably heard of The guide gets on his cell phone, the 2010 BP Gulf of Mexico oil covering his mouth with his hand the spill. It is possible that you have same way Pablo Fajardo does during heard of the 1989 Exxon Valdez a confidential call. Suddenly, he oil spill. The incident in Ecuador yells, “Regresen! Regresen!” We turn has garnered much less attention back and run for the jungle. I quickly since judicial proceedings began turn around and take a picture as a over 20 years ago, even though pickup truck owned by the State-run the Lago Agrio region suffered oil company PetroEcuador arrives at substantially more environmental the site (PetroEcuador took over as damage than any other oil-relatthe majority owner of Ecuadorian ed disaster in history. The reason operations from then-majority owner for the lack of media coverage Texaco in 1992). When we get back of the Chevron case stems from to the bus, our guide explains that the nature of the disaster itself. we are the first people to have visited The BP and Exxon spills were acthe site since the pits had been covcidents. Yes, they were preventered with dirt and the oil underneath able, and more steps should have had begun to be burned off. This is been taken to prevent them from confirmation that PetroEcuador is happening, but they nevertheless covering up Texaco’s mess, a notion resulted from accidents. The dewidely believed in Ecuador, yet until struction in Lago Agrio is not the now, not proven. Theories regarding result of a spill or an explosion, PetroEcuador’s involvement include but rather, the systematic dumplinks to the Ecuadorian government ing of toxic material (produced and Chevron; however, such theories water) into rivers, streams, and are just speculation. groundwater between 1972We visit two more sites, each 1993. According to Fajardo, these with uncovered oil pits. The first is actions saved Texaco, which located on an active, privately owned merged with Chevron in 2001, on farm. From a distance, it appears to average, $3 per barrel of oil in the Pablo Fajardo after talking with University students in his hometown, Lago be a pool of black liquid; however, production process compared to Agrio. Photo by Aaron Johnson. the guide fearlessly walks across the if they had followed the regulatop of three meters-deep of petrotions set for U.S. oil production in the early 70’s. leum waste to show its solid crust. The last site is the most famous, as it is featured in Crude and has been visited by Brad Pitt, Angelina The Evidence Jolie, Sting, Trudie Styler, and Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa to It does not take very long to find the evidence of Texaco’s oil increase awareness about the destruction. The pool is smaller than exploits in Lago Agrio. I went on a “Toxic Tour” of the area, guided by the previous one. I step into the grime apprehensively, balancing on a member of Pablo Fajardo’s prosecution team. In the backyard of an logs to avoid falling into 2.5 meters deep of oil. Wearing gloves, I reach inhabited house in Lago Agrio, our guide digs a small, circular hole down and touch the surface. about three feet deep. He takes out a soil sample from that depth and It smells like gas, and my fingers begin sticking together. Walkgives it to me. It is shiny and dark grey. To touch, it is slimy and sticky. ing around the pit, we come to a metal object sticking up above the r .BZ

A PetroEcuador tower burns evidence of Texaco’s Amazonian exploits.

One of Chevron’s remaining open pits in the Lago Agrio region. Since the 1970’s, produced water from such pits has made its way into streams and rivers used by the people in Lago Agrio. Photo by Aaron Johnson

oleaginous surface. The guide says it is a pipe and motions for us to walk down a hill several meters, where a similar pipe sticks out of the side of the hill, dripping water. We follow the path of the water, down the hill, into a boglike creek. The guide takes a stick and pokes the soil of the riverbed, and immediately, the same, shiny surface begins to appear. The guide tells us that this creek leads to a river not unlike the one he and his siblings bathed in as children.

The Worst Destruction: The Loss of Life At the end of the tour, each participant goes around and says the number of people they know who have died. The American college students’ answers are all similar: three, five six, two. When it is our guide’s turn, he pauses, and it gets quiet. “Trescientos trece,” he says – 313. The lawsuit against Chevron has focused mainly on cancer rates in the region, which are substantially higher than any other region in Ecuador. Everyone there has lost at least one family member to an illness that can be attributed to contaminated drinking/bathing water. They describe it gruesomely as “morir cagando sangre.” If you don’t have a weak stomach, you can look up what that means in English.

