Inklings dec 2014

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS Dec. 19, 2014 Vol. 79 Issue 4

YEAR IN REVIEW The polar vortex, snow days and sub-zero temperatures made headlines this year.

S See what other events and trends highlighted 2014 on pages 8 and 9

SICK DAYS As flu rates increase, doctors advise students to heed warnings

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FLU SEASON

t starts with a sore throat and persistent cough. The symptoms aren’t life-threatening, though, so it’s easy to brush them off. As the week progresses, however, more indicators arise---a runny nose, headache, 100 degree fever---and, suddenly, the afflicted is out for seven, eight, nine days.

what you need to know, and how to protect yourself

ONE OUT OF FIVE Americans get the flu every year flu viruses spread through droplets in the air

Influenza generally occurs

1 TO 4

SYMPTOMS feeling feverish Sore HEADACHES or dry s t u f f y o r throat r u n n y n o s e Vomiting and diarrhea muscle or b o d y a ch e s

days after exposure

Peak levels generally occur from December to March DEC

JAN

‘‘

FEB

FATIGUE

flu viruses can live up to 24 HOURS on hard surfaces like desks and tables

WHAT’S THE BEST TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA?

REST, LIQUID, ANTIVIRALS Adults may be able to infect others beginning ONE DAY before symptoms develop and FIVE TO SEVEN DAYS after becoming sick

Stay home Avoid close contact with others Cover your coughs

EVERYONE six

prevent the flu is to get a

months and older should get a flu vaccine

FLU VACCINE each People most at risk: kids 6 months-5 years, elderly

MAR

IF YOU DO GET THE FLU:

The SINGLE best way to

facts and statistics from flu.gov and CDC.gov

If you immunize a certain percentage of the population, almost everyone is going to be protected. When the sick person comes into the school, there are so many immunized people that the idea that it’s going to be transferred to someone who hasn’t had the vaccine is more unlikely. That certain percentage is about 85 percent, but there’s no way 85 percent of the student population at Crown Point has been immunized.

‘‘

-Dr. Thomas Pawlowski

A turn on Turnabout Changes are ahead for this year’s dance page 2

An estimated 484 students have experienced such a scenario, falling ill to the recent outbreak of the H3N2 flu virus.

Early data suggested that this year’s flu season would be severe.

Years when the H3N2 strain of the virus predominated have been associated with a significant increase in severe flu illnesses and hospitalizations.

So far this season, the early predictions have proven true both on a local and regional level. The Midwest has had an estimated 1,045 people test positive for an H3 flu virus as of early December, according to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) influenza surveillance report. Crown Point alone has seen a significant increase in flu patients over the past month.

“The numbers are astounding,” Franciscan alliance express care doctor Thomas Pawlowski said. “From those who we see here at the express care in Crown Point, we’ll see probably 10-15 positive flu cases a day. It’s affecting mostly children and high school aged students, and they end up being out of school for anywhere from a week to 10 days.”

The flu virus is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person through droplets in the air. Each year, the World Health Organization collaborates with influenza research centers across the globe to decide which strains of the flu vaccines will cover.

Flu seasons are often times unpredictable, however, as viruses have the tendency to mutate rapidly from season to season. This year’s mutated H3N2 strain was not detected until last March, when it was too late to include them into this year’s vaccine.

“Unfortunately, about half of the H3N2 viruses that we’ve analyzed this season are different from the H3N2 virus that’s included in this year’s flu vaccine,” CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden said. “They are different enough that we’re concerned that protection from vaccinations against these drifted H3N2 viruses may be lower than we usually see.”

This year’s flu vaccine has, in fact, proven to be ineffective, resulting in 5,077 positive testings for the H3N2 virus nation-wide.

See Flu virus on page 3

Feature

News

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM editor-in-chief

A&E

Don’t put it off Make use of time during break with finals upcoming page 7

Flix picks See which Netflix shows and movies are marathon-worthy page 14

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news december 19, 2014

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intheknow FAFSA organization gives presentation to CPHS

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Financial aid counselors from Indiana University Northwest and Valparaiso University guide students and parents through the FAFSA application.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) organization gave a presentation to the seniors and their parents on Dec. 11. Over 160 people were in attendance. The FAFSA night gave information about FAFSA and how to fill out the application.

