Inklings April 2011

INKLINGS April 29, 2011

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Volume 75 Issue 7 • Crown Point High School • 1500 S. Main Street Crown Point, IN 46307 • inklings@cps.k12.in.us

Mother’s Day See how different students throughout CPHS honor their mothers on this day.

pg. 9

Lacrosse The hard hitting, fast paced sport has made it’s way to Crown Point. Find out how it got started.

the

IN know

pg. 13

Prom Drama During pre-prom season, there is much more to be discussed than dinner plans and the color of a dress. Stories of betrayal and problems that have occurred, from dresses that won’t zip to money crises that could ruin the entire experience, can be heard throughout the school.

Tradition of excellence

pg. 10

Community members volunteer to support school referendum

CPHS administrator earns Indianagram award Crown Point assistant principal Mark Gianfermi was named one of the 2010 District Assistant Principals of the Year, by the Indianagram, a publication of the Indiana Association of School Principals.

Senior named Lilly Scholarship winner

Senior Kelly Rostin was one of few students in Indiana to have earned the Lilly Endowment Scholarship.

The Lilly Endowment Scholarship is a four year full tuition scholarship awarded for undergraduate study.

This scholarship is awarded to 142 students, out of the 208 students that applied, throughout the state of Indiana.

Since the beginning of the program The Lilly Endowment Scholarship has been awarded to 140 students in Lake County.

AP testing schedule AP testing will occur throughout the month of May. Check with your AP teachers or the Guidance Office for the designated date, time and testing site for your AP test.

The spring primary on May 3 is an event that will not soon be forgotten by the Crown Point community. The decision made on the ballot will mean the difference between the Crown Point Community School Corporation continuing its success and approximately 35 teachers being let go in order to offset the deficit caused by the school funding formula.

“This is a historic, foreverchanging decision for the community in Crown Point,” School Superintendent Teresa Eineman said. “The magnitude of the decision is something few will understand unless they make the wrong decision. Ten years down the road, they’ll see negative change and say, ‘That’s where it began.’”

The referendum tax levy on the ballot proposes that for seven years following the referendum, the Crown Point Community School Corporation may impose a property tax that does not exceed

Cap and gown distribution Seniors who have not already picked up their cap and gown can do so on Monday May 2. A maximum of four graduation tickets can be purchased at that time for $10 each. If all fees are paid, seniors have a $10 credit for tickets.

Photos By Mary-Katherine Lemon and Donnella Casillas ABOVE: Senior Andy VandenBerg places the newest yard sign in neighborhoods throughout the Crown Point community, to those who requested them to show support for the referendum. This is the second of two types of yard signs that can be seen throughout Crown Point.

LEFT: Assistant principal Deb Cuffia makes phone calls to Crown Point residents, explaining the details of the referendum and answering any questions they may have, before the vote on the referendum on May 3.

By Lauren Cain/Kelly Rostin editor-in-chief and managing editor

21 cents on each $100 of assessed home value. For the average $200,000 home, this would mean an increase of $16 per month in property taxes.

“Our fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers has been sound.

We will no longer be in a position to continue on that path without additional funding,” School Board president Scott Angel said.

Crown Point schools have been suffering fiscally from the 2008 Property Tax Reform, as well as the school funding formula. As a growing school, Crown Point has been a victim, according to

Eineman. The Crown Point School Corporation is number 322 out of the 349 school corporations in the state when it comes to funding.

“We prepared for the worst. We made $4.5 million in reductions. Forty-two staff members, administrators, and employees were not replaced,” Eineman said. “To cut anymore is to do grave harm to our community and our schools.”

The week of April 11, Reduction in Forces (RIF) notices were sent out to over 40 teachers in the corporation, as well as all support staff. These are simply

preliminary notifications that must be sent out 30 to 40 days prior to the board vote. Depending on if the referendum passes, some of these teachers may be called back to continue working in the corporation.

“There’s no way to soften that (handing out RIF letters).

It’s the most cruel, illogical, and unfair forced process upon the C.P. schools,” Eineman said. “It causes me great anguish that we are forced to put anyone through that, let alone our great teachers.”

continued on pg. 3

Countering the Concerns “ I don’t want to declare my political party.”

“They may take more money from us next year.”

“ The school should just cut teacher salaries.”

“My property taxes will go up way too much.”

• If you do not want to vote for any government officials, you can simply ask for the school board ballot and not declare a party.

• In the tax levy, it is stated that the property tax cannot exceed 21 cents for every $100 of assessed home value for the next seven years.

• $4.5 million has already been made in cuts and Crown Point teachers have taken a salary freeze, despite being paid far below state average.

• The tax is taken on the assessed value of your property after deductions are applied.

Visit schoolsworthsaving.com for a property tax calculator.

2

News

Students observe Day of Silence

By RaeAnna Morgan staff reporter Students dressed in black were commonly seen throughout the halls on April 15. Some chose to wear duct tape over their mouths, a symbol of their pledge to the Day of Silence.

“Day of Silence is a day when thousands upon thousands of students nationwide take a vow of silence to bring attention to the bullying and harassment that many LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) students face on a daily basis.,” sophomore Angel Barraza said.

Barraza was the student responsible for organizing Crown Point High School’s Day of Silence. This year’s Day of Silence differed from last year in that it was run entirely by students.

“This year, the Day of Silence was organized completely through the student body,” Barraza said.

“We had different people standing at main walkways and entrances with silence cards to give out to students.

The silence cards were shown to teachers so they knew the student took a vow of silence for the day.”

In addition to presenting silence cards, participants were also encouraged to wear black clothing to show their support.

The goal of Day of Silence is raise awareness for kids who are bullied for their differences. Students from the middle school level up through colleges and universities across the nation have been participating in this event since 1996 when it was first put into effect by a group of students from the University of Virginia.

“I participated in the Day of Silence because I believe the bullying of students for any reason, including sexual orientation, should not be permitted or encouraged,” junior Ryan DeBattista said.

Student leaders felt that with over 400 participants, this year’s Day of Silence was a success.

“This year’s Day of Silence turned out exceptionally better than I’d expected,” Barraza said. “From what I know, almost no students showed opposition to the cause.”

IN IN the loop

April 29, 2011

RIF letters given to Crown Point teachers

By Haajar Shaaban executive editor Due to millions of dollars being cut from the Crown Point Community School Corporation, 45 teachers from the Crown Point Community School Corporation received reduction in force (RIF) letters during the week of April 11. Twenty-five of them are from Crown Point High School.

RIF letters inform teachers that, depending on factors such as budget, the teacher may not return for the following school year.

“RIF notices put teachers at risk (because of seniority) to let them know that they might not be returning because we have to be fiscally responsible,” principal Eric Ban said.

The referendum was proposed to compensate for the $4.5 million dollars being cut from the general fund budget. Most of the general fund goes to teachers’ pay; thus, many faculty and staff received RIF letters.

If the referendum does not pass on May 3, many teachers who have received RIF letters will be let go. However, if the referendum does pass, according to Ban, all teachers will be safe from cuts for one year. Many programs will also have to be cut.

French teacher Amy Berchem, who has worked at CPHS for four years, received a RIF letter.

“I did not anticipate my name would be on (the RIF list), but I knew it could be a possibility,” Berchem said.

Although Berchem might have a chance of losing her job, she does not let it affect her teaching.

“There’s no way that this notification would make me not want to keep teaching because I’m positive about the job I do in the classroom and the results I get from my students, so I think that’s what’s keeping me motivated,” she said.

Many students feel strongly about the RIF letters that have been distributed.

“If (the referendum) doesn’t pass, my class sizes will be unbearable, my teachers will be overworked, and I will not get the kind of education I am used to overall,” junior Kelsey Ingelhart said.

Many differences will have to take place in the school if the referendum doesn’t pass.

“Everyone will suffer. I don’t think some students realize if it doesn’t pass, sports and music extracurriculars are going to decrease,” Ingelhart said.

RIF letters will affect CPHS at the depart-

ment level as well. The science department alone may lose up to four teachers if the referendum doesn’t pass.

“Teachers receiving RIF letters will have a tremendous effect (on the science department).

I think that the class sizes will be larger which means labs will be much more difficult to do, and what I see possibly doing is splitting them over two days so that half the class does them one day and the other class on the other day,” science department chair Dotty Johnson said.

Johnson is also experiencing an emotional issue with the RIF letters. Two teachers with which she teaches the same classes have received RIF letters.

“They’re both excellent teachers and it makes me sad for students who may not have them and makes me sad that I won’t be able to collaborate with them,” Johnson said.

Berchem feels that, no matter what the belief, it is important that students express their opinion on the referendum.

“When students feel passionate about an

Photo Illustration by Mary Katherine Lemon

area concerning this referendum, I feel it is important that they speak up,” Berchem said.

Ingelhart encourages her fellow students to exercise their right to vote.

“People just need to get out and vote. If there is any teacher you like that got a RIF letter, that is just one more reason to vote. If you know you are eligible to vote and don’t fully understand what the referendum is about, ask someone. Your vote could save someone’s job,” Ingelhart said.

Ultimately, Ban believes that as a community, Crown Point will be able to get through this as others have done before.

“Lots of communities across the state have already (passed such referendums) successfully and placed a really high value on education, so we’re just another community in the state that will make a statement that we highly value education,” Ban said. “In this moment in time, we have a challenge and we have to continue the tradition of doing good work in the community.”

Paper cranes sent to Japan during time of need

By Arley Gomez news editor Japan has been rattled by multiple earthquakes and tsunamis and the tumultuous aftermath of the natural disasters including nuclear meltdown. In hopes of offering help for the relief, the CPHS Japanese club is making and sending paper cranes to Japan.

“In Japan it is believed that cranes live for 1000 years and signify happiness, good health and wishes coming true,” Japanese club sponsor Noriko Wachowski said.

Paper cranes signify hope and there is an old Japanese folklore that if someone folded 1000 paper cranes, they would receive a wish.

“We thought it would be best to offer help in a way that the people could relate and the paper crane is just the thing that they can relate to,” senior co-president of Japanese club Erin Starr said.

May 6 Evening of One Acts 7 p.m.

May 14 Prom is held at the Halls of St. George 6 p.m.

Japanese club first came up with the plan to send the cranes when brainstorming a way that they could help Japan in their time of need from here in Crown Point.

“It is very common (to send paper cranes) as a way to offer hope during hardship in the Japanese culture,” said Wachowski.

The club intends to send the cranes to Miyagi, Japan during the first week of May. “We chose Miyagi because it is one of the hardest hit areas with large death tolls and damages. We hope to send them to a middle school or high school in the area,” said Wachowski.

Currently the club has a over 1000 cranes and hopes to have 1500 by the time that they ship.

“It is nice to know that people are doing even the littlest things to help Japan. They have gone through so much,” junior Laura Bellamy said.

May 22 Spring Sports Award Program 2 p.m.

May 30 Memorial Day No school

Photo by Joe Nejman Senior Emily Dick makes an origami crane during a Japanese club meeting. The cranes will be sent to Japan during the first week of May.

miscellaneous • The Dance-A-Thon, sponsored by Student Union, is on May 7 at 10 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee.

• The Kiwanis Scholar Banquet will be held in the cafeteria on May 11 at 6 p.m.

• On May 26th the orchestra will put on their Spring concert starting at 6 p.m.

News

April 29, 2011

Walking together for a cause

Best Buddies hosts walk; Autism walk coming up

By Haajar Shaaban executive editor Whether it is oneself, a sibling, or a friend who suffers from a disability, many have experienced the hardship of dealing with a disability in their life. Crown Point clubs along with the Crown Point Community have both taken steps to organize walks to raise awareness and funds for such disabilities.

On April 17, Best Buddies hosted a 5K Friendship Walk at Centennial Park in Munster to raise awareness and money for Best Buddies Indiana.

“Best Buddies promotes friendship between kids with and without intellectual disabilities. Our walk will help start new Best Buddies chapters throughout Indiana,” Best Buddies advisor Carol Miller said.

The Friendship Walk was held for the first time in northwest Indiana and was planned by Best Buddies Crown Point and Best Buddies Munster. “(The Friendship Walk) is usually held in Indianapolis. Our groups thought it would be a great idea to make the walk more accessible for people in our region,” Miller said.

Students who couldn’t attend the walk can still make donations to Miller in C225.

Monetary donations go directly to Best Buddies Indiana.

Coming up on May 21 is another walk to raise money for Autism, the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States.

The annual Walk Now is organized by Autism Speaks.

“The walk will raise money for treatment and research for everybody with autism,” senior Caitlin Harrison said.

Harrison has participated in the walk

Referendum

continued from pg. 1 With a shortage of teachers, class sizes are projected to soar. According to Eineman, the Crown Point High School classrooms were built to fit 28 students; currently, 191 classes are exceeding that limit.

“It would not be fair to anyone that we could not continue to keep that tradition of excellence in the classroom,” Angel said.

Five teachers just in the English department received RIF notices.

“It’s nauseating. There’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach every day, waiting and hoping that the referendum passes,” said English department chair Ashley Monroe.

Monroe knows that students’ educations would be greatly harmed if the referendum does not pass.

“On a personal level, I would be heartbroken to not see those teachers every day next year. On a professional level, it’s the students who will suffer the most,” Monroe said. “In the end, it’s the students who will lose.”

While teachers may be losing their jobs if

Photo By Donnella Casillas Best Buddies members walk at the 5K Friendship Walk at Munster’s Centennial Park on April 17 as a fundraiser for Best Buddies Indiana. This was the first Friendship Walk held in Northwest Indiana.

before and will be participating in it again this year.

“My mom is a psychologist, so she got me involved with her business because my mom works with kids with autism,” she said.

Harrison’s mother, Bridget Harrison, works for Innovations In Learning, an outpatient mental health facility located in Merrillville that specializes in the treatment of children with Autism and adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Bridget is the president of Team Innovations. The team so far has recruited 48 members. Their goal is to raise $5000 for the

walk.

To join their team or donate visit walknowforautismspeaks.org/chicago/ innovationsinlearning.

“I think it’s a good way to raise money for a good cause,” Caitlin said. “In the past, we’ve had it at Soldier Field and it’s really cool to be able to walk around on the field and to see how many organizations work together to raise money for Autism.”

To get more information on Walk Now or to register, visit walknowforautismspeaks. org.

the referendum does not pass, there are bigger dangers than just that.

“It’s not about the teachers losing jobs.

It’s about students losing teachers and that’s different,” Monroe said.

According to Eineman, the data that has been collected shows that the community values our schools and from the data, it is expected that they will pass the referendum.

“I will place my faith with this community to say yes and to protect what we have built,” Eineman said. “The quality of the community is embedded in the quality of the schools.”

Monroe believes that the referendum is much more than politics and emotional decisions.

“Crown Point clearly values education.

When people really look at the facts, they’re going to make an informative decision,” Monroe said. “This is not about national politics or state politics; this is about our schools right now.”

Students talk to a Crown Point resident about voting in the primary for the referendum. Crown Point community members have helped the Schools Worth Saving committee by going doorto-door, making phone calls, and delivering yard signs.

Photo By Donnella Casillas

3

Collective bargaining rights stripped

By Kelly Rostin managing editor The process of Mitch Daniel’s controversial educational reform is still in the works, and continues to jolt the educational world. The most recent update in the process was the Indiana House passing Senate Bill 575, which deals with collective bargaining.

The basis of SB 575’s purpose was to limit collective bargaining for all unionized school employees. On April 20, Daniels officially signed into Senate Enrolled Act 575. “(The passing of this bill) means that teachers cannot bargain details such as work days, sick days, personal prep periods, and so on,” social studies teacher Paula Barancyk said.

The new limits prevent any nonunionized school employee from bargaining over anything other than wages and benefits.

Discussions over other factors such as class size and working conditions are not completely prohibited, but cannot be put into contracts. This goes for all school employees including bus drivers, nurses, custodians, and cafeteria staffs.

“I don’t think this is necessarily a step forward for teachers in Indiana. It might hurt the profession in the long run,” Barancyk said.

The constant changes in this reform, including teacher merit pay, the lack of requirement for a school superintendent to have a license, and the expansion of charter schools, raise concerns over where Indiana education may be heading in the future.

“Some changes don’t show that they have a clear direct impact on improving the student’s learning environment,” Barancyk said.

“The changes could discourage young people, who want a more secure and financially stable job, from the profession (of teaching).”

Iqra Beg suggests that students get more informed.

“I think it’s important for students to understand the reform and to know how we can involve ourselves to improve the situation in Indiana,” senior Iqra Beg said. “Education is the most important thing that we can have, and we need to protect it.”

2011 NHS members inducted into CPHS chapter The following members were inducted into National Honor Society in a ceremony held on Wednesday:

Photo By Mary-Katherine Lemon Juniors Habiba Choudhry and Madison Carpenter take an oath to uphold the core values of National Honor Society.

Sierra Anderson Todd Aulwurm Hayley Balko Nicholas Barancyk Dominique Bass Carli Beall Mark Bell Lauren Berger Andrew Breukman Taylor Cantrell Alina Cappadora Madison Carpenter Habiba Choudhry

Alexander Correa Madison Cortese Megan Dean Shawn DeBoth Aubrey Detert Cassandra Donsbach Craig Eggen Robert Featherstone Cassandra Firchau Celina Fraire Carlie Govert Meghan Gulvas Caroline Hamilton

Brandon Hawn Brooke Hiestand Alyssa Hoogeworf Aidan Hussey Kelsey Ingelhart Tor Jansson Brandon Jaworsky RaeAnna Jenks Carly Kiran Jordan Krajci Katelin Krenzke Michael Kukurugya Adam Kutemeier Daniel Kvachkoff Zachary Langbartels Carl Lin Adriana Lugosan Jonathon Maginot Brooke Malone

Matthew Marciniec Leah Markowitz Michael Martin Kayla McKinnon Casey Mihal Whitney Mitchell Marlea Nelson Josh Obszanski Taylor Passine Hannah Raspopovich Robert Risteski Kyle Rodd Lexis Rolff Marisa Rutherford Sophia Sanders Colton Saroff Hannah Schuster Haajar Shaaban Morgan Shawtell

Kelsey Shoemaker Abigael Small Daniel Smith Dejan Stefanovic Taylor Stevens Elizabeth Stratton Jacob Suson Elizabeth Szafaraczyk Ethan Traina Amanda Trent William Van Cleef III Alison Vinovich Megan Wadkins Christina Wheeler Cody Williams Nina Zdanowicz Melanie Zdanowicz Katrina Zdanowicz Morgen Zimmer

4

Opinion

April 29, 2011

Inklings

Government prioritizing should put U.S. first

Inklings is a student publication distributed to students, faculty, and staff of Crown Point High School. It is published monthly by the newspaper and advanced journalism students. Opinions expressed in Inklings do not reflect those of the CPHS faculty, staff, or the administration.

Inklings welcomes and encourages signed lettersto-the-editor. Letters may be edited for space or clarity. Letters must be signed and turned in to room E107 one week prior to publication and must not contain personal attacks. Letters may also be sent via e-mail.

Not all letters may be printed. Such decisions are the sole discretion of the Inklings editors and staff.

Advertising is subject to the applicable rate, copies of which are available from Inklings advertising department or by contacting 663-4885 ext. 11349.

Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Association Hoosier Star, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup publication.

Inklings may be contacted at 1500 S. Main, Crown Point, IN, 46307; 219-663-4885 ext. 11349; fax 219-662-5663; or inklings@ cps.k12.in.us.

Editors Lauren Cain editor-in-chief Haajar Shaaban executive editor Kelly Rostin managing editor Garret Hogan copy editor Arley Gomez news editor Abby Elston feature editor Kelsey Lennon entertainment editor Kayla Martisek opinion editor Milan Savich sports editor Frank Strino Samuel Beishuizen Alex McLean sports assistants Dani McCuan graphics editor Alyssa Blahunka advertising editor Sam Wright advertising assistant Joe Nejman Donnella Casillas Mary-Katherine Lemon chief photographers Ashley Downing photographer Staff Lacey Valois Katrina Zdanowicz Melanie Zdanowicz Alexa Grady RaeAnna Morgan Megan Walker Jordan Irons Mona Nour Adviser Julie Elston

By Lauren Cain editor-in-chief

V

iew:

Due to Crown Point schools’ pressing financial crisis, it is imperative that citizens vote “yes” for the upcoming referendum.

editorial

Cartoon by Mona Nour For most elections, it is common to hear excuses from unregistered voters and from those who are registered but too lazy to make it to the polls. These excuses have no place in the May primary, for the ballot holds much weight for the future of our community. This ballot holds in it the fate of our schools.

The referendum tax levy is an addition to this spring’s primary ballot. Voters can choose to increase their property taxes by 21 cents per $100 of assessed home value. All money will go to the Crown Point Community School Corporation, which is currently suffering from a $5 million deficit caused by the school funding formula. If the majority of voters decide to vote yes, no teachers will be lost for next year. Class sizes will remain approximately the same size that they currently are. The Crown Point schools can continue to succeed in the manner that they are used to and have demonstrated.

The risks of the referendum not passing are what people need to hear about. Over 30 teachers will be cut across the corporation.

Because of this, class sizes will soar. CPHS classrooms were built to hold only 28 students; if any more students are added to the already large class sizes, there is risk of being a fire hazard.

Co- and extracurricular activities are in danger of being cut if the corporation does not receive this alternate source of income; Crown Point High School’s state ranked wrestling team, high scoring orchestra, and this nationally recognized newspaper are all in immediate danger. It is a proven fact that students who are involved in activities such as the aforementioned have a higher GPA. If these activities are no longer offered to students, they are the ones truly being harmed. That is what the whole referendum boils down to: the effect on students.

Students cannot learn at the caliber that they are accustomed to without a teacher in the classroom or in a classroom with a 1:40 teacher to student ratio. They will be put at a disadvantage when it comes to college applications when their list of extracurricular activities is cut short. Students will no longer be given an opportunity to find their voice or what they are instinctively good at through Crown Point’s programs.

When contemplating going to the polls, let the students be the motivation to get up and vote. When contemplating voting yes or no, let the students be the motivation to vote yes. It is their future in your hands when handed that ballot.

Everyone in the country has, at some point, been touched by the economic problems in America. Whether it is an owner of a small business, or a teacher in the school corporation, the recession and budget cuts alike have been harming, and will continue to harm, America. With our own economic problems within the country, it seems absurd to enter a war in another country simply based off of assumptions and alleged stories.

Gaddafi, the leader of Libya, is suppressing his people and allegedly killing innocent civilians. The fact that he is putting citizens in danger was one of the leading factors in the U.S. entering into war with them. However, this is not necessarily a fact; it is still just an allegation. The United States has still not received compelling evidence of these atrocities; at least, not compelling enough to start a war over.

The problems in Libya have no holding over America’s well-being.

Gaddafi is not an immediate threat to our country; he actually cooperated with America in counterterrorism efforts within the last two decades. If we are receiving no true benefits from this war, why should our country support Obama in this endeavor? There are enough problems within our country that can be fixed prior to fixing another country’s problems.

When there are so many economic crises going on within our country, it is illogical to put money into a war on a country that is not a threat to us. The money currently going toward military troops in Libya could, and should, be going toward the citizens and businesses struggling in America (the education system, perhaps?).

The priorities of the United States government need to be reorganized.

However selfish it may seem, America should come first. Once our country’s problems are all fixed, then entering another war can be an option. To enter a third war (all being fought concurrently) to “save” another country is just fighting for the sake of martyrdom. Is that really what America is about?

heard in the

halls

Referendum “My favorite teachers are the ones that are young, and they’d be the first to go.” freshman Kathy Cacovski

Coupon Crazy “I belong to groupon.com and they send me coupons through the mail.”

Business teacher Mary Bachnak

Promarauma “I think most of the prom drama comes from people that don’t like the group they’re in.” senior Kyle Spisak

Opinion

April 29, 2011

5

Teachers vital to student life successes

By Kelly Rostin managing editor

I

Cartoon By Dani McCuan

Should Crown Point embrace public transport?

By Kayla Martisek opinion editor

Throughout its history, Crown Point has always been considered somewhat of a small town.

Skyscrapers have never reached its skies and the stench of diesel fuel has never been prominent (besides the occasional delivery truck driving through).

Meanwhile, when one travels to Chicago, the city seems to feel overpopulated. The odor from a passing Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus induces brief coughing fits in many people.

Illinois’ public transportation system is also expensive. The “Seniors Ride Free” program was recently overhauled to end free rides for nonlow income seniors because the debt-ridden state government could not afford it.

Additions to the South Shore rail line, Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) bus system, or even new transit systems would overburden Indiana’s already extremely tight budget. In 2009, the total cost of the GPTC was $8.7 million. Extensions to the South Shore would cost an estimated $900 million.

If Indiana cannot find money to fund public schools and other government programs, where will money for the near-billion dollar “improvements” come from?

Extending the South Shore rail line would also have an impact on the environment of the entire northwest Indiana area. New railroad tracks and stations would destroy and disrupt the beautiful, natural wooded areas and lush green fields not only in Crown Point, but all over the Region.

Public transportation is not a good fit for the close-knit, small-town feel that Crown Point maintains. The only public transportation Crown Point needs is Molley the Trolley.

Junior

Freshman

speak up Is the school property tax referendum worth voting for?

The once little town of Crown Point has been rapidly evolving in recent years.

As cities become more populated, are public transport systems the next step in keeping up with the needs of its citizens?

By Lacey Valois staff reporter

Sophomore

With the declining economy and rising cost of living, some wonder why Crown Point does not have a public transport system. The city has the ability to operate them and the resources to create them. Yet no one puts forth the effort to start one.

In reality, a public transportation system could greatly benefit Crown Point. It would provide students with a reliable way to get from place to place and lessen the burden on their wallets. Public transportation would also take the strain off of parents who constantly have to drive their kids.

Many students cannot drive, and therefore must rely on their parents to take them where they want to go. If a parent has work or must be somewhere else, the student is helpless. With a public transportation system, they would only have to find out where the nearest route was and pay a small fare to reach their destination. Students would appreciate this freedom.

Rising gas prices are forcing students and adults to stop driving their vehicles to avoid extreme spending. If Crown Point had a public bus, they would no longer pay almost $5 a gallon for gas, but less than half that for bus fare.

Declining employment rates mean more people are searching for jobs. If an adult quits a lesser paying job in order to drive a public bus, their old job could be opened to a student. The student could work for less money when they don’t necessarily need it while the adult has a steady pay.

Although there may be a few disadvantages of having a public transportation system, the advantages greatly outweigh them. Providing a safe, reliable transportation system while preventing students from forking over precious money for gas, a public bus would benefit all.

ssue:

Public trans hinders small town feel, taxpayers’ wallets

Senior

Public transport convenient and thrifty for students

Greg Moll

Martin Mitreski

“Yes, because if you don’t vote, young and exciting teachers will get fired.”

“Yes, it will help the schools out.”

Teaching, in its simplest purpose, is meant to mold young minds, and to help young adults find their purpose and voice in society. Quite frankly, schools and students would not be able to function without the teachers that they hire, especially the teachers who inspire students every day with their immense knowledge in their specific fields of study.

Lately, it seems that this profession of educating, as vital as it is to life’s successes, is overlooked in its purpose and disrespected.

As students who are going (or plan on going) to college, we too often forget that we would most likely be going nowhere with our lives if it weren’t for the teachers that have touched our primary educational lives.

As many other students can concur (even those who are too embarrassed to admit it), experiences that I have had through CP schools have shaped who I am as a person.

Whether good or bad, each unique learning experience that we are able to experience here helps us to grow as individual learners. As students, our futures are opened up to multiple opportunities because we are lucky enough to be educated in an award winning school system.

But it won’t stay that great if we stop supporting our teachers and schools.

It’s so sad that we have come to a point in the community’s history where we are actually questioning whether or not we should support our schools, which by transitive property directly affects the student success rates. (Not to mention property and community value as well). Without good teachers and small class sizes, our schools and student success rates will take a nose dive, or at the least will cease to prosper, maybe not immediately, but no doubt in the long run.

The community and students alike need to realize the true immense impact that our teachers have on our students.

We really do have great teachers and schools that make our education worthwhile. Students and parents should remember to thank the teachers who are truly good at what they do: setting the foundation for student’s futures.

Jacqueline Basaldua “Yes, because it helps teachers keep their jobs.”

Emily Dick “No, because there is never going to be enough money for this kind of (budget) problem.”

Creating

6

Photos By Mary-Katherine Lemon

Senior Julianne Arnold, a student in Karen Topp’s Graphic Imaging II class, prepares a screen for t-shirts that she and other students in the class are screenprinting for ICE.

I on

life

Ask Laugh Explore Wonder Inspire

April 29, 2011

Promoting

A clip promoting the referendum was shown Tuesday night during the Advanced Band and Symphony Orchestra concert.

Finding a positive role model

Teenagers try to discover good role models in the modern world

by the

numbers

Relatives are role models to

37% of teens

11%

of teens say coaches are their role models.

4.2 million

young people were helped through a Boys & Girls Club

Photo Illustration By Mary- Katherine Lemon

By Kelsey Lennon entertainment editor When stars such as Charlie Sheen take the headlines showcasing wild partying and late nights, it leaves some to wonder what kind of role models are left in the world today.

While the people with exciting stories of risky behavior are the ones who are most often talked about, teenagers especially need someone to look up to who sets a good example.

“Role models are important because, as long as they are a good person, it gives a good looking glass to the future,” said math teacher Sarah Liszka.

Liszka understands the importance of role models from being a CASS Cadet sponsor.

CASS Cadets (Creating a Safer School) visit the sixth graders at the middle schools to teach them about the dangers of bullying and give them an effective role model to look up to.

“If someone has a role model, they are more likely to make the same choices and follow in their footsteps. This makes big decisions such as college or what to major in a lot easier by knowing how that person works in daily life,” Liszka said.

Junior Rebecca Vajda said

her mother is her role model because of the things she handles in daily life.

“She takes everything with a positive attitude.

She loves laughing and can take a joke which is a we s o m e .

Basically s h e ’ s a l w a y s happy,” she said.

Vajda also admires how her mom is committed to work, yet still has time for the family.

“She balances life well and I want to have that ability when I grow up,” she said.

Vajda says the main reason her mother is her role model is because of the trust they share with each other.

“Trust is the most important part of our relationship. I can talk to her about anything and she trusts me too, which helps,” she said.

Liszka also has an opinion on what makes a good role model.

“That person should be strong in whatever they believe in, have

conviction, be honest, and most importantly, always be completely true to who they are,” she said.

Liszka also added that sometimes, people are chosen as role models for the wrong reasons.

“Teenagers absolutely look up to certain figures for the wrong reasons. If someone wants to be an actress, they’ll look up to someone just because they are famous, not because of their choices,” she said.

“It’s the same situations for siblings too. A younger sibling will say they want to be like their older brother or sister, but if the older one is making bad decisions, the younger won’t know the difference and want to do the same,” Liszka said.

Theater teacher Kit Degenhart agrees with Liszka.

“Kids want to idolize someone who walks the walk and talks the talk. That’s fine as long as that person realizes the responsibility of being a role model,” he said.

Degenhart said his father is his role model.

