Inklings dec 2013

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Crown Point High School 1500 S. Main St.

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Dec. 20, 2013 Vol. 78 Issue 4

Crown Point, IN 46307

inklings@cps.k12.in.us

How suite it is Sophomore Michael Truschka performs in annual production of the Nutcracker ballet Read about Truschka in the Nutcracker on page 16

New classes proposed for addition to curriculum

BY SHANNON ROSTIN

managing editor

PHOTOS BY AMY SCHUCH Junior Billy Bernhardt helps his family decorate his house for the holiday season. The Bernhardts have lived on Candy Cane Lane for the past four years.

right down

Candy Cane Lane Students keep 55 year decorating tradition

BY MAGGIE GELON OLIVIA ELSTON

editor-in-chief associate editor

A walk down winter wonderland may not be as far as the North Pole when Candy Cane Lane is right here in Crown Point.

Every holiday season Holton Ridge transforms into the famous Candy Cane Lane. For 55 years the street has been dedicated to becoming a winter wonderland for a few weeks of the year.

“It’s not your average holiday street,” freshman, and resident of Candy Cane Lane, Kathryn Birmingham said. “Every Christmas we all look forward to it and putting up the lights together and seeing everyone drive by and getting our month of fame.”

But the month of fame does not come without much preparation.

Christmas trees are ordered for each yard, the nativity has to be assembled and the houses of course have to be decorated.

Feature Multiple Celebrations Students deal with having a winter holiday birthday

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Candy Cane Lane celebrates its 55th year this winter.

Senior Natalie Groff has lived on the street her entire life and is familiar with the decorating process.

“There’s a nativity scene in the (culde-sac) and all the families have different parts of the nativity scene, like my family has one of the wise men that we keep in our garage until it’s Christmas, then we put it out,” Groff said.

Just a few years ago, junior Billy Bernhardt moved onto the street.

While his mother was aware of the tradition when they purchased the house, See Candy Cane Lane on page 3

In efforts to better meet the requirements of the changing interest of students, administration will be proposing new course offerings for the scheduling process of the 2014-2015 school year.

These will include newly offered as well as advanced, or next levels of current classes.

A prospective list of these includes computer programing 2, advanced business management, advanced web design, info comm and tech, intro to print reading, theatre arts special topics (an online course), astronomy and AP world history.

“They were chosen because we thought we had some gaps in our offerings, and we wanted to have a better flow,” assistant principal Robert McDermott said.

“For example, in the computer tech courses we wanted to make sure that we had enough courses in the programming and networking end where students could take courses each of their four years.”

Some courses, such as astronomy, were added to offer an elective in different subjects.

“Astronomy we made because we wanted to expand our elective offerings in science. We know a majority of kids are taking some biology and chemistry and the vast majority of kids are taking some form of physics, so we wanted to have some other opportunities for our students to take. We are hoping to add some additional courses in science for the future, but for next year we are going to add astronomy,” McDermott said.

Other courses are being offered to meet the needs and graduation requirements of certain grade levels such as adding AP world history as a component to See Proposed Classes on page 2

Sports

A&E

Creating her own legacy Hannah Albrecht makes own name in basketball

Christmas in movies Classic Christmas movies reviewed from best to worst

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news december 20, 2013

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intheknow Bay Kurtz named an All American player After winning his second soccer state title as a Bulldog, senior Bay Kurtz was named an All American for his outstanding performance on the soccer field. The All American team is chosen by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Being one of 61 athletes chosen throughout the country, Kurtz was one of only three from Indiana. Along with being part of the All American team, Kurtz was named PostTribune Player of the Year, and led his team with 19 goals and 14 assists. Kurtz has committed to play collegiate soccer and will be attending Liberty University in the fall.

2013-2014 Excalibur Yearbook Sale The Excalibur yearbook for the 2013-2014 school year is currently on sale for $60. Books can be purchased through a link on the school website or with a check made out to Excalibur. Checks can be sent to the office or room E112. Yearbooks will be on sale for $60 until Dec. 31. After this date, the price will be raised to $65.

Purchasing a yearbook early is highly suggested due to limited quantities of extra books at distribution next year.

Winter Running Club In preparation to track conditioning, the girls track and field team have started a run club for any high school or middle school students interested in running. The club takes place on Mondays and Thursdays after school, and encourages all middle school students to participate. It is held after school at the high school, and participants will receive a t-shirt and the chance to condition with the high school athletes.

PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Senior Taryn Spisak helps a Key Club Christmas party attendee write his letter to Santa. Many festive activities were available.

Key Club holds first official Christmas party

BY MADDIE ADDUCCI

copy editor

Key Club members took on the challenge of throwing the high school’s first Christmas party for all families in the area.

On Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., several young children and their families came to enjoy festive activities in the newer part of the cafeteria. Key Club members planned far in advance to make the party special.

“We have been throwing out ideas for this since the beginning of the year, but we started organizing it around the beginning of November,” Key Club Officer Athena Tran said. “We had different committees for everything: food, set up, clean up, decorations and what not.”

The children participated in crafts and enjoyed the food Key Club families and members donated. The Great American Bagel Company also helped out by donating bagels. After breakfast, the children watched

Proposed classes continued from p. 1 AP human geography, which was available to the freshmen this year.

Others make it possible to continue in the students’ current path, such as advanced web design, computer programming II, and info. comm. and tech which are additions to the technology and computer AP path. Advanced business management is a new course for the business department.

“In computer programming, there is a lot of IT stuff going on right now. A lot of businesses and companies need IT guys, so it sounds like it would really help future

january

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“The Santa Claus,” featuring Tim Allen.

“We had some different types of crafts.

We had them cut out snowflakes, we had a ‘write to Santa’ center, we had ornament decorating, and we had little snowmen where they could put their names on them,” Key Club Advisor Heidi Polizotto said. “We also had breakfast food everywhere laid out for them.”

Despite how prepared they were, the club members were disappointed when the number of participants was lower than expected.

“I feel like people know about it because we advertised it pretty well this year, so hopefully the weather will be better next year so a lot of people come out,” Tran said. “Everything looked really nice, there were plenty of members who turned out which was great, but it was just the bad weather that affected the turn out.”

Polizotto agrees that the amount of families who participated was simply out of their hands.

students on getting jobs,” freshman Graham Votaw said.

These courses were designed according to the interests of students in recent years and will depend on the height of student interest. This means that if there is not a peak interest among the student body in registering to take these courses, they may not be definite classes.

“What we’re looking to do is look at our course offerings that we have for our students to see where we can best serve students. That could be adding courses, changing existing courses or deleting courses,” McDermott said.

In order to make this happen, administrators must make decisions about the impact the course will have on the school and students.

“Every time we add another course a student has to

14 15 16 Final Exams Tuesday: First, third and sixth periods Wednesday: Second and

Turnabout The dance will be held at Halls of St. George from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

seventh periods Thursday: Fourth and fifth periods

“We emailed every single elementary school and we got really positive responses.

We contacted the staff here so they could bring their kids, but it was just the weather.

I think we are going to do it next year,” Polizotto said.

The snow might have kept the attendance low, however, the party was filled with the holiday spirit.

“We had Santa and the Misses there.

It was really cute, and the kids got really excited. They were like, ‘Santa! Santa!’ It was just like in the movies,” Polizotto said.

The children had the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. One little boy’s request was far from typical.

“I want a real reindeer, and he can sit at my dining table next to me,” three-yearold Ian Chapko said.

With the hopes of better weather in the future, Polizotto and Key Club members are looking to continue the Christmas party in the years to come.

give up another course so (we thought about) how that is going to weigh in for our school and our staff,” McDermott said.

Other changes in courses include removing sports marketing, adding dual credit to personal financing, and renaming courses to better fit the curriculum such as athletic development, intro to construction, and pre. mach. tech. In addition to this, dual credit chemistry will replace honors chemistry by adding dual credit through IU ACP. For seniors, dual credit speech will be an option for 12th grade English or elective credit.

These are all changes that should be kept in mind through the scheduling process, which will begin for freshmen through junior classes in February.

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Semester Ends All first semester grades are due at this point. Students are given the day off while teachers spend the day finalizing grades.

Talent Show Submissions are due Jan.8.

The show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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news december 20, 2013

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Annual Fast-a-thon raises cultural awareness

ing to.

“A couple of my friends told me I should participate. I am trying to learn about the religion because I am considering converting (to Islam),” Muhammad said.

Participants received a free dinner after sunset catered by

Middle Eastern restaurant Aladdin Pita. MSA members fundraised the dinner by having a bake sale, selling candy and receiving donations.

Senior Jorie Horn was glad she participated in the event. “(The Fast-a-thon) was a fun challenge to do with my friends,” Horn said. “I would do it again because it was so fun, and you get a good meal at the end.”

Both Horn and MSA representative Lynn Kholoki believe that the event was good to be a part of.

“The Fast-a-thon was definitely an experience especially because people do not know what ‘fasting’ actually is,” Kholoki said. “They can see if they can actually handle fasting for one day.”

David thought the event was a success not only logistically, but in spreading the Islamic cultural awareness around the school.

“I appreciate that they are really reaching out and trying to show the rest of the school community about what MSA is about especially since this (Fast-a-thon) is the highlight of what they do,” David said. “MSA is doing a very good job in becoming part of the school culture.”

including Senior Chris Edwards, go to pick up the trees from the tree farm and deliver them.

“We go out to a place in Cedar Lake that sells Christmas trees, we pick them up and we deliver them,” Edwards said. “We’ve been doing the same place for about 30 years now, so they kind of know us.”

Many memories are formed from all the work that each family contributes into preparing the street for Christmas. Edwards experienced multiple memorable memories from the many years he has been participating in the decorating.

“One year, we had hay bales that we left outside for a little while and it rained and snowed and (the hay bales) froze so we went to go pick up the hay and it was just an ice ball,” Edwards said. “It took three of us to carry it because it weighed like a hun-

dred pounds. It was a giant bale of hail.”

While Candy Cane Lane provides a lot of work and dedication for the residents who live there, the overall outcome of the look of the street is worth it to most of the families.

“Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday and I’m a really jolly kind of guy so I like doing whatever I can to get the Christmas spirit involved,” Bernhardt said.

Edwards, along with Bernhardt, thinks Candy Cane Lane is a positive part of the season. From being a part of it for the majority of his life, he hopes the tradition will never end in the future.

“I’m glad we do it and I hope we keep doing it until I leave for college,” Edwards said. “I hope everyone else keeps the tradition going. Hopefully we’ll make it to 100 years.”

BY KATIE SHERMAN

editor-at-large

Donning “The Hunger Games” pins, students volunteered as ‘tributes’ for the annual MSA Fast-a-thon last Thursday.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA), a group designed to better the understanding of Islam as well as spread the message of religious tolerance, held its eighth annual Fast-a-thon. Around 75 students participated in the event.

The Fast-a-thon participants went from sunrise to sunset without eating or drinking, getting a glimpse of Ramadan, an annual Muslim tradition emphasizing thankfulness, self-restraint and self-reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset for a month.

“I believe the purpose of the Fast-a-thon is to raise awareness to the rest of the student population about one of the observances of Muslim students. It creates a better understanding of the different background, culture and some of the beliefs,” MSA sponsor and math teacher Michael David said.

Senior Angelique Bettress found that although fasting was difficult she enjoyed learning more about one of the practices

PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Students who participated in the MSA Fast-a-thon last Thursday received a dinner catered by Middle Eastern restaurant Aladdin Pita. The fast lasted from sunrise to sunset.

of the Muslim culture.

“I wanted to see what the Muslim culture was like and what they go through (during Ramadan). It was super hard fasting, especially during my lunch hour,” Bettress said. “The hunger was on my mind constantly throughout

Stray Dogs to perform

BY SHANNON ROSTIN

managing editor

The Stray Dogs Improv group is preparing to take the stage to perform their first semsester show, set for Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.

“I’m putting together a brand new set of games, the audience has not seen about 80 percent of these games. There are still some old classics that we roll through, but we have some very new stuff.

We have some games that we even invented that aren’t performed by other troupes. We have brand new stuff for the audience,” improv sponsor Don Bernacky said.

Skits featured in the show will include “I can’t believe I survived”, ‘Scenes from a Hat’, and the ‘Human Caterpillar’.

Standup comedy will be performed by sophomore Jesse Fawley, senior Stephen Jeffirs and first time standup performer Kyle

Thompson.

“I’m excited, but I’m nervous at the same time because it’s my first time ever doing it. I think I’m going to be funny but you never know if other people will think it’s funny, so it’s the gamble you take,” Thompson said.

As in years past, he show will benefit the Lake County Animal Shelter.

“Our hope is to be able to raise at least $1000. Every time we’ve done the show we’ve raised at least $1000 for the animal shelter,” Bernacky said.

The students are preparing for their upcoming show by working on their skills during weekly practices.

“I ask the kids to go out there and improv with strangers, or family, anyone who is willing to play, to just exercise their skills that they practice,” Bernacky said.

views on news

A local Valparaiso convenience store was reportedly robbed by the same man twice within a matter of ten days. The man drew a gun and threatened the clerk to give up all the money in the register, threatening to shoot if she did not. He was last witnessed fleeing east from the store on foot.

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Hannah VanGundy freshman

Candy Cane Lane continued from p. 1 Bernhardt did not know what to expect.

“My mom kept buying things, and I was wondering why we were going all out,” Bernhardt said.

Bernhardt has since enjoyed the decorating, as he believes the tradition helps him and the rest of the residents on the street get into the Christmas spirit .

“My brother, he put up a lot of the lights; and Sunday night, my mom kind of made me help her put up all the other stuff like the tree. It felt like I was in a movie because it was snowing, like a really light snow, and then my mom had some Michael Bublé Christmas music going, so it was kind of magical,” Bernhardt said.

Additionally, each neighbor contributes to the purchase of Christmas trees for each yard.

Each house puts a Christmas tree in their front yard as part of the tradition. Then some neighbors,

Student reaction to events in our world

Area Two armed robberies in the same Valparaiso store

I think it’s horrible, I hope he’s caught.

Someone could have gotten severely hurt.

the day.”

Students cited participating in the event for a variety of reasons. For sophomore Salih Muhammad, the fasting gave him an opportunity to experience a cultural aspect of Islam, a religion he said he is considering convert-

Nation Colorado shooter State Carmel man asks coworker to help murder wife injures student Adrian Howard turned in Stephen Perry to the police when Perry offered $15,000 for the murder of his wife. Howard had the impression that it was a joke until the ransom was given. Perry has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

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Nolan Gold junior

I agree that is was the right thing for Howard to do, you shouldn’t hire a hitman to kill your wife, that’s not cool.

World Nelson Mandela declared dead at 95

Centennial, Colorado student Karl Halverson, 18, opened fire at his local Arapahoe High School three times, injuring student Claire Davis and then taking his own life. Halverson was believed to be searching for a specific teacher; the teacher, however, fled the campus.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela passed away on Dec. 5 at the age of 95. Mandela was widely celebrated for his efforts at ending the apartheid. “Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” South African President Jacob Zuma told CNN.

I think it’s crazy that this happened; also, I don’t think the teacher should have left, he’s supposed to stay and protect.

Nelson Mandela was super inspiring, he made a huge impact on South Africa with the Apartheid.

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James Herron senior

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Devin Deboth junior

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opinion december 20, 2013

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speakup

Be careful with Bitcoin

What courses would CPHS benefit from adding?

BY DYLAN TAYLOR

editor-in-chief

Imagine buying a few dollars worth of electronic money in an exchange. Now, imagine that one unit of the currency’s value skyrockets to over 1,000 times that of a dollar. You have just become a thousand bucks richer.

For some internet moguls, this is almost exactly what happened on November 29, 2013— Bitcoin, an electronic “alternative currency,” increased in value from $13.36 to $1,124.76, leaving many devotees of the currency extensively wealthier than before.

As the Bitcoin economy boomed, this bona fide get-rich-quick situation almost seemed too good to be true.

Sadly, it essentially was. Bitcoin, unleashed in 2009, has depreciated nearly 46 percent since its November peak. Its value had been driven up by hordes of Chinese speculators eager to cash in on its potential, but recent regulations blocking Bitcoinyuan exchanges by the Chinese government crashed the currency’s value. Bitcoin is extremely volatile because its value hinges on the number of vendors willing to accept it, and every exchange (which requires ten minutes, at minimum, to complete) is a financial gamble.

Still, beyond pure economics, the theoretical potential of Bitcoin remains optimistic for many advocates. The currency is untaxed in the U.S. and difficult to trace by governments. Just as it has been used in exchanges for fiat currency, Bitcoin is accepted by numerous online vendors—a wide extent of goods and services, from books to appliances, can be purchased with it. Because it is difficult to track, Bitcoin has even been used on online black markets like “The Silk Road” to purchase guns and drugs, or on online gambling sites. For libertarians, crypto-anarchists and free web advocates, Bitcoin is as much of a symbol of financial and social freedom as it is an alternative currency.

In this sense, if Bitcoin picks up steam, the Federal Reserve could potentially be crippled.

Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul even argued in a recent statement that Bitcoin could be the death of the dollar. Supporters of centralized currency, and the benefits thereof, should certainly find something to fear in Bitcoin’s success. Still, for now, the elusive cryptocurrency will remain a fringe benefit for risk-taking computer geeks, investors and black market buyers alike.

For any techie excited by the Bitcoin investment explosion, invest at your own risk.

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Cartoon By ellie burrell

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Elyse Schurg freshman “A pharmaceutical class would be interesting. It would be helpful since I want to be a nurse.”

New classes are welcome, offer wider range of opportunities to students

Biology, Algebra, English Literature—all are essential core curricula, and all are covered quite well by classes, AP or otherwise, offered by Crown Point High School. While learning how to factor a polynomial is important for every student, core subjects do not always cover the full extent of potential interests and career aspirations that all students may have. By offering interesting electives, non-core AP classes and extracurricular activities, the school has done well to accommodate a wider range of individual students.

With the release of a list of new, potentially soon-to-be-offered classes, the number of student interests accommodated has become even more vast. The school has proposed offering courses on subjects as diverse as astronomy and computer coding, as well as new AP courses such as world history. The adoption of these courses displays that the school is trying to promote education and exploration beyond core subjects—a smart move, especially considering an increasingly specialized job market.

Still, adding more classes may hurt enrollment in currently existing classes. A student’s schedule is not infinite, and providing competitive students an even wider range of AP classes may lead non-weighted, already well-established curricular programs such as the band, the orchestra, the yearbook, etc. to suffer. Ambitious students, always encouraged to pursue the most rigorous courses possible, should never be discouraged from pursuing a love of choral singing, journalism or art in favor of a supplemented GPA. Thankfully, the school’s potential new classes are a healthful mixture of AP and non-weighted electives, and the growing academic diversity of the school is readily apparent as yet another benefit of attending CPHS. The school is right to ensure that even more student interests than before will be compensated academically with new classes. One may hope, however, that students take advantage of these opportunities and explore classes and programs outside of the core.

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Crown Point High School, IN

1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us www.crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

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

Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks.

Inklings reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings.

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

“I would pick a class about how to be a pilot if there was a new class. I really want to be one when I am older.”

Connor Krampen junior “I think having a military class here would be cool. They could have information on all of the branches.”

Mariah White senior “A dental class, because I want to become a dental hygenist.”

editorial Vol. 78 Issue 4 Dec. 20, 2013

Grant Gelon sophomore

editors-in-chief

sports editors

photographers

Maggie Gelon Dylan Taylor

Alaa Abdeldaiem Kara Biernat

Evi Lovin Jack Snedden

Katie Sherman

Emily Best

Olivia Elston Tina Winfrey

Yazzmyne Lopez

Lexi Berdine Kate Franklin Nadia Giedemann Maisa Nour Collin Raiser Eli Udchitz Jackie VanDerWay Dylan Wallace

editor-at-large associate editors

managing editors

a&e editor

advertising editor advertising asst.

Becca Burke

Verda Mirza Shannon Rostin

online editor

Maddie Adducci

Amy Schuch

Ellie Burrell

Brittany Pedersen

copy editor

graphics editor

Paige Buelow

photo editor

chief photographer

staff

adviser

Julie Elston

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opinion december 20, 2013

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Should Indiana keep Common Core?

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Activity, light, good food can help beat the winter blues

BY ELLIE BURRELL

graphics editor

Cartoon By collin raiser

Pro:

Con:

Common Core provides a good national educational standard

Quality of education will suffer under nation-wide Common Core standards

BY VERDA MIRZA

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

managing editor

reporter

The Common Core State Standards were created by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to help students, teachers and parents understand the goal they have to reach in order to gain the most success in oneself and the school.

Schools nationwide are judged based on their test scores and it would make sense to if all schools were teaching the same courses and lessons. Because of this, the federal government took it upon themselves to create the Common Core, which was for teachers to comprehend the learning goals that are expected of them to ensure that students get the most successful education.

Furthermore, the Common Core was aligned with what colleges are expecting of the incoming students. This would benefit many when attending college because there won’t be a surprise when colleges request that a student take a specific class they need to get in.

United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently told POLITICO that “to oppose the Common Core is to oppose progress.”

Duncan is absolutely right. Our nation needs to make the initiative to better itself and what better way to start it by educating the younger generation to their highest ability.

The Core only promotes schools to reach the goals that are expected of them. However, many assume the Core is forcing teachers to teach in a certain way. That is not the case. The Core does have prepackaged lessons for the teachers; teachers have the option to freely teach the students their own way with Core standards in mind.

Equality among all students in the nation is promoted by the Common Core. Every student, no matter where they live, obtains the same opportunities and education. Students become well prepared for the competition that runs throughout the United States and other countries.

Fair judging on schools and their students is provided by the Core, even though many are opposed to it. Many people oppose change, but eventually, people will get the handle of it.

Money is a powerful weapon, powerful enough to jeopardize the efficiency and quality of education.

It shouldn’t be, but it is.

Common Core standards are just another market-based system that undermines the true value and quality of education. States around the country are willing to set aside better, more efficient standards for their inclusion in the Race to the Top funding program.

They shouldn’t.

Schools should be motivated to implement new standards for the overall betterment of their students’ education, not because it involves more cash.

The Common Core standards also create a set timeline and curriculum for every state to follow. How can someone dictate how fast a student should acquire their knowledge? Each person learns at a different pace, and with the implementation of these Common Core standards, education is based on the quantity of material a student learns and not the quality of it.

The new standards significantly reduce the amount of classic literature introduced in the classroom and attempt to replace it with more information-based text. Advocates say this is in place to help students be “fully prepared for the future” and so that “our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.”

What about the individual’s imagination? Teaching content with a higher Lexile rather than for its literary components once again focuses on quantity at the expense of quality.

Proponents of Common Core say that the new standards will increase proficiency rates and that students’ test scores will be higher.

But who is to say that the more rigorous standards won’t backfire, that more students will fail than succeed?

No tests have been conducted to assure that the Common Core standards will succeed, and with its current defective and flawed components, there’s no guarantee that they ever will.

7 Inklings staffers agree

19 Inklings staffers agree

Katie Dillon

Dan Hadary

senior

“(Students) may have grown (educationally) but by national standards maybe their growth wasn’t enough, but to the individual that’s still a feat.”

“It gives schools an even playing field and it gives colleges a better idea of who to accept.”

Caleb Smoot

English teacher

sophomore

“I think the Common Core is a good thing because everyone should have the same educational opportunities and be on the same level.”

Jillian Milicki

junior

“It takes away from the teachers’ learning and the teachers’ curriculum and what each teacher wants to do individually for their own class.”

Maybe it’s the bitter cold or the onset of senioritis. Days seem longer but the sun sets earlier. A thousand projects are all due in a week, and the kid in the back of math class is near tears.

‘Tis the season to freak out and succumb to the winter blues.

Nobody likes going to school in three-degree weather. If someone says they do, they’re lying. That being said, it’s normal to feel bummed out as winter rolls in.

Popular psychology even has a name for it: seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. According to Mayo Clinic, SAD can affect people of all ages and cause depression-like symptoms for a few months every year.

Whether or not a person has SAD or the winter blues, there are ways to make it through the break without spending weeks in the Bahamas. They may not draft an essay or placate a frustrated teacher, but they can help make the day a little brighter.

One such way that will literally make the day brighter is phototherapy. This is a type of therapy where a patient basks in specific wavelengths of light to simulate the effects of sunlight.

Although doctors use specially-made lamps, sitting on a sunny windowsill or soaking up rays while building a snowman have the same benefits. Exposing skin to sunlight for only an hour a day has been proven to boost vitamin D and improve one’s mood.

Building snowmen and having snowball fights are great ways to spend time with friends over break while getting a bit of exercise.

Physical activity has the added benefit of improving mood by increasing adrenaline levels and bringing more oxygen to the brain and body.

While your mittens dry off after a day outside, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite Christmas cookies.

Eating foods that one enjoys improves mood instantly.

Whether that food is take-out or a roast that’s been in the oven all day, enjoy a Christmas feast and worry about the consequences later.

If all else fails, gym memberships become even cheaper after the holidays.

Take time for personal care this winter, and keep your head up; only one semester to go!

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feature december 20, 2013

i on life experiencing a different perspective

More the merrier Large families gather together for holiday season festivities

BY TINA WINFREY

associate editor

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care - nine stockings to be exact. For many families, Christmas is a “big” holiday, but for large families like the James’, that is no exaggeration.

Sisters Taylor James, senior, and Brandy James, sophomore, have five siblings, with seven children including them. “(For Christmas) we all go to midnight mass at St. Matthias,” Taylor said. “We’re probably one of the only families that can take up a whole pew.”

In addition to this, the James family hosts the annual Christmas party at their house with their even larger extended family in attendance.

“We have so many (relatives) that I can’t really count,” Taylor said. “We always have Christmas at our house because it’s the biggest out of our family.”

While the girls’ mother does most of the gift shopping, the siblings usually participate in a grab bag. This year however, the grab bag was put on hold due to one of their sister’s absence.

“Our family kind of got smaller because our sister joined the military. That’s probably why we’re not doing the grab bag this year. I guess it’s going to be different this year since she’s not here,” Taylor said.

Sophomore Thomas Kvachkoff’s large extended family also participates in a grab-bag type gift exchange.

“On Christmas we draw names for each other and give each other presents,” Kvachkoff said.

Kvachkoff participates in this type of gift exchange for both his father’s side of the family, the Kvachkoffs, and his mother’s side of the family, the Reeds. While the present process is the same for both families, the gatherings are different.

“For the Reeds we just have a big get together at any of our houses. We have this appetizer dinner around Christmas Eve,” Kvachkoff said. “We just make a whole bunch of appetizer dishes like dips and good stuff.”

For the Kvachkoff side of

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the family, the family gathers at Kvachkoff’s grandparents’ house for their Christmas celebrations.

In addition to the many Kvachkoff family members around town, Kvachkoff also has eight other siblings.

“When I tell people I have eight other brothers and sisters they go all boggles over that,” Kvachkoff said. “With all my cousins they’re like ‘you’re related to everybody!’”

Having such a large family has awarded Kvachkoff with a variety of experiences.

‘‘

It’s good (to be part of a large family) because you have someone there for you all the time, and you’re never alone. You’re constantly surrounded by friends.

Taylor James senior “I like going to my cousin’s basketball games or my older brother’s things,” Kvachkoff said.

“It’s just fun to be around a big group of family.”

The James sisters also feel like they have gotten to experience a lot from their big family, and are greatful they have so many older siblings to look up to.

“She (our older sister) went to Colombia before she joined the military, so that’s really cool that we have that to look up to, ” Brandy said.

With these perks of a big family there also come a few issues, such as transporting everyone from place to place.

“We have to get like three cars to go places,” Brandy said. “When we go on vacation, which we don’t go on as often, it’s hard to get around.”

Kvachkoff feels much the same when it comes to getting from point A to point B. “I’m not a driver,

4,514 people at the world’s largest family reunion

so (my parents or siblings) drive me around,” Kvachkoff said. “I’m guessing it’s hard for my mom and dad to get us where we need to be.”

As for the rest of Kvachkoff’s siblings, many are grown up and living their own lives. This is also true in the James household.

“Every day right after school, we would all sit down and eat dinner together, but now people have jobs and college, my brothers go hang out with friends or have hockey practice,” Taylor said.

With many of the James siblings out of the house, the family’s way of doing things has greatly changed.

“Before (my mom) used to go to Gordon Food Service or Sam’s Club to get large portions of food, but now she just goes to Strack’s (Strack and Van Til) now that there aren’t as many of us living in the house,” Taylor said.

Despite these problems and changes, both families still enjoy having large families, and some would want to have big families of their own.

“It’s good (to be part of a large family) because you have someone there for you all the time, a n d you’re never alone.

You’re constantly surrounded by friends,” Taylor said.

kids in America’s largest family

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1998

the year in which the word “family sized” was first used

Facts collected from guinnessworldrecords.com, huffingtonpost.com and express.co.uk

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Making more out of a college tour

BY DYLAN TAYLOR

editor-in-chief

Whether it is from the blizzard of college letters and emails or pressure from parents, the stress associated with the search for the right college can often be overwhelming.

Many students feel pressure to think about choosing a college as early as freshman year, sometimes with little real guidance other than Google searches or admissions brochures.

According to Purdue University admissions officer Catherine Heinz, that’s where the college tours come in. To many, taking a given college’s official tour can be a helpful way to experience that college. “(Tours are) the best way (to get to know a campus) because, at Purdue at least, they’re designed so that students and their families can talk to a variety of students and representatives in the departments that offer the services/programs in which they’re interested,” Heinz said. “Really, the best thing that one can do when trying to experience a college is to take the tour,” Heinz said. “We encourage students to customize their day by scheduling an appointment with a representative from the Purdue academic program in which they are interested. Other options to customize a day include class visits, eating in a student dining court or shadowing a current Purdue student.”

Daniela Gazibara, a former Indiana University student who studied bass performance at Jacobs School of Music, took a tour of the university before attending.

“I definitely took a tour, and it gave me an idea of where I’d be going, where my classes would be,” Gazibara said. “I looked around the (Jacobs School of Music) buildings, but also saw other parts of the campus.”

Still, Gazibara wishes that she

would have spent more time exploring the IU campus on her own.

“I spent most of my time at IU in the Jacobs buildings, parts of the school that we didn’t really get to tour,” Gazibara said. “I’d definitely suggest stepping outside of the tours and really looking around campus and (the given college town) yourself.”

Heinz agrees that exploring the college town is, along with the tour, a good way to inform a university pick.

“Students are members of our community, so checking out the community is a great way to get a feel for what it will be like to live here,” Heinz said.

Senior Maddie McConnell has in turn spent time looking around colleges, and believes that it has informed her opinions about which universities she prefers.

“I’ve put a lot of thought into the colleges that I want to attend, and while I think about it I try to consider where the college is, what the campus looks like, along with whatever academics that I want to pursue,” McConnell said.

McConnell plans to attend Marquette University. Her decision to attend this college was based largely around her tours of the campus.

“I definitely took the tour (that the school offers), asked the tour guides questions, looked around the campus and even ate in town to get a feel of Milwaukee. I’d highly suggest taking the tours of (whatever college one wishes to go to), (one) might learn a lot about the college and really get a feel for it,” McConnell said.

No matter where the college destination may be, a college tour and a quick bite in the town in which it is located may be the best way to form an opinion on a university, from Ivy League to community college.

PHOTO BY ABBY ELSTON

The Indiana University Sample Gates mark the entrance to the oldest part of the campus, the Old Crescent. Tours around college campuses offer information on landmarks similar to this one.

5

quick tips for college trips

• • • PHOTO BY MAGGIE GELON

A mix of soon-to-be college freshmen and their families partake in a tour of Indiana University.

• •

Eat in the dining hall Sleep over Read the bulletin boards Talk to current students Sit in on a class in your major

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2013 YEAR

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9

reasons to cheer

Boys soccer wins state CPHS ranked an “A” school Girls volleyball wins first sectional title since 1992 Boys tennis wins first ever DAC title Newsweek Names CPHS One of America’s Best Tiffany Curtis goes to state for golf CPHS Music Department granted All-Music Award Senior Matt Lippy named National Merit Scholar Senior Bay Kurtz named National All American CPHS receives Safety Award Excalibur and Inklings receive Hoosier Stars 25 percent of CPHS graduates pass at least one AP exam Boys Cross Country go to state

IN REVIEW I

t’s difficult to define a year. In 365 days, so much can change that often the only definite characteristic of a year is in fact, well, change

itself.

Even the high school experienced a series of changes. Block scheduling, the implementation of a drug testing policy and the proposal of an informal homecoming dance caused students and faculty alike to adapt throughout the year.

Beyond Crown Point, change was prevalent in

everything from the status of major world leaders to our cultural perception of a foam finger.

We said goodbye to people like Nelson Mandela who made powerful changes to the world while they were here, and we welcomed others, like Prince George of Cambridge, who are bound to make some changes of their own.

Looking forward to 2014, if change is definite, then the question to ask is not if the world will change, but rather how we will change it.

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PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Cheering at the Lowell vs. Crown Point football game, seniors Jake Ladendorf and Carmelo Morales watch the Bulldogs bring home the leather helmet after defeating the Red Devils.

memories from 2013

“My summer was really crazy. I traveled a lot and really got to experience things.”

Holly Michaels sophomore

“I made long lasting, new friends this year.”

Bryan Taylor freshman

“One of my best memories was sitting on the deck of a pool at night with my feet in the water next to my best friend.”

Julian Castillo sophomore

“My favorite memory was going to a Cody Simpson, One Direction and Hunter Hayes concert over the summer. It was really crowded, but that’s part of the fun.”

Morgan Gonzalez sophomore

“My favorite memory from 2013 that I will never forget was getting to meet Taylor Swift in Australia.”

Alexis Wilson

Rachel Bach senior

“A memory I have was taking a German mid-term, not knowing anything, and getting a 97 percent.”

Samuel Grzych

freshman

Oklahoma Tor nadoes

VMAs

“My favorite memories are spending time with all the people in marching band. We had a really good season and got a bunch of auxiliary awards.”

Sammy Peach Junior

“I got a kitten named Binx.”

Anna Grydzuk freshman

snowden bitstrips Jennifer Lawrence North Pope Francis West Kate Upton

Nelson Mandela

Paul Walker

MILEY CYRUS

“I went on a field trip with my family and on the first day we got there, I was unpacking my jeep and when I closed the door, a 500 pound bear was 20 feet across from me.

It was crazy to see one that close, but it was cool.”

Zach Gordon senior

shake

TWERKING

rainbow loom snapchat

Boston Marathon Bombing

selena gomez

Royal Syria Civil War Baby g o v e r n m e n t Bir th s h u t d o w n

Colorado Floods

“The release of Balance and Composure’s album ‘The Things We Think We’re Missing’ was my favorite part of 2013.” junior

typhoon haiyan

iPhone 5 harlem

the robertson f a m i ly

Prince George of C ambr idge

I3

Dancing to raise money, for Riley’s Children Hospital junior Lauryn Adams learns a dance taught by the Purdue Morale Committee.

news stories, people and pop culture trends that defined the year of 2013

O b amacare P apal T r ansition

edward

Amanda Bynes

Theater department presents the musical Guys and Dolls.

George Zimmerman Trial North Korea Missile Threats

Trends

“Duck Dynasty”

Zombies

minecraft

Infinity scarves

selfies

“It was depressing when Brian from ‘Family Guy’ died.”

Angie Gjorgievska freshman

“I’ll never forget the experience of getting in my first car crash.”

Maximilian Kirk sophomore

“Breaking Bad”

Seniors Kathryn Foulds and Jake Jatis are crownded homecoming queen and king.

PEOPLE

News

Paula Deen

Then senior Sarina Niewiadomski performs an original song in the talent show.

Niewiadomski took home the title of most talented.

Jodi Ar ias Tr ial

Boys soccer brings home second state title in three years.

“THRIFT SHOP”

“The best memory I have from 2013 was getting four interceptions in one game. It felt exciting.”

Zach Stewart freshman

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Holiday Birthdays by the numbers

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CPHS student birthdays on winter holidays

750,000

Americans celebrate a birthday each day

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CPHS students birthdays on non-winter holidays PHOTO BY BRITTANY PEDERSEN

Sophomore Greg Logothetis celebrates a birthday on Christmas Eve. Logothetis appreciates that he can celebrate his birthday when family visits for the holidays, but admits it can all be “more hectic.”

Facts obtained by Inklings staff and from abcnews.com

Birthdays near holidays cause for celebration

BY VERDA MIRZA

managing editor

The aroma of gingerbread cookies swirls throughout the house as the family sings “Happy Birthday.”

Having a birthday on a holiday can be a different experience for some students compared to a birthday on a “normal” day. Born on Christmas Eve, sophomore Kelly Merrill finds having a holiday birthday very unique.

“I like having a holiday birthday because not many people can say that they have a birthday on a holiday, and I get to have this every year,” Merrill said.

While Merrill likes the uniqueness of her birthday, sophomore Gregory Logothetis finds having a birthday on a holiday can get a bit stressful.

“I like having a (holiday birthday) because my family’s always around, but it is more hectic around the holidays,” Logothetis said.

Senior Patrick Stratton, born on Christmas day, expresses conflicting view on his holiday birthday.

“It’s interesting. It’s fun because it’s a good conversation starter but sometimes it can be hard. Most people have two equally spread out days of gifts and fun; you got your birthday and your Christmas. But for me I only have one,” Stratton said. “Also, the thing I like most about when your

birthday is on Christmas, which is a federal holiday, you always get your birthday off of work and school. Overall I definitely like it.”

‘‘

Most people have two equally spread out days of gifts and fun; you got your birthday and your Christmas, but for me I only have one.

Patrick Stratton senior

Though hearing about the students’ experiences with a holiday birthday is interesting, many would like to know about the presents. Some might assume that having a holiday birthday means more presents; in Merrill’s case, however, the number of presents is influenced by her sister.

“I get about the same amount as my sister. My parents are very good at evenly giving me and my sister presents,” Merrill said. “If she has this many Christmas presents, I’ll have that many presents. And if she gets this many birthday presents, I’ll get that many birthday presents.”

For junior Chelsey Stinnett, it is a different situation.

She has the pleasure of getting more.

“I get two presents from my family and close friends and one from some other people,” Stinnett said.

Attention is bestowed on the birthday kid on the day that belongs to him or her only but for Stratton it is not all about him on a day that should be shared with family.

“It’s not for me about the attention in the first place.

Everybody usually does the typical happy birthday things and we usually have a birthday dinner with cake and whatnot. But really for me it’s more important that we are all being a family, whether it’s for Christmas, my birthday or for both,” Stratton said.

Many have had the opportunity their birthday with close friends. Stinnett, Merrill and Stratton did not have the opportunity to have a birthday party on their birthday.

“No, I have never actually had any birthday party on my birthday. I have never experienced that and my sister has three times,” Merrill said. “I sort of think it’s one those unfair things, but because it’s a holiday you cannot have a party on your actual birthday.”

Holiday birthdays give uniqueness to the day. It is a day where the family can get together on the holidays while celebrating one’s special day.

CARRIAGE COURT PIZZA Stop in after the friday night game for half-priced pizza after 9 p.m.

Call to get a head start on your cosmetology career today!

CrownCosmetologyCollegeInc. Call us at: 219-663-94444 Visit us at: 192 W. Joliet St. Crown Point

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IN 46307

Phone: (219)663-6551 Location: 211 South East Street Crown Point, IN 46307

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With such a good start, I’m anxious to see what the rest of the season brings.

- Junior Riley Akers

‘‘

Living up to EX-SPIKE-TATIONS

Albrecht aims to make her mark as a Bulldog

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

I

sports editor

t was the type of performance that she had dreamed of since she was a child.

It’s 6 p.m. on a Tuesday night, and Hannah Albrecht is playing in her first sectional game as a Bulldog. For the past 11 years, the sophomore point guard watched her brother, 2012 Crown Point High School alum Spike Albrecht, from the stands. She watched him contribute to the Bulldog’s success before he left to join the Michigan Wolverines. Now, she too could contribute to her team, and after scoring 20 points that night against Michigan City, Albrecht said she finally had the realization.

Now, she could build her own legacy.

Growing up in the Albrecht family was basketball frenzy. Basketball has played a significant role in Albrecht’s life starting at a very young age.

Her father, Chuck Albrecht, coached AAU basketball in Crown Point. All three of her older brothers played in high school with Stephen and Spike continuing through college. Basketball took up most of Albrecht’s time, and she never regretted a second.

“I was always the ball girl at Spike’s games, and when my dad was coaching, I’d sit on the bench with him and copy what he was saying,” Albrecht said. “I’ve been watching my brothers play since I was a little kid, so it really was just instinct. Life is basketball. That’s all I do, and I love every second of it. If I’m not playing in a game or at Spike’s games, I feel like something’s off.”

Albrecht’s time around the game has paid off in her own performances on the court. Such basketball roots are what head coach Anne Equihua believes makes Albrecht the player she is. “(Hannah) does not just play, but she understands the game,” Equihua said. “She’s a great student of the game. You can tell she’s the type of kid that actually watches the game, watches other players and learns from them. She carries that over into her own game. That’s helped her develop into the player she is today.”

When Spike returns from Michigan, Hannah is sure to spend some time alone with him.

It’s only a matter of time before the two get on the court.

“We’ve always been really close. He’s only home for a couple of days at a time so we try to have time for each other before he leaves,” Albrecht said. “We get on the court at least once, and it gets really intense. Someone always ends up with a bloody nose. It’s a challenge. I love playing with him though.”

Growing up with Spike draws much attention towards Albrecht, especially after her brother’s recent success.

Since Spike’s 17 point first-half performance in the NCAA National Championship game, Hannah was under the spotlight more than she already was. Everywhere she went she was “Spike’s sister.”

“I’m always going to be Spike’s little sister, and there’s nothing I can do about that,” Albrecht said. “It adds some pressure because it feels like I have to live up to what he did. At the same time, being his sister motivates me. He started

off small. His hard work made him grow up to this. It makes me want to be like that.”

Albrecht’s motivation has led to a more confident presence on the court, an emotion that Equihua believes has helped the team so far this season.

“Having her to be able to maintain her composure and run the offense has helped the team on the court,” Equihua said. “The confidence she has and displays this year carries over to the team and helps us maintain that kind of mentality.”

Albrecht is averaging 10 points and 4.7 assists per game and has a total of 60 points, 15 rebounds, 28 assists and 19 steals so far this season.

After a 57-42 win against Valparaiso last Friday, Equihua is sure the girls will need more than just the right mentality for a victory today against the 8-1 Lake Central Indians.

With two strong outside shooters in Gina Rubino and Tara Zlotkowski and a six foot center in Lindsay Kusbel, the girls will have to make some impact on defense for a win. Equihua believes the 6-1 Bulldogs can get it done.

“Lake Central is a very aggressive, in-yourface team. We need to play that way,” Equihua said. “We need to pressure and press Lake Central and make them commit some turnovers so that we can create some success for us offensively. We’ve been killing each other all week to get ready. I am confident that if our girls play like I know they know how to play, I think we’ll be okay.”

A win at Lake Central would make the girls one step closer to their ultimate goal of postseason success, one step closer to helping Albrecht do what her brothers did before her.

It would help Albrecht make her mark in Crown Point basketball history.

“Crown Point girls basketball hasn’t won a sectional title in too long,” Albrecht said. “I’m really hoping that I can help make that happen.

By winning a sectional title and going further, I can definitely make a name for myself and be known for someone other than just ‘Spike’s sister.’ I’m confident that, together, we can get it done.”

For the full story, visit www.crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

PHOTOS BY AMY SCHUCH

In her second year as a Lady Bulldog, sophomore point guard Hannah Albrecht looks to lead the team to winning their first sectional title in 12 years.

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DOGS PICK UP EARLY VICTORIES New addition to the team contributes to early success

BY KARA BIERNAT

sports editor

Both his hands flew into the air in celebration of his victory.

After a hard fought final match, he pinned his opponent after being down 5-7 with ten seconds remaining. The referee held up his arm as the gymnasium grew loud with Bulldog fans.

This has been a frequent occurance for sophomore Daylan Schurg, as he continues to contribute to his team’s success by holding a winning record of 8-2 this season.

“I was pretty fired up after such a big win. It was pretty big to come from behind and end up beating him,” Schurg said.

His victory took place at Stagg High School, which contributed to the team taking first place overall at the invitational.

“We started out the season about as good as we had hoped,” head coach Scott Vlink said. “We are thin and lack depth in some spots, but we fortunately have some really good wrestlers this year.”

In addition to starting the season off with a win at the Stagg Invitational, the team has also picked up victories in their first two dual meets by outscoring LaPorte 60-14 and Chesterton 39-23.

They also placed fourth in the Carl Traicoff Dual Invitational.

The team has shown success early in the season and is striving to get better everyday.

“Our main goal is to be better

at the end of the year than we are right now, and that will happen by fixing our problems, so we can continue to get better each day,” Vlink said.

With the new additions to the team this year, the Dogs were able to pick up many early victories.

The team’s early success shows the potential they have to continue the streak all season.

“With the young wrestlers in the lineup this season, there is quite an adjustment coming from middle school wrestling,” Vlink said. “It’s both physical and mental adjustments, along with maintaining intensity.”

Freshman Jonathan Moran is not only making the adjustment of his family moving here from Chicago but he must also adjust to the challenges of being on varisty as a freshman.

“I am challenged a lot more.

It’s tough because there are a lot of expectations now being a freshman on varsity,” Moran said.

Wrestling at 106 lbs., he holds an 8-2 record and is looking forward to the rest of the season.

Moran, along with the rest of the team, will compete Saturday when they host the Carnahan Invitational.

“We’re practicing hard and staying focused with our training and our morning workouts,” Moran said. “I’m going to do everything I possibly can Saturday to help my team take first place.”

PHOTOS BY JACK SNEDDEN

Top: Senior Jack McShane battles his opponent during a match against LaPorte. Bottom left: Sophomore Daylan Schurg attempts to pin his opponent. Bottom right: Daylan Schurg celebrates a teammate’s victory.

Girls swimming look to continue winning streak

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

As junior Aly Tetzloff gets set at the start, emotions of nervousness and excitement begin to take over. She holds herself back from thinking too much, limiting the stress before her race.

“I try not to think a lot,” Tetzloff said. “You just try to think about doing well for the team, but try not to overthink everything at the same time. Overthinking just stresses you out.”

She and the Lady Dogs swim team know this, and they use it to their advantage by practicing all

these routines before their meets.

By incorporating all of the feelings of a meet during practice, assistant coach Bryan Trippeer believes the girls are more prepared before a race.

“When we prepare for a meet, we try to make the practices as real as a meet as possible,” Trippeer said. “We have the girls make sure they have the same routine every time so they have nothing to worry about except for just beating the competition.”

The girls have taken advantage of this practice time by starting off their season with a perfect

record of 6-0 and look to accomplish a lot more than just an undefeated season.

“We’re doing really well this year and working hard. I’m really excited to see what we can accomplish,” junior Alex St. Amour said. “The goals we have are not only an undefeated season. A second place finish at the state meet would be nice to add to the season.”

Tetzloff and freshman Hannah Kukurugya have contribued to the team’s success so far. Tetzloff believes having young talent is vital to a team, and in her eyes,

there is still work to be done to be successful down the road.

“As a team, we have been trying to win all events by spreading out the younger girls on relays and giving them chances to shine,” Tetzloff said. “For the most part, the team just needs to keep its yardage high and keep working hard at practices over the next month and a half.”

The girls have shown their hard work by winning back to back meets, defeating Highland 95-93 last Monday and Merrillville 117-56 last Tuesday. At press time, the girls look to compete

against Rensselaer.

The team looks to not lose focus heading into this meet right before a long break that lies ahead.

“I’m expecting to take our momentum from this past week and carry it into the match up against Rensselaer,” Trippeer said.

“I told the girls that all they have to do is stay focused for two more days and then after that they will get their well-deserved break.”

After Thursday, the girls do not compete again until their senior night on Jan. 9 against Portage.

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ALAA’s ANGLE

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

sports editor

Heisman should reflect integrity Jameis Winston is this year’s Heisman trophy winner.

The redshirt freshman quarterback from Florida State has a 190.1 passer rating, 67.9 completion percentage, 38 touchdowns.

And an allegation of sexual assault.

This time last year, Winston was accused of raping a female student at FSU. Charges were dropped earlier this month due to a “lack of evidence” despite the fact that his DNA was found on the victim’s underwear.

The Heisman Trust mission statement says that the award is supposed to recognize “the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.”

Winston’s outstanding performance on the field makes the choice a no-brainer.

His integrity? Not as clear.

This situation is not unfamiliar to Heisman voters. For the third time in four years, outstanding players have been associated with questionable integrity.

Current Panthers quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman in 2010 despite reports that he and his father had sought payment to play in college. Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel was given the honor just last year despite three misdemeanor charges before the season even began.

Even though the charges were dropped, the accusations against Winston still exist. The fact that Winston was involved in such a case and still awarded by the Heisman Trust taints the image of collegiate sports.

And it’s time for it to stop.

It’s time for voters to consider candidates with dignified character off the field, even if he plays for a mediocre team or at an under-appreciated position.

It’s time for the Heisman to be awarded to a truly worthy candidate. It’s time for the “Most Prestigious Award in College Football” to be presented to a prestigious player.

Winston may be a Heisman on the field. His actions off of it make him an unworthy recipient.

And until Heisman voters consider integrity as heavily as performance, the award’s prestige will continue to be blemished.

points

Getting their shot

Dogs rebound from past season losses

BY ALEXIS BERDINE JACKIE VAN DER WEY

reporters

After last year’s struggling season, the Bulldogs’ 78-43 victory over Andrean has promised hope for their season.

“Knowing that (Andrean) has a really challenging program, our win over Andrean was a great confidence boost. It put us off to a good start,” head coach Clint Swan said.

Senior Bret Barclay, who is being recruited by Yale and Illinois State, is a key contributer.

Other key players such as junior Nick Jeffirs and sophomore Blake Bonin will be crucial to the team’s success.

Bonin took over as point guard last year, as a freshman, a position Bonin feels he has to live

up to after being held by Bulldog alum Spike Albrecht.

“I feel a lot of pressure this season knowing that I have to perform well. I feel that I have a lot to live up to. I hope to one day be as good as Spike,” Bonin said.

Leading into his second year on varsity, Bonin’s early exposure has put him at an advantage.

“These past two years Bret and Nick have been big influences on me. Especially now that I am playing with them more and more,” Bonin said.

Barclay believes that the team has a strong drive this year and hopes to lead the Bulldogs in the right direction.

“I expect nothing less than what my team gives. I want to win and my team wants to win.

It doesn’t matter who we play, whether it is a power house like Lake Central or the worst team in the state,” Barclay said.

With young talent and experienced upperclassmen, the Bulldogs’ success has been a team effort. Each player’s skill set has helped the team to a 2-1 start.

“The team works well together. We all have strengths. It is just about team contribution. If we keep working as a team like we have been doing, we will continue to get better and better,” Jeffirs said.

Swan agrees with Jeffirs.

Swan believes that although the previous season was not a favorable one, it has proved to be beneficial in

regards to this season.

“I think last years to this years’ experience is paying dividence.

We are carrying guys from last year who want a stonger season.

We have great leadership,” Swan said.

T h e Dogs will be playing Hanover Central at home tonight.

son the guys are doing a lot right day to day, and we look a lot better than we expected.”

The Dogs have started off dual meets with a record of 3-1.

Norris is impressed with his team and their ability to compete against older, more experienced teams in the DAC. “This team is deeper than any team that I’ve had in a long time,” said Norris. “It is important to have the depth that we do

considering that we do not have a very top heavy roster this season.”

Losing three top swimmers this past year, the team is now very young. However, they used this as motivation as they pulled off a close victory against Valparaiso, only winning by two events.

Senior Andrew Kvachkoff has played an important role on the team beyond being a skilled swimmer.

“Over the past four years,

I’ve learned a lot about what it means to lead a team and how to help kids reach their full potential,” Kvachkoff said.

Kvachkoff is preparing his team for the LaPorte Invite on Saturday by staying focused and training hard in workouts.

“No matter how Saturday goes, we know that we have been training hard and can only take it as motivation for sectionals,” Kvahckoff said.

Senior Bret Barclay

Boys swimming team aims to sink expectations

BY ELI UDCHITZ reporter

Early season success often brings high expectations. However, that’s not the case for the boys swim team this season.

After last year’s successful run in the state tournament, the boys are looking to rebuild this season and take it day by day.

“There were no expectations this season,” head coach Doug Norris said. “This early in the sea-

out of 114 students polled

Games to watch FSU vs. Auburn

53%

47%

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The NBA has introduced significantly different Christmas edition game jerseys this season. Is the style a better alternative from previous years?

Girls Basketball Jan. 18

Jan. 6

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PHOTO BY SOPHIE REINERS

Senior PJ Phelps looks to assist sophomore Grant Gelon last Saturday against South Central. The Dogs went on to win with a score of 62-38.

BCS

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Indie rock project Destroyer’s latest EP is, as the title implies, an entirely Spanish language release.

Singer Daniel Bejar crooning in Spanish may be off-putting to non-speakers, but the EP’s slick production and engaging songwriting makes it an enjoyable, if nonessential, release.

“The Sound of Music Live”

Though the production does not top the 1965 classic, NBC’s live performance of “The Sound of Music Live” was better than anticipated.

Carrie Underwood’s embodiment of Maria put her strong vocal skills on display. Acting, however, was clearly not Underwood’s strong suit, coming off almost cheesy at times.

Though with help from a strong supporting cast NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live” was still worth the watch.

“Underneath the Christmas Tree” There hasn’t been a Christmas pop hit like this since Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Kelly Clarkson and her producer Greg Kurtstin wrote “Underneath the Christmas Tree” for her highly anticipated Christmas album “Wrapped in Red.” “Underneath the Christmas Tree” lyrics are laced with love and holiday cheer, the perfect song to listen to while getting into the holiday spirit, hot chocolate in hand of course.

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There is no such thing as a “bad” Christmas movie, but everyone has a holiday favorite. In the spirit of the holiday season, the Inklings staff voted on their favorite and least favorite holiday movies. The most enjoyed movies have been placed at the top of the list while the less adored ones landed a spot towards the bottom.

Wishlist Worthy This list includes Inklings staff’s favorite seasonal movies. Their family friendly humor and good story line make them most enjoyable. They are highly recommended for the winter movie nights with friends and family.

Home Alone

It’s A Wonderful Life Frosty the Snowman

Likes

Likes

Likes

• Kevin is clever in defending his home from the bandits.

• Harry and Marv’s bickering and antics are hilarious.

• The movie contains a heartwarming message.

• The classic themes never seem to get old.

• Frosty seems to brighten every kids day.

• It’s really “cool” when Frosty comes to life from the snow.

Dislikes

Dislikes

• The storyline is a bit unrealistic.

Dislikes

• The entire movie is in black and white.

• Frosty melting into a puddle is a downer.

Elf

A Christmas Story

Likes

Likes

• The clamation in the movie is classic.

• The soundtrack is very catchy.

• Buddy’s cluelessness makes it hard not to laugh.

• The love between Jovi and Buddy is super cute.

• The leg lamp and Red Ryder BB Gun are Christmas icons.

• The irony in Ralphie shooting his eye out is hysterical.

Merrily Mediocre These Christmas movies are cute and funny, but are played way too much thoughout the season. These classics are definitely worth watching, however, if one happens to miss a showing, there will be plenty more to catch later.

“Beyonce” Beyonce, in a way only an artist of her confidence and fierceness could, released a new album without any prior publicity. At midnight, Beyonce released her self-titled visual album. As in tracks past, Beyonce included “Drunk in Love” with husband JayZ. Favorite tracks include “Flawless,” “Rocket,” and “XO.” This album lives up to the expectations of Beyonce fans, who are always being further impressed.

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the good, the bad, the ugly

“Once Upon A Time”

“5 Spanish Songs”

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Christmas Classics

inreview As kids we read stories about fairy tales, princesses and evil queens. “Once Upon A Time” is a show that brings back all your favorite fairytale characters, but with a twist. Going off of the same base of a story, the creators of the show, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, come up with an unpredictable way to connect. Already 11 episodes into the third season, “Once Upon A Time” has not yet failed to satisfy the viewers.

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Rudolph

Dislikes

Dislikes

• All the other reindeer are mean to poor Rudolph.

• At times Buddy is trying to be too much of a goofy elf.

Likes

Dislikes

• Waiting for Ralphie to get his BB gun is agonizing.

The Escape Clause These movies did not live up to the Christmas movie standards the others met, however, the Christmas season would not be complete without them. While they are not the best, they do remain classics, thus landing them a spot on the “escape clause.”

life social

A section devoted to social media

The Grinch

The Santa Clause

Likes • When the Grinch is deciding what to wear he is too funny.

Dislikes • The Grinch shaving his face is life scarring.

• By stealing the presents the Grinch ruins the spirit.

Likes

• This movie restores one’s faith that Santa is real.

Dislikes

Dislikes • What train just picks kids up in the middle of the night?

• The characters, like the hobo, are a bit creepy.

best apps

Anyone know a good place to sled @carmelomorales5

Proudly wearing tacky Christmas attire all week in celebration of moms everywhere.

Senior Kim Kovacik

@KimKovacik

I hate chapped lips Freshman Rileigh Haas

@haas_rileigh

I can’t believe in like 2 weeks it’s gonna be 2014, it was like 2010 seven minutes ago.

Sophomore Angie Lopez

@angiiieel

Likes

• The magic of the holiday season really shows through.

• Tim Allen has not done anything good since “Home Improvement.”

• The little boy is always sad.

best tweets Senior Carmelo Morales

The Polar Express

Facetune

For the photographer in a pinch or the amateur about to post a selfie, Facetune allows users to apply facial edits like blemish removal and teeth whitening to their photos.

When making a band, few components are more critical than deciding on a name.

Band Name Generator supplies new bands Band Name with ideas to begin their Generator brainstorms, and for those who are not in a band, a few laughs.

best follows @catsofinstagram For your daily dose of feline, follow this handle. This account is of course adorable, but often purr-fectly humorous as well.

@UberFacts Uberfacts boasts of teaching the public “the most unimportant things you’ll ever need to know.”

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Unplug from social media during the school day

BY SHANNON ROSTIN

managing editor

“The Hobbit” sequel fails to inspire

BY DYLAN TAYLOR

editor-in-chief

With “The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug,” director Peter Jackson unleashed the newest installation in his three-part film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved “The Hobbit,” the prequel to the celebrated “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The first film in the series, “An Unexpected Journey” received mixed reception, and many fans and film pundits critical of the film’s extravagant CGI effects, narrative inaccuracies and slow pace anxiously awaited an improvement in the series with the sequel.

Thankfully, “The Desolation of Smaug” improves on the original “Hobbit” in many ways. The graphics and effects are much more convincing, the action is more engaging and the dialogue is more fast-paced. The orcs are more intimidating, the return of Sauron is rendered in entrancing, near-psychedelic

splendor and Smaug the dragon, a terrifying and convincing villain, is a marvel of contemporary computer effects.

Conversely, many of the flaws of the first “Hobbit” film are still readily apparent. The most obvious to any selfrespecting Tolkien fan are its consistent and occasionally ridiculous subversions of the original text. The film, though loaded with exciting fantasy flick action, pales in comparison to the magnificence of Jackson’s acclaimed “Lord of the Rings” films—sterile computer renderings have replaced gruesome and complex makeup, and high frame rate cinematography reduces the once-epic hyper-reality of Middle Earth to something nearly cartoonish.

“The Desolation of Smaug” is a good fantasy film, and will doubtless leave most viewers satisfied. Still, the oft-cheesy graphics, pretentious and gimmicky narrative liberties and odd pace of the film may leave Tolkien fans uninspired.

Britney Spears releases new album “Britney Jean”

BY EMILY BEST

a&e editor

Britney Spears’ new album “Britney Jean” is worth buying. The album consists of ten songs and each song is good in its own right.

The songs are upbeat and great to dance to.

Spears voice sounds better than ever and with feature singers such as Jamie Lynn Spears and will.i.am, the album is a hit.

The album focused mainly on the topic “the loneliness of pop life.” Spears claimed that the lyrics for the album would be more personal than previous albums, and this is true. While none of the songs could be considered “deep,” the songs were more personal than anything she has ever written.

The songs appeal to a great range of people, making the album worth buying.

Some songs are soft and quiet while others are loud and upbeat. In every song, Spears voice has a quality sound and added with the guest singers, each song has an unique feel.

While critics have said that Spears album is average, fans have shown otherwise. A week after the release date, the album hit number four on the US Billboard 200, and 107,000 copies were sold.

Two singles were released prior to the release date, “Work B-----” and “Perfume.”

These singles gave Britney fans a sneak peak as to what “Britney Jean” would be like. Both songs are catchy and have become popular on many radio stations.

The album is available to buy at iTunes and at stores like Target and Walmart (for a hard copy). Britney Spears has come a long way since her breakdown in 2008. She’s

bounced back into the music world and is better than ever. “Britney Jean” shows how far Spears has come as an artist.

favorite things

winter driving

Flannel Shirt A popular item at many stores, the rustic charm of flannel shirts have taken the world by storm. Not only are they fashionable and trendy, they are also toasty warm.

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Eggnog Instead of the typical cup of hot chocolate, enjoy a sweet cup of eggnog this holiday season.

we’re so over

Available at American Eagle

Solar Powered Phone Charger A charger that stores power from the sun, so you can later use the device without having to have an electrical outlet.

Available at Amazon.com

As the first snowfall hit Crown Point, drivers seemingly forgot how to drive. The conditions are bad enough, specifically for new drivers, without the added concern of driving directly in front or behind someone that frankly should not be behind the wheel of a car. This is important to remember in the high school parking lot, where driving is risky to begin with. It is cold and early in the morning, so make life a little easier for all and learn how to drive safely. Be cautious or prepare for icy fender benders or in the very least a line of tardies.

One day, I had an eyeopening experience after doing what our generation perceives to be the unthinkable: accidentally leaving my cell phone at home for the entirety of the school day.

I realized my phone was not with me when I wasn’t reading Twitter posts as if it were the morning newspaper.

I had neither the time nor energy to get it, and thought one day without it would be fine. I found that I was studying instead of scrolling social media. At lunch, it was nice to be engaged in conversation. I wasn’t checking my messages during lectures. Still, throughout the day, I kept reaching for my phone. I recall wanting to tweet about all the inconveniences. Oddly, I survived a day without seeing one Instagram of my friends’ breakfasts, or tweets about having too much homework. Even more strange, I felt completely focused and in-tune.

This was more of a shock than anything. I realized that myself and most of this generation is reliant on technology.

When students are constantly on cell phones, the amount of information the brain is processing is shockingly high. The mind doesn’t have a chance to focus on the important information; what is being learned in class. It becomes second nature to have the world at the swipe of a screen. It is crucial for students to function without technology. One benefit of it is a change in pace and focus. It is also nice to have student interaction during downtime instead of antisocially texting students that aren’t in that class. It is important to hold a conversation, instead of relying on communication via texting.

I understand the sighs and eye rolls as a teacher threatens to take phones, but they are teaching a valuable lesson.

We need to try to be efficient without technology, especially when we live in a generation that has been carrying cell phones for years. Unplugging from social media and the distracting world of texting can be eye opening for this generation in realizing how dependent we are on our phones, and potentially teach how to be efficient without having the latest technology in hand.

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Sophomore Michael Truschka finds his passion for dance

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

reporter

Students at CPHS express themselves through different passions. For sophomore Michael Truschka, a passion he portrays is performing in ballets and going to dance classes.

According to Truschka, being a male dancer is different than being a female dancer. One is required to do different skills and more likely to receive a major role in a performance.

“You are responsible for lifting and partnering girl dancers.

If you drop them you could not only injure them but ruin the production,” Truschka said. “There are different dance moves that guys perform that girls don’t like grands and barrel turns.”

As a whole, a male dancer has a major responsibility to his company by making sure lifts are safely followed through and executed properly.

“I wouldn’t say being a guy dancer is tough, but it can be challenging to do certain things. You have to be more apart of everything,” Truschka said.

Truschka takes classes during the week at Indiana Ballet Theatre to better improve his dancing abilities.

“I take a couple classes throughout the week. I usually take mostly ballet, jazz and tap,” Truschka said.

Alongside taking classes, Truschka participates in ballets put on by his dance studio.

This year on Dec. 4 and 5, he performed in a rendition of the Nutcracker.

Truschka took on one of the most important roles of the entire performance – the Nutcracker himself.

“I feel that being the Nutcracker means that I accomplished something. It’s a higher role to get that many teenagers wouldn’t,” Truschka said.

Being the Nutcracker causes

Q What is your favorite holiday apparel?

Freshman

Hayley Muha The Masked Oven One of my biggest fears is people with masks on because I can’t see their faces. It worries me. I’m also scared of ovens. I’m afraid that when I’m putting something in, someone will push me in.

Trouser Type

I would rather wear pants, but it depends on the occasion. I would wear a skirt to a funeral, and I would wear pants everyday I’m not.

Rockin’ Socks I like fuzzy, knee-high socks.

They’re warm and cozy on my toesies.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Sophomore Michael Truschka performs as the Nutcracker in Indiana Ballet Theatre’s production of the Nutcracker with Sarah Eichmeyer. “It’s a really exciting role to have, but it is also a little stressful,” Truschka said. “Most of my weekends are dedicated to dance rehearsals for the show, but it is well worth it.”

Truschka to not have very much spare time due to all the rehearsals he had to attend.

“It’s a really exciting role to have, but it is also a little stressful,” Truschka said. “Most of my weekends are dedicated to dance rehearsals for the show, but it is well worth it.”

All of the rehearsals can cause Truschka to feel stressed because

he is unable to do typical teenage activities such as being with friends. Truschka’s grandpa poses as his inspiration to never give up and to continue dancing.

“He would always say once you’ve started something, you don’t want to quit,” Truschka said.

Truschka has worked very hard to reach the point he is at

“My favorite Christmas apparel is my beast-mode Santa hat with a beard on it.”

“My Christmas sweater.”

“My tie because it has Max on it.

How can you go wrong with the Grinch?”

Carson Hoogewerf

Allison Okeley

Jerome Flewelling

senior

freshman

physics teacher

in his dancing career. He hopes to continue dancing and eventually earn a scholarship for college from dance.

“Dancing is really fun. I don’t think people understand how physically and mentally challenging dance can be. It’s just like It’s a higher role to get that many teenagers wouldn’t any other sport,” Truschka said.

Strange Things Are Happening I had a dream and then it came true. That was pretty odd. What’s another word for odd? I don’t know.

Feather Ruffler I can’t stand when people crack their knuckles. It really grinds my gears; it crunches my toast.

“I like my leather gloves and my plethora of Santa hats.”

“Christmas sweaters because they are always a lot of fun and I get a lot of compliments.”

Hannah Franchimont

Caleb Kreis

Hannah Rademacher

senior

senior

junior

“Wearing Christmas sweaters puts me in the holiday spirit.”