“Every student that applies for college should apply for FAFSA regardless of their financial position,” guidance counselor Kim Swan said.

PHOTO BY MICAYLA WATROBA

Grade school student Addison Grimes sits with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Key Club’s breakfast with Santa on Dec.13.

Key Club hosts second breakfast with Santa

BY TINA WINFREY

Hanlon given award for Inspirational Educator The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce named special needs teacher Liz Hanlon the 2014 Inspirational Educator. Hanlon first had to be nominated for this award and then was required to fill out a form listing different aspects of her involvement with the school and community, educational background and any awards won. Along with the form, Hanlon also had to attend a reception where she was required to answer multiple questions about her views on teaching.

editor-in-chief

The stockings were hung in the front of the school with care, in anticipation for Saint Nicholas and the Key Club members that soon would be there.

Key Club hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 13. The day was full of food, crafts and meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“We had about 80 kids show up, which is a lot more than last year,” Kapitan said.

“Last year it was snowing outside, so we only had like ten kids show up.”

Junior Alyssa Guritz and her fellow craft committee members gathered ideas from Pinterest and used them at the break-

fast. “(The children) were really into the crafts. They were really enjoying themselves,” Guritz said.

Among the crafts Guritz designed, the children were able to create their own snowman, build their own reindeer, make snowflakes and write letters to Santa. The food at the breakfast was from Great American Bagel, Great Harvest Bread Co. and Dunkin’ Donuts.

“We got the food for free. They donated it to us,” Kapitan said. “We did not charge to go to the breakfast, so hoped that people would do donations.”

The $180 the club raised will go towards the club’s yearlong project, Rebuild-

ing Together.

“Rebuilding together is an organization that builds one to a couple of houses each year for people in need,” senior Thano Liodos said.

During the event, Kapitan dressed up as Mrs. Claus. She waited near the doorway to greet all the students that walked in.

“It was really fun because all the kids were excited to talk to me and Santa. It was cute,” Kapitan said. “When kids would come, their faces would light up when they say Santa. I think that was the best part.”

Dressed up as Santa, Liodos also felt the experience was rewarding.

“It was eye opening to see the joy it brought to others,” Liodos said.

Changes made to turnabout to ensure balance of safety and fun

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

PHOTO BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

Turnabout tickets are being sold during all lunch hours and at basketball games. Tickets will be sold when school returns after break.

Students can expect to attend a safe and welcoming turnabout this year, which will be hosted by the dance team on Jan. 24, 2015. Changes have been made to create an easier process for students and chaperones.

Varsity dance coach Annie Vassar has had a series of meetings with dance parents such as Sara Jones to discuss the changes drafted. One change that will be made to the event is the venue. In past years, turnabout has been held in a number of different locations.

“We chose to have turnabout at Avalon Manor because it has a larger capacity for students to attend and is a great overall facility,” Vassar said.

Avalon Manor is large enough to accommodate the many students who may

january

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13 14 15

School resumes

wish to attend.

“We didn’t want to limit the number of tickets sold so that every student could attend the dance if they wanted to,” Jones said.

However, by changing the venue to Avalon Manor, more chaperones are needed for safety precautions.

“There are more doors to the outside of the building at Avalon Manor,” Vassar said. “We will need more parents for security to make sure that no one comes in that should not be in attendance and that all students attending are the safest they can possibly be.”

According to Jones, the number of chaperones last year was high, so there should be no problem finding enough parents to help this year.

Students such as freshman Jacob McCallister feel that having multiple chaper-

16

ones will cause the environment to become a bit harsh.

“I feel like it will be a little stricter because of the parent chaperones,” McCallister said.

Along with a change in venue and the addition of more chaperones, Vassar hopes to make some slight changes to the photography and check-in processes.

“We’re going to try some new things for the check-in process, and we’re also going to have multiple places where students can take their photos so the wait will be shorter,” Vassar said.

The changes that have been made to the event are to help enhance the experience for students.

“Turnabout gives the students something to look forward to after the holidays and I think those that attend will have a lot of fun,” Jones said.

19

24 10

No school

Turnabout dance

School will start up

Due to teacher work

The turnabout dance will

again after the two week break.

day, there will be no

be held at Avalon Manor

First semester finals

school.