Pablo Fajardo emphasizes that the widespread loss of human life and cultural destruction is something that no multibilliondollar compensation will ever fix. “[Thousands of cancer-related deaths, the extinction of two indigenous groups, and the destruction of families and communities cannot be healed with a check or an apology. These are gone forever and can never be replaced],” said Fajardo.

A True “David and Goliath” Court Battle Chevron has spent over $2 billion in legal fees and employs more than 2000 lawyers on

the case. Pablo Fajardo (including himself ) has three. These lawyers first sued Texaco in New York in 1993. In 2001, the case was dismissed for improper venue. The lawyers, unable to file suit in the United States, sued Chevron in Ecuador in 2003. Chevron argues that PetroEcuador is responsible for the damage, as it took over the contaminated sites from Texaco when it took over operations in 1992.

However, field scientists dated contaminated soil samples back to the 1970s, invalidating Chevron’s claims. An independent environmental consulting firm estimated the damage to the environment caused by Texaco at around $27 billion. Ecuadorian courts ordered Chevron to pay $18 billion (later reduced to $9.5 billion) in damages in February 2011. Chevron refused to pay, calling the Ecuadorian court system corrupt. The case is currently being appealed in international courts, with Chevron asking to pay nothing, and the plaintiffs asking for an increase in damages to $113 billion.

Chevron’s lawyers have also relentlessly attacked Fajardo and his team. Chevron filed suit against Fajardo in 2011, alleging racketeering under the 1970 RICO Act, a U.S. federal law enacted by Congress to prosecute members of the Mafia.

Chevron’s lawyers used legal threats against the plaintiffs’ largest investor, who gave the prosecution millions of dollars in exchange for a percentage of the damages, should the prosecution win. Scared for his own safety, the investor agreed to sign documents declaring the plaintiffs guilty of racketeering if Chevron would stop its legal proceedings against him. With this document, Chevron won the case against Fajardo, who can no longer enter the United States without the threat of being detained and imprisoned.

Despite all of Chevron’s scare tactics,

A stream near a waste pit contains dangerous toxic waste. Photo by Aaron Johnson

Fajardo still encourages youth activism. He admires high school and college students “who care more about justice than money; who value the wellbeing of people and communities over corporate greed.” Fajardo recalls a college student he talked to a year ago, who returned to the United States and spoke out against Chevron. Chevron’s lawyers began making legal threats against her as well until she stopped vocalizing her opinions. “How can they do that? Who does that?” he asks.

Fajardo concludes the session with an anecdote he remembers from his childhood. “[One day, a terrible fire broke out in the forest. Abandoning their homes, all the forest animals sought out shelter by the stream.

All of the animals left except for one small hummingbird, who flew to the stream, picked up a few drops of water with his beak, and flew back to the fire, dropping the water on it. He repeated this action, going to the river, and taking drops of water to put out the fire.

The other animals watched in disbelief, until finally, a jaguar approached the hummingbird and said, ‘What do you think you’re doing?

You’re too small to put out that fire.’ The hummingbird responded, ‘Of course I am. But I’m doing my part.’]”

After answering everyone’s questions, Pablo Fajardo thanked us for our time, walked out to his bicycle, and rode to the bus station to catch a bus to Quito, where he had a meeting with one of the “normal” clients he still manages to help in his free time. .BZ r

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4

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State Champions

Brain Game is a weekly quiz bowl style competition that central Indiana high schools participate in.

Each team has four players who have the chance to answer about 120 questions from varying fields of study during the game.

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The members of the Brain Game team are: Jeremy Pomerantz, 12 George Clark, 12 Alanna Smollen, 11 Sam Lerner, 11 Kai Cohen, 11 Kai Sandstrom, 11 Ash Mahenthiran, 11 John Rominger, 9 For the fourth time in a row the brain game team took home the Bob Gregory trophy.

The trophy is engraved with each year the team has taken the trophy home. In the middle photo, Superintendent Nikki Woodson poses with the brain game team before their final match. Woodson has been supportive of the team throughout their entire season. In the photo on the bottom, The team poses with the $4,000 check they won after winning the championship. The money goes back to North Central and used to fund other school programs. The longer the team lasts in the state tournament, the more money the team earns.

.BZ t

cartoon

may 2015

by Nathan Bercovitz??? r .BZ

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR A TWEET? WHEN WE CAN DO THE WORK FOR YOU? FOR NC NEWS, TEXT @NCHSL TO 317.218.4309.

TEXT @NCHSLIVESP TO 317.218.4309 FOR OUR SPORTS COVERAGE. YOUR NEWS, DELIVERED TO YOU!

masthead This is the end

“If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.”

—Michael Jordan follow me and send your ideas: @carter_herman

The year is just about at a close. I realize for 3/4s of the school it is a time to rejoice because of the warm weather, and two months without having to deal with the people you don’t want to see everyday. For seniors this is it.

We all love to complain about class work loads and homework, but think of the memories we have created.

All the friends we have made and people we have connected with. The nights you had a great time cheering at a North Central athletic event and then never went to bed, going to hang out at charity events just to have a good time with our closest friends, the games you barely win, the tough losses, the state championships, the grind through homework, the jokes, the laughter, and the friendship is what we are going to remember for the rest of our lives. High school may have been a grind, but we all had 800 other people experiencing the exact same thing.

To the seniors, congratulations we made it. Enjoy the last few weeks with the people you are closest with before starting a whole new chapter of your life.

To underclassman, enjoy the time you have in high school. As I mentioned earlier, there are countless opportunities to take advantage of. Get involved, make some friends, make some memories because school can seem like a drag. Its not. It goes by so fast, and then you move on to bigger and better things. Don’t take it for granted, and then look back in 20 years and have regrets.

I want to thank Tom Gayda for giving me the opportunity to be editor-in-chief this year, my staff for working hard, and our fans who have given us positive feedback throughout the year. It’s been a pleasure, and I know next year’s class will be plenty capable of continuing our tradition of excellence.

may 2015

table of contents DEPARTMENTS 4 IN THE NEWS The Big 5, Picture of the Issue, Wind Ensemble at State 6 DIAGRAM A look at Teacher of the Year Andy Hodson’s room 8 Q&A Matt Brumer discusses his encounter with leukemia 10 FOOD Exciting graduation treats for open houses 22 SPORTS Intramural soccer, Roy Thurman commits, the Grid and more 26 OPINION Inequality in public education, columnists and Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down 38 CARTOON The Black Panther comes to a close

FEATURES editorial Editor-in-chief Associate Editor Assistant Editor, Web Assistant Editor, Print Social Media Director Photography Editor Video Editor

information Carter Herman Johann Bittner Adam Friedman Jacob Hansen Brian Combs Sam Johnson Jack Williams

staff Ethan Alspaugh, Jakob Amstutz, Gabby Andrews, Ashleigh Baker, Nathan Bercovitz, Connor Bright, Kourtney Brooks, David Burgett, Tommy Cagnassola, Ally Carroll, Catherine Curtright, Erin Doss, Conner Douglass, Chris French, Sam Gabovitch, Marina Higuera, Emery Horvath, Brache James, Aaron Johnson, Maddie Leistikow, Keaton Lents, David Marvin, Jakob Matters, Sophie Michal, Cooper Ochs, Ellie Opsal, Yiorgos Pappas, Palmer Purcell, Owen Royal, Saron Seilu, Taylor Shimp, Dominique Turner, Maddy Wagner, Kathryn Woods

The Northern Lights North Central High School 1801 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 phone (317) 259-5301 fax (317) 259-5369 web www.nchslive.com twitter @nchslive tout @nchslive pinterest @nchslive Signed letters to the editor may be delivered to K634. Emailed letters will require signature verification.

On the cover...the Brain Game team after being recognized for their accomplishments at last week’s school board meetng. Photo by Kate Woods

16 The Future is Looking Bright A breakdown of where all the seniors are going to college 18 The Flaws in Education Reporter analyzes the flaws in public schooling 30 Seniors in Publications A look at the students who are about to leave staff 34 Oil Spill Aaron Johnson’s experience with environmental destruction and big business 36 A “four-peat” The Brain Game team talks about their fourth state championship title in four years .BZ r