Portage Pow Wow

Covering Real Issues for the Students of Portage High School

Pow Wow

Portage High School

Issue 1

September 14, 2012

former athletic director returns to district Peyton Hulse & Brandon Vickrey Editors

Former Portage High School Athletic Director Jeff Smith is back in familiar territory as he assumes a new role at Willowcreek Middle School this school year.

According to Portage Township Schools Superintendent Ric Frataccia, Smith, who was suspended as a Portage Township Schools employee after resigning from his Athletic Director duties last spring, has been assigned to the WMS program room.

Smith was removed from the athletic director position last school year because he did not follow procedures. He was reassigned within Portage Township Schools after the District Attorney determined that there was no criminal intent. After no charges were filed, Smith met with Frataccia and Assistant

Superintendent Tom Taylor to determine what position he would have for the upcoming school year.

Smith said he made some “regrettable decisions” that led to Central Office asking questions. He is relieved that there is finally some closure to what has been a stressful and chaotic year for the PHS graduate.

“I fully cooperated with all directives and requests given to me back in March, but didn’t think it would take almost five months to determine my status in the district,” Smith said.

At Willowcreek, Smith is teaching problem solving skills, challenge education skills and developmental assets. He served a 14 year stint at WMS prior to taking a job in the PHS Athletic Office.

“It was nice to come back to Willowcreek, where I am familiar with procedures and staff. They have been very welcoming and supportive the first weeks of school,” Smith said.

Even though Smith was ultimately not charged for any wrongdoing, resigning as Athletic Director is not one of his regrets.

“I resigned my position as Athletic Director because it was the right thing to do for both the corporation and myself,” Smith said.

However, Smith did not leave the position completely regret free.

“I regret that everything happened so quickly at the end of March that I feel like I abandoned our department, coaches and athletes without any explanations, and that really bothered me,” Smith said.

In addition to leaving his coaches, athletes and fellow administrators, when he stepped aside from his duties as Athletic Director, Smith was walking away from his lifelong dream.

“Resigning from this position was a very difficult decision for me as this was the only job I had ever wanted since 1987 when I was an [athletic] office aide for Mr. [Larry] Casbon,” he said.

Smith He is making an effort to remain upbeat and make the most of his situation.

“The silver lining in this is that I’ve spent more quality time with my family in the past five months than the previous five years due to all the time constraints that come with the position,” Smith said.

See SMITH, page 2

Former superintendent comes out of retirement Collin Czilli Opinion Editor

Class of 2012 graduates toss caps at ceremony. Photo by Brandon Vickrey | PortageLife.com

Graduation time moved Katie Peksenak News Editor

Kiss the smoldering heat goodbye and say hello to a cooler graduation. The date has been confirmed for the evening of Sunday, June 9 at 6 p.m. for this year’s graduation ceremony.

The decision for the time change and date of graduation was unanimous by school board members.

Graduation typically begins at 2 p.m.; but the factor of heat was the main reason for the change. The other possibility for graduation was on Wednesday June 5 at 7p.m., which is scheduled to be the final school day for students. Portage High School Principal Caren Swickard proposed this date to the school board, but they overruled her suggestion.

“I proposed this idea for many reasons. I wanted graduation to be on the same day as our last day of school. Also, more teachers would come if it was on the

last day. Last year only four or five teachers showed up to graduation and I wanted elementary school teachers and principals to come as well,” Swickard said.

Swickard’s proposal included senior ETAs being on May 30 and 31, makeups on June 3 and 4, and the senior picnic and ceremony rehearsal on June 5. All athletic events at that time of the year are on a Friday or Saturday, so it would not have interferred with varsity sports. The school would not have to pay the staff as much overtime on a weeknight as it would be on a Sunday.

However, Portage Township School’s Superintendent Ric Frataccia thought that Sunday was a much better option for the graduation ceremony.

“No date would have been satisfactory for everybody, but we had to make a decision. It’ll be more comfortable for grandparents in the evening. Sunday

Meet the new teachers Page 3

is the best option so out of town family members can have the weekend to travel here rather than a weeknight such as a Wednesday. This also leaves a two day window for open houses,” Frataccia said.

The June 9 option gives guidance counselors a few days after school ends to review transcripts and decide who qualifies for each diploma. Portage High School seniors seem to be receptive to the idea of graduating on Sunday evening.

“I believe having it on the fifth would have been a bad idea because most seniors cry when that bell rings on the last day. I’m sure we will all want to relax after the last day of school rather than having to meet up with family for pictures and whatnot before coming to graduation.

It would be very stressful,” senior Tia Hardison said.

The date is set and the class of 2013 will be saying its final goodbyes on the evening of June 9.

The Valparaiso Community Schools Corporation has a new leader at the helm: Former Portage Superintendent Mike Berta, who retired three months prior from his position in Portage. The school board announced him as the Interim Superintendent at a special meeting of the Valparaiso School Board on Aug 6.

“My decision to retire from Portage started in the summer of 2011, which was a discussion that I had made with my family that resulted in the announcement to retire in November of 2011,” Berta said.

According to Berta, in June, a member of the Valparaiso School Board contacted him inquiring if he would be interested in an interim position. At the time, Berta had no interest, but after the second contact, Berta decided to begin discussing the possibility of coming out of retirement and moving into the Valparaiso Community Schools.

“This time the conversation was with a couple of board members,” Berta said. “It was a very professional conversation and a very in-depth conversation about the problems that existed in the school corporation, particularly in the Central Office.”

Berta accepted the position in early August and immediately began looking at the problems that the district was facing and finding solutions that would fit best in those situations.

“The biggest challenge that I and the school corporation face is reestablishing the organization,” Berta

“My decision to retire from Portage started in the summer of 2011, which was a discussion that I had made with my family that resulted in the announcement to retire in November of 2011.”

-Berta said. “Stability in the organization and trust among all the stakeholders is vital.

Every organization must be based on trust.”

Valparaiso Community Schools also faces massive shortfalls in terms of funding and deficits.

The Valparaiso School Board has said that the district’s budget deficit this year will be around $3.2 million. Comparatively, Portage is not expected to face a budget short fall in

the upcoming fiscal year, though funding is expected to decrease.

“Every community has to make a decision as to how they are going to deal with less dollars and how their schools will run,” Berta said.