Martin Luther King

Finals will begin on Tues. and end

Day

on Thurs. Wed. and Thurs. will be

There will be no school unless

half days

there is a snow day that needs to be made up.

hosted by the dance team.

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news december 19, 2014

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TRYING TO LAST THE MUSLIM FAST F ‘‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ or the ninth consecutive year, the Muslim Student Association challenged students and staff members to refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset to experience the Muslim tradition of fasting during Ramadan. How did they fare?

5:30 a.m.

I’m used to sipping a little water after lecturing, so that was the hardest part in the morning.

By the end of the day, I didn’t even feel hungry anymore.You got used to it.

- math teacher Jason McGee

- senior Alyssa Vajda

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

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HOW DID THEY LAST

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It got harder at around 10 a.m. as it got closer to lunch time.

The hardest part was waking up really early and having a big breakfast.

- history teacher Vince Lewis

2 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

10 hours

during the fast-a-thon

- senior Becky Correa

Flu virus continued from p.1 If left untreated, the flu has the ability to be trapped in the respiratory track and develop into a case of pneumonia.

A total of 156 students have been dismissed from school due to respiratory illnesses in the last month, including junior Lance Noerenberg.

“It started with dizziness and fatigue,” Noerenberg said. “It was the flu for the first week, and the second week, it developed into pneumonia. I had an average fever of 102 and was tired and lost my appetite. I had a headache for about two weeks straight. It just felt terrible.”

Senior Lauren O’Keefe missed several days of school due to similar symptoms. A sore throat, cough, fever and shortness of breath that began as the flu was later prescribed to be a stronger respiratory illness, and O’Keefe began to fall behind because of it.

“It took so long to get caught back up with my school work,” O’Keefe said. “Even though I missed a couple days, all the notes, lessons, quizzes, tests and homework assignments piled up for each class. I hate missing school because it adds so much stress to making everything up and staying up to date with current school work.”

The urgency to stay on track has students who experience early flu symptoms returning to school as soon as possible. Pawlowski believes this rush to recovering has led to the continuing trend of students increasingly falling ill.

“People think that once the fever has broken that it’s

VIEWS on

NEWS

‘‘

‘‘

I loved the food. It was different; it was not your typical American meal.

students fasted for

- junior Matt Muller

safe to send your kids back to school, but that’s not the case,” Pawlowski said. “Even after the fever breaks, the cough and runny nose are still there, which still carry the influenza.”

Quick recovery isn’t impossible, however. According to Frieden, antiviral medications are vital in fighting the flu and complications associated with the virus.

“Probably fewer than one in six people who are severely ill with the flu get antiviral drugs,” Frieden said. “We need to get the message out that treating early with antiviral drugs makes the difference between a milder illness or a very severe illness.”

Local doctors such as pediatrician Dr. Lisa Gold have heeded Frieden’s message. Gold, who has seen the highest rate of pneumonia this season compared to the last five years, has prescribed various antiviral medications to ensure her patients’ symptoms do not worsen.

“I give a person confirmed with influenza infection an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu to lessen the length and symptoms of the infection,” Gold said. “We especially want to do that if the patient has an underlying medical problem such as diabetes or asthma or any chronic medical condition or if the patient is younger than two years age.”

Precautionary measures do not end there. Due to the increasing numbers of students with the flu, high schools across the nations have closed to undergo thorough disinfection.

While some speculated that these measures may be ex-

treme, Gold believes the standard for ensuring the safety of students and faculty is well-drafted.

“The school administration has the task of making sure attending school poses no public health risk,” Gold said. “For example, if greater than ten percent of the student body is out due to illness, the school may impose a closure to decrease the spread of illness and for decontamination. I believe that’s the right thing to do.”

Schools would not need to close if students and teachers took the recommended precautions. The flu vaccine may indeed be ineffective, but it’s a measure that, if the majority of school populations underwent, would significantly reduce the number of illnesses contracted this season.

“It’s called herd immunization. It’s a concept that if you immunize a certain percentage of the population, almost everyone is going to be protected,” Pawlowski said.

“The percentage is about 85 percent, but there’s no way 85 percent of the student population at Crown Point has been immunized.”

In addition to remaining out of the system, Pawlowski urges students to adopt healthier hygiene habits. Most importantly, he believes, students must develop the habit of receiving immunizations, regardless of its rate of efficiency.

“Look at the sick kids next to you in class. You don’t want to be like that,” Pawlowski said. “Go get the flu shot right now. It’s takes two weeks to develop a response, but it gives you a good chance as the winter goes on that you don’t have to fall ill like those doing so today.”

Student reaction to events in our world

Area Nearby robbery forces Andrean lockdown

State State gas prices drop with price of oil

Nation Relations with Cuba are restored in US

World Taliban terrorists attack Peshawar school

Andrean High School was forced to undergo an hour-long lockdown due to a nearby robbery in a parking lot outside of a Merrillville Dunkin’ Donuts. Merrillville Police Chief Joseph Petruch believes the robbery was a result of a drug transaction gone bad.

According to sources across the state, gas stations in Franklin, Indiana sold gas for $1.99 a gallon last weekend. A nearby station was also selling gas for less than $2 a gallon.

Economists say gas prices are plunging with the price of oil.

President Obama ordered a full restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba. The administration has ordered an opening of an embassy for the first time in more than half a century, vowing to “cut loose the shackles of the past,” as Obama stated on Wednesday.

Taliban terrorists attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar on Tuesday, slaughtering 132 children in the deadliest terrorist attack in the nation’s history. Several students were forced to watch as the bodies of fellow classmates were burned.

I feel like it was a good thing to go on lockdown because the robbery may have led to a school shooting.

I think it’s great gas prices are dropping.

I’m going to drive soon, and I hope to see these prices closer to home.

I think Obama’s decision to do so is a good thing. I find that the U.S. should try to remain allies with all countries.

I think that this act was very inhumane and that those students shouldn’t have to go through that kind of situation.

‘‘

Alex Duvall senior

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Zach Hedge sophomore

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Melissa DeGroot freshman

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Anna Gaoat junior

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opinion december 19, 2014

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speakup

Ferguson, Garner decisions should matter to all of us

Has Christmas lost its meaning?

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

It’s all over the news: Ferguson has been in flames since a grand jury failed to indict police officer Darren Wilson for fatally shooting 18-year-old Michael Brown, an unarmed black male.

Protests and riots have only escalated after a grand jury in New York didn’t indict an officer for choking Eric Garner to death.

But you don’t live in Ferguson or New York, so you may think that it’s not your problem.

You think that it’ll never happen to you because you’re not a young, black male. And you’re not interested in joining the barbarians breaking in stores and burning cars on the street, so you think the riots and protests don’t really matter to you.

You couldn’t be more wrong.

Justice isn’t a race issue. It’s a we issue. The Ferguson and Garner decisions are everyone’s struggle. Regardless of what is said in debates and the different positions discussed on-air, there are no sides.

Yes, the majority of criminal activity in Ferguson is committed

by African Americans. But that does not---and should not---be an excuse for officials to label blacks in general as criminals.

Yes, white police officers in Ferguson and New York are not automatically racists or killers because of their profession, and it’s true that their job casts them in an unfair light. But racism shouldn’t be used as an excuse for public safety.

And yes, the bombing and burning in Ferguson is wrong.

But we shouldn’t let our focus on such acts turn our attention away from the bigger issue.

Peace won’t come from simply recognizing injustice. We have to realize Ferguson and Garner matter to all of us, that what’s happening there is happening everywhere. We’re all to blame for being the subjects of a culture that values white lives over that of blacks and for not saying anything to change it.

We have to notice that racism is deeply engrained in our way of life. We have to take note of our participation in these systems of oppression, that being unquestioning and in denial only fuels the fire.

And we have to know that there are ways to solve these issues without a snap-judgement bullet.

Remaining silent isn’t one of them.

CARTOON BY COLLIN RAISER

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“Yes, because religion has become less important to people, and kids are starting to care more about the gifts they get.”

iew: Remember the voices of 2014

It didn’t seem like the most promising of years. For a while--and still today---unrest seized the nation. 2014 was quickly muddled beneath international conflicts, domestic violence issues, same-sex marriage rulings and racial controversies, making it difficult for anyone to see anything remotely positive under such conditions.

But during the midst of such chaos came something that hadn’t been heard so predominantly during years prior: a voice.

And as the year progressed, one voice became several thousands.

It didn’t matter where you were or where the story made headlines. From Palestine to Chicago, Hong Kong to Ferguson, protests against government corruption and political change were widespread.

It didn’t matter whether there was a personal affiliation with the issue or not. After controversies like Ray Rice’s assault charges and Donald Sterling’s fall-out, movements to put an end to domestic violence and racism lit the nation.

And it didn’t matter what age, gender, race or religion the issue involved. For once, people spoke out for equal rights and nonviolence because they were human, regardless of their beliefs or background. Campaigns such as He for She and protests like the March of Millions proved just that.

Even students of varying ages let their voices be heard.

Whether it was a newly admitted freshman or an experienced upperclassmen, students didn’t shy away from voicing complaints and suggestions for events such as the homecoming pep rally and dance to school administration.

The year may have included many misfortunes, but we shouldn’t want to change any of them. This expression---this relentless refusal to remain submissive---has made 2014 a step towards change. That’s a feat that deserves to be remembered.

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Crown Point High School, IN

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.

Bianca Vazquez sophomore “No, no matter how many Christmases there are, it is still about family. It doesn’t matter what you get as long as you give back.”

Grant Pape junior “No, Christmas is the greatest thing ever and it has always been about hanging out with family and giving back.”

Ivanka Goyena senior “It kind of has. People nowadays tend to obsess with shopping more than anything else, like black friday.”

editorial Vol. 79 Issue 4 Dec. 19, 2014 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

Max Smith freshman

editors-in-chief Alaa Abdeldaiem Tina Winfrey editors-at-large Olivia Elston Verda Mirza associate editor Nadia Giedemann assistant editors Natalie Brigham Becca Burke Maisa Nour graphics editor Collin Raiser

online editor Sam Barloga sports editor Jackie Van Der Wey advertising editors Hannah Bauner Kate Franklin chief photographer Jack Snedden photographers Jill Kidder Alexandra Stack Micayla Watroba

staff Casey Akers Tiffany Curtis Tommy Frame Maria Leontaras Lauren Massow Hannah Morgan Katie Pawlowski Arriana Rainwater Chris Rekitzke Dominic Tomich Eli Udchitz Dylan Wallace adviser Julie Elston

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opinion december 19, 2014

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Is being surprised with gifts better than buying your own?

5

Senioritis not an excuse for slacking

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

CARTOON BY ARRIANA RAINWATER

Pro:

Con:

Surprises allow for more sincere shock at gifts

Giving money on holidays saves time and stress

BY TIFFANY CURTIS

BY ALEX STACK

reporter

photographer

Christmas Day: the day all of December leads up to. It’s a day filled with the spirit of giving and receiving: one of the happiest days of the year. The suspense and the mystery of what one is getting as presents can be killer, but it all pays off when one walks down the stairs and sees a pile of presents that are all meant for the person.

The surprise of seeing what lies under the wrapping paper and bows is the best part of Christmas. Kids, who may still believe the idea of Santa Claus leaving presents, can barely contain their excitement. They still sneak downstairs in hopes of seeing the presents he left, and when they are finally allowed to rip and tear that wrapping off to see what was underneath, the joy and excitement only escalates.

It’s a feeling that can’t be replaced.

Even though knowing the truth about Old Saint Nick may dim the mystery, the excitement as to what one will receive is still there.

From phones to computers to jewelry and clothing, the surprise of the different presents one might receive brings back some of the magic to Christmas morning.

Being surprised also allows one to peer inside the minds of their loved ones. It allows one to see how much they care and how much thought they put into the gifts. Receiving a gift picked out by oneself diminishes the personal touch because they didn’t actually put that much effort into it. There’s no proof that they know you that well because you told them what to get. Being surprised overall actually forces loved ones to dig deep and think of an idea that comes from the heart.

The spirit of Christmas is about giving, not receiving. When picking out gifts, it’s just supporting the institution of receiving.

Putting serious thought into the gift one is giving and the receiver loving it makes one feel accomplished for doing something special.

In comparison, giving someone a gift that they picked out makes everything less special because they already know what the gift is.

The tradition of being surprised on Christmas is a tradition that should not be tampered with. It goes hand and hand with the spirit of giving and adds to the overall specialness of this holiday.

The cycle never seems to end: someone opens up a gift, dislikes it and then throws it somewhere never to be found again, all because they left it up to their friends or relatives to surprise them with a gift.

Surprises are a nice gesture, but they’re not worth the trouble if no one is going to enjoy them. Handing a loved one money so they can pick out their own gifts or even taking them shopping so they can pick out their own stuff and open it later seems almost taboo. But with all the money spent and time consumed that comes with holiday shopping, all options should be considered.

Just because it’s tradition to surprise someone does not mean that it is always the best choice. No one can read minds and always pick out the perfect gift. Getting rid of surprises may take away some fun, but when looking at the benefits, it’s worth it. Shopping is a huge guessing game. Asking for clothes sounds easy, but putting down the size is never good enough. There’s style and taste to consider. The same goes for any kind of electronic. By simply asking for a camera, the recipient can wind up with an inexpensive and dispensable one.

Giving a loved one money or taking them shopping allows them to pick out exactly what he wants, decreasing the chance of disappointment.

Parents and other family members truly do spend a lot of money on their children during the holidays. Clothes are no longer $7, and wish list cheap plastic toys have turned into laptops, tablets and cell phones. There is nothing wrong with wanting nicer, more expensive things during the holidays, but if the gift is never used, it goes to waste. Handing someone a large amount of money may not be easy. It is, however, a better feeling to know that they are not going let it go to waste, that they will use it to buy something they want.

Holidays are a busy time. There is family to visit, food to make and plenty of other things to do. Getting the shopping done fast gives everyone room to breathe. No one should have to waste time and energy on a gift that is unappreciated. Giving a loved one money avoids small disasters and makes for a less stressful holiday, one that everyone can appreciate.

21 Inklings staffers agree

8 Inklings staffers agree

Chris Mikrut

history teacher

Trystyn Braich

“I love surprises. I would rather have someone purchase a gift for me instead of buying my own gift.”

Kayla Allen

junior

“I’d rather accept money to get my own presents because it’s more likely to be something I like.”

sophomore

“I’d rather have someone buy something for me because it shows that they care and put in some effort.”

Caleb Scibbe

sophomore

“I like buying my gift better. People can get what I want wrong.

I know exactly what I like.”

The first semester of senior year is coming to a close, and the thought of going away to college and graduating high school is filling the minds of seniors. As seniors begin to get accepted into college, the lack of effort being put into school work and studying is noticeable. Senioritis is taking over full force.

Students are using senioritis and college admission as excuses for the lack of effort and laziness they possess. Some may have the idea “Oh I am already accepted into the college I want to go to, so I don’t have to try in school anymore,” which leads to missing homework assignments and lower test scores.

Colleges still expect students to have high quality performances in grades and extracurricular activities. Mid-year transcripts are occasionally sent to colleges to show that the decision to admit the student into the school was a wise decision. By not completing an assignment or choosing not to study for a test, students are slowly ruining their chances of going to a good school.

Colleges are more than capable of withdrawing an admission if the student’s work and grades drop. If a college feels that a student is no longer trying or is not improving, the college has the right to take back the admission and not allow the student to attend during the next semester.

Students are also skipping school functions because “they are over high school.” Take advantage of the good times spent with your fellow seniors. Don’t miss out on school activities because, in a few years, we may wish we are back in high school going to a Friday night football game or getting ready for prom.

High school is the base we need to prepare us for college. We learn important life lessons we can take with us to college, and we are taught valuable information that may help us with future college classes. By using the excuse of senioritis, we are taking advantage of the resources provided to us.

Senioritis is no excuse for the pure laziness some students may have. Seniors, this is it. It’s the final stretch. End this year strong, and enjoy the last semester we have together.

It is not the time to give up and not try in school. Make the most of senior year, and don’t waste the time you have left with peers.

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feature december 19, 2014

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i on life experiencing a different perspective

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Junior Aaron John helps spread the new dome on East North Street with other members of the football team. John is just one of many students to volunteer this holiday season.

Better to give

Students spread holiday spirit through service

BY MAISA NOUR

assistant editor

For some it’s standing outside in the cold. For others, it’s baking cookies for St.Judes women’s shelter. But for all, the purpose is the same: giving back.

Students at CPHS have found time in their active schedules to give back to their community in various ways.

For NHS member senior Rachel Honaker, standing outside of Strack and Van Til ringing a bell was how she decided to spend her day off.

“It was really cold; I’m not going to lie. Once I got a smile, though, it all suddenly became worth it,” Honaker said. “I love making people smile, and when people are always saying ‘Good job. You’re making a difference in your community,’ it’s just really heartwarming.”

Volunteering for Honaker isn’t always a struggle. For the past two years, Honaker has been taking time out of her busy schedule to give back.

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the

“I volunteer at The Christian Village every week. I pretty much just go and talk to some of the residents, hang out with them and try to get some smiles,” Honaker said.

Giving back to the community is one thing, but actually building it is another. For junior Aaron John, helping build a new dome on East North Street is how he hopes to better the community.

“We helped spread the dome and put the cables down and I really enjoyed it because I like building things and helping out the community,” John said.

With the holidays right around the corner, junior Karson Trisik and her family have also gotten into the holiday spirit of giving back.

Helping others has always been a part of Trisik’s life. Trisik’s family has been giving back throughout the year, not just the holiday season.

“My dad has always had a sponsor child ever since I was little, so through my church we al-

$135.9 million raised by the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign

ways give money to her throughout the year,” Trisik said.

Aside from family traditions, Trisik has come up with new ways to give back and create smiles on her own.

“I’m making batches of cookies with some of my friends for St. Jude’s Women shelter, which is a shelter for battered women and children,” Trisik said. “Seeing a bunch of little kids come running and start fighting over what cookies they wanted was an awesome experience last year, so I wanted to do it again.”

When volunteering, students may be giving, but they are also gaining from the experiences they come across, a reason Trisik believes volunteering is important.

“I really want to always better myself, and I think that doing things for others is a selfless act,” Trisik said. “I think we all are consumed in ourselves, even if it’s unintentionally, so by doing these things, I can see what I take for granted in my everyday life.”

30%

of annual donations given during December

PHOTO BY ALEX STACK

Seniors Rachel Honaker and Jordan Embry ring bells at Strack and Van Til to raise money for the Salvation Army. “It was really cold, but once I got a smile, it all suddenly became worth it,” Honaker said.

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Baking cookies for St. Jude’s Women shelter, juniors Karson Trisik and Chloe Mikus scoop their baked gooes into bite size portions. Trisik volunteers often and her family adopts an angel tree each year.

#1

charity in the United States is United Way

95.4%

of households donate to charity

Statistics from businessinsider.com, cmo.com and nptrust.org

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Final step

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Making wise use of break pays off for semester exams

BY HANNAH BAUNER

during the long break.

“I try to get up an hour earlier than I normally would.

So, if I normally plan on sleeping in until noon, I get up It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it doesn’t at 11 a.m. and I try to work for an hour on school stuff always feel like it to students such as senior Marissa Darbefore I go on with my day. That way, I don’t have to nell. While others are on vacation, out with friends or simworry about it. I think that’s a really good idea if you have ply relaxing at home, Darnell has found herself buried unhomework.”

Adams said. “Just get up an hour earlier, get der notes for her English final essay that is due after break. your homework done and then you have the whole day not In years past, Darnell has fallen victim to procrastination, to worry about anything.” building the stress of completing assignments last-minute.

In addition to homework, final projects are also asThis year, with the use of proper pacing techniques, signed.

Darnell hopes it will be different.

“For Advanced Placement English Literature, we “I always tell myself I’m going to study for finals, but have a group project. It’s part of their final exam for the I normally just wait until the week after Christmas Break,” class and they need to watch a movie and come up with a Darnell said. “I’m going to try to spread out the work, start presentation that creatively conveys what the movie is all earlier and do it in gradual intervals instead of pushing it about,” English teacher Rachele Raloff said. “So many of all to the end like I normally do.” those students are busy before Although winter break will school, after school, have jobs provide time to have fun and enand other commitments, so Hey wanna come 2 the joy time off from school, it is also over break they have a little bit an opportunity to get school work movies tonight? :) more time to get together and done and begin studying for finals, to meet up as a group and to which start the week of Jan. 12. actually accomplish projects.”

Accomplishing this is not Students that don’t impossible. Advanced Placement have homework or English Language teacher Jacob projects can utilize Adams encourages students to take Can’t...so much studying the upcoming two advantage of their time to mini#whatislife weeks to review mize stress, just as he tries to do reporter

for finals. Sophomore Cece Maginot hopes that by sectioning off her studying in small portions she, too, can take advantage of the extended vacation.

“I try to portion my time between school and fun, so I’m still having my good winter break but also getting ready for finals. I plan on studying for about a half hour every couple days, so maybe for about a total of three hours,” Maginot said.

With a two-week break, procrastination becomes very common, but like Darnell hopes to do this winter break, Raloff advises students to not fall behind. The key to a relaxing vacation is staying on track.

“Students obviously shouldn’t wait until the last minute to do their work over break.

That’s probably the biggest detriment. It’ll be the Sunday before they come back after Christmas Break and they’ll suddenly realize they have all this work they didn’t actually accomplish,” Raloff said.

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Contemplating whether to go out with her friends or study for finals, senior Marissa Darnell attempts to balance her time with friends and studying over break.

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feature december 19, 2014

feature december 19, 2014

As year comes to end, moments are remembered

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14 CPHS moments 1. The statue known as “George the Bulldog” is vandalized, leaving him with pieces missing.

Students jumped to blame school rival L.C.

Another 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes and 31,536,000 seconds have passed by.

It is impossible to define a year in just a few paragraphs.

As we progress to the next year, we must remember the good and the bad, both the countless laughs over accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge and the tears upon hearing of the 141 students shot by the Taliban in a school in Pakistan.

For a high school student, the year can especially be full of ups and downs.

The schools beloved bulldog was smashed at the same time that the football team was going strong with only one loss to their season.

Who knows, trends like crop tops and flappy bird obsessions might be looked at in mortification down the road, much like when today’s adults look back at trends of the 80s, but these are the memories we will cherish forever.

As the new year rolls in, it is not only necessary to reflect on choices of the previous year but how those choices will make new memories in the future.

2. Half days are reinstated into the school year calendar.

3. New nutrition guidelines ban the selling of

candy and unhealthy baked goods in school.

4. “Late Start Wednesdays” are eliminated from the calendar. Resource period is extended to use this extra time.

5. A new door is added in the front of the school.

The door leads directly into the office in order to improve school safety.

6. The homecoming dance is changed to a

semi-formal event instead of the previous non-formal homecoming dance.

“The Lego Movie”

“Neighbors”

7. The school day is pushed back 10 minutes with a new start time of 7:35 a.m. and dismissal of 2:37 p.m.

8. Six days of school are canceled due to

Best of 2014

weather conditions.

as voted for by students

9. Boys tennis team wins regionals for the first time in 43 years.

10. Girls swim places second at the state meet.

“Divergent”

1. “Don’t” - Ed Sheeran

11. Boys sports wins Duneland Athletic Conference all sports award for the first time.

2. “Anaconda” - Nicki Minaj 3. “Stay With Me” - Sam Smith

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”

12. Aly Tetzloff breaks 100 fly state record.

4. “The Monster” - Rihanna feat.

Eminem

13. Boys cross country qualifies for the state

5. “Rude” - MAGIC!

meet and is awarded 16th place.

6. “Take Me To Church” - Hozier

PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Principal Chip Pettit gets a bucket of ice water dumped on him while participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge. Students nominated Pettit, as well as assistant principal Russ Marcinek and freshman principal Mark Gianfermi to take part in the challenge.

7. “Chandelier” - Sia 8. “Dark Horse” - Katy Perry feat.

Juicy J

People

9. “Problem” - Ariana Grande

Ice Bucket Challenge

acid wash

the Nae Nae

Headbands

BAE

“basic”

2048

Trivia Crack

“YAS”

normcore

“on fleek”

TWERKING

Girls tennis wins their first regional title since 2005.

July Eric Garner, an unarmed black man, dies after a white police officer puts him in chokehold.

“salty”

OVERALLS

May

“I woke up like this”

eyelash sweaters

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Indiana.

141 students are shot by the Taliban in a Pakistan school.

December

October

August

June

crop tops

“share a Coke”

Pakistan school shooting

Malaysian Airliner Flight 370 goes missing.

Police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson sparks outrage.

Members of ISIS take control of Mosul, Iraq.

IPHONE 6

“turn up”

gay marriage

April

March

protests

January 33 same-sex marriages took place during the Grammy Awards.

polar vortex

“Mockingjay”

credit card information hackers

February

ISIS

Purdue shooting some states legalize

Malala Yousