Inklings april 2016

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS April 29. 2016 Vol. 80 Issue 8

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Read about the battle between students and teachers on page 3

The high price for

HIGHER education

University of North Dakota

$26,135

Valpo University

University of Oregon

$43,809

Arizona State University

$36,517

Chaminade University of Honolulu

$34,214

$46,680

IU Bloomington

$20,183

PHOTO PROVIDED

Graphic reflects estimated tution and room and board costs for one year.

Duke University

$65,703

University of Alabama

$34,980

Information provided by https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/compare-colleges

Professionals provide advice for lessening financial burden of college

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM KATIE PAWLOWSKI editor-in-chief editor-at-large

The idea of college can be scary. Some current high school seniors do not even know their future major, let alone who their future friends and roomate will be.

However, for many teens and parents, the most frightening part is not the wait of an admission decision, it’s the price tag that accompanies the “dream school.” In the past two decades, the cost of college has increased exponentially.

There are approximately 4,000 different colleges and universities in the United States alone, and while individual colleges offer different experiences and opportunities for learning, many applicants and their families see the largest difference between schools as cost.

Public in-state colleges are typically the least expensive with tuition being around the $10,000 mark. The price of public outof-state colleges vary, but the average tuition cost starts approximately at $15,000.

The most expensive form of post-secondary education comes with the title of “private.”

The cost of private schools typically range from $30,000 to $50,000.

Director of financial aid at Valparaiso University Karen Klimczyk believes that cost should not deter students from apply-

ing to a school.

“I would never rule out any college based on its cost. It doesn’t hurt to apply, and you may be surprised what your actual out-of-pocket cost is after all your financial aid,” Klimczyk said in an e-mail.

Financial aid is made up by two different types -- gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid does not need to be repaid and comes in the form of grants and scholarships. Selfhelp aid is composed of loans that need to be repaid. In order to qualify for federal aid and scholarships, Klimczyk advises students to follow three steps.

“The first step in paying for college is just applying for admission. Most merit scholarships (that are) based on high school grades ... or ACT/SAT scores are determined at admission. The second step for paying for college is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is ... used to determine your eligibility for federal grants and loans. It is also used by The Indiana Commission for Higher Education to determine your eligibility for Indiana state grants, and it is used by colleges to determine your eligibility for their grants,” she said. “The third step is to look for other scholarship opportunities. Many colleges offer additional scholarships based on athletic performance, music performance, art, language or other affiliations you may have with that college.”

For senior Kennedy Krutz, the finan-

cial aid and scholarship money that came with applying to University of Alabama helped her make her decision regarding her future education.

“My top choices were Alabama and a school in California, but the financial aid I received was what helped me finalize my decision. When I first started looking at schools, I didn’t think too much about it, but as making a decision got closer, I had to start being more realistic about what would be the smartest choice for me financially. The money offered played a big part in my choice,” Krutz said. “Once I received an almost completely free ride scholarship for my grades and ACT scores, I knew that was my best choice to not have to worry about paying off my school debt in my future years.”

Some scholarships require applications found outside of a college’s admission application. When applying for such scholarships, Crown Point’s College and Career Advisor Johanna Hess thinks it is common for students to see a small reward and decide against applying.

“I think not scoffing at lower amount scholarships (is important). Sometimes students say, ‘It’s only a $100, it’s not worth my time.’ That is a free $100 ... The important thing is that (applying is) free, so even if it’s a small amount, students should really still be applying for it,” Hess said.

See cost on page 3

Feature

News Incoming inductees National Honor Society inducts upcoming juniors and seniors page

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Senior Paul Dawley and mathematics teacher Jason McGee smile with their awards. Dawley considers McGee to be his most influential teacher.

Dawley named Academic All-Star

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

Senior Paul Dawley was selected by the Indiana Association of School Principals as an Indiana Academic All-Star for 2016. Dawley was one of 40 students across the state of Indiana to travel to Indianapolis to celebrate his academic achievements at a dinner event.

Each All-Star was accompanied by his or her principal and most influential teacher; Dawley chose to bring mathematics teacher Jason McGee. “Each student had to submit a short piece about their most influential educator, and they (the teachers) got to come down to the dinner with them (the students),” Dawley said. “I brought down Mr. McGee with me. We got to spend the day together. It was a great because I got to be recognized, and he got a plaque.

He got to be recognized for all of his nice work, and Mr. Pettit came down too. Overall, I think it’s just a really great event for recognition.”

Overall Dawley found the event to be a gratifying experience.

“I thought it was a great honor, and I think it is a humbling culmination of what I’ve tried to do in high school,” he said.

McGee says he was honored to be chosen as Dawley’s most impactful teacher, but the best honor lies in seeing his students succeed.

“As a teacher, I don’t care to win awards for myself,” McGee said. “But it’s rewarding to me if I see (my students) earn an award or get a scholarship because I see how hard they work, and I saw how hard Paul worked.”

A&E

Diving in Marine biology club members train for scuba certification, trip page

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Shaking it up Key Nutrition offers balanced protein shake meals page

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National Honor Society welcomes new members, changes for future

intheknow

BY BECCA BURKE advertising editor

PHOTO PROVIDED

Senior Vanessa Garcia and junior Courtney Bishop awarded for their artwork.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Senior Alexandra Baloski recieves full tuition for her artistic abilities.

Students earn Academy of Art scholarships

At this year’s Academy of Art Scholarship night, two CPHS students were awarded scholorships based on artistic merit.

Senior Alexandra Baloski was awarded full tuition from the Academy of Art, and senior Vanessa Garcia won a scholarship of $8,000.

Garcia will also be honored both in northwest Indiana and Washington D.C. for winning first in the First District of Indiana in the 2016 Congressional Art Competition.

Garcia’s art will be on display at the U.S. capitol.

Junior Courtney Bishop was this year’s runner up in the competition.

This is the first time in the competition’s history both first and second place winners attend the same high school.

For years, being accepted as a member of National Honor Society has been a right of passage reserved for incoming seniors.

However, this year that honor has been extended to incoming juniors in what sponsor Erin Rawls hopes to be a way to get students more involved and prepared for the program.

“We’re hoping that next year’s juniors will take more of a leadership role their senior year and train the following year’s juniors. Then there will be more students running NHS as opposed to Mrs. Campos and I,” Rawls said.

This, opposed to former years, would also allow the students to be in NHS for two years rather than one.

“We only had current seniors in it, so they would do everything and they would leave and then we’d start fresh with a brand new group,” Rawls said.

As a result of this, students will also have the added year of NHS to mention in their college and scholarship applications.

Senior and NHS director Caitlin Baker believes that this could be an asset in the college admissions process.

“Colleges can look at their applications and notice that they were involved in it at a younger age,” Baker said. “I just wish that they had done this two years ago so I could have put it on my applications.”

To earn membership into the society, students must first meet the minimum of a 3.5 GPA, then fill out an application showing that they have drive and leadership.

However, whether or not sophomores will remain in NHS after their initial acceptance is another matter according to Rawls.

“If you do something bad, get kicked out of school or your GPA drops, you can be taken out,” Rawls said. “Usually what happens is we have a probation period to get that grade back up.”

PHOTO BY BRANDEN DWYER

Newly inducted members recite the NHS pledge during the cermony Wednesday, April 27.

This year both upcoming juniors and seniors were inducted into National Honor Society.

Senior and NHS director Miller Elwood is concerned that new inductees may be intimidated by the combination of entering junior year and being a part of NHS. “It’s the first year when students are really starting to get serious about school and their community service hours and their AP and ACT tests,” Elwood said. “They’re overwhelmed and don’t really know how to cope with it yet because during your freshman and sophomore years you’re not really worried about college.”

Despite this, new inductees like sophomore Noor Malik are confident in their ability to succeed.

“I have a calendar app on my phone

that allows me to plan out my schedule accordingly. It basically allows me to schedule my events in advance so I know whether or not I’m free,” Malik said. “Hopefully using it will help out with NHS and getting ahead on things like community service hours.”

Whether it be by using apps or classic tools such as planners and wall calendars, new member sophomore Steven Landers believes the society’s high standards make for a challenge.

“I’m a little nervous about the extra time commitment,” Landers said. “I’m definitely excited to be helping out with it and seeing what I can do.”

Ping Pong Club holds tournament to benefit science teacher

BY JACKIE HAM feature editor

May

Science teacher Kelly Loving was stricken by glioblastoma in January of this year, and in response Ping Pong Club is hosting an event raising money to aid in his payments for his medical procedures.

Students have rallied to raise money and awarness for his cause.

Certain fundraisers like a GoFundMe page and a carnation sale have been conducted, but now Ping Pong Club is aiming to help.

The idea of this event was conceived by the club sponsor and English teacher Alex Tsikouris. His inspiration came from the intention of helping his fellow co-worker as much as he could during this difficult time.

“I wanted to give as much help as possible. There was a GoFundMe page and not everybody saw that, so I thought that if we publicized something throughout a pretty well known club at school that we could make some money for him and help him out

as much as we possibly could,” Tsikouris said.

The club created a ping pong tournament that will take place at Taft Middle School on May 28 at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds will go to Loving in hopes of lessening his stress due to his medical bills.

Pre-registration can be completed any day before May 28 for $10 by contacting Tsikouris or the club president Max Jenks. One may also register the day of the event for $15.

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Spring Sing Choir Concert

All City Band Concert

All City Orchestra Concert

objective, but the event will still withhold the basis of a tournament with t-shirts as prizes for the winners. This is the first public event that the club will host, and they are inviting anyone who would like to join in on the fun.

“We are basically going to go out and have fun. You can be competitive or just there for fun,” Jenks said. “There will be food, drinks and awards while having fun and hopefully raising some money.”

30 Memorial Day Enjoy a three day weekend by remembering our troops.

Jenks encourages students to participate for the fun that the tournament will consist of. Even though he hopes that attendees will have fun, Jenks does not want the fun to overshadow the charitble cause of the tournament.

“This is going for a good cause,” Jenks said. “It would be different if we were just out there messing around and having fun, but we are actually doing this for a cause to help benefit him (Loving).”

countdown until Memorial Day

20 school days countdown until last day of school

24 school days

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Spring Olympics 2016

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news april 29, 2016

Benefit held in name of children with cancer

BY GRACE CLELAND design editor

After being together for almost an entire school year, teachers and students met for a showdown at this year’s annual Student vs. Teacher Olympics. It was a night of excitement and bonding for most teachers and students.

“It’s a fun time. It’s good to have fun with students outside of the classroom because it allows us to just have fun and not have to worry about school work,” English teacher Jennifer Bianchi said. “It is a place for us to have fun, let loose and bond with the students in a different way.”

The games not only award students and teachers, but they also benefit the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation. All the proceeds raised from the event went to NICK. Participants worked together to benefit the kids, and students like participant junior Nicky Waran had fun in the process.

“I wanted to do this because the student/teacher rivalry thing is always something to look forward to. Also, just being there with your friends and enjoying the games is fun as well,” Waran said.

Participants who came out for their first year enjoyed the games just as much as those returning.

“I really liked it. I thought it was a really nice opportunity to go out, have fun and see a different perspective of teachers,” first time participant and sophomore Caroline Sarbieski said.

In this year’s contest, teachers ended up taking wins in events including basketball, volleyball and tug-of-war. Certain teachers shined in events while others abstained from some entirely. Student vs.

Teacher Olympian and English teacher Alex Tsikouris was active in all but one event and believes particular feats made contestents more successful in events.

“I participated in every single event except the hula hoop because my hips don’t move like Shakira’s. I think that we have some of the most clutch teachers that you could ever imagine,” Tsikouris said. “We have Mr. Thomas who’s 10-foot6 (inches) and can dunk from the free throw line standing. We have Miss Moore who shoots it from half court ... and can just hit a jump shot from half court every single time. I don’t really do anything for basketball except I’m a decent (defender), but I think I was there more for team moral.”

Students dominated in dodgeball, hula hoop, home-run derby, pie eating, human knot and bean drop. Excitement

was there for most of the participants before playing in their events.

“I was really excited beforehand because they pick really great events to compete in. I love the hula hoop competition the most though, and I look forward to it every year,” junior Natalie Thiel said.

The games were set up with a couple minutes in between allowing little time for participants to prepare for what was next. Pie eating among the events is the messiest.

The contest consists of participants sticking their faces into pies and devouring them without their hands.

“Before the pie eating, I was a little nervous because I usually cannot handle eating a whole slice by myself. I realized that it was more about enjoying the pie and getting messy, so I just dug in,” Waran said.

Many look forward to the Student vs.

Teacher Olympics every year. Contestants frequently note the competitive spirit.

“I always have fun competing against the teachers, especially the ones I know and have had,” Thiel said. “The event is for a great foundation and we have a lot of fun each year with it.”

Senior Joey Krampen participates in the hula hoop contest.

PHOTO BY JAYCEE HOPPER

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

PHOTO BY JAYCEE HOPPER

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

PHOTO BY JAYCEE HOPPER

Teachers battle against the students in tugof-war.

Senior Nate Carey hits the ball in hopes of a home run.

Senior Artie Equihua starts the jump ball.

Students untie their human knot to outpace the teachers.

cost continued from p.1

East Chicago’s third District councilman Robert Battle could face the end of his term on the city council if the board moves to remove him. Battle was arrested and charged with murder shortly before earning re-election in 2015, even though he was being held in Porter County Jail.

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If he was arrested and charged, he should be removed from office even if it was a plea for self defense because he still killed Chad Dykman someone. junior

cover their college related expenses.

“Most colleges who participate in the federal aid programs will have a work study program.

This is where you work on-campus and earn money to assist with your educational costs. Some colleges may allow you to have your earnings go directly toward your charges,” Klimczyk said. “Some colleges, like Valpo, (will) deposit your earning directly into your bank account where you can either use the funds to make a payment or use for your or personal

expenses. At Valpo, any student can work on-campus, (but) not all colleges offer their own work program.”

Finances aside, most students and professionals agree that college should be a time to grow as a student and have fun.

“Honestly, the financial aspect wasn’t the main factor in my decision,” Ferrari said. “I just chose the college where I thought I would feel the most comfortable while getting a quality education ... I’m excited about all the new experiences I’ll have.”

Student reaction to events in our world

Bloomington police have discovered a human corpse on private property. The corpse’s age, gender, race and cause of death are unknown. There is speculation that this is the corpse of Lauren Spierer, a missing person since 2011 who attended Indiana University.

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It’s unlikely that the remains belong to her because they would be decomposed by now, but it could Aubrie Brimingham be. sophomore

Donald Trump swept the five primaries on April 26 to expand his delegate lead on election day.

Trump reached over 50% support in every state that voted. In the democratic race Hillary Clinton beat Bernie Sanders in all but Rhode Island.

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Most of the young people saying they’re going to vote for Bernie won’t show up on Election Day. Most of them are Nicole Newkirk inexperienced. senior

World

news

ful when taking out loans.

“I think students just need to be aware that this is money you are going to owe, and it’s money that accrues interest. So what you take out initially is not your final payment amount because you’re accruing interest during that four years,” Hess said. “I think (students) need to know that any unpaid interest often gets capitalized into the principal amount.”

Klimczyk says that some colleges, like Valparaiso University, provide programs and offer alternate methods to help students

Nation

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views on

der to make college more affordable but still plans to apply for loans.

“Even though most people cringe at the idea of taking out loans, I am confident my education will propel me to a successful career, so I can pay back those loans in a timely fashion,” Ferrari said.

Klimczyk advises that when borrowing student loans not to borrow more than what one’s predicted first year salary after graduation is, and Hess, like Klimczyk, thinks students should be mind-

State

However, if a student does not receive enough scholarships or financial aid to fully pay for college, Klimczyk believes there are other options for students to pay.

“There are also many types of repayment and loan forgiveness options for students now. So as long as you are in contact with your loan servicer, you should be able to find a repayment plan that works for you,” Klimczyk said.

Senior Gino Ferrari applied for numerous scholarships in or-

Obama visited Saudi Arabia Wednesday, April 20, in what was his fourth visit, to speak with King Salman on a variety of issues. Obama has traveled to the Middle Eastern nation more than any of his predecessors.

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I like it because he is trying to help other world countries and make things better.

No other president has done that. Camden Lockhart freshman

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opinion april 29, 2016

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Should colleges and universities be free to attend?

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BY CHRIS REKITZKE editor-at-large

With baseball back, another crusade for the World Series begins on the North Side. Once more the streets of Chicago are filled with a loury hope. The Cubs are good. Fans know it. The city knows it. Even ESPN knows it.

But the Cubs are not the point.

The point is the hope the club brings, moreover hope in general.

Hope -- it is vivacious, it is contagious, it is good, it is bad, it is addictive, and because it is all of these things, it is difficult to simply suggest to shun hope or to embrace it. Though it may not be clear cut, the concept is undeniably powerful and impossible to ignore.

The question is not whether or not we should shun or embrace hope but rather when and how one should invest their hope or faith.

And that too is an even greater question -- what should one believe in and why?

There is a long list of possibilities. Some choose to invest their faith in various gods and prophets; others find comfort in friends and families, but few people hope and believe in themselves.

It is a major flaw in our design. We choose to deprecate and doubt ourselves, shunning the slightest confidence or thought that we are remotely capable of anything.

But we are tangible, clearly existing. While it is not wrong to believe in a higher power, it is silly to doubt in something so very real as ourselves.

By doubting ourselves we are our own inhibition, a self fulfilling prophecy. If we say we cannot, then we will not; however, in the opposite sense, if we say we can then we will given the circumstances.

On that same note, hope and faith help, but we have to be willing to commit and actually follow through with our plans.

Application is required. Hope is not a fairy tale construct that magically gets things done. It is a want or a drive for something to occur. Things do not occur out of thin air.

Without that drive, hope is weightless.

So if you can take anything from this column, believe in something, anything, especially yourself. And if you think the Cubs can win the World Series this year, it should not be that big of a stretch.

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CARTOON BY ABBY SOBEK

freshman

“I think tuition should be free, but I do think students should pay for room and books.”

iew: Consider all options,

factors when it comes to college

Transitioning into adulthood can mean a lot of things to different people. For those considering college, the decision can seem impossible.

There are many options and factors students must take into account when presented with such a heavily weighted decision. The most prevalent of the factors is tuition.

Scholarships are a reality for millions, but sometimes even scholarships can’t cover the cost of dream schools. To finish the financial difference that scholarships do not take care of, some see student loans as the answer. While student loans are an option for many, what most cease to remember is that loans need to be paid off and can sometimes become more expensive than when they were taken out. Paying off these loans can require years of detailed planning.

The stress level of planning to pay off the loan is directly related to where a student chooses to attend post-secondary schooling.

Students should be mindful of the financial difference between outof-state schools, in-state schools and private schools but also take into consideration the educational benefits they offer.

Out-of-state schooling can be appealing to many students trying to practice their new found independence after high school, but the cost of it may not be worth it. Many out-of-state colleges give the same outstanding amount of education as many in-state colleges do just with a higher price. Despite cost, some out-of-state colleges specialize in specific areas of study, making them more attractive than in-state schools.

The same goes for private colleges that can be found right here in Indiana. While known for being prestigious, these schools can range from $20,000 to $40,000 in tuition. Many students find them to be more attractive but fear the costs.

But if a student is not the type to spend hours researching different methods of getting money for college, going to an in-state-school is an affordable alternative. Staying close to home is a realistic way to save money on rent and expenses. Staying close to home and learning more about how the world works could ease the transition from childhood to adulthood responsibilities.

Instead of becoming trapped in a fiscal, students should take the time to thoroughly research the opportunities available around them before committing to a college.

editorial

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Henry Withrow

Vol. 80 Issue 8 April 29, 2016 1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

editor-in-chief Natalie Brigham editors-at-large Maisa Nour L I N G S Katie Pawlowski Crown Point High School, IN Chris Rekitzke Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced Sam Barloga journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS copy editor faculty, staff or administration.

Lauren Massow Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted opinion editor one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings Hannah Bauner reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns. arts & Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings. entertainment Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Associaeditor tion Hoosier Star, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup Maria Leontaras publication. sports editor

Grace Lynch sophomore

“Yes. I think they should because a lot more kids with little money would have the opportunity to go to college without being in debt for the rest of their lives.”

Colin Matonovich junior

“Yes because it gives less fortunate people an opputunity to get a higher education.”

Selena Andrade senior

“I think they should be free because if it’s free and close to home it’ll encourage more students to go to college.”

Dylan Wallace assistant sports editors Tommy Frame Dominic Tomich feature editor Jackie Ham design editor Grace Cleland chief photographers Jill Kidder Ally Rekitzke art director Abby Sobek artist

Destiny Kogler advertising editors Becca Burke Audrey Gacsy staff Yousef Abdeldaiem Tiffany Curtis Jeremy DeBold Branden Dwyer Andrew Gianfermi Matt McConnell Alexia Wojciechowski adviser Julie Elston

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opinion april 29, 2016

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Should students enrolled to take the AP test and have to take a final?

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Taking AP exams and finals in AP classes are beneficial for students

Taking a final along with an AP exam will cause more stress for students

arts & entertainment editor

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BY MARIA LEONTARAS

BY ABBY SOBEK

Advanced Placement courses are a constant battle. Throughout a school year, students strive to gain enough knowledge to pass the AP test -- a test that can make or break one’s college credits earned in the course.

This assessment occurs at the end of the year, which raises the question regarding the usefulness of a course final. While the test is extremely difficult, it does not provide a true assessment of a student’s work throughout the course. The AP test may include questions on information one’s teacher has barely covered. This lack of coverage reinforces that the AP test cannot show what a student has truly learned in a class when they may not have learned the information at all. There is no true way for a teacher to evaluate a student’s knowledge of the latest portion of the class if there is not a final exam at the end of the year. Because of this, finals are a necessity regardless of the course’s AP title.

The purpose of an AP course is to provide a college level education for high school students. Students know when signing up for an AP class that it will entail more than the typical course’s workload.

The ability to take an advanced course implies that one is qualified to balance extracurriculars and course work, which in turn leads to the ability to take another final.

Though it may seem unreasonable, having a final in an AP class is protocol. Every class at Crown Point High School is required to have midterms and finals; it’s part of the work. If having a final and the AP test to study for is too difficult for one to complete, don’t take the AP test. Finals are a requirement in CPHS classes, but the AP test is optional. While having more work towards the end of the school year may be difficult, finals act as an aide to students’ knowledge of the course’s second semester material as well as a final grade boost.

Overall, finals are a key portion of AP classes. They serve as a guide for teachers to track students’ knowledge on second semester information, as well as a cushion for students’ final grades in the course.

The thought of a final and AP test in such a short amount of time may be daunting, but students know what they are getting into when signing up for the course.

AP classes consist of agonizing hours of homework, projects and reading countless novels. Not only do students have to deal with this seeminglessly never ending struggle, they also have to worry about AP tests. These tests are important to students and are impactful to their college careers. How well an AP student scores on the AP test determines how many potential college credits a student may qualify for, if any at all. The weight of the stress builds up when students have to prepare for the AP exam. Having to take a final as well will only make their academic life worse. Therefore they should not have to take finals.

AP tests are one of the largest tests that students have to take that has a great impact on their future. This tends to build up a lot of stress for students because they want to do well and have a high score.

Not only do they have to worry about this test, but students have to stress about finals for every class, including the AP classes. The added stress causes a lot of students to get overwhelmed, and this can affect their test taking. If students are required to take the AP exam, it is extremely pointless to take a final exam as well. All it adds is unnecessary anxiety and is just a waste of time.

Others may say that AP students should still take finals because it is not fair to the other students who have to take finals, and the exam should not make a difference towards the class itself. An abundant amount of classes take a lot of their time preparing for the AP exam, so students will not have enough time to prepare for the final exam.

This will lead to teachers trying to cram everything in a short amount of time which can affect how well students do on their final exam because they will not have enough time to study. Not only will they run out of time, but students will become mentally exhausted from all the work. The extra studying can cause stress and may make them overwhelmed with all the school work.

Having to take both the AP exam and the final exam is extremely pointless. Having to take a final will mess of the class schedule, and the teachers and students will have to rush, which can lead to more stress. The students should be able to just focus on the AP exam and not have to worry about a final.

7 Inklings staffers agree

17 Inklings staffers agree Nicole Spall

junior

“Yes because the grade that you get on the AP test doesn’t reflect the effort you put in the class.”

Mike Bazin

social studies

“Taking an AP test should not exempt you from taking a final. Grades for AP don’t come in until after graduation.”

sophomore

“No because they already take their AP test, so I think it tells you enough and asses their knowledge.”

Timmy Abbot

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

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CARTOON BY DESTINY KOGLER

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Boston Globe’s satirical page is unprofessional

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“No because all of the questions are composed of the same content.”

The Boston Globe is in the spotlight again; this time, though, it’s not because of their of investigative team. The Globe recently printed a spoof front page editorial acting as if Donald Trump was elected president. It consisted of headlines like “Deportations to begin” and “Markets sink as trade war looms.”

Newspapers are often nicknamed as the “watchdog” of the government by alerting the public of law officials’ doings.

The Globe was attempting to inform the public of potential consequences of electing Trump as president. The Globe wanted to convey the chaos and uncertainty that would come with Trump winning the presidency, and the emphasis of subjects like deportation shows Trump’s political plans in a realistic light.

Do I appreciate the creative nature of the design and the intent behind the page?

Yes. Do I agree with the Globe printing stories about events that have not happened and events that may be false?

No. In doing so, the Globe violated basic journalistic principles.

Newspapers operate on honesty and truth. By printing a front page story portraying fictitious events and scenarios, the Boston Globe lost some of its journalistic credibility. While a majority of readers clearly understood the satirical nature of the piece, a serious publication should never print flat-out lies -- even if it was for an opinion piece.

In beginning journalism, students are taught to never print untrue information. It’s the reason why Inklings, among many other high school publications, doesn’t print an April Fool’s edition. It is well known by educators and professionals alike that printing false statements and stories does not end well. In most high school environments, this kind of action would result in legal trouble. So why should professionals break the simple journalistic rules that they were taught at the most basic level of instruction?

Not only that, but professional newspapers set an example for aspiring journalists; inexperienced journalists often look to professional publications for inspiration. Printing fictitious events blurs the rights and wrongs of professional writing for young journalists. The last thing young writers need is to be confused by their role models.

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Tips on how to save money for the future

BY ALLY REKITZKE

co-chief photographer

Starting to save early helps later in life when college, a car or an apartment is wanted. Creating a saving account can ease the transition into new found independence. To start a savings account, all one needs is a form of ID, proof of address and, if underage, a parent or guardian. Tips from buisness teacher Alison Duncan and Centier Client Service Center employee Jackie* can help easily save money.

SETTHE

GOAL

Make some sort of financial goal whether it’s a dance, college or a car.

Make sure one has some sort of goal in sight.

MAKE

USE

YOUR

IT

HAPPEN

Savings accounts work by only allowing the account owner to make deposits. It will then hold money for the account owner and is accessible at anytime. But it does come with limits, some of which include only six transactions per month while maintaining a $100 balance.

PAYIT

RESOURCES

Utilize networks. Utilize family and friends that can find discounts that one might need like a haircut, getting nails done, going tanning or getting a dress altered. Go to the library and access free services and videos.

GET SIDEJOBS

Forward

If in need of additional money, one can always do some sort of side job. A lot of people need help, especially the elderly, with taking care of their lawns over the summer, mowing, doing yard work, etc.

Pay oneself first which means to save first, and with what one has with the income they have left, either spend it on something or pay bills.

*Centier company policy does not allow employees’ last names to be given.

DO THE

LITTLE THINGS Carpool to save money on gas.

By

The #

Swap Clothing with trustworthy friends.

Shop

Avoid

at the dollar store.

impulse buying.

IS NOGAME 23/100

of teens spend their money on food

8%

7%

of teen’s money goes to cars, video games and electronics

of teen’s money is spent on shoes

20%

of teen’s money is spent on accessories

statistics provided by http://www.businessinsider.com/how-teens-are-spending-money-2015-4

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My dad brought the idea up. He wanted me to get into Stanford and thought that if I graduated early, it would look better on my application. I was not done with my college search at the time, but I thought it would help my application out, too. Then I realized that I was tired of high school anyway, so why not?

Téa Chura Junior

Graduation

Students plan ahead to eliminate one year of high school

BY JACKIE HAM feature editor

720 days is the average high school career a student will endure. Four years of 180 days might seem too prolonged for some students, and the urge to challenge themselves with a college education and to start their career early is what they venture to do. These students strive to work hard enough to graduate a whole year early and jump start their future career path.

Junior Téa Chura has been working to attain enough credits to graduate with the senior class of 2016. Thanks to the encouragement of her family, she was able to do just that and will be attending the University of Santa Barbara in the fall.

“My dad brought the idea up. He wanted me to get into Stanford and thought that if I graduated early, it would look better on my application. I was not done with my college search at the time, but I thought it would help my application out, too. Then I realized that I was tired of high school anyway, so why not?” Chura said.

Chura decided to start planning to graduate early during this past summer, and she was able to accumulate enough credits to be eligible for early graduation.

“I never took a study hall, took summer classes and had some high school credits from middle school, so I had pretty much all my credits before this year anyway. I just had to double up on English and social studies, but otherwise, this year is the least stressful,” Chura said.

According to Assistant Principal Robert McDermott, only about eight to 10 students graduate early each year.

This may be due to the extensive work that is involved to accumulate enough credits to receive a diploma or the necessity of early planning.

“Students must plan this process their sophomore year. A plan is developed with the student’s counselor to make sure all graduation requirements are completed by the end of the 11th grade year. Typically, this requires some summer school,” McDermott said.

Early graduation is not in the future plans for some students, and senior John Sakaleros thought that he was not prepared to head into college a full year in advance.

“From a social standpoint, I probably wouldn’t have graduated early, because I’m not sure I had the same maturity a year ago that I do now, and I don’t know if I would have made the right decision on which college to go to and what to pursue,” Sakaleros said.

Some students ponder the idea on whether or not graduating early is the best thing for them. Junior Liz Dietrich passed on the opportunity because she wanted to experience all the events high school has to offer.

“At one point in high school, I was very seriously considering graduating early. I was watching my brothers graduate and love having the independence of taking classes that really interested them,” Dietrich said. “However, I considered how it would impact all the aspects of my life and decided against it. I would lose a whole year of high

school events, such as prom, and I wanted to enjoy the rest of my high school years.”

Missing some high school events may discourage students from graduating early, but being able to start one’s future plans a year early may out weigh those thoughts.

According to McDermott, students who graduate early are even eligible to to receive The Mitch Daniels Scholarship, which gives early graduates $4,000 towards their college expenses.

Chura said that she is ready to move out to the west coast and experience a life outside of high school. She is not worried about missing out on her senior year because she is focusing on her future at University of Santa Barbara.

Sakaleros sees the appeal of graduating early, but he does not want students to jump at the opportunity to leave school a year in advance. He thinks that students should weigh each option before making a decision that will impact a student in the future.

“I would tell (students) to not focus on the immediate future but to try to see how the decision would impact their lives down the road,” Sakaleros said. “I would tell them to do it if they think that they’re ready for it and if they want a head start in life, but if they have any reservations about it or if they think that they aren’t ready yet, I would tell them that there isn’t any harm in staying an extra year in high school and preparing more to enter the next chapter of their lives.”

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What’s at stake?

Republicans: 57 delegates Democrats: 83 delegates

Welcom-IN’ simplistic definition

the candidates

Senior Lucas Sparks climbs up the steps of the Lake County Government building to vote early before Indiana’s May 3 primary election.

PHOTO BY SAM BARLOGA

Presidential candidates visit Hoosier state before consequential primary

BY SAM BARLOGA editor-at-large

Now is our time.

For Indiana voters, 2016 is a rare chance for their vote to have any weight in the presidential primary process. On the Democratic side, front-runner and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is hoping a win in Indiana will put Vermont senator Bernie Sanders away to secure her party’s nomination. For the Republicans, Donald Trump has been welcomed with open arms in the northeast’s recent primaries, winning six states in a row. Texas senator Ted Cruz is banking on an Indiana victory to stop Trump’s snowballing momentum.

For many students, Indiana’s May 3 primary is their first chance to cast a vote, and in a close race on either side, turnout and voting tendencies of young people could make all the difference.

The first polls out of the state show both front-runners with small leads.

The close-polling makes ground games and a strong base of volunteers even more important. Sanders’ campaign was on the ground first, opening seven offices around the state in late March. Next came Clinton, who was followed by Cruz, and two-term Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich and Trump, respectfully.

Indiana University-Northwest political

Bob Moreth

science professor Marie Eisenstein believes that the ground game will be most important to Sanders, who needs young people and independents to beat Clinton in the state.

“I think the biggest issue for Sanders is to ensure that he gets out the vote. Clinton has more support in the 40-plus category, which corresponds to a higher likelihood of voting. Thus, as the term goes, he needs an excellent ‘ground game’ in order to stay competitive in Indiana,” Eisenstein said.

Senior Lucas Sparks didn’t know much before picking a candidate; he just knew he wasn’t going to pick Trump and was leaning towards a Republican.

“I was more looking toward the Republican side and the Republican candidates because I believe they have more umph when it comes to fighting the war with ISIS and protecting our borders, so I was looking at Kasich and Cruz (as potential choices),” Sparks said.

Sparks would settle on Kasich in the end, picking the two-term governor over Cruz through intense research.

“I watched the old debates, like the South Carolina debates and the Florida debate. I felt that Kasich was most mature one out of all the Republicans, and I guarantee a lot of people will agree with me on that one,” Sparks said

219-663-7980

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Sparks also early voted, which is open for 28 days before the primary, allowing Indiana residents to vote if they won’t be town on May 3. Lake County has 11 early voting locations, including ones in both Winfield and Crown Point.

“I thought voting was very easy, relaxing and not hard,” Sparks said. “I very strongly encourage people to vote early because it’s simple and doesn’t take that long.”

The problem for thousands of Indiana voters, including Sparks, is that Cruz and Kasich have agreed to get out of each other’s way in several states, including Indiana.

Kasich will not campaign in Indiana, while Cruz will allow Kasich a one-on-one with Trump in Oregon and New Mexico. The whole point is to try and keep Trump from a majority of delegates before the convention.

“Cruz must win enough delegates to simply deny Trump the ability to get 1,237 delegates by the last contest in June since Cruz cannot conceivably get to 1,237 himself,” Eisenstein said.

Kasich has been mathematically eliminated for over a month, but if Trump doesn’t reach 1,237 delegates, he claims he has a chance in an open convention because of the fact that general election polling shows him doing best versus Clinton

or Sanders and the convention would be held in his home state. Cruz is also now eliminated from getting a majority of delegates before the convention.

Although some states have same-day registration, Eisenstein doesn’t believe the deadline being so far in advance in Indiana causes any adverse problems.

“As to the suggestion that registering a month before the election is problematic, I do not think so. I think the issue is one of actually voters going out to vote. Indiana compares quite nicely to most States in terms of not only registration (while some have same day registration, most do not, and some have much more difficult registration timelines) but inability to vote since early voting has already started in the state,” Eisenstein said.

Going into election day, Sparks encouraged everyone who is registered to go the polls on or before election and to their say in the democratic process.

“Well, I think you should (go to the polls and vote). It’s a guaranteed right. I feel like if you don’t vote, we’re not living in a democracy anymore,” Sparks said.

To find your specific polling place go to IndianaVoters.in.gov. You can also check if you’re registered on the website. Polls are open from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on election day.

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Striding into deeper waters

Marine Biology begins training for upcoming scuba trip to Florida

BY GRACE CLELAND TIFFANY CURTIS design editor reporter

Since the beginning of the 20th century, humans have traveled deep below the ocean waves to see what lurks beneath. What started as a way to escape emergency situations eventually developed into a way to discover and investigate the ocean and its inhabitants. Students involved in the Marine Biology Club have started putting their training to use as they start scuba diving.

“When the high school opened the new building, we started the club, so it has actually been around for almost 15 years now. We saw some other schools taking their kids down to Florida and training them to scuba dive, and we felt that would be a nice experience for our kids,” science teacher Bryan Trippeer said.

Trippeer was the original sponsor of the club when it started, and the club has lasted since Trippeer stepped down as the sponsor. He orginially organized for the group to take a trip down to the Florida Keys in June through a company, and they have continued to go down as long as there have been students interested.

“It’s through a company called Marine Lab, and their purpose is (to) educate students about marine biology through classes and actual hands on experience,” Trippeer said.

The club attracts many different kinds of students, all who are looking to get something different out of the club.

For sophomore Annie Brigham, she was interested in the scuba certification members of the club.

“The mystery of not knowing what lies beneath the surface of the ocean is what got me to join, but it was also the scuba certification. My entire family is scuba certified except for me. They always want to go on scuba vacations, but I hold them back. So I just can’t wait to experience the thing I love the most with the people I love the most,” Brigham said.

The club will take the annual trip down to Florida in June where they will experience scuba diving and learn about marine biology. But for now, the students are training in the pool at the high school to get a handle on diving and the different steps and techniques that go into it. For some, it’s their first time scuba diving, but for freshman Emma Van Prooyen, the decision to join was because of the single experience she’s had with scuba diving.

“I went scuba diving once before on spring break years ago, and I loved it. I love being in the water. It’s very quiet,

PHOTO BY NATALIE BRIGHAM

Freshman Jake Dyrkaczjak practices scuba diving’s giant stride entry into the pool with supervision by club sponsor and science teacher Melissa Beach. Marine Biology will take their annual trip to Marine Lab in June of this year.

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I think another aspect that is really amazing is that the coral reefs might not always be here; it is just a real privilege.”

Annie Brigham sophomore and all you can hear is just yourself breathing. You feel weightless almost,” Van Prooyen said.

However, the club does not just focus on scuba diving.

One of their main goals of going down to the Florida Keys is to teach students about the creatures and plants that make up coral reefs and the ocean, a subject sponsor and

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science teacher Joseph Correa knows plenty about.

“The students are on the water every morning either scuba diving or snorkeling. Marine biology guides will teach students about the specific ecology of an area after students participate in the pre-lectures. I think it’s a great way to introduce students to potential careers that they might not know about currently,” Correa said.

Trippeer also agreed on introducing students to new fields in science that involve marine biology.

“I think it gives kids a basic understanding of marine biology, and they focus a lot on conservation of the environment and the ocean. We’ve had kids who have gone on to careers in marine biology that have gone through that experience,” Trippeer said.

One of the students that was influenced by the experience in Florida was current science teacher Ashley Plumley, who previously went on the trip herself.

“The trip gave me motivation to pursue that major in college. It motivated me to study science, so then I went to college, got my degree in marine biology and was able to do

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Rhyme and reason

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Freshmen Kaylyn Klein, Morgan Taylor and Chloe Gomez sit in the

Students express themselves

BY AUDREY GACSY ALEXIA WOJCIECHOWSKI advertising editor reporter

In a school of nearly 3,000 students, it can be hard to find a way to freely express oneself. However, a group of expressive students have flourished in Windfall, a club for creative writing.

Windfall consists of nine students that meet every Thursday, and are working towards a more comfortable high school experience.

Senior Alec Fletes, a member of Windfall for two years, describes the club as a medium for an expansion of his writing skills not only with poetry but for everyday purposes.

“I have been able to better express who I am and what I want to accomplish in my life. It has also greatly im-

proved my public speaking skills in which I used to be extremely nervous and shy, like a lot of people are, but now, from sharing my poetry with others, I have become more comfortable with public speaking,” Fletes said.

Fletes’ life has also been changed because of Windfall and its poetic purposes.

“Windfall has introduced something that I never thought I would enjoy which is the art of writing. It has given me time to be able to freely express not only my emotions but my experiences in an artistic style that people can come to appreciate,” Fletes said. “I enjoy getting to relax while listening to other people’s poetry.”

courtyard with their creative writing publications through the Windfall club.

throughout creative publications Although there are only nine members, open mic nights usually pull in up to 25 students. Open mic nights give students a chance to convey their emotions through the presentation of their poetry and writing. There, they can freely release their feelings with the support of other members.

English teacher Vince Bauters, the sponsor of Windfall, notes that his favorite part of the club is seeing his club members progress throughout the year.

“Over the course of the year, the students develop an individual artistic voice, and I get to see them grow, which is a great part of being involved in Windfall. Interacting with them and walking through their feelings in the piece is very special,” Bauters said.

According to Bauters, poetry is something that is very close to him and his values.

“Important people in my life were writers. Writing has taught me that there are universal truths that all get expressed so differently amongst different writers. There’s truly a thrill in writing a piece to be proud of,” Bauters said.

Overall, Bauters enjoys what Windfall gives to the students involved.

“Being in the club prepares students not only for other writing-based classes, but it provides students with a foundation for expression in their future,” Bauters said. “Being proud of your work is a monumental step for every writer. In Windfall, I’ve seen that happen for so many students, and it’s a special thing to be a part of.”

MERRILLVILLE Michael Bauner 4450 E. US 30 Merrillville, IN 46410

General Manager

219-947-3325 Fax 219-942-2530

www.toyotaofmerrillville.com email: mbauner@toyotaon30.com

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- sophomore Lydia Byrd

INKLING ARCHIVE PHOTO

Vlink celebrates last year of coaching sports editor

When it’s time, it’s time.

That’s about the only explanation Crown Point’s wrestling head coach Scott Vlink had for his recent announcement for retirement.

“Everyone has always said, ‘You’ll know when it’s time and there’s no one defining moment,’ and they are right,” Vlink said. “I can’t define any one thing; there’s not one moment, there’s not any portion of it that I dreaded. I can’t tell you exactly why. I just knew for some reason that it was time to retire.”

Vlink coached at Crown Point for 36 years and endured his fair share of successes throughout those three decades. Vlink provided Crown Point with 15 conference championships, 22 sectional titles, 13 regional victories and the state championship in 2009. Along with his team success, he has coached great individuals with 106 state qualifiers, 47 state medalists, eight state runner-ups and nine state champions. All those add up to a career record of 472-133.

All these accolades were modeled from a young stubborn Vlink who thought his way was the right way.

“When I was younger, I was very convinced that my way was the correct way, and I think it was borderline cocky but I was convinced that if they would do it my way, the way I wanted them to do it, how I wanted them to

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Wrestling coach Vlink down on the mat with his team. Vlink has been coaching at Crown Point High School for 36 years.

BY DYLAN WALLACE

sports april 29, 2016

do it, that they would have success,” Vlink said.

Vlink initiated “his way” each and every year, and after it kept working, he came to the conclusion that there was no reason to change things up.

“Nobody really told me any different, and it turned out that once I created the culture that I thought was necessary and I got kids to buy in, nobody doubted my methods,” Vlink said. “So I think whatever I created was kind of created initially out of blind conviction that my way was the right way, and as it turned out, it was a fairly successful way.”

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I can’t define any one thing, there’s not one moment, there’s not any portion of it that I dreaded.”

Scott Vlink Wrestling Head Coach On his road to becoming coach, Vlink knew wrestling before he coached it. He wrestled at Indiana State University and while there he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do with his life, but coaching felt right to him.

“When I went to Indiana State to wrestle, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, it’s just at that time it seemed like the most natural course

for me to take,” Vlink said. “Go into teaching PE and coach wrestling because quite frankly that’s what I was best at. That’s where I felt my expertise lied.”

After graduating he did just that, becoming a PE teacher and wrestling head coach at CPHS. With spending so much time in his years here, these three decades were filled with memories that Vlink will never forget.

“Obviously winning the state championship overall, that was a great memory but one thing in particular in that duel was when Kyle Marshall, our heavyweight, went out like he was possessed,” Vlink said. “He pinned the guy in under a minute, and it essentially wrapped up the state championship for us. When we pinned him, I looked at my assistant and said, ‘We’re going to win the state championship’.”

Major success wasn’t always the key to making Vlink a proud coach though; it was the moments where his wrestlers felt satisfied that he felt that way too.

“There were a lot of memories where kids who weren’t necessarily superstars won big matches and got a sense of self-satisfaction and triumph,” Vlink said. “Those to me were as satisfying in most cases as Jason Tsirtsis, Eric Roach or any of our superstars winning.”

All those memories and accolades add up to a historic career. A career that will never be forgotten.

INKLING ARCHIVE PHOTO

Vlink celebrating a win after a match with a student.

THROUGH

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15

sectional championships

conference championships

472-133 career record

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regional championships

2009

state championship

36

years of coaching

Boys track ready to take on all contenders in West Lafayette

BY TOMMY FRAME assistant sports editor

With spring weather comes spring sports, and the boys track and field team is taking on the outdoor season with a boom.

The boys have started off strong winning their last meet on Tuesday Apr. 26 against undefeated Portage. The final score was 72-60 Crown Point.

“You have to have confidence coming into a meet, that’s the key to victory,” senior Rob Harrell said. “We just beat the undefeated

Indians and as long as we keep training hard and getting better we will definitely be a tough team to beat.”

Harrell placed third in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12 seconds flat in very adverse weather conditions.

“I need to be better at running against strong winds,” Harrell said. “Yesterday the wind played a big factor for everyone that made everyone run slower.”

Junior Shane McCormick saw success Tuesday finishing first in

the high jump with a height of 5’10”. Second place finished with a height of 5’8”. “Everyone got out at 5’8” so I knew if I could beat that I would secure the win,” McCormick said.

After knocking off the undefeated Indians, the Bulldogs are second in the conference, trailing only the Vikings of Valparaiso who are number one in the DAC. “My teammates and I have worked hard, plain and simple,” Harrell said. “Everyday after school, in the weight room, prac-

ticing starts and handoffs, but ultimately being able to put our trust and belief in one another has helped us have success.”

The 4x100 meter relay team has had success recently, having qualified for indoor state back in March. The team comprised of Zack Stewart, Rob Harrell, Garret Shoemaker, and Shane McCormick had slight difficulty Tuesday, having a miscue with the handoff that cost them the race.

“On one of the exchanges there was some miscommunica-

tion when one of the Portage runners said go but our man thought it was his teammate,” Harrell said.

“We dropped the baton, but still kept our head up and finished fine.”

“It was just a miscue, those things happen,” McCormick said.

“We recovered nicely and did not lose by much, but we know how successful we can be.”

The team’s next meet is tomorrow at Kokomo high school, with their next conference meet Tuesday, May 3 at Michigan City.

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Dogs’ season starts strong despite last season’s late struggles

BY SAM BARLOGA online editor

As the season gets into full swing for the Bulldogs, the baseball team has had an up-and-down start to the year, beating rivals Lake Central and Chesterton but falling to Penn and Hobart in the same time frame.

On Tuesday and Wednesday however, the Dogs received a big boost as their bats came alive in two straight wins over the Michigan City Wolves.

Senior Mark Mazure was the winning pitcher for Crown Point on Wednesday, going all seven innings and not allowing a single run to the Wolves.

In those two games, Crown Point outscored Michigan City 17-0, winning by the run rule in an 13-0 victory Wednesday and winning 4-0 on Tuesday in a road trip to LaPorte County.

Those two victories improved Crown Point’s record to 7-5 on the season.

In Wednesday’s victory, the Bullogs were dominant behind the plate, scoring four runs in the second inning, three runs in the third and a whopping six runs in the fourth, which would bring the 10-run rule into effect.

Last week, the Dogs played the Lake Central Indians twice, dropping the first matchup in St. John 2-0, but they responded strong to beat the Indians 11-4 the next day on their home field.

In that win Mazure struggled early, giving up three runs in the first inning. At that point, the Bulldogs had been outscored by the Indians 5-0 over the previous 24 hours.

The senior’s struggles

Point, and he also came in defensively for the Dogs at second base making the game sealing play in the seventh inning.

“I thought I had a great night,” Frank said. “It was just my second time starting in the batting lineup, and I was just seeing the ball great today. My philosophy when I went up to the plate was just see the ball, hit the ball.”

Lake Central was undefeated going into their game with Crown Point, with the Bulldogs’ upset handing the Indians their first loss of the 2016 campaign.

It was also Crown Point’s first win over their rivals from the northwest since 2014.

Crown Point head coach Steve Strayer has been impressed with his team in the early going and said he was glad that his team fought back early versus Lake Central, especially after last season when the Dogs had to pull off several late game comebacks to win games.

“I thought we responded really well. I didn’t see any PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE evidence of us getting down or Senior Mark Mazure winds up against the Lake Central Indians in an getting tight or pressing. We 11-4 rout on April 20. handled ourselves exceptionwould continue into the second and start throwing strikes. And ally well, and Mark (Mazure) and third innings, but Mazure they couldn’t hit them,” Ma- especially did on the mound… got out of a jam in the third to zure said.

We’re still kind of feeling it out give him confidence going forMazure also hit a home right now. I think our defense is ward. Starting from the fourth run on one of the Indians’ three getting better, I think our pitchinning onwards, Mazure settled pitchers to cushion Crown ing is getting better, and if we down and the Dogs quickly Point’s growing lead, and senior can keep on hitting the ball like erased the Indians’ lead over the pitcher and first baseman Mike we did tonight, we’re going to course of the first few innings.

Wathier closed out the game be in good shape,” Strayer said.

“At first I was on my toes for Crown Point, pitching in Next up the Dogs play two a lot, and I was nervous out the last two innings and not alstraight games aganist the Lathere and wasn’t exactly in the lowing a hit or a run to Lake Porte Slicers, first at home on mood I wanted to be in. My Central. teammates for sure, helped me Senior Evan Frank had two Tuesday, before traveling to Lacalm down and start breathing hits in the game for Crown Porte on Wednesday.

Girls tennis starts undefeated in DAC

BY DYLAN WALLACE sports editor

Nine matches are in the books so far for the girls tennis teams’ 2016 campaign, enduring only one loss to a tough Munster team. Other than that, the lady Dogs have remained undefeated in conference play and don’t plan on having anything other than a zero in the loss column for the remainder of the season.

“We have to stay focused and play with a nothing to lose attitude,” sophomore Ana Maksimovich said. “We just have to play our hardest to get those three points from somewhere by staying confident in how hard we have all worked this season.”

The ladies just recently upset Laporte 3-2 with wins all coming from their three single players and senior Savannah Schuljak believes this was big confidence booster.

“In the conference we have definitely been gearing up for our matches against Lake central, Valpo and Laporte,” Schuljak said. “After winning the match against Laporte it was a confidence booster knowing that we are still able to compete with the major conference teams.”

The Dogs aren’t the only undefeated team in the DAC however, Lake Central and Valparaiso hold perfect records as well.

Ironically enough, those two teams are the next up on Crown Point’s schedule and head coach Brian Elston stresses the importance at being strong at all five varsity positions.

“With one practice before LC and three before Valpo we are just going to keep working on being tough at all five spots,” Elston said. “That’s the toughness with our team, it’s hard to beat us in three positions.”

After losing a lot of talent due to graduation, the lady Dogs have been portrayed as the underdog this year, which gives them more motivation to succeed.

“Everyone always thinks the other team is going to win so it gives us more motivation because they don’t respect you,” Elston said. “The second thing is we don’t have to worry about the pressure being the favorite to win.”

As the postseason approaches the girls would like to keep their sectional title streak alive at 22 and hopefully extend their success from there.

“As a team we of course would like to hold our sectional title,” Maksimovich said.

“After that we would like to keep pushing furthur and furthur for the regional as well and prove to everybody that our hard work has paid off.”

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Senior Savannah Schuljak gets her prematch hits in before her match against rival Munster.

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Senior Bridgette Banser leads off the 4x800 relay for the Lady Dogs senior night against Portage. The girls came out victorius.

Syncing up in season start

BY DOMINIC TOMICH

assistant sports editor

The girls track team continues making strides towards their expectations for the season. Success has been a common variable among the girls track team thus far, and it continued over this past weekend.

“We competed at the Penn relays against some pretty good teams Saturday.

There were five teams in total ranked in the top 20. We were ranked 20, and we beat one of the teams ahead of us, which is good with some runners missing because of prom,” head coach Lindsay Moscalick said. “For us to be able to finish fourth out of the top five teams in the state is really good for us.”

Personal bests were among the outcome of Saturday’s meet and that’s no surprise when put up against the tough competition the meet held.

“The schools at Penn were really tough competition and some of the best in the state, so for us to do well missing some of our heavy hitters was a big deal. A lot of girls, myself included, were pushed into getting personal records,” sophomore Hannah Wylie said. “This meet really showed us our commitment and the level of training we are currently at.”

Wylie was one individual who showed out amongst the team, capturing a new school record in the mile, running a 5:07, as only a sophomore.

“Breaking the record is just a step towards where I want to be. Doing it as a sophomore gives me more confidence for my seasons to come. One thing I’m trying to do this season is stay positive for both me and the rest of my teammates, but when it comes down to it, I’ve been doing a lot of little things such as stretching before bed, taking ice baths and drinking lots of water,” Wylie said.

The team was able to follow up the successful Saturday meet with the only home meet of the year, more specifically, senior night.

“Having it be my first meet in about two weeks, myself and the rest of the team was pumped up, particularly for senior night,” junior Kristen LaCosse said. “All of us wanted to compete our hardest and run our fastest knowing this Tuesday was the last time our seniors would compete in a home meet.”

The ladies were able to handle the competition Tuesday beating Portage easily, 9834.

“Our team is beginning to piece together,” LaCosse said. “We hope this continues as the season progresses as we hope to do well this postseason and in all of our remaining meets.”

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Playing for Perfection

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BY TOMMY FRAME

assistant sports editor

Chemistry key to winning 73 73 is the magical number of wins that this year’s Golden State Warriors team had, breaking what some thought to be an untouchable 72 win record that the Chicago Bulls set in the 1995-96 season.

People love to compare different generations, so naturally the question has been posed: Which team was better? I don’t know.

One team had the best player of all time. One might have the best shooter of all time. Both had great team chemistry.

Other organizations in recent years have gone out to acquire a star-studded lineup. The Warriors? They drafted and built from within. They have not always been successful, and Steph Curry actually used to be human. Most people forget that during Curry’s first three years with the Warriors they didn’t even make the playoffs, finishing with a below .500 record each time. Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson were all drafted by the organization, going through the troublesome years together. When you come in with the same guys and continue to play with them for years and develop together, it builds a type of bond that translates to on-court chemistry you just can’t match.

Look at the other side of the spectrum. In Kobe Bryant’s final season after a 20 year campaign, the Lakers finished with the worst record since drafting Bryant. Let’s also look at all of the off-court issues that went on with the Lakers. Between trade talks midseason with Jordan Clarkson to D’angelo Russell leaking a personal video of Nick Young that ruined his engagement, there wasn’t much chemistry at all.

In this league which is filled with the most talented basketball players in the world, team skill is never in question. Without the team having a good morale from getting along and working towards a championship goal, you end up with a lackluster squad like this year’s 76ers. Long story short, in the Warriors’ pursuit of excellence, one thing has remained constant --- unmatched team chemistry.

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PHOTO BY BRANDEN DWYER

Junior Alexis Holloway pitches against Lake Central Wed. April 20. The Dogs went on to beat the Indians with a final score of 5-3.

Softball starts hot in DAC, downs LC, Valpo

BY MATT MCCONNELL reporter

The Lady Bulldogs are on the road to a perfect season. The girls have so far achieved a 10-0 record, and they aren’t stopping there. Always looking for improvement, the Dogs use their experience of the previous game in the match ups to come.

“Our game plan is to just keep playing at a high level and working to get better every day,” junior Alexis Holloway said. “We really focus on limiting team strikeouts and making the opposing defense work hard to get outs. We are getting better as we go. We know what to expect from each other.”

The Lady Dogs have been using their skills they’ve developed in practice and applying them to in-game situations.

“I would say during the game is when we make the most corrections. We are doing a solid job at adjusting to what the pitcher is throwing and changing our swings accordingly. This will be huge for us down the road when we start facing great pitching, and we will have to make adjustments in order to score runs,” senior Morgan Matalin said.

Runs come from hits, and the hits come from fundamentals. In order for a perfect season and postseason run to come alive, the basics

need to be down.

“Coach Britton has really been focusing on the fundamentals to make sure that we can get the job done when it’s needed. Sure, we have some amazing talent that can do some amazing things, but the little things are what wins games,” Matalin said.

Winning drives the energy in the dugout and on the diamond, which increases the passion for wanting to win.

“The energy was definitely at its high point when we played LC on Monday. They beat us in regionals last year, so the intensity level was raised in order to come out with the win,” Matalin said.

As the regular season advances, the post season mentality is beginning to take shape.

“If we get a perfect regular season, that’s great, but our real goal is to make it deep into the postseason,” Holloway said.

The squad is ranked first in the state. With 10-0 overall record and a 9-0 record in the DAC, they are a force to be reckoned with offensively and defensively. Senior Miranda Elish has only let up one hit thus far.

The team continues to rack up wins, most recently against Michigan City with a score of 17-0. The stats continue to pile up as the Dogs inch toward the postseason.

Boys golf falls short to Chesterton in season opener

BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM reporter

As another spring season slowly creeps up, the boys golf team comes out ready to get into the swing of things.

After a 157-165 loss coming at the hands of Chesterton, the team sits with a 0-1 conference record.

Junior Sam Amodeo, who tied his matchup by shooting a 41, believed the team could have performed at a higher level.

“We should have played with more confidence considering it’s our home course,” Amodeo said.

Will the Warriors repeat as the 2016 NBA champions? out of 99 students polled

“It was a disappointing loss to a team we should have beaten. I was happy with my score because it was what I shot at practice the day before.”

After losing graduated senior Mike Lee, the team had some big shoes to fill. Despite this, head coach John Haas shows plenty of confidence in the talent remaining.

“Grant Miller and Yianni Kostorous are good enough to be the number one player on about 95 percent of the teams in the state,” Haas said. “Sam Amodeo and Roenick Rex have continued to im-

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prove as well.”

A great team consisting of talent is nothing without leadership, and Haas believes that senior Grant Miller is as good as leaders get.

“Grant Miller has been a varsity player since he rolled into CPHS as a freshman,” Haas said.

“He leads by example. We tell our guys if you question if what you are doing is the right thing, take a look at Grant. More than likely, he will be doing what you should be doing to get better.”

The team will have another look at Chesterton along with Val-

paraiso on April 28. Amodeo believes it will take more than an individual effort to come out on top.

“I would really like to come back and beat Chesterton considering the early season losses we have against them,” Amodeo said.

“I think we are better than them overall, but they have a great player at the top of their lineup, so beating Chesterton will require a great team effort.”

At press time, the results of the match against Valparaiso and Chesterton were unavailable.

My moment of the month ... “... was signing with St. Joes and being able to continue my running career in college.”

Senior Matt Wielgus

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inreview “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” Despite lackluster reviews and a dwindling week to week box office, “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” is a thrilling, dark superhero film. Both Ben Affleck and Jesse Eisenberg, though not typical portrayals, reinvigorate their characters.

“Cheap Thrills”

by Sia & Sean Paul Sia’s latest single, “Cheap Thrills,” offers a catchy beat to those who wish to get up and have a good time. Sia and Sean Paul really use the up and coming form of electronic dance music in the song to catch hold of the listener.

Their combination of a synthesized beats and words force listeners not only to sing but also to dance. It is sure to be a top radio hit.

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If anything happens to that kid, I’ll never forgive myself!

- Baloo “Jungle Book”

editor-at-large

From the opening scenes of “The Jungle Book,” young Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is seen racing through the jungle with the company of his adoptive wolf family and his feline friend, a black panther named Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). The movie did everything but disappoint. Through its humorous character Baloo the Bear (Bill Murray) and its sinister guest appearance with the anaconda Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), the film created the perfect combination of light heartedness and fear in the audience that can only be described as movie perfection.

This movie is a live adaptation of the original animated Disney film, but considering most of it was generated through a computer, calling it live is a stretch. This does not deny the fact that the images presented in the film were anything short from perfection. Director Jon Favreau brings this 1967 Disney classic back to life with the amazing

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Fans wild for “Jungle Book”

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scenery of the jungle, waterfalls and of course the animal animations of them talking, singing and sharing Mowgli’s adventure.

The character Mowgli is immediately known to be the star of the film. He was raised by a pack of wolves his entire life until the audience meets the tiger known as Shere Khan (Idris Elba) forces him to leave his life behind and join what they call “the man village.” His guardian Bagheera shepherds Mowgli to safety, and the young boy meets all his animal friends on their journey.

While seen as a children’s movie, there are some parts throughout that may be intense for some of the younger audience.

Mowgli’s whole journey begins because a man eating tiger is trying to kill him. Constantly running into issues along the way and some powerful roars here and there can most definitely scare a child for a couple of nights if not prepared. But these intense scenes are

minor compared to others that have good lessons embedded within them. Some life lessons shared throughout Mowgli’s adventure teach children about bravery, courage, creativity and of course relationships.

The audience gets to see the meaning of true friendship when shown the care and love the animals have for Mowgli. Even though they love him and want him to stay with them, they put his safety above their greed to be with him which is an extremely important message to relay to children. Sometimes the things that hurt most are those that keep our loved ones safe.

Over all “The Jungle Book” is perfect for any family to go enjoy no matter the age range. Coming from an 18-year-old senior, this movie is one no one would want to miss.

“Me Before You”

by Jojo Moyes Soon to be a feature length film, “Me Before You” takes readers on a journey of love and self discovery. Though the story of Louisa Clark and Will Traynor can be cheesy, the novel is perfect for any rainy day.

“Roses”

by MacKenzie Bourg After a fourth place finish on the final season of “American Idol,” MacKenzie Bourg makes the charts with his single “Roses.”

The acoustic qualities of the song along with Bourg’s soothing voice leave listeners wishing they were at the party he’s singing about.

NHL Playoffs It is the season that all hockey fans wait for.

Tensions run high for fans cheering their favorite team on to advance to the finals. Watch as the players skate for the coveted Stanley Cup.

“Lukas Graham” provides listeners with unique sound

BY DESTINY KOGLER artist

Discovering a new album and exploring the world the singer creates with his lyrics and tune is truly inspirational. “Lukas Graham” is the second studio album by the Danish singer Lukas Graham. This album features the popular song “7 Years” as well as others that deserve fame. This album was quite an experience. It is completely unique compared to the music of today in which everything tends to sound monotonous and boring.

“Lukas Graham” is a deep album with an unexplainable gripping quality that makes the listener excited and attached until the last second. This album brings not only upbeat tunes, but it also contains some deeper messages and slower ballads. There is a lot of emotion in all of his songs, so they all contain inspirational lyrics that speak to the soul -- that is the magic of this album. The music is so different to the typical songs of today, and each song has it’s own inspirational mood and meaning with a

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new beat and music to match every song.

Graham breaks free of the identical pattern of songs by playing with different tunes and chords. He sings with such power and is able to hit high notes that are typically difficult to reach. His lyrics are an inspiration as well. The song “Mama Said,” for example, depicts his childhood from growing up in a poor home to his inspiration to push through and find fame to beat the odds.

Another great song on this album is “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout Me.” The song starts with an old fashioned swing vibe and has a cheery tune. “Better Than Yourself” is another truly rare song. It begins with a classical piano solo that sends a dark and intense vibe to listeners. Following this intro comes Graham’s singing, which is full of intensity and a strong passion for the lyrics. The way Graham can use his voice to make a song sound so intense is magical.

Furthermore, this is such a quality album because it breaks free of the typical tunes

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popular artists sing, and each song has such a great message. It is always nice to hear a new voice playing on the radio -- it adds diversity.

Graham is becoming more popular for his inspiring words and hearty music. This is a great album to purchase, especially for those who are interested in unique songs that are unlike the typical, repetitive songs on the radio.

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@EmrgencyKittens Scrolling through a twitter feed and seeing images of adorable kittens will result in extreme cuteness. View the daily pictures of kittens in tiny outfits to brighten ones day.

Portillo’s worker to Christian: “the double bacon cheeseburger is pretty thick.”

Christian: “yeah well so am I.” sophomore Katlynd Mojica

@katiemojica23

I just paid $3 for an app This is what It feels like to be on top junior Tommy Pawlowski

@tommypawlowski

senioritis is so bad that its a struggle wearing leggings to school instead of sweat pants. senior Devin DeBest

@DevinDeBest

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Weezer returns with 10th studio album

BY CHRIS REKITZKE editor-at-large

The music industry is a bulimic. It intakes a variety of sounds, genres and artists and chews them up, savors then swallows, and after a few years of mild success, or less, the industry’s money ridden hand plunges into the throat only to spit out artist after artist, band after band --- sometimes more than once. A vicious, grotesque process, but some manage to survive this and get ingested all over again. Weezer is one of the few.

Weezer’s latest plunge into the mouth of the music industry beast, “Weezer (The White Album),” is the band’s 10th studio album and is a contemporary concept album. “The White Album” was inspired by Rivers Cuomo’s experiences in Los Angeles and features a narrative centered around a boy-meets-girl love story among others.

“The White Album” is an amiable toss back to Weezer’s roots. It is reminiscent of a once young band accustomed to playing in garages just breaking into the industry. The album is a love letter to old fans returning to sounds of alternative rock and pop. However, the album is not exclusive nor does it turn away new fans. The record is universally appealing, similar to the band’s first album, “Weezer (The Blue Album),” and their third “Weezer (The Green Album).”

Like the band’s debut album, “The White Album” is refreshing in a music era in which radio waves are dominated almost entirely by empty, sensuous lyrics and synth ridden beats. While there are exceptions, the majority of popular music possesses these characteristics. Weezer’s 10th has a plethora of solid songs, the strongest being “Wind in Our Sail,” “California Kids” and “Jacked Up.” While the album maintains an uplifting, poppy tone throughout, which is very present in both “Wind in our Sail” and “California Kids,” “Jacked Up” is a particularly sad song.

The song is the climax of the love story the album loosely follows, coping with the heartbreak, specifically in this song; being “jacked up,” as it were.

The contrast the song provides is a pleasant change of pace and sticks out on the album.

Overall, Weezer’s “White Album” is an all-embracing album, having the ability to appeal to old and new fans.

It is also evidence that some artists have longevity and have survived and will continue to in the music industry.

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It’s time for us to fly

MAJOR KEY

BY MAISA NOUR editor-at-large

PHOTO BY BRANDEN DWYER

Key Nutrition employee Noah Patrick fills cups with water in order to make step two tea.

New Herbalife location provides convenience and health benefits

BY HANNAH BAUNER opinion editor

Getting the benefits of a protein shake while combining it with the flavors of a milkshake seems like an impossible task, but Key Nutrition defeats this conception.

Key Nutrition is the key to happy taste buds.

It is one of several establishments in the Region that sells Herbalife products. Herbalife products are geared towards weight management, energy and fitness.

The first step in the process is a shot of aloe.

Although there are only two flavors, mango and cranberry, both are delicious.

Next, a customer is given a tea. With the choice of eight flavors, many will find something they enjoy. There is also the option to add extras to your tea, such as Lift-Off for energy or Belly Buster, designed to break down and eliminate fat or toxins in the intestinal tract.

After the tea comes the shake, probably the most well-known feature of Herbalife businesses.

Key Nutrition offers over 60 shake choices, ranging from fruity to chocolatey flavors. One can add extras to the shake, too, such as extra protein or Prolessa, Herbalife’s weight management supplement.

Other Herbalife stores, such as Higher Level Nutrition and Berry Red, were the go to stores for many because they were the only of their kind near home. However, with Higher Level Nutrition located closer to Merrillville and Berry Red in Winfield, Key Nutrition adds another option for those who

Windbreakers

live in Crown Point. The convenient location of Key Nutrition only adds to its appeal. It is perfect for students to stop in and grab a shake before or after school due to its Court Street location. There is also the option to call ahead and pre-order a shake so it is ready upon arrival.

The aloe shot contains vitamins and helps with skin, acne and heartburn. The tea contains caffeine that can provide a healthier energy boost compared to coffee. It also is designed to boost metabolism.

The shakes are meal replacement shakes, which can provide a quick solution for those who do not normally eat breakfast. Because the shakes contain the nutrients of a full meal, one can remain alert and focused throughout the day. Due to the immense options of flavors, many will find a tasty shake that they enjoy.

The many choices in flavors is the best part of Key Nutrition. Everybody will be able to find something for whatever taste one may have. There are choices such as strawberry banana or piña colada for those who enjoy fruit, Butterfinger or white chocolate Reese’s for peanut butter lovers and Oreo or s’mores for people who want something chocolatey without the peanut butter. Although the shakes contain protein as meal replacement shakes, they do not contain the powdery protein taste that one may expect.

Overall, Key Nutrition provides energy and the ability to concentrate without the negative effects and jitters from coffee. The many benefits from the products make it a necessity for everyday consumption.

favorite things

we’re so over Major League Baseball

underclassmen parking in the senior lot

Finally, the nights are once more filled with the crack of bats and the roar of crowds as the baseball season is in full swing.

The senior lot is reserved for seniors. The junior lot is reserved for juniors. It is pretty simple. Red is red and blue is blue. This is not Allen Iverson, there is no crossover. Get to school on time to fill up your respective lot. At the very least park in the back of the lot, it is understandable that the junior lot is crowded and in an early, groggy state some juniors park in the senior lot. Also, to those that have made it this far without a parking pass, well done, but we hope you get caught.

Calzones

Light spring jackets. Neon colors. Windbreakers. Stay warm in this 90s throwback style.

Zumiez $20-40

It never hit me that we’ve grown up until I looked at the date.

Seniors, we have 25 days left in high school. 25. That’s it.

While of course it’s hard to imagine missing this place, the memories embroidered into these walls will live on forever.

Take a minute and really think about what you’ve accomplished here. In your four years of high school, how much have you grown? Not just physically but mentally.

Try to remember your first day here as a freshman. Weird, right?

We all had these thoughts that this was the place to bust out into random choreographed dancing and synchronized singing. This was the place to find the Troy to our Gabriella.

Then reality hit us like a truck.

Tests started to become more real while friends started to become more fake. We finally started to understand what adults meant when they told us our childhood wouldn’t last forever. People changed, the world changed and hopefully you changed.

Many of us get scared thinking about growing up and evolving into adults especially with the next chapter of our lives right around the corner. Whether it be college, the army or whatever it is you decide on doing, it’s coming. Fast.

Realize that we did it you guys. We survived four years of drama, stress, loss and so much more. If we can make it out of this place in one piece after every curveball it had to offer, we can and will survive out in the real world. I wish us all success and happiness we may or may not have gotten here at CPHS.

What is better than having a tasty meal that can be conveniently enjoyed on the go?

Calzones can be filled with the most savory ingredients or the sweetest treats making them versatile for everyday indulgence.

Tomato Bar $10-13

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Lily Marigliano Team bonding “Track season is my favorite sports season. We all work as a team. It’s like its own little community.”

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Junior Dakota Alessandrini displays ballet techniques and footwork for her students that she teaches twice a week at the Indiana Ballet Theatre.

Alessandrini balances student and teacher life

BY LAUREN MASSOW ANDREW GIANFERMI copy editor reporter

Junior Dakota Alessandrini has had to study under teachers her whole life. They have been there to broaden her mind, and now she finds herself in their shoes teaching young students multiple styles of dance.

Alessandrini has been involved in dance for a majority of her life, and this has given her time to master various styles of dancing.

“I have been involved in dance since I was three doing ballet, contemporary and jazz,” Alessandrini said.

Of all the productions she has been involved in, Alessandrini’s favorite role was one she performed two years ago.

“My favorite role I have danced was the lead in ‘The Nutcracker,’ Clara, which I performed two years ago in December,” Alessandrini said.

Alessandrini spends a majority of her time rehearsing her dances, especially when she is involved in an upcoming production.

“Normally I have practice three days a week for two to three hours at a time. I dance about eight to nine hours in a normal week,” Alessandrini said. “If we are getting ready to do a production, I am dancing four to five

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days a week, including both Saturdays and Sundays for roughly 20 hours a week.”

This dance experience has helped Alessandrini transition from a performer to a teacher.

She teaches children different styles of dance twice a week with ages varying from six to 13 years old. She has taught both boys and girls but currently has an all-female class.

“I teach two days a week. On Tuesdays I teach six to eight-year-olds ballet and on Thursdays I teach nine to 13-year-olds ballet and jazz/modern at Indiana Ballet Theatre,” Alessandrini said. “Although I have had a male student in the past, all of who I teach now are girls in kindergarten, elementary and middle school.”

Alessandrini’s work to inspire young children reflects the positive effect her teachers have had on her throughout her dancing career.

“I decided that I wanted to teach younger students dance because I appreciate what all my teachers have and continue to do for me throughout the years,” Alessandrini said. “I want to have that kind of positive influence on other, younger dancers’ lives as well.”

Even though she is still a student herself, Alessandrini loves to watch her students grow and improve on the skills she has taught them.

“My favorite thing about teaching is get-

“I express myself by smiling and having a good attitude.”

“I express myself through the sports that I do because I see myself as an athletic person.”

Jordan Kraus

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ting to watch the kids grow and get better from the beginning of the year to the end,” Alessandrini said. “It’s cool for me especially, considering that I am still a dance student myself, that I can help kids a little younger than me not make the mistakes that I have made throughout the years and have a positive influence on that aspect of their lives.”

To further her goal of helping others, Alessandrini is considering studying pediatrics after high school and believes this teaching opportunity helps her decision to do so.

“I am thinking about going into pediatrics in college and working with children doing something I love. (It) is a wonderful opportunity to see if this field is the right field for me,” Alessandrini said.

Since she has been dancing from a young age, Alessandrini has confidence that dance will continue to play a large role in her life.

“When I was little, we did dance performances at the end of every year, and I obviously loved the dancing aspect. But I also really loved performing and being on stage in front of an audience and still continue to love it today,” Alessandrini said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without dance, and it has and will always hold a near and dear place in my heart.”

Hungry herbivore “Chipotle is the best fast food place because they have vegetarian options.”

Came in like a notification “Miley Cyrus is my favorite person to follow on social media because she always posts something interesting and shocking.”

Back at it again “Vans is my favorite brand of shoes. They’re classic. They come in a lot of different colors that go with a lot of things.”

Life’s a beach “My happy place is the ocean, the beach. I love scuba diving and coral reefs.”

“I express myself through the music I listen to because it’s cheerful.”

“I express myself by not letting people dictate or influence my decisions.”

“I express myself through cars because I love classics.”

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“I express myself through the way I dress. I like dressing differently than everyone else.”

Kirsten Mazzaro senior