Berta served for seven years as the superintendent in Portage before making the decision to retire. In his seven years, the district has adopted the Baldrige Organization Model, which is an organizational tool that is nationally recognized. Berta hopes to bring his experience of the model to the Valparaiso schools in order to get them back on a track that will lead to success.

“I have not observed here [Valparaiso] any welldefined template of organization that is structured to work together,” Berta said.

“That is something they are going to get from me.”

Berta also reiterated that he will not allow the district to fall back into what he called “the Valpo way” of doing things. According to Berta, there is no hidden agenda, and that he will be working with the board and the school administration to put policies in place that will bring the schools out of the red and back into prosperity.

See BERTA, page 2

www.PHSNewsOnline.com

What’s inside?

Schafer wins at Illiana Page 5

National voter suppresion Page 6

News 2

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Remembering a true inspiration: Michelle Goebel “There are very few people in our profession that are as fun loving, caring, knew how to understand someone in the way she did.” – Tom Erickson, social studies teacher

Former social studies teacher Michelle Goebel hugs a co-worker after receiving a makeover in 2011. Goebel passed away over the summer after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Pow Wow stock photo After many years of a battle with breast cancer, former social studies teacher Michelle Goebel sadly lost her life over the summer. Several of her co-workers shared their favorite memories of her. She is sorely missed by those who were able to experience how much of an inspiration and role model she was to the students and staff at PHS.

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Scan the QR Code to see a video with memories from Goebel’s co-workers

“I think the kids uplifted her and being here was uplifting for her, even when she was sick.” – Mark Marvin, social studies teacher

“She was in such a good mood every day; I would forget what she was going through.” – Greg Mundt, social studies teacher

“She made an impact on students every single day that she was here, and even when she wasn’t here.” – Heidi Thibideau, English teacher

“She fought well and was an inspiration to us all.”

– John Arredondo, social

studies teacher Compiled by Ian DePerio

Smith Continued from page 1 The months of waiting for the result of the investigation also left Smith with plenty of time to reflect on his tenure leading Indians’ athletics.

“The past five years in the Athletic Department were very challenging and rewarding as I feel like I helped implement several new programs and ideas for the

District and Portage families,” Smith said. “I truly enjoyed working with the administrative team, coaching staff and student-athletes and have many memories from my tenure as AD. I will always bleed Portage Indian Red and root for them on the fields of play.”

Administration implements policies for 2012-2013 school year school,” junior Makayla Bussler said.

Allowing cell phones during lunch is News Writer another policy new to PHS. This is an experiment as students can use their cell As of the beginning of this year, there phones during lunch only. Some students have been alterations within Portage disagree with this policy due to the lack High School. These changes were estabof service. lished to potentially improve expectations “I don’t see much of a point in allowand performance. Although students have ing cell phones during lunch only. I as their doubts in regards to change, many well as many others, don’t even get service also agree.

One of the policies recently established within the whole commons area,” junior Tammie Peeler said. is a required password in Retaking tests twice every order to access a com“I don’t see much of nine weeks is also a new puter. Passwords were a point in allowing policy. Years prior to now, individually assigned to cell phones during it was acceptable by some avoid misinterpretation of the teachers to retake as as to which students are lunch only. I as well many tests and quizzes as at fault. Students visiting as many others, desired. a site that should not don’t even get service Now that the rule has be opened on a school changed, students are computer will be held within the whole encouraged to do their best accountable for their commons area.” on every test. own actions. According to - Junior Tammie “I think the test policy is Principal Caren Swickgood.

Retaking tests are not ard, the password rule Peeler to be abused to raise grades. is site-based and had It is the right thing to do,” been requested by many Swickard said. teachers .

Whether a reaction is negative or posi“Requiring a password was a good tive, students are expected to adhere to idea because students who commit their the new parameters. wrongdoings will be reprimanded for that they’ve done rather than the entire

Angela Dornbos

Berta Continued from page 1 Berta is not the only Portage administrator to leave and move to Valparaiso. Sharon Qualkenbush, the former Director of Finance, left the Portage schools to become the Chief Financial Officer at VCS. “The natural contact was Sharon; she is a no nonsense financial person and knew the situation that she would be facing,” Berta said. “I know full well that to the Portage administration it is like taking someone out of their hands at the wrong time. I thought she was the best person for the position.”

Another former Portage teacher also moved with Berta to the Valparaiso Administration building. Jim Doane, who retired in June from the principal position at Valparaiso High School, was named Berta’s Assistant Superintendent. Berta said that the fourth administrative position may or may not be filled, dependent upon budget issues and whether the funds will be there.

By law in Indiana, the first contract for a Superintendent must be a three year contract.

In January, the school board and Berta will decide whether he will stay for the following years, or if they will go separate ways. Berta says the reception at Valparaiso has been

overwhelming and that the board is accepting of the plans he has for the district.

Former PTS Superintendent Michael Berta stands in front of his own street sign on the east side of PHS. Berta came out of retirement for the 2012-2013 school year and is now Superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools. Pow Wow stock photo

Several advanced placement class schedules altered Joshua Lewis Features Editor

The teachers of AP Government, Microeconomics and Calculus have recently demonstrated what they teach students: Flexibility.

An alternating schedule was implemented this year for the AP Government and Microeconomics class, where students have government class one day and microeconomics the other.

AP Microeconomics teacher Mark Marvin said he suggested creating the alternating schedule to ensure that students enrolled in AP Government and Microeconomics would learn the material through the year. He hopes that this will better prepare the students for the AP Government and Microeconomics tests at the end of the school year.

Previously, students in these classes ran

the task of taking one or both courses first semester, leaving them with no review of the material prior to the test.

“The idea was that we would take a core group of 60 students taking both AP Government and Microeconomics, split them up 30/30 and alternate them throughout the course of the year without that five month gap between the class and the exam,” Marvin said.

While having students taking both classes at once to keep them fresh on the material, the problem of which class to attend on each particular day has arisen.

“It is hard to remember what class I have on a certain day because I have many other classes that are on my mind,” senior Jimmy Spence said.

AP Calculus was also recently changed from a regularly timed mod to a double mod, allowing for an increased amount of time for discussions and for students

to combine efforts in order to finish the assigned homework.

“It’s too early to tell if the extra mod has affected the students and their overall performance, but we have great discussion and more time for discussion in class in general,” AP Calculus teacher Barbara Lochmondy said.

According to Lochmondy, she has seen an increased amount of students working together to complete their assigned work, which she believes is a great concept.

While calculus was been changed to a double mod, the majority of the work done by students is still done outside of class in study groups.

According to junior Madison Beadles, she has a little more time to work with fellow students in class but much more is done at get-togethers organized for after school.

Despite the new alternating schedule and double mod, Marvin and Lochmondy

do not plan to alter their lesson plans for their classes much.

“The new alternating schedule is really not going to change anything except for the fact that since the class meets every other day I do not feel as bad about giving kids homework. I know they are busy but in this case they have a couple days to get their work done,” Marvin said.

According to Lochmondy, she plans to give a little more homework because there will be an increased amount of time to go through the material, more time for the students to work on the assignments in class and ask questions.

It is too soon to see the effects the alternating schedule for AP Microeconomics and AP Government and the double mod for AP Calculus have had, but both were created with the goal in mind of increasing student success and higher AP exams scores in these higher difficulty classes.

Features 3

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Seniors Julissa Martinez (left) and Evie Tsarnas show off their boarding passes. Photo provided by Martinez

Tsarnas and Martinez go white water rafting during their trip. Photo provided by Martinez

Martinez poses in front of a sight during her trip to Europe.

Photo provided by Martinez

Students spend summer vacation overseas Emily Evans Design Editor

After taking three connecting flights to get home, senior Julissa Martinez was ready to tell her friends and family all about her trip to Italy over the summer.

Martinez was not the only Portage High School student that was given the opportunity to go abroad, many students traveled to various countries over the summer and learned just how different the United States really is.

This summer, Latin students had the

chance to go to Italy for two weeks to experience the culture and everything the country has to offer. Martinez took advantage of this opportunity and traveled across Europe, 14 days in which Martinez said changed her life.

“It was the best two weeks of my life,” Martinez said. “The language barrier was very difficult because it made everything harder to do. One time we were out to eat and I ordered a pepperoni pizza and instead I got a pizza covered in hot peppers. [Going to Italy] changed my career path because now I want to definitely study abroad in college.”

Senior Claire Tokash had the unique prospect of venturing to France through

the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Languages. Tokash said that her trip has impacted her life in major ways, solidifying her desire to pursue a future in the study of foreign languages.

“I now know without a doubt that I want to study French in college, and study abroad some more, probably for a semester or a year in college. In general, I know that I will travel a lot more, because I loved being able to study the language and culture in the way that I did,” Tokash said.

Junior Matt Bliss and senior Kevin Elkins were also able to travel this summer, going to Germany through another school-sponsored program. For Elkins, the trip to Germany was

not just an educational experience; it was an extremely personal experience as well.

“The trip abroad have changed my life because I can now really talk to my family [in German]. My father and all the family members on his side are from Germany and it is a lot of fun when we can have a conversation in German,” Elkins said.

For many, world travel is something that is usually saved for the adult years. Not many students are lucky enough to be able to travel like these were. Despite the language barriers and time changes, each student enjoyed his or her trip out of the country.

“It was probably the best summer I ever had,” said Tokash.

New batch of teachers arrive at portage Alexis Sosa Features Writer

Ember Montozzi, English A graduate from Indiana University Northwest in spring of 2011, Ember Montozzi was intimidated by the sheer size of Portage High School at first, but is now an accomplished member of the Tribe.

“I came from a very small high school, and the differences are astounding. I went to a few football games last year and was amazed at the amount of school spirit shown by the students and community.

It was really uplifting to know some schools really take their pride seriously,” Montozzi said.

As the new coach for dance team, Montozzi hopes to bring even more of a positive impact to her students.

“I myself have danced for over twenty years, and I know my high school coaches made a huge impact on my life. I wanted to do that for someone. I have a great group of girls, and they genuinely try very hard,” said Montozzi.

With a true passion for her career, Montozzi will bring patience, skill and pure dedication to PHS. David Mikesell, Business David Mikesell joins PHS with a Bachelor’s degree in sport, arts and entertainment management

from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, and a Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University also from Pittsburgh. There are a variety of occupations that Mikesell previously held.

Working for the Pittsburgh Pirates, running a minor league hockey team, managing a professional video game league and DJing for events also can be found in his credentials. The wide amount of experiences PHS offers to both students and staff made our high school the perfect fit for the well rounded computer teacher.

“I am very excited and proud to be a part of a district with world class students, faculty and building and want to be part of the next growth movement,” Mikesell said.

After his last job at a small school in Marengo, Iowa, Mikesell was ready to try something new.

“I wanted to be a part of a growing district that has a lot of potential. The students here should take pride in what the school has to offer,” said Mikesell.

Starting up new clubs and intramural sports are an interest for Miksell.

“Dodgeball has been thrown around a lot. Look for that coming soon. I am also volunteering with marching band. I am still looking for other ideas for new club, intramural sports

and activities. Come find me in 304 East and talk to me,” said Mikesell.

When not at school Mikesell enjoys playing roller hockey. He captained a team in Pennsylvania for ten years. So far he has felt welcome and is happy with the new environment.

“The district has been awesome and I love the energy the kids bring to the classroom,” said Mikesell.

Cynthia Tokash, English Theatre is a big interest for Cynthia Tokash and she is already getting involved with the Portage Thespians.

She is enjoying offering knowledge, quirkiness and joy to theatre kids.

“I offer the chance to improve communication between students and all they encounter because great communication enables great relationships,” said Tokash.

She has earned a Bachelor’s in English Writing along with a Philosophy and Women’s Studies Minor from Purdue University Calumet. She is also working on finishing her Master’s in Education from Calumet College of St. Joseph.

These accomplishments will qualify her as a new English teacher at PHS. “To become part of a team which strives to give their absolute best to the students and community is a dream come true,” said Tokash.

Seeing her own children’s positive experiences

New English teacher Cynthia Tokash works on her computer. Photo by Ian DePerio with Portage Township Schools inspired Tokash to put in her own efforts.

“I offer enthusiasm about the realm of English and greatest love of literature imaginable. I am absolutely positive a book might save a life,” Tokash said.