“My dad taught me to work hard for what I want, and that made a huge difference in my life,” he said.

He said his father gave him

the drive to accomplish the big goals in his life and noted actions speak louder than words when it comes to role models. Degenhart said that’s an important thing to keep in mind when choosing someone to look up to.

Role models can sometimes be a famous person, instead of just a parent, sibling, or friend.

“Andy Samberg is my role model because he makes movies and music in a way that’s honest and real, but still entertaining.

That’s exactly what I want to do,” said senior Danny Fallon.

Fallon believes Samberg is a good role model because he is successful in his career but remembers what’s important.

Also, Fallon said he likes how Samberg stays out of the media and hasn’t caused a scandal.

“He remains a kid at heart and always strives to connect with younger audiences, and I think that makes him a good person for anyone to look up too,” he said.

When choosing a role model, it’s important to keep the prior information in mind, and also remember to choose a person that benefits oneself.

“Teenagers should have role models because having someone to admire will help you learn to be an admirable person yourself,” said Fallon.

9%

Of teenagers say a friend is their role model.

Percentage of teen who say actors and musicians are their role models:

6%

one tenth of teens say sports heroes are their role models.

Political leaders are role models for

4%

of teens

Facts compiled by Inklings staff

7

Feature

April 29, 2011

Students benefit from healthy parent relationships Which of the three parenting style descriptions below fit you and your family the best?

Start: “Hey, can I please go to the movies? It does not let out until 11 p.m.”

“No”

“Do you think I could drive myself and some friends?”

“Yes”

“Yes”

“Can I have a couple extra bucks for food and candy?”

“No”

“Yes”

“Then could I spend the night at Sally’s? We could go to the movies tomorrow.”

“No”

“Yes”

“Can I skip out on chores so I can hang out with Sally?”

“Yes”

“No”

Authoritarian

Authoritative

Permissive

Your parents are commonly labeled as “the strict parents.”

They expect you to follow all their rules. When rules aren’t followed, expect to be punished.

Your parents are more lenient than the authoritarian parent, but they still set rules that they expect to be followed. They are more forgiving and tend to be assertive and supportive.

Your parents are the most lenient type. They have very few rules and are considered more of a friend than a bossy figure. This parent is very trusting of their kids.

“No”

Graphic by Ashley Downing

By Haajar Shaaban executive editor Often phrases such as “like father, like son” or “like mother, like daughter” are coined to compare kids to their parents. It’s been speculated that kids not only inherit physical traits from their parents, but they also tend to develop habits in accordance to how their parents raised them.

“I do see that parenting styles impact children and their peer relationships,” school psychologist Kathryn Huls said.

Many factors can affect parenting styles. Culture, family size, socioeconomic status, and religion can all influence the way a parent raises their kids. In the 1960’s, psychologist Diana Baumrind proposed three types of parenting: authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive.

These three styles are still viewed as the standard today.

Authoritarian parenting is a style where kids are expected to follow every rule set by the parents. When the rules aren’t followed, the child is punished.

“I don’t have a really brotherly type of relationship with my dad. He’s my father and I’m not to cross him,” junior Jon Maginot said. “However, my parents trust me and let me have a social life.”

Kids with authoritarian parents grow up very

compliant and skilled. However, they also might have a lower self esteem.

“A student raised in an authoritarian household may be bossy or demanding in his/her relationships, imitating what they’ve seen (in their parents),” Huls said.

Authoritative parents also set rules that they expect their kids to follow, but they are more democratic than authoritarian parents. These parents are more forgiving when kids make mistakes and have a tendency to be assertive and supportive.

“My dad is like my boss because he’s always giving me advice and trying to help me improve myself so that I can do well in my future and colleg­­­­­­­­­­­­e,” junior Deborah Maxwell said.

Kids raised with the authoritative style usually end up successful. They work well with others and are good at solving problems.

The third type of parenting is permissive parenting.

These types of parents have few rules and are considered more of a friend than a parent to the kid. This parent is typically fairly lenient.

Kids with permissive parents generally have problems with authority. Since they didn’t have strict rules to follow at home, they have trouble following rules in the outside world. These kids also have problems with their peers.

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“Those from highly permissive or uninvolved parents are likely to have more difficulty establishing and keeping friendships; they may seem emotionally needy or detatched,” Huls said.

Students might also have a mix of these styles in their parents. For example, the mother might use authoritarian parenting and the father may be more permissive. This results in a unique type of parenting for each family.

“My mom is kind of disorganized, but my dad is really strict. The two contrasting forces taught me to adapt and get along with different people,” Maxwell said. “With my dad, I act more diplomatic. With Mom, I’m more patient and understanding,” Maxwell said.

How strong a child’s relationship is with their parents can affect the child’s behavior. According to the Council of Economic Advisors, teens that are not close with their parents are more likely to take part in such activities as smoking, drinking, and drug use.

“Kids may try to use drugs and substance abuse if they are not getting enough attention, or to try and make themselves feel better,” Family and Consumer Science teacher Leslie Bonner said.

Ultimately, many kids acquire not only physical traits, but also personality traits and behavioral habits from their parents.

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8

Feature

April 29, 2011

From snow to sunshine

Students shift priorities and hang out spots as the season changes

Ice cream, tanning, lighter clothing, less motivation in school, and more anticipation for summer; spring is in the air. Now that students are falling into the swing of spring, it’s time to notice all the changes from places students hang out and eat to what they wear and sports they play. By Megan Walker/staff reporter

Winter

Spring

Deep River Ice Skating

Deep River Water Park

For those who could handle the low temps this past winter, ice skating at Deep River Water Park was a place for many students to hang out.

“During the winter I went ice skating at Deep River with my friends. It was a good distraction from the cold,” said freshman Evan Markowitz.

Now that the ice has melted, Deep River has even more to do. The water park opens Memorial Day weekend, May 27, and will be open through the summer.

“I’m excited that the water park is opening because me and my mom go in the lazy river and the wave pool and slides; spring is here,” said junior Natalie Lesko.

Sweatshirts and Boots

Shorts and Flip-Flops

Jeans, sweatshirts, and boots: the typical attire students bundle up in for school in the winter. With such varying temperatures from classroom to classroom, the students will do what they can to stay warm. The North Face, Ugg, and Columbia are among the most popular names in winter, along with the stores in the mall that carry hoodies.

“I never forgot my warm Hollister hoodie during the winter. Oakley hoodies are great when it’s cold too,” junior Matt Netluch said.

No matter the season, the school always seems colder in those select rooms. However, that doesn’t stop students for trading in their winter clothes for flip flops, shorts, and t-shirts. New spring trends like Old Navy flip flops, Abercrombie skirts, and Aeropostale t-shirts start filling the halls in the spring.

“In the spring, I switch out my wardrobes. I like to look at Charlotte Russe; they tend to have really cute stuff for low prices,” senior Amelia Claus said.

Hot Cocoa and Tea

Ice Cream

Clothes weren’t the only trend to stay warm during winter. Warm drinks like hot chocolate and tea were made to help make the cold weather blues a little sweeter. Students went to a variety of places from Starbucks to McDonalds.

“Whenever my sister would come home, we’d go get hot chocolate at Pappas Restaurant. It was nice to have something hot to drink after coming in from the cold,” said sophomore Kathryn Szymanski.

With spring, the blues fade away, but a student’s sweet tooth remains. Students have numerous ice cream shops ready for the season including Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Oberweis, and What’s the Scoop.

“Now that spring is here, I’m excited because I get to start eating birthday cake remixes from Cold Stone Creamery,” said junior Amy Adams.

Winter Sports

Spring Sports

Though it may be hard for spring-lovers, winter was welcomed by those involved in winter-season sports, which include swimming/diving, basketball, hockey, wrestling, and gymnastics.

“Even though it is frigid in the winter, I am still committed to dive because the adrenaline gets me up in the morning,” said senior Tyler Croell.

Spring-season sports are now picking up their pace.

Students play a variety of sports when the weather starts to get warm, such as baseball, track, golf, tennis, and lacrosse.

“I look forward to spring all year because it is track season. So far, this spring is going great,” said sophomore Daniel Walters.

Feature

April 29, 2011

Mothers earn more than flowers

9

The popular worldwide holiday honors deserving mothers

By Alexa Grady staff reporter

Graphic By Mary-Katherine Lemon

“Mom, can you please come pick me up from school? I don’t feel good.” Every day, mothers around the world tend to their kids’ every need, at their very call.

However, there is one day that is set aside to honor the mothers that make caring for their children their number one priority. This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday May 8; students are making sure not to overlook the opportunity to make their mothers feel special.

“I’m going to buy my mom a heart shaped necklace that has ‘mom’ engraved on it,” said sophomore Madeline Kurgan.

Mother’s Day is one day out of the year that gives children the chance to show their mothers how much they appreciate them, either by showering them with gifts or simply by continuing a tradition.

“Every year, my husband takes me to brunch and then golfing,” said attendance secretary Zorine Pusara. “I love golfing, but I never get to go, so it’s fun when he takes me for the day.”

Between running to the store and picking kids up from after school activities, mothers never seem to fail.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity for kids to be creative and show their affection towards their mothers.

“Usually, we take my mom to church in the morning, and then we go to dinner wherever she wants to go,” said senior Michael Albrecht. “At dinner we give her the gifts that my siblings and I got her.”

The littlest things make a world of difference for a busy mom.

“I cook on Mother’s Day, but I don’t clean or do the dishes,” said assistant principals’ secretary Melissa Wermers.

However, for some, Mother’s Day is a huge holiday within their family. Take sophomore Lauren Murphy for example.

“Mother’s Day has been an important

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holiday for my family,” Murphy said.

Her family does a number of things together to celebrate the holiday.

“Everything we do on that day is with my whole family,” Murphy said. “We first go to church and then come back to my grandma’s with all my cousins and have a big dinner.

After dinner, we all sit down and play dominos together.”

Despite the happiness it brings to moms, Mother’s Day was not always celebrated in America. After the colonists arrived in the United States, they eliminated Mother’s Day because of the lack of time they had to celebrate.

Anna M. Jarvis, a schoolteacher in Philadelphia, would not settle to the fact that there would be no special day to honor mothers.

After her mother passed away, she continued with the goal of having Mother’s Day back on the calendar.

In 1914, she finally accomplished that goal, when President Woodrow Wilson approved the holiday nationally.

Now, all over the world people honor their mother on this special day. In India, citizens celebrate Mother’s Day for 10 days in October with a festival called Durga Puja. It is recognized as a major holiday in this country and includes food, dancing, and sending gifts to loved ones, especially mothers.

On the other end of the spectrum, in Yugoslavia, children sneak into their mothers’ room and tie her to the bed. In order to be let go, she has to promise them that she has gotten them gifts.

Whether it’s throwing your mother a 10 day celebration or making a homemade card, mothers are bound to feel special no matter what. It does not matter where you are in the world, mothers’ will always be important, which is an essential thing to remember.

“Mother’s Day is an important holiday because mothers have to put up with all of their kids’ nonsense and need a day just to let go and relax,” said Kurgan.

Motherly love has a whole new meaning when one wants to do something with your friends or want to go somewhere. Mother’s Day gives children the chance to thank their mom for all the car rides and packed lunches and for that reason, it will always be one step up from a Hallmark holiday.

Feature

10

April 29, 2011

Prom horror stories make a night not to remember Teachers and students share their stories of high school’s most memorable night gone awry

By Katrina Zdanowicz staff reporter

Prom has been dubbed ‘A Night to Remember’ by generation after generation of anxious and excited teenagers, and rightly so. Ripping a dress while stepping out of limo is definitely bound to be memorable.

And when a date shows up an hour late, it is forever etched into one’s mind. And a person doesn’t usually

forget the night his girlfriend discovered a previously unknown peanut allergy and her head swelled up like a balloon.

Prom trauma, nicknamed “promarauma,” seems to happen to even the most well-intentioned and responsible individuals, creating a perfect storm of awful timing and horribly embarrassing circumstances.

Sure, parents and teachers can look back on their tragic nights with a laugh, but students are still stuck

in the here and now of prom drama.

Yet, as is usually the case, it’s funnier when it’s happening to someone else. So here’s some comedic relief amidst the stress of finding that red carpetworthy dress and ordering the most macho boutonniere.

Laugh and keep in mind prom should be an enjoyable night for everyone. Cut out the drama and try to make a night that is truly worth remembering.

Work it Out

Breaking up is hard to do

“I was planning on doing ‘burpies’ (a strenuous exercise) at prom. When I started cranking them out, my date just kind of stood there. She didn’t know what to do. People watched and laughed, but I didn’t care. It was really funny.

Coach (Mark) Garrett thought it was weird how I’d do them at prom but not in his (Personal Fitness) class.”

“Before prom, everything had been really carefully planned. I had my dress. I made my hair appointment. Everything was set.

Unfortunately, the guy I was dating and I broke up a week before prom. I didn’t want to waste all the money I had paid so I still went with him.

The dance was really awkward and looking back, I should have just not gone.”

J.T. Rotroff

Evie Turner

senior

senior

Manning Up

Nice guys come in second “One time a girl rejected me because she was the back-up date for another guy. She wasn’t even his first choice and she still said no to me. She actually had the nerve to say she’d be my date if the other guy ended up not needing her.”

“I planned to ask my date to prom by loading her locker with wiffle balls. I was going to leave her a note that said, ‘Sorry I didn’t have the (guts) to ask you in person, but will you go to prom with me?’ Unfortunately for me, she found out about my awesome plan before I could do it. So I bought thirty wiffle balls and got a lot of weird looks from the people at WalMart for nothing. I learned that the traditional route of flowers is usually the way to go.”

Vince Bauters english teacher

No right to party “My 1980 prom was held at a venue called Lynwood. Besides my school’s prom, the building was hosting an event for another party.

The other group called and complained about all of the noise we were making, and every single student was kicked out. Prom actually ended early. There was no more dancing, no more music, nothing.”

Melissa Wermers secretary

Evan Wilson

Photo Provided Administrative assistant Christal Hernandez poses with her prom date in a photo from 1988.

senior

Tearing it up "Back in the day, we gave awards at prom for things like Prettiest Smile. As one girl was on her way to deliver an award to another student, her date stepped on the train of her dress…and the entire back ripped off. It was pretty funny seeing Miss Prim and Proper with her underwear hanging out.”

Stop, Drop, Retie “At prom last year, my date was having a wardrobe malfunction while we were dancing. Her dress kept coming untied and falling down so our friend had to pull her aside and keep retying it.”

Christal Hernandez

administrative assistant

Jordan McRae senior

Prom drama causes a stir amongst students

By Melanie Zdanowicz staff reporter The perfect dress, the handsome tux, fragrant flowers, pulsating music and dancing; these are but a few of the glowing aspects that make prom such a memorable night. However, drama finds a way of rearing its ugly head into even the dreamiest of events, and prom is no exception.

Prom drama, affectionately dubbed by the students of CPHS as “proma,” has begun to sour some students’ prom experience even before the dance has begun. So what’s a prom-pining teen to do when “proma” is threatening to turn their night upside down? Because let’s face it, no one wants to remember their prom night as one coated in petty teenage drama.

Drama is an understandable and normal part of prom prepping, as most students find that personalities clash when everyone has their own idea of how they’d like to spend the special night. One person may think that spending $45 a couple for a

stretch limousine is absurd, while another person in their group may want to go “all out” and see no problem in spending some extra cash.

“People have conflicts because everyone wants to do something different.

Prom is expensive, and each person has their own idea of what will make it perfect,” said junior Lauren McCarroll.

It seems as though all students envision their perfect prom night differently, so are all students bound to encounter some sort of “proma”? This is a fate many students wish to avoid, thus leading them to ditch the prom “shebang” entirely.

“I decided to go to Chicago with my buddies instead of doing the whole prom thing. I won’t have to deal with drama, and I still get to go to Maggiano’s (restaurant),” said junior Peter Parks.

Yet, what about the students who still want to attend prom but not carry the load of drama that often accompanies it? For those students, their fellow peers and staff members have a few words of wisdom to offer.

“Stay positive and chill. Everything happens for a reason, and communicating with your friends will help avoid conflicts,” said McCarroll.

“Keep your groups downsized, maybe just you and your date and one other couple. I’d prefer a more intimate evening with my closest friends,” said Dean of Students Russ Marcinek.

“Pick people you know are going to be compatible with you. Make sure they won’t drink or do anything stupid. Most of all, make sure you’re all going to have a good time together,” said senior Mackenzie Morris.

Prom will surely be a night that most students remember for the rest of their lives. Yet it’s how beautiful and handsome your date looked that night, how hundreds of pictures nearly created a permanent smile on your face, or how you felt dancing to that special slow song with an even more special someone that students will want to remember. Not how best friends nearly ripped each other heads off squabbling over the “day after” prom plans.

Tips to avoid “Proma” Go to the dance with a good friend to avoid controversy.

Listen to the ideas of others in your group and be open to suggestions.

Make sure you recognize that Prom is give and take.

You may have to sacrifice some things to get the things that you want.

April 29, 2011

Television shows go to new heights to gain ratings

Arts & Entertainment

Taking coupon clipping to the extreme Teachers and students share their stories using coupons to save a quick buck

By Dani McCuan graphics editor

By Kayla Martisek/ Abby Elston opinion editor and feature editor

Large audiences across America are known to crowd around their televisions in order to watch their favorite shows. The producers who work for TV networks such as MTV and Fox take special care to ensure that television programs have the most creative plot lines. In the world of TV, ratings are everything; networks will use any flashy gimmick in order to boost the number of people who watch their shows. However, there have been a number of television programs in TV history that have taken “expect the unexpected” to an unnecessary, and oftentimes absurd, level.

Take the popular television medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” for example. As the program’s seventh season drew to a close, the producers of the show thought it would be an extraordinary idea to borrow a page from the popular music-based “Glee”’s book; thus, an episode with a Broadway musical style format was released. Although the special received the highest ratings in the history of “Grey’s Anatomy,” many fans of the show were cynical; incorporating the lighthearted element of song into a usually serious plot line, which depicts grim topics such as illness and death, was found to be a ludicrous plot device.

Reality television is also a victim of outrageous gimmicks. The MTV reality series “The Hills” is guilty of this crime. The first few seasons were a true display of everyday lives; however, as the series drew more fame, the producers decided that the best way to preserve the series’ ground-breaking status was to begin a process called scripting; later episodes would become notorious due to the creators of the show telling Audrina Patridge and Brody Jenner exactly how they were supposed to walk into a bar, as if they were actors.

When economic times get tough, the tough get going—this is what the “extreme couponers” do. TLC’s new show, “Extreme Couponing,” is all about super couponers—those who save large sums of money by saving and using various types of coupons.

Joyce, who was featured on “Extreme Couponing,” had a grocery bill of $230.38. After her coupons and shopper’s card discount were added to the bill, the total she had to pay was $6.92.

Nathan, who was also on the show, has a full two-car garage. However, instead of filling it with, well, two cars, it’s filled with shelves of deodorant, both women’s and men’s, salad dressing, hand soap, and other random items in excess.

Though coupons are useful, too much of anything is never a good thing.

“They’re good to an extent, but you do have to read the fine print. For instance, a coupon will say $1.50 off Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but you have to buy three boxes before you get the $1.50 off. Are you really saving? Can two people (Berchem and her husband) eat three boxes without them spoiling?” said French teacher Amy Berchem. “Or it might say free loaf of bread, then you get totally psyched; however, you must buy a gallon of milk to get the free bread, but if I already have another gallon of milk at home, I don’t need another.”

Shoppers who use coupons and constantly search for deals may not be aware of mis-

It is understandable for a television network to have the desire to create viewing material that is both compelling and thought provoking, but at the same time, some lines are not meant to be crossed in TV land.

Photo by Ashley Downing Sophomore Danielle Espinoza with her coupons.

Espinoza uses them almost every time she goes shopping.

leading price tags.

“Say there was 10 cans of green beans for $10, but they can buy one can and get the same deal,” said Berchem.

Stores also realize that people love to use coupons, so they have developed gimmicks used to lure customers to buy more things.

“Last year, Strack and Van Til’s was doing

this market gimmick where they’d send coupons to the house, and it’d say, ‘For the week of April 11, you get a free 2 liter bottle of Coke’ or ‘a free loaf of bread’ in hopes that you’d stay in the store and buy something else,” Berchem says. “But those coupons would say free loaf of bread if you buy $10 or more, so you have to buy something worth $10 so you can get your loaf of bread.”

Sophomore Danielle Espinoza is a dedicated couponer.

“I use coupons most every time I go shopping,” she said. “I mainly use them when I go grocery shopping. Sometimes I use them for clothes shopping.”

Couponing is not just a habit; it can also make people feel good about themselves.

“When I go shopping and use coupons, I feel better about spending money because I got a good deal on whatever I’m buying,” Espinoza said.

In the past, coupons were only available in magazines, newspapers, or in some sort of paper format. Nowadays, however, coupons are offered online and via texts.

“I get texts for Clinique; I am an avid shopper at Clinique. I like all their products. I get texts for their upcoming sales. Sometimes if you spend a certain amount of money, you get a free gift,” Espinoza said.

Though the shopper may save a large amount of money, some couponers argue that this may be a little drastic.

“I have a life and it doesn’t revolve around coupons. I think it’s ridiculous,” said Berchem.

Station 21 has many promising qualities

New fire department themed restaurant offers a great menu at a great price

By Katrina Zdanowicz staff reporter Station 21, one of the newest hotspots on Crown Point’s restaurant scene, is an eatery that has remained somewhat shrouded in mystery for many students. The Conservative Café had become a well-beloved landmark with tasty options, and the restaurant that now resides in the building may have posed an unanswered question of what it had to offer.

True, Station 21 has a reputation for its classy upstairs bar (which is, of course, to be occupied by the 21-and-older crowd). However, after careful scientific evaluation, AKA dinner and dessert, it has been proven that the new restaurant is extremely family friendly and more than welcoming to student business.

Upon entering the two story restaurant, customers will be impressed by both the firehouse vibe and the homey feel given by cozy booths and pleasant service. The five months of renovation that one of the owners and CPHS alumnus David Warne described has created an enjoyable atmosphere. The bar is located up a set of stairs, but students shouldn’t be intimidated; there is seating for the younger crew up there as well.

After being led to a table, possibly by one of Crown Point High School’s finest, such as a very chipper Alex Richardson, students will see that the menu has a variety of hearty food to offer. The sandwich options are surprisingly diverse, and they won’t even come close to breaking the bank. Perhaps their most enticing feature is that, despite being dubbed as sandwiches, they satisfy like an entrée. The $8 Carolina Pulled Pork sandwich is a perfect testament to this. Other scrumptious dishes include the fish and chips, mac n’ cheese, and pot roast, all with a satisfyingly American preparation. Fun fact about the

menu: the front is covered in overlapping pictures of athletes who bear the number 21. Students will even find some of their Crown Point varsity peers adorning the page.

Dinner is bound to tickle the taste buds, but eventually it will be time to move on to more important matters-like when Heather the Waitress swings by with the dessert menu. The chocolate brownie sounds yummy enough on paper, but there are no suitable words to describe the level of chocolaty deliciousness that it beholds. In fair warning, this dessert is not intended for faint-hearted chocolate lovers. Topped with a warm mountain of molten chocolate chips and a refreshing scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, prepare to be dazzled… and to share.

The story behind the name of the restaurant?

“Station” stemmed from one of the owners being a fireman, thus the firehouse theme. The number 21 runs in the family, having been a lucky digit for the numerous athletes in their family tree.

Here’s hoping that it will bring them just as much fortune in their new business venture. Station 21 is open from 11am-11pm on Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 11am-1am on Friday through Saturday.

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Buffalo Wild Wings

11

Buffalo Wild Wings, or more commonly known as “B-Dubs,” has been a popular place for people of all ages to eat delicious wings and be entertained by their favorite sports teams. The sport themed restaurant is always busy with families, groups of students, and anyone looking to watch a game on a big screen. It’s not only a great place to watch a final game, but it also offers a variety of food. Even though “wings” is in its name, that’s not all it serves.

Delicious wraps and salads can be ordered along with their favored boneless or regular wings.

favorite things Reese’s Candy Bar

Reese’s company has been forever famous for their popular peanut butter cup treat. However now a new treat has come to the shopping lines as Reese’s just released their new chocolate bar. Similar to the original peanut butter cups, the candy bar has rich peanut butter surrounded by decadent chocolate forming small squares for multiple people to enjoy.

Gladiator Sandals With the emergence of spring fashion, students’ toes and feet are wishing to be let free of the restraining winter boots. Gladiator sandals have become increasingly popular throughout the past few years and have not lost their touch. With the continual appearances of many different styles and colors, there is a pair of gladiator sandals for everyone to wear, even boys.

The strappy style and unique design make them as easy to wear as they are to look at. Gladiator sandals can be found in stores in the mall such as Charlotte Russe or at Target for as little as $20 a pair.

12

Arts & Entertainment

Three, two, One Acts

Seniors steal director’s chair, students take stage

Professional reality stars attain but do not earn

By Jordan Irons staff reporter

By Abby Elston/ Jordan Irons feature editor and staff reporter If students want to get a good laugh for a small cost, One Acts are a great solution.

One Acts are short, one act plays directed by seniors who are involved in theater. This year, there are six One Acts. They attract students from all groups and cliques.

Junior Cassandra Andrews said this year was her first time ever doing anything involving the theater department.

“I always wanted to be on crew, and for One Acts we get to build our own props,” said Andrews. “I went to see the One Acts freshman year and thought they were really funny, but I was kind of a chicken to try out this year,” she said.

Andrews is in the One Act entitled “An Imperfect Proposal,” and plays a protester complaining about dogs pooping in the park.

She says she isn’t nervous about performances at all.

“I fortunately only have two lines, so I won’t have to memorize much,” Andrews said.

Her motivation to be in a One Act came from her planning for the future.

“When I grow up I want to be a theater teacher, and I figured getting involved in theater as much as possible would help my experience level,” she said.

One Acts is also a fun experience for the directors as well as for the actors.

“I wanted to direct a One Act because it was my first acting experience, and I know it’s what gave me the confidence to continue acting, so I wanted to give other people that same opportunity,” said senior director Rachael Fronek.

To keep the audience interested, the

April 29, 2011

Photo By Donnella Casillas Senior directors Alex Follmar and Catherine Myers hold a rehearsal for their One Act starring seniors Nick Ladowicz, Derek Hutchinson, and Alex Kleemann.

perfect script must be found. This process is often tricky because seniors must also find a script that is around 20 minutes long.

“I narrowed it down to about five (scripts) I liked online, and I picked the comedy because I wanted my audience to have fun watching it. My One Act is about this guy taking his girlfriend to the park to propose to her, but things keep interrupting it,” Fronek said.

By directing a One Act, seniors have a chance to learn how to conduct a play on their own, or sometimes with a partner. All directing aspects of the show are left for the

senior(s) to do.

“The biggest difference between acting and directing for me is that you can’t make the decisions yourself (onstage), you have to hope they do it themselves. You want to be their friend, but you can’t,” Fronek said.

One Acts is the perfect opportunity to get onstage and learn how to act.

“I really suggest that others who are nervous about being onstage should audition for One Acts because it’s a really great experience, and we have a lot of fun,” Fronek said.

“Soul Surfer” portrays empowering true story

By Ashley Downing staff reporter As I was purchasing my ticket to see “Soul Surfer,” I had doubts that the movie would truly capture me the way Bethany Hamilton’s story did. In 2003, thirteen-yearold Hawaiian, Bethany Hamilton, was well on her way to becoming a professional surfer when a tiger shark took her left arm. Shortly after her attack, surgeries, and recovery, Hamilton was ready to get back out into the ocean and compete for the championship title she was in the running for.

The star of the movie, AnnaSophia Robb, did a phenomenal job capturing Review the true emotion that I could only imagine Hamilton felt.

Even though the movie seemed juvenile, predictable, and Disney-like at first, I could not help but feel completely engaged.

Hamilton sometimes became frustrated when she had to adjust her lifestyle. As her worries about her self-image started to form, viewers could not help but feel her pain.

What sold me the most though, was how real the movie felt. They would not let viewers forget where the story is taking place

Austin Kukulski freshman

because of the beautiful location, choice of music, and dialect. The sandy beaches, clear water, and sunny blue skies set the scene for a beautiful on-spot location where the real story took place. The Hawaiian music aided by giving it a tropical feel, and the dialect and slang used by the actors was also a major key component to making the movie feel real to the viewer.

Robb created the character of Hamilton and brought attention to the power of women. It showed that women are capable of doing anything they set their hearts and minds to.

The movie was a real tear-jerker and left myself and others in the theater without dry eyes. The reality of the story set in when people stayed to watch the ending credits.

They had added home videos of Hamilton and her family, and that little touch gave the movie authenticity. It helped the viewers connect the true and the Hollywood story together.

Overall, I believe that with my beginning premonition of “Soul Surfer” aside, the movie turned out to be one of the best I have seen in a long time. I felt truly inspired walking out of the theater.

Samantha Konicki sophomore

Pat Jansen junior

It is truly amazing what is available to watch on television these days. Reality television started way back in 1948 when the popular show, “Candid Camera,” displayed people reacting to harmless pranks.

Today, however, reality TV stars are among the highest paid celebrities of TV shows viewed.

One example of such a show is “The Hills.” The celebrities from this show grabbed their claim to fame by simply living their lives.

Due to this, they have made millions. Audrina Patridge from the show had a salary of $100,000 per episode. As if that whopping amount wasn’t enough, she has a new show airing on VH1 this April where she will continue bringing in the big bucks for merely existing and letting a camera follow her around.

If one found Patridge’s income to be unbelievable, they will find “Jersey Shore” Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s income absolutely ridiculous.

Sorrentino made $60,000 per episode and charges up to $50,000 to appear at an event.

While most would beg to get into a celebrity party or event, The Situation makes them pay him to attend. On top of all of that money, he holds endorsement deals with Vitaminwater, Reebok, and GNC and is currently writing his autobiography. How did The Situation make all of this money and gain all of this fame? By letting a camera into his Jersey Shore shared house for a summer with seven other people. There was no hard work included in gaining his fame.

Another example of a reality TV celebrity income that seems to greatly surpass believability is that of the Kardashian family from “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” which aired in 2007. While their popularity and celebrity rose, so did their income. Last year alone, the family made $65 million. Kim Kardashian charges $100,000 for her appearances to events.

In addition to all of the millions they are already taking in, members of the family have written books, made perfumes, created fashion lines, written songs, and have all kinds of endorsements.

Ashlee Stanley senior

What’s on your iPod? Scarey Monsters and Good Sprites Skrillex Walk that Walk Durrough Salute T.I.

Terrible Things Mayday Parade

Fives Guthrie Govan

A Bit of Wind Fruit Bats

Midnight Fix Asteria

4 on 6 Wes Montgomery

When I Grow Up Mayday Parade

The Only Thing You Talk About D.R.U.G.S.

Grandma’s Groove Jake Shimabukuro

Rockstar Fefe Dobson

Sports

April 29, 2011

13

Softball aims to avenge past sectional defeat

By Alex McLean asst. sports editor One home run by the LaPorte Slicers was all that separated the Crown Point softball team from claiming their sectional crown last year, but the Lady ‘Dogs aim to learn from their defeat and repeat their regular season success.

“It was tough to see our season end like that,” sophomore Siena Gyure said. “We were ranked number one and had an incredible record, but it just goes to show that we need to put our best effort out and not take anything for granted.”

Hobart came to town for the first

game of the season, which the ‘Dogs won 7-2. The team couldn’t pull through the next two games, losing to Penn and Lake Cental.

Merrillville was the next team the ‘Dogs played. Gyure shut the Pirates out, striking out five and only allowing three hits. The offense showed up big time, giving the girls an easy 10-0 win.

The momentum stayed behind them, and a nine run second inning gave the ‘Dogs a 14-1 win over Valparaiso.

The team travelled to Portage for the next game. After four innings with little offensive action, the Indians drove in five runs in the fifth and

six and claimed victory in the end, 5-1.

The girls then got a chance at revenge against the Slicers. The Lady ‘Dogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first two innings and never looked back, winning the game 4-2.

Due to rain, the game against Lake Central was cancelled and rescheduled for May 3.

The team played Munster, Merrillville, and Illiana Christian this past week but results were not available at press time.

The Lady ‘Dogs will start May off with a game at Valparaiso followed by a game against Portage in an attempt to bolster their record.

Photo by Mary-Katherine Lemon Freshman Allison Rock gets a hit in a recent game.

Lacrossing into new territory

Newly formed boys lacrosse team faces new challenges trying to make a name for itself

By Sam Beishuizen asst. sports editor Any given day after school, junior Matt Torres can be found fielding grounders, practicing his swing, and working on his defense. Torres is not on the baseball team, nor has he ever been.

Instead, he is the midfielder for the newly formed Crown Point lacrosse team.

Even in the wake of a school-wide financial crisis, the fast paced, hard hitting, East Coastdominant sport of lacrosse has made its way to Crown Point High School. The team was formed over the winter after freshman Justin Garrison, who played lacrosse in Minnesota, mentioned wanting to form a team here affiliated with the high school. News quickly spread and caught the interest of 16 other students who, at first, knew relatively little about lacrosse but were intrigued with the concept of playing another sport.

“I saw lacrosse as

another sport that I could use my football skills in,” sophomore Tyler Welker said. “I had seen it on TV a few times, but I had never played it before. I just thought it looked like a sport that was a lot of fun.”

Welker is not the only player on the team who had not played lacrosse before. Only Garrison had prior experience playing on a team, but Welker does not see the lack of team experience as an issue.

“The lack of experience does not necessarily hurt us,” Welker said. “It really allows us to learn more as a team by learning from one another’s mistakes and working to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes again.”

Learning from one another has been a theme for the lacrosse team this season, and they have had plenty of opportunities to learn from one another’s mistakes. Torres sees the lack of experience as an aid for the team.

“The lack of experience really helps us grow as a team by learning from each other,” Torres said. “I don’t see it as a negative thing at all.”

Leading the ‘Dogs this year is head coach Jason Wos. Wos got involved in the program shortly after finding out about the formation of the team. Wos was a former lacrosse player at West Point himself, and he has extensive knowledge of the game that the players have been trying to take advantage of.

“We learn a lot during practice from (Coach Wos),” Welker said.

“Him playing at West Point really helps us because he knows so much about the game that we can learn from.”

Because of lacrosse not being an official IHSSA sanctioned sport, the team finds itself with new obstacles that other ‘Dogs teams do not need to face. The squad pays for all of their equipment, rents out a field at Saurman’s Woods to practice and play on, and often has to go out of state to find opponents to play as Welker explains.

“We only get to play two other teams from Indiana,” Welker said. “Every other team we play is from Southern Illinois or the Chicago area.”

Playing those out of state teams often means long weekends filled with travelling, but Torres does not mind much. “(Playing opponents from out of state) really is not that big of a deal,” Torres said. “It is just something that we have to deal with and accept.”

Like the other sports teams at the high

Cronkhite leaves coaching after two seasons

IN

the game

Crown Point varsity girls basketball and golf coach Mike Cronkhite will be leaving the school after the 2011 academic year. Cronkhite was one of 48 teachers who were put on notice that their jobs could be in jeopardy because of budget deficits faced by the entire school system. Cronkhite will be continuing his coaching career at an undisclosed Florida high school where he will take on the position of assistant boys varsity basketball coach.

He ended his career as a Bulldog head coach at 24-19 through two seasons as a basketball coach. There are no current replacements lined up for either the girls basketball or golf head coaching jobs.

school, the lacrosse team practices every day and schedules games to test their skill against the closest teams around.

As to be expected for a newly formed team full of inexperienced players, the ‘Dogs have had a few growing pains to start out their inaugural season.

After winning in their first weekend of play, the ’Dogs have fallen to a 1-4 record on the year with six games left to play. Welker is not concerned with having a losing record in the early stages of the season.

“It does not really concern or bother us because it is almost everyone’s first season playing lacrosse,” Welker said. “We know that we are not playing this year for a championship or anything and I am fine with that. We are just trying to go out and learn.”

A championship may not be a goal for the team just yet, but Coach Wos has set a number of obtainable short term goals. “(Wos) has given us a few goals to start the year that are reasonable for us,” Welker said. “We are all just trying to go out there and have fun, learn while we play and while we practice, and have respect for the game itself.”

The team will continue to work together and try to reach the goals set by their coach throughout the second half of their 13-game season in preparation for next year. The squad will look to take advantage of the gains they make during next year’s season when they will return all 17 current players. Welker encourages students to come out and support the ‘Dogs lacrosse the rest of the year.

“Lacrosse is a fun sport to watch that is always full of action,” Welker said. “I see it as the best of football and hockey combined with lots of hitting and scoring, and that makes it so that there is never a dull point in the game.”

Fans interested in watching the lacrosse home games can travel out to Saurman’s Woods for the ’Dogs next games this Saturday afternoon.

A date in ‘Dogs history In April of 1980, senior Ken Floyd was crowned Mr. Bodybuilder of Indiana. The 5’5” 173-pound senior was only lifting for two years before winning this honor. In just two years, Floyd’s biceps grew to a 17 inch circumference. Not only did Floyd become Mr. Bodybuilder, he also had his own page in Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

S

scoreboard

Baseball CP-4 Munster-5 CP-1 Valpo-7 Portage-7 CP-1 CP-0 LaPorte-1

Softball Merrillville-0 CP-10 Valpo-1 CP-14 CP-1 Portage-5 LaPorte-2 CP-4

Boys Track CP-102 MC-30 Chesterton-68 CP-64 CP-81 Merrillville-51 CP-47 Valpo-85

Girls Track CP-37 Chesterton-95 CP-83 MC-43 CP-63 Merrillville-69 CP-55 Valpo-77

Golf CP-162 North Judson-162

14

Sports

April 29, 2011

Track teams try to outrun their competition

By Kara Biernat/Sam Beishuizen guest writer and asst. sports editor Just like any other spring sport, the boys and girls track teams are appreciating the recent warm weather. Slowly but surely, mother nature is paving the way for spring sports to commence. This means one thing for track runners: it is time for the outdoor season.

Last weekend, the boys varsity team travelled down to Brown Country to compete in the prestigious Talon Relays.

The varsity team approached the meet with a great attitude, and it showed in the results.

Senior Israel Mercado highlighted the meet by claiming first place overall in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.36 seconds.

Individual events were led by Mercado and sophomore Travis Kucic. Mercado ran for the 400 meter relay team along with an array of other events. The relay team placed second overall with a time of 44.30 seconds, .19 seconds behind first place Bishop Chatard. Mercado has credited the success in the 400 meter relay to the teams work ethic. “(Our 400 relay team) is very determined and headstrong,” Mercado said.

“We stay focused and play no games.”

Along with Mercado, the 400 relay team consists of juniors Rogerick Shannon and Logan McRae and sophomore Zach Sneiderwine. The relay team placed fourth at the meet after they finished with a time of 3.34.15. The relay team’s success in their meets has led to some lofty goals and expectations for the rest of the season.

“Our goal is to beat the school record and do the best we can during the meets,” Sneiderwine said.

The runners are constantly pushing themselves to do better and are not accepting anything less than success. At a recent meet, freshman Tristan Peterson came up one place short of earning a medal in the 300 meter hurdles. “(Not placing for a medal) does nothing but motivate me to work even harder at practices so that I can eventually get to where I want to be,” Peterson said.

“I think the meet motivated a lot of us and hopefully we’ll continue to work hard and keep getting better and better as the year goes in.”

The girls team has also been competing week in and week out as their outdoor track

Photo By Joe Nejman Junior Nick James finishes off his stint and hands off the baton to sophomore Tyler Smith during a recent boys track meet at Merrillville during the ‘Dogs 4x400 meter team relay. The ‘Dogs went on to defeat the Pirates during the meet with a final score of 81-51.

season rolls on.

The Lady ‘Dogs had a rough start to the bulk of their DAC season in a three-way meet against Valparaiso and Merrillville at Valparaiso. The ‘Dogs went down in both meets by 22 and six points, respectively. “(Losing by close margins) only gets us more pumped up to go back and face them again when it comes time for the DAC and sectional competition,” sophomore Bailey Beckham said. “We are only going to go out and try even harder to win.”

After the two DAC losses, the girls bounced back against Michigan City, winning 83-43. Senior Laicee Pierce in the 3,200 meter and junior Lauren McCarroll in the 1,600 meter both picked up wins in their races while Beckham placed second in the 400 meter.

Beckham was pleased with her results in the meet.

“It feels great to go out and perform

well in the meets,”said Beckham. “It just lets other teams know that we are Crown Point and we are here to compete and win.”

Long distance runners were tested during the 13th Annual West Lafayette Relays. A total of fourteen events were scored. As a team, the ‘Dogs placed sixth overall of a total twelve teams with a score of 32.5, 62 points behind winner, Franklin Central. DAC rival Valparaiso claimed second with a total of 66 points.

High points from the meet include a fourth place finish in the 400 meter relay and a fourth place in the 400 meter hurdles. “(The relays) were the best meet that we have had all season long,” Beckham said. “It showed us what we can really do as a team and showed us that we definitely have it in us to do well during all of our meets.”

Both Bulldog track squads look to end their regular seasons strong and head into their sectional competition with as much momentum as they can get behind them.

“We know that there are a lot of teams out there that are just as good, if not better, than us,” Beckham said. “We are going to need to step it up a lot, and we will be fine.”

The Lady ‘Dogs lost in their meet against LaPorte this past Tuesday. Along with facing the Slicers, the girls also had to play Lake Central. This meet was scheduled for an earlier date, but due to weather the meet was postponed. The girls fell short to the Lake Central Indians by five points, but not all of their key runners were present.

The girls hope to end their season strong in Portage on Tuesday in the final meet of the regular season while the boys will host the Indians on the same night at home.

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Saturday and Sunday Classes: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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Start June 13, 2011 June 20, 2011 June 27, 2011 July 5, 2011 July 11, 2011 July 18, 2011 July 25, 2011

End July 1, 2011 July 11, 2011 July 18, 2011 July 25, 2011 July 29, 2011 Aug. 5, 2011 Aug. 12, 2011

Afternoon Classes Monday – Friday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Start June 13, 2011 July 11, 2011

End July 1, 2011 July 22, 2011

Sports

April 29, 2011

A Minute With

15

‘Dogs look to recover from slow start

Baseball faces ups and downs as they try to pick up their game

By Sam Beishuizen asst. sports editor

Mil

Chicago sees playoff action

By Milan Savich sports editor Often during an intense playoff series, the players will seem very fatigued due to working hard every other night, fighting for a chance to advance to a championship.

It can be especially tiring travelling between two cities to play each game.

However, in the case of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, the United Center’s employees may be putting forth more work hours nightly than both teams combined.

After a spectacular NBA best season record of 62-20, the Bulls gained home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs. The potential season MVP Derrick Rose has been averaging 28 points per game in the Bulls recent first round series against the Indiana Pacers and has helped his team gain a 3-1 series lead, despite playing with an injured ankle.

All the same, the Blackhawks fandemonium had carried over from their 2010 Stanley Cup Championship season to this year.

A 44-29-9 record was just enough to give the Hawks an eighth seed, pitting them against the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks.

They fell behind 3-0 in the series, but fought back to tie it up, forcing a game seven in Vancouver. The game went into overtime, but the Hawks came up short, losing 2-1.

The United Center atmosphere has definitely evolved over the past few years. It has gone from both teams having poor attendance and harsh seasons every night to selling out game after game with the entire region showing support for the city, whether it be a diehard or bandwagon fan. Either way, it’s great to see the city behind their teams once again.

The baseball season is a marathon that can put wear and tear on all of the players. With over 27 games in a two month season, the team will inevitably face all of the ups and downs of a roller coaster year. The team has already found itself at the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and things are just getting started.

“It has been an eventful start to the season,” coach Steve Strayer said. “We had a great start, but then we found out we still have quite a lot of work left to do.”

The team came out strong at the beginning of the season. The ‘Dogs jumped out to an early 3-0 record with comfortable wins over Warsaw, Elkhart, and Highland high schools with a combined score of 19-8.

The ‘Dogs stretched their record to 4-0 after an extra inning win against Lowell. After being tied 4-4 early, the ‘Dogs picked up the win in the ninth in walk-off fashion. Senior Jose Andrade led the way offensively going two for five with two runs batted in. Junior Brett Bayer credited the start to remembering the fundamentals.

“We started out really well by doing all of the little things right, which made an impact,” Bayer said. “The whole team was focused and doing our jobs right.”

Photo by Vinessa Needham After entering the conference schedule the ‘Dogs bats went dormant.

Junior Joe Hopman unloads his bat in a home game against Lowell. The Having only four hits against Valparaiso in the first DAC game of the game was knotted at three after the fourth inning, but the ‘Dogs managed to year led to a 4-1 loss. Junior Nick Brun had the lone RBI. pound one in with one out in the bottom of the ninth for the win.

“We have found that our offensive game needs to improve all across the board,” Strayer said. “Our hitting, base running, and ability Nobody was able to step up offensively in the ‘Dogs loss against to get clutch hits in big situations all need to improve if we want to get LaPorte despite holding the Slicers to only one run defensively. The loss any success.” brought their DAC record to 0-3.

Lack of offense continued to be the theme and downfall against “(Starting off 0-3) does concern us, but I am not panicking over it,” Portage. The ‘Dogs were held to one run for the second consecutive Strayer said. “We want to do well in our conference and compete to win game despite having eight hits, including two from Bayer who has come games, and to do that we are going to need to fix our weaknesses.” into his own after a slow start.

Even with the slow start, Strayer holds high expectations for the “I have been really focusing and trying to work hard during club. practices,” Bayer said. “When it comes to be game time, I am just trying “We want to improve and give ourselves a chance to make a run at to step up and be a team leader.” the state tournament,” Strayer said. “We have a team that, if we improve Bayer is not heavily concerned over the team’s slow conference in our weak areas, I think that we have a chance to make a deep run in start.

“We started off well, but have slowed down the past few games,” the state tournament.”

The ‘Dogs will travel to DAC to rival Chesterton to take on the he said. “We have been working hard to fix the little things to get better, Trojans tonight at 4:30 as they look to get back on track. and I think we are starting to get back on the right track.”

Boys golf team tees up a new season

By Alex McLean asst. sports editor

Photo by Mary-Katherine Lemon Sophomore Casey Kitchen makes a putt during a cold and windy practice round at home course Youche Country Club.

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On a daily basis, weather permitting, Youche Clubhouse hosts the Crown Point golf team, who are looking to build on their trip to regionals from last year.

The ‘Dogs opened their season in a meet against North Judson and host Rensselaer. The meet ended in a tie between Crown Point and Rensselaer.

The ‘Dogs won in the tiebreaker, decided by the score of the fifth golfer. Senior Nick Grubnich was the only athlete to turn in a sub-par scorecard, shooting a 35. This gave the ‘Dogs a solid 2-0 record to build upon.

“All of our players showed up,” sophomore Matt Mudd said. “It showed how important it is that all of our players put their best effort out.”

The team next set their sights on Boone Grove. They travelled to the Lakes of the Four Seasons and easily won the meet, giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 record.

Weather has provided a considerable roadblock for the team.

Practices are often cancelled as a result, and the Crown Point Invite had to be rescheduled.

Lake Central and Portage were scheduled to come to town last Tuesday, but that meet was also cancelled because of weather.

“The weather gets in the way. It can be inconvenient, but we still try to get out and get as many swings as we can in,” Mudd said.

What makes this team stronger is the spread of talent throughout the roster.

“All of our players turn in good scores. Grubnich is going to leave big shoes to fill, but the whole team definitely has the ability to fill them.

It already proved itself valuable, and I think it’s going to help us out some more in the future,“ sophomore Pat Mudd said.

The Bulldogs opened up DAC at Chesterton yesterday, but the results of the meet were not available at press time.

Tomorrow the ‘Dogs make the trip to Kankakee Valley for an invitational including 14 other teams.

Bradshaw College Consulting College Admissions Consulting PSAT/SAT tutoring Gerald M. Bradshaw www.BradshawCollegeConsulting.com Gerald_bradshaw@post.harvard.edu 219.663.3041 Crown Point, IN Educated Advice Columnist Post-Tribune

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16

Personalities

April 29, 2011

A family campaign

Take

FIVE

Adriana Lugosan Junior

Bon Bon

Students share unique experiences of having a parent in a political race

Something interesting about me is that I work at Cinnabon at the mall, and I get to make cinnamon rolls.

CSI-nterested

Freshman Mike Keller and sophomore Kathryn Keller

By Kelsey Lennon/Ashley Downing entertainment editior and staff reporter Every aspect of politicians’ lives are under scrutiny these days.

Their personal times and family ordeals are up for public consumption.

Because Crown Point is a smaller city where people become familiar which each other quickly, children of politicians definitely have an opinion on what it’s like to have a public figure as their father.

Current Crown Point mayor David Uran’s daughter is freshman Nicole Uran.

“It’s pretty cool that my dad’s mayor, but it doesn’t make much of a difference in my life,” she said.

Sophomore Kat Keller and freshman Mike Keller’s father is politician Paul Keller. Paul is currently running in the Republican primary in hopes of facing Uran for the mayoral seat in November.

Kat feels the same way as Nicole when saying it does not make much of a difference in her life, but expects things to change once the primary is over.

“I’m not totally sure how things will be different yet, but I know things will be more stressful for the whole family,” she said.

It is a known fact that people tend to look at children as a reflection of their parents and the Kellers realize that.

“Most people do not recognize us as Paul Keller’s kids yet, but we still have to watch our actions,” Mike said.

Kat agrees, “I try to dress nicer and act courteous because I know some people are trying to get my dad in trouble.”

Nicole has a different view. She says she feels absolutely no pressure to act a certain way because her father is mayor.

Freshman Nicole Uran

Photos by Ashley Downing and Donnella Casillas

“Almost everyone knows my name, but they don’t really know me and a lot of people think I’m a snob until they meet me. That’s when they learn I’m actually pretty cool,” Nicole said.

Nicole also has a few fun stories of her father being mayor, like when she got to meet Johnny Depp. “(Johnny Depp) was in town a few years ago making (Public Enemies). One day my dad said I could hang out with the family or go with my friends. I chose to go with my family to a museum and when we got there Johnny Depp was there too. We talked for a while and he was really nice,” she said.

All three kids help out with their fathers’ campaigns. Mike and Kat invite people to open houses, march in the 4th of July parade, and go door-to-door talking to people.

“I feel like I’m doing my part by getting out there and promoting my dad and what he stands for,” Kat said.

Nicole also does her fair share of promoting for her father, walking door to door and helping pass out signs. She will be working the polls on election day.

As the primaries come to a close, the reality really starts to set in at home as well.

“It’s stressful when people say negative things,” said Mike.”It’s not the way he wants to go. As his son, I don’t like to have negative things said about my dad.”

The kids have become familiar with the political process and hope the end result is worth it.

Nicole said, “I hope my dad wins the election; I think he will. He loves his job.”

You know it’s prom season when...

“Guys ask their girlfriends to prom in cute ways.”

Junior

“Girls talk about when they need to get their flowers.”

Freshman

I wish I could work with Abby from NCIS for a day. Forensic science really interests me.

Pop Out I’m afraid of popcorn. I choked on it when I was in third grade and won’t eat it unless I really have a taste for it.

Write On I’m really good at writing in cursive. Most people don’t remember how to, but I still do.

Watered Down Every time I order a drink when I’m out to eat I get water with three lemon wedges.

Sophomore

Elizabeth Lennon

Senior

Nick Brey

Michael Varner

Emily LaMere “Girls start tanning.”

“People talk constantly about what they’re doing after the dance and who they’re going with.”

Photos by Mary-Katherine Lemon