William Fortenberry, Social Studies Tenacity, ambition, pride and positivity; these are just a few choice words to describe the new addition to Portage High School’s staff. William Fortenberry views his arrival to the school as more of a homecoming. As a graduate from PHS in 2007, he is now giving back to the place that got him started.

“I have always loved history and helping people out. I have had amazing

Full List of New PHS Teachers • Megan Bodnar • Terry Chestovich • Caitlin Crooks • Richard Horn • Wally McCormack • Lisa Melendez • David Mikesell • Elizabeth Wysocki • Ember Montozzi

• Philip Mulroe • Drew Rhoda • Andy Schultz • Melissa Miller • Jason Shupryt • Elise Jones • Bridget Bodnar • Danielle Szymanski • Michael Spagna

teachers here in our Portage education system, and they made my decision easy,” Fortenberry said.

After graduation, Fortenberry went to Calumet College of St. Joseph’s for freshman year, then transferred to IUN for sophomore year and the rest of his college career.

Having a positive impact on the lives of his students is a big part of why Fortenberry has a passion for teaching.

Motivating and inspiring students to do well both in and outside of school is a large part of why Fortenberry loves to teach.

Sports 4

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Losing interest

in place for the young Brandon Vickrey kids in the Editor-in-Chief winter; we’re going to do Interest in girls soccer some indoor soccer here at at Portage High School has Portage. She also holds a continued its state of decamiddle school team in the dence in 2012, resulting spring. I think once the in the cancellation of the junior varsity season. With kids figure out that Coach Severs is competitive, but a win total that continues yet fun the girls are going to dwindle each year, fewer to figure out that it’s a nice and fewer girls have deteam to be on.” cided to take the pitch.

Severs was caught off According to Athletic guard by losing the junior Director Kelly Bermes, 19 varsity team, but she is takgirls went out for the team ing steps to rejuvenate the this season. The roster is program and return junior comprised of four freshvarsity soccer to PHS next men, seven sophomores, season. four juniors and four “I knew we had a task seniors. Bermes said ten at hand, but losing our JV to 12 more were needed to team is something that I field a junior varsity team. did not expect at all,” she Bermes attributed the said. “We’re going to beremoval of the JV squad to come successful and that’s a lack of participation and going to draw out more several untimely injuries. girls that want to play and “Our number had been be a part of a successful falling even last year, so team.” we’re trying to be proacBermes cannot recall tive and we’re trying to a previous PHS program figure out where we’re that has had to cancel its losing some girls and why junior varsity season due girls aren’t going out for soccer,” she said. “We have to a lack of interest in the sport. According to higha nice Park Department league and we thought that schools.com, PHS is the ninth largest school in the was going to be a boost state with an enrollment of for us and I think it will, 2,595.

I hear they have a bigger Bermes is expecting to eighth grade class of girls see JV girls soccer matches soccer players.” taking place again in 2013.

Portage alumni Ashley She does believe that the Severs is in her first year underclassmen garnering as the varsity team’s head varsity experience with coach after spending one tutelage from veterans season as an assistant to Amanda Isackson. Bermes such as Lauren Zack and Nicki Monahan could be is satisfied with the pervaluable down the road. formance of Severs after “It’s a great experience being thrust into a precarifor them, but at the same ous situation. time it’s tough,” Bermes “I think she’s doing all said. “It’s tough not seeing the right things,” Bermes another team out there.” said. “She’s got a program

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Portage High School has welcomed four new varsity head coaches this fall, football coach Wally McCormack (right), boys soccer coach AJ Monroe (top left), girls golf coach Tim Kunstek (bottom left) and girls soccer coach Ashley Severs. All four graduated from Portage High School. Photos by Taylor Searcy and Taylor Mlynski

Four portage graduates take over as head coaches for alma mater A new season brings new Sports Editor coaches, but the new coaches this year are not new to the school system. All four of the new coaches are graduates from Portage High School.

Wally McCormack, head varsity football coach, played football at PHS. After graduating he coached football for a total of 22 years prior to his return. He spent nine years at Chesterton, nine years at Hobart, three years at Fegely and one year at Andrean.

Tim Kunstek, the assistant coach for the girls golf team, played football and basketball while attending PHS and after graduation, Kunstek coached Little League, Youth Basketball, Fegely Middle School basketball, freshmen and junior varsity basketball at PHS. AJ Monroe, the head coach for boys soccer, played soccer, tennis and basketball while at PHS. After graduation, Monroe was the soccer team’s assistant coach for four years, the boys varsity head coach for three years, Valparaiso University men’s assistant coach for four years and Boone Grove High School varsity head coach for a year. He also coached and trained with Northwest Indiana United FC, Portage Soccer Club, Portage Park Department and Portage YMCA. Ashley Severs, the girls soccer team’s head coach, played soccer while attending PHS. Severs coached at Wheeler High School for two years and was an assistant coach last year for PHS. The new coaches are all passionate about what they do. “[The best part about coaching is] the opportunity

Peyton Hulse

sport offers to teach life lessons within the construct of a game,” Monroe said.

McCormack said his favorite thing about coaching is spending time with the players and watching them grow throughout the season.

Kunstek said that the best part of coaching is interacting with the players and the competition that comes along with the game. He said it is not only the competition against other teams, but the competition with one’s to improve as an athlete.

Taking the position was no question for these new coaches; the decision was easy.

McCormack said that he wanted the coaching position because Portage is his hometown and he was also looking forward to working with the athletes who attend Portage.

For Monroe it was more than just a chance to coach in his hometown and “give back to a program that has meant so much to me,” but a chance to coach side by side with three former players, Brett Gorden, Will Fortenberry and Arthur Safstrom.

The coaches have been working hard to maintain successful teams.

“I want the team to bond as a group and continue to improve every day and push each other to be the best they can,” Kunstek said.

Kunstek is not the only coach with high expectations for the athletes.

“As we enter September, I expect to see a Portage side with greater mental focus - that will take better care of chances to score goals,” Monroe said.

If one thing is for sure it is that the coaches will continue to work hard to bring success to the school they once called their own.

Strom named assistant athletic director Caleb Ingersoll Sports Writer Todd Strom, the former boys soccer head coach, has a new position as the assistant athletic director.

Many people were interested in the position, however, only one was fortunate enough to receive it.

Athletic Director Kelly Bermes said that over 93 people had applied for the position, but because he was

a Portage graduate and had lots of experience, he was the best to pick for the job.

Bermes also had a choice in the decision making process of hiring Strom.

“I was part of the committee who interviewed the three candidates, and then we cut that to two and Strom was one of them, and I just wanted to pick someone who I already had a relationship

with,” Bermes said.

Throughout Strom’s sporting past, he had been involved in many sports and sport related activities. Strom was previously a physical education teacher and soccer coach.

“I wanted to take the job, because it was my dream job, but the hardest part about it was probably leaving the soccer kids,” Strom said.

Strom said that he really enjoys athletics and has been associated with them for

many years. When Strom was offered the job, it was an easy decision.

With a new assistant athletic director in place, there will be some alterations.

“First I just want to learn everything so when I get asked a question I can answer that person correctly,” Strom said.

Strom is still new to the position and settling in but has high expectations for the rest of the year and his career.

Todd Strom has moved from the soccer field to the athletic office this school year to serve as assistant athletic director.

Photo by Olivia Forrester

Sports5

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

First year varsity quarterback Gage Pearman (left) drops back to pass while Hashim Simpson faces a run up the middle during Portage’s blowout win over Gary Roosvelt. Photo by Taylor Mlynski

Pearman settling in to new role as varsity quarterback Peyton Hulse Sports Editor

Many would think that starting quarterback for the varsity football team would be nerve wracking, but, for junior Gage Pearman, it is something that comes naturally.

Pearman said that he is never nervous when going into a game; he is actually confident, even though being a quarterback has many pressures.

The Portage football team has made some very noticeable and game changing alterations to the team’s lineup.

Varsity player and senior Rashaan Coleman, the team’s previous quarterback, is now playing running back while Pearman plays quarterback.

Even with a change of positions, there did not seem to be any doubt amongst the team. “[Going into the season] I expected to get

better every week,” varsity head coach Wally McCormack said.

The players also had high expectations for the season. Pearman said that this year he expected a strong team and a winning season.

McCormack said that Pearman’s biggest strengths as a quarterback is his toughness and intelligence on the field.

Pearman recognizes that there is room for improvement.

Pearman said if there is anything he needs to work on it would be becoming more of a leader on the team.

There are still five scheduled games left in the season and the team is looking forward to the future games.

“The main thing is just playing with my team, that’s what I look forward to the most,” Pearman said.

ABOVE: Pearman releases the ball before taking a hit from a Gary Roosevelt player.

Photo by Taylor Mlynski

Senior boys tennis player Jeff McElfresh serves during a recent tennis match at PHS. Photo by Miles Motto

McElfresh earns no. 1 singles slot

Portage’s No. 1 singles player and this issue’s Most Valuable Sports Writer Player was not always so interested in tennis.

Senior Jeff McElfresh developed an interest in tennis during his tennis unit in his freshman physical education class. McElfresh found he enjoyed tennis, decided to give it a try and ended up trying out for the team.

McElfresh said that it was one of the best decisions he made during his years at Portage High School.

He has achieved many accomplishments as a tennis player, including being named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2011.

“To me, learning the game of tennis in the limited amount of time that I have had is enough of an accomplishment. One of my favorite memories of tennis was receiving the MVP award at the fall sports banquet.

It was a culmination of my hard work that I put in over the summers and out of practice,” McElfresh said.

McElfresh also has high hopes for his future. He plans to study engineering at Purdue University. He would not sacrifice his education to play collegiate tennis.

McElfresh does not plan on playing for a college but he does still plan on playing tennis. He also says he knows that Purdue has club tennis at its indoor facility, which interests him.

Lauren Winicky

Want More?

RIGHT: Pearman prepares to pass the ball. Photo

by Taylor Mylnski

Scan the QR Code to see a video about McElfresh on PHSNewsOnline.com

Sophomore top driver at illiana speedway Alexis Coffman Sports Writer

Many students of Portage High School, specifically freshman and sophomores, cannot wait for their licenses. However, sophomore Paul Schafer, Jr. could not wait to satisfy his need for speed.

Schafer, Jr. took driving to another level by racing at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville for the toughest class called the Late Model. Schafer, Jr. raced without a license and won first place on Aug. 11.

“I get asked a lot about not having a license and winning, but honestly anyone could race,” Schafer, Jr. said.

Races are held every Saturday night at the speedway. To be able to race, drivers must have a racecar, 500 horsepower engine and meet the requirements in the track’s handbook. Needing a license is not one of the requirements in the handbook. Schafer, Jr. was the youngest to race that night.

His dad, Paul Schafer, Sr. races in a class below called Legend cars.

“My dad used to dirt race and got me into racing. I have been racing since I was 11,” Schafer, Jr. said.

Schafer, Jr. races for Govert Auto Body in Griffith.

In order to prepare for races, Schafer does not do anything to practice. Schafer and the other racers are given a few laps to practice before the most difficult race held at the racetrack.

The Late Model race is the top class in racing, going at 100 miles per hour. According to the September 2012 issue of “Speed Sport Magazine,” Schafer, Jr. and

Mike White had a tight finish the night Schafer, Jr. won first place.

“The race feels really fast at first. After you get used to it, the race seems to feel slower,” Schafer, Jr. said.

Racing in a 500 horsepower engine is not difficult for this sophomore.

Every Saturday, Schafer, Jr. plans on racing in the Late Model Races. With the help of his crew chief John Cannon IV, Schafer, Jr. expects the number seven racecar to run smoothly and be ready to win.

Shafer

Photo by Taylor Searcy

6 Opinion

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Denying votes False advertising unfair to not American consumers, loses business Collin Czilli

Emily Evans

Opinion Editor

Design Editor

cczilli@phsnewsonline.com This November, American voters will be making a choice that will define the future for years to come.

Voters must decide between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Richard Mourdock and Joe Donnelly for Senate and John Gregg and Mike Pence for Governor. Some, however, will not be able to decide because of laws passed in 33 states that require government ID cards to vote. It is estimated that 20 million voters, or 11 percent of all voters, do not have the required ID and will be unable to vote in the upcoming election.

Voter ID laws exist in 33 states including Indiana, which has a strict voter ID law. If a voter lives in one of these states, in order to receive a ballot, the voter must produce a government issued ID. The laws were put in place to crack down on the problem of voter fraud.

“Making sure that there is not fraud or making sure that someone is not manipulating that process makes all the sense in the world to me,” Texas Governor Rick Perry said in an interview on his website.

It makes sense to me, too, I guess, if you call 0.00004 percent a problem. That is right according to the Brennan Center, out of 196 million ballots cast under George W. Bush’s final five years in office, 86 cases of voter fraud were reported, which comes out to 0.00004 percent of all ballots cast. This is a solution to a problem, just not a voter fraud problem.

You see, Republicans have trouble getting minority groups to vote for them. A simple solution would be for these people to not be allowed to vote. Of the 33 voter ID laws in the country, 32 of them were proposed by Republican legislators, passed by Republican controlled state houses and signed into law by Republican governors, all in the name of ending voting fraud.

States that passed these laws claim that obtaining a government issued ID is free and simple. According to allgov. com, in order to obtain an ID, a person must have a form of identification such as a birth certificate or marriage license.

In order to get these documents, a voter must pay $20 to $25.

Voters must also travel to their ID-issuing office. For 500,000 individuals that do not have access to a vehicle and live more than ten miles from the nearest office it can be very hard. In Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas, these offices are only opened part-time, which happens to be during blue collar work hours.

Now, if the government would like to provide each and every registered voter with a free ID card, I am all for requiring an ID to vote then. But if these states keep claiming that it is free, they are just lying.

It is ironic that these laws are in place in such battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Missouri or in places with high Latino populations such as Arizona, Texas and Florida all in the name of protecting the right to vote.

These laws are disenfranchising 20 million voters simply because they do not have a government issued ID which is supposedly “free.” It is odd that the utmost supporters of these laws happen to be members of the Tea Party. They call themselves Republicans just because they agree with the party on some issues. They are nothing more than vote robbers. It seems that the main plank of the Tea Party is loving America, but hating Americans.

If the 20 million Americans who are barred from voting were allowed to vote, maybe outrageous people like Allen West or Michele Bachmann would not be elected and this country can get back to working together and try to stop the right wing from running the country into the ground.

eevans@phsnewsonline.com Most everyone who has ever eaten a bag of potato chips has fallen victim to a half-full bag of disappointment. Although this may seem a little ridiculous, it is far from it. False advertising has become common place in society today, and I find it awful.

A reporter from ConsumerReports.org wrote an article last week titled “Photos from food ads vs. the real thing.” In this piece, Consumer Reports criticized companies such as Lean Cuisine, Little Debbie and Pepperidge Farm for advertising food that was not up to par. In Lean Cuisine’s “Lean Pockets” researchers found that although the picture showed a large, crispy pocket filled with chicken, vegetables and cheese, what the consumer actually receives is a small, soggy snack that is severely lacking filling. Little

Debbie snack cakes are among those investigated as well, and the results found were greasy desserts that were nearly half the size that was advertised.

not only does the company have to make a profit, the consumer has to get a value for the money they spend.

When people pay money for something, they expect quality. When they receive small or unappetizing portions, they are most certainly not getting what they paid for and this will cause them to cease to purchase the product. When consumers are not buying from com“Researchers found It is understandpanies because of a that although the picable that any busilack of product qualture showed a large, ness has to advertise ity, the companies crispy pocket filled with to create a demand are losing revenue. for its product.

In this situation, chicken, vegetables and Without a delicious there are no winners. cheese, what the conlooking picture or a It may not seem sumer actually receives catchy logo or phrase, like much when you is a small, soggy snack a company cannot exopen your chips and pect to sell anything. find the bag half that is severely lacking While I do underfull, but when the filling.” stand this, the food cost of every falsely company does have a advertised product responsibility to its consumers. With the is added up, the American consumer is economy struggling the way it is today, being taken advantage of.

Portage needs coaches to be committed for the long haul Brandon Vickrey Editor-in-Chief

bwvickrey@gmail.com With the start of the new athletic season, the mass changes within the Portage High School Athletic Department continued. A “Pow Wow” sports story describing the new coaches remains a consistent fixture each fall, winter and spring. If the Athletic Department wants to build top notch programs, it needs to find coaches that are going to stay for longer than a few years. In turn, the Athletic Department needs to give the coaches ample time to build their programs before cutting ties.

This fall, PHS brought in four new head coaches, meaning half of the varsity head coaches for this season are in their first year. Two of the four returnees are in their second year in charge of their programs. There were a total of seven first year head coaches during the 2011-2012 school year.

Athletic Director Kelly Bermes and the rest of the administrative team did bring in four Portage graduates, but hopefully the determining factor that they used was whether or not the quartet is committed to their alma mater for the long haul. The athletic department should not hire a head coach who is planning to use his position as a

stepping stone to move to a different school or into a different role.

When a coach is in charge of a varsity team for an extended period of time, it allows him or her to put his or her mark on the program from top to bottom. Developing a strong feeder system at the middle school and youth levels with coaches that buy into the same philosophy as the varsity head coach has become increasingly important in recent years. The instability of the Portage varsity head coaching staff is a major cause of the overall lack of winning teams at PHS. Tim Pirowski, who is expected to return for his ninth year at the varsity baseball helm this spring, is the school’s longest tenure head coach. Not surprisingly, the baseball program has strung together three straight sectional championship appearances and is one of the most successful at PHS year in and year out. No other team sport at PHS that holds its sectional in a tournament format has reached the final game during each of those years.

Around Northwest Indiana, the best athletic programs are led by longtime

Editor-in-Chief Brandon Vickrey Content Editor Eric Mesarch Design Editor Emily Evans Opinion Editor Collin Czilli News Editor Katie Peksenak

Features Editor Josh Lewis Sports Editor Peyton Hulse Photo Editor Olivia Forrester

Sports Writers Lauren Winicky Alexis Coffman Caleb Ingersoll

Features Writers Alexis Sosa Tyra Allen Emily Hensley

News Writers Ashley Conrad Brandon Weis Angela Dornbos Mallory Lopez

Photographers Taylor Mlynski Miles Motto Ian DePerio Taylor Searcy

head coaches. Prior to retiring after the 2010-2011 season, Jim East spent 31 seasons leading the Merrilliville boys basketball team. Mark Hoffman was a fixture on the Valparaiso football sidelines for 35 seasons before his retirement after 2011. In Chesterton, Jack Campbell is in his 25th year in charge of girls basketball. Munster’s Leroy Marsh (34th year), LaPorte’s Bob Schellinger (20th year) and Chesterton’s John Snyder (12th year) are among the local football coaches who have remained with one team for a long period of time.

Portage’s only version of a “lifer” is Jay White, who is in his 29th year coaching in the Portage Township Schools and 18th year of coaching cross country. (White does not qualify as the longest tenure head coach because he is only in the second year of his second stint at the helm after several seasons as an assistant.) White’s experience and knowledge of the program has helped cross country emerge as one of the most successful Portage sports.

Hopefully coaches such as Brian Zofkie (second year, volleyball), Wally McCormack (first year, football), Leroy Vega (entering second year, wrestling) and Lisa Hayes (entering second year, softball) will remain long enough to lead the resurgence of PHS sports.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The Portage High School Pow Wow is a student-produced newspaper.

As an open forum publication, we do accept letters-to-the-editor.

All letters must be grammatically correct, free from errors and include your name. E-mail submissions to phspwed@portage.k12.in.us .

Opinion7

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Old school bell system Government should needs to be restored not force healthy eating on students Katie Peksenak This makes it a longer process for teachers to get situated and have all the students in the classroom ready to go. Taking away those extra few minutes from our previous passing period time was counter� productive. Now it just takes away from class time with students coming in late and having to use the

News Editor

kpeksenak@phsnewsonline.com At the beginning of last school year, Portage High School put the new bell system into effect. Rather than having eight minutes to travel from one building to another and five minutes if a student is staying in the same building, there are now six minutes regardless of a student’s position in the school. This did not go over well last year and it should not have gone into effect again this year. All it has done is cause more problems and make it more difficult to get to class on time.

The bell system we have now sounds ideal in its description; however, this is not the case. The problem with the eight minute schedule was that students were standing around in the hallway, and there was a three minute period of noth� ing going on in class for students who were not travelling from one building to the other. Shortening the passing period length to six minutes was not the answer to this problem. When eight minutes were allowed between classes, students had plenty of time to stop by their lockers and do what needed to be done, such as goin to the bathroom, before travelling to the other side of the school. Now������������� ������������ when travel� ling from building to building, there is no time at all to stop and use the bathroom.

Everybody leaving class at the same time makes the hallways overcrowded, and it is nearly impossible to get to class at the desired rate. There will always be kids who stand in the way or do not walk fast enough that serve as obstacles to peo� ple like myself, who are actually trying to get to class on time and maybe use the bathroom, if they are lucky. Most teachers accept the fact that some students will be 20 to 30 seconds late every day and do not even count tardies anymore. Many students ask to go to the bathroom right when they get to class anyway because they have no time to go between classes.

bathroom.

“I don’t see the point of having six minutes between classes no matter where you are in the school. The eight minute schedule was much more effective, and I am always late to German,” senior Kevin Elkins said.

When there were eight minutes, it was easier to get to class earlier and travel from building to building before the five minute bell rang. Now I am getting to class at the last second, as are many students, and it is taking longer for us to get our supplies out for that class and get situated. Rather than being ready to go when the bell rang, extra time is now being taken to get ready for class and do warm-up problems, if required. Once again, class time is being wasted. This is not productive.

Literally running from building to building and having to push my way past people is something that I cannot stand.

The trip from the corner of West to the third floor is not ideal, especially with dead weight in my path. It is frustrating, especially having to use the bathroom during class. Even when staying in the same building, it is hard to get around with so many students in the same place at once. It would be much easier to get around if everyone walked faster, but that obviously will not happen. Though it will not affect me, I hope the school consid� ers changing the bell policy for next year.

Keeping the six minutes and even giving people travelling from building to build� ing a one or two minute head start would likely be more effective than the way it is set up now.

Allowing technology the correct decision Tyra Allen Features Writer

This

Thanks to administration for allowing us an hour to ourselves. An hour that we can tune out the rest of the world and relax. Allotting the students to use their electronic devices makes them more comfortable here. They do not have to deal with anybody during lunch. In the mornings, most students are not ready to start the day, unless they are one of those morning people. Allowing students to listen to music before school prepares them for the day. It clears our minds, bringing us to halcyon and giving us a fresh start to the day.

Before, if a student was caught using his or her iPod during lunch, he or she received some sort of punishment. Using a cell phone could have resulted in detention.

year, admin� istra� tors are al� lowing these actions. During all lunch periods, before and after school students can use their cell phones and music play� ers. For some people, using their cell phones at lunch helps connect them to their friends that they do not sit with. Others prefer music at lunch, which is a break from school. There is no drama, gossip, rude people, teachers or work to think about. Just the music flowing through the headphones.

Being in high school puts students under a lot of pressure. According to news. discovery.com, some music actually does release stress.

It says that “music re� leases dopamine, a feel-good chemical.”

“I get bored really fast, and my music just makes everything exciting. Also, I sit with my friends and have dance parties, just because we can,” sophomore Teagin Powers said.

A lot of people feel better with music, some prefer the cull of quiet. Either way, our new policy should make everyone feel more comfort� able here.

Some students do not have service in the commons area, therefore allowing them to use their cell phones at lunch does not benefit them at all.

“Well, I’d like to use my phone/iPod during lunch, because it would be way easier to find the friends that you want to sit with. But, you can never get service in the lunchroom, so it’s completely useless for me,” sophomore Lily Someson said.

“I get to school tired on Friday morning and all I want is some biscuits and gravy with salt and pepper.

But because of the new health policy, my biscuits will forever be salt and pepperless,” senior Eric Konecny said.

It is blatant that taking students do not approve away students’ rights of this rule, and it is to eat what they desire. contradicting to keep the Because they offer, does vending machines and not by any means, signify, continue support or serving influence “I get to school the way tired on Friday morn- unhealthy choices as a student ing and all I want well. I do eats. If one is some biscuits and not believe chooses this new to be gravy with salt and policy is unhealthy pepper. But because rational, due to of the new health nor does poor food policy, my biscuits it make choice, much allow him will forever be salt sense. It or her and pepperless.” to do so.

- Senior Eric Konecny is unfair, and What one should consumes thus be should not removed. be taken in the hands of another.

Angela Dornbos News Writer

As most of you have probably already noticed, there has been a slight change within food choices at Portage High School. This includes the withdrawal of both salt and pepper, the concession stand pizza, and most of the soups. It was also decided to insert fruit inside of the Jello, and it is now required to include a side of fruit and/or vegetables with your lunch. This rule has been established by the Federal Government and applies to all schools under the Federal Lunch Program.

“I don’t understand why the school is allowed to serve Pop Tarts and Slushies, but can take away salt and pepper, which have almost no impact on a student’s health,” junior Kat Paris said.

Agreeably, I do not see much significance in

The Back Page 8

Issue 1 | September 14, 2012

Meet The Indian - Nickolaus Booth

Emily Hensley

Meet the Indian: With Nickolaus Booth Features Writer Q: Where did the nickname “Cantaloupe” come from?

A: My Spanish teacher gave it to me in the first two days of school.

Q: How much different is Portage High School from your previous high school?

A: It’s day and night; the graduating class is a major different in size; we had about 68 seniors, and here it’s about 680.

Q: How much bigger in size is Portage High School to your previous school?

A: The size difference is huge, my old high school was two floors

and shared with the middle school.

Q: What’s the biggest difference you experienced?

A: The lack of Southern accents and the amount of people is a big shock. People also act much different to each other, they are not as friendly.

Q: Do you plan on joining any clubs or sports?

A: I might if I find something I like a lot, but I work a lot so I might not have time.

Q: How do you feel about your nickname?

A: I really do not like it that much.

Q: What is your favorite fruit?

A: Apples are my favorite type of fruit.

Citizens can use variety of PHS News Briefs options to register to vote Booth Photo by Olivia Forrester

Collin Czilli and Tyra Allen

college fair on the horizon The time has come again for the annual Portage High School College Fair.

The College Fair will take place on Wednesday, Sept.

19. It will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Portage High School East Commons.

Guidance counselor Shirley Bustos is in charge of the College Fair.

“All grades are welcome.

Do not wait until your last year of high school to attend. I will help along the way, and visit more than once,” Bustos said.

With 75 different col-

leges coming together, students have a wider variety of college choices.

“There is no competition. It is a fun atmosphere here. Everyone is friendly and helpful,” Bustos said.

Students can soak up many advantages from the college fair. They can gather information from multiple colleges to make up their choice, ask any questions they are curious about and walk away with information brochures and applications.

- Ashley Conrad

Suicide classes Provide Awareness Kari Evans, a now certified QPR gatekeeper instructor, will be teaching the newly offered QPR class in the LGI room. Evans has recently completed the QPR training program over the summer. QPR stands for question, persuade and refer. This class familiarizes students and teachers with the causes of suicide, common suicide risk factors and the cultural context in which suicide occurs.

This is the first time QPR

classes are being offered in Portage. The program was developed by Dr. Paul Quinette. Quienette created the program with three simple steps that anyone can learn to help prevent a death.

The ultimate goal of the class is not only to prevent suicide, but to increase the confidence and self-esteem of participants.

- Mallory Lopez

Haunted Hayride arrives in Portage The Portage Parks & Recreation Department is hosting its annual haunted hayride this October. A tradition that has lasted 30 years will come again this year, just in time for Halloween, beginning on October 25, and lasting until the 27th. The hayride runs

from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Woodland Park in Portage.

To enter the contest, contact Pam Passera, the Recreation Program Coordinator at her work at 762-1675.

- Brandon Weis

Nov. 6 of this year will be a big day for the country and Indiana as voters head to the polls to cast their votes for President, Senate, House of Representatives, Governor and local county officials. However, a voter must be registered to vote to take part in this historic event.

“Young people need to vote in order to be politically involved and engaged in the current issues of our country,” social studies teacher Mark Marvin said. “One vote may not seem like much, but when 231 million people cast their one vote, it makes a huge difference.”

According to indianavoters.in.gov, it is very simple to register to vote if you are over 18 years of age and have a state issued identification card such as a driver’s license or permit. By clicking the link “Register to Vote Online,” a prospective voter can fill out the online form and submit it online to register. The information will be sent to the appropriate county official and a card with the voter’s information will be mailed to the address entered on the form. All voters must be registered by the deadline, which is Oct. 9.

If a person does not have a state issued identification, he or she is still able to register, but it must either be via mail by filling out the Voter Registration Application (VRG-7) form, which can be found on indianavoters.in.gov, or by traveling to the Voter Registration Office at the County Government Complex in Valparaiso, located at 155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 105 to register in person.

Indianavoters.in.gov also provides links for registered voters to review candidates on their ballot, update their voter registration, find their polling place and see who their elected officials are.

If a registered voter is unable to vote on Election Day, Nov. 6, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., he or she can vote early by traveling to a designated Early Voter Polling Location.

According to Sundae Schoon, Republican Director of Voter Registration for Porter County, early voting will begin Oct. 9 and will last until Nov. 5. Early voting will take place at the Porter County Government Complex North located at 3560 Willowcreek Road next to the Porter Portage Hospital Campus. Voting hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Indianavoters.in.gov makes it very simple to register to vote and find out other information for voters. Anyone 18 and older who is not currently imprisoned for a crime is eligible to cast a ballot and have his or her vote counted.

What Grinds Your Gears? “

”

When people make plans with you, then bail.

“

YES NO I DON’T KNOW HOW

BALLOT BOX

Speech Team Call Out September 24, after school Room 218

What’s the weirdest Olympic sport you watched?

-Senior Emily Mokol

”

When I’m walking down the hallway and everyone decides to walk really, really slow.

-Senior Sarah Batey-

ARE YOU GOING TO VOTE?

Opinion Editor and Features Wrtiter

“ “ “ “

”-

I thought water polo was really strange.

Freshmen Tyler Joseph

”-Sophomore Sydney Kastro

Canoeing was just really strange.

”-

Ping Pong was a fury of paddles.

Junior Kara Koots

”-

Speed walking! A lot of intense hip movements.

Senior Patrick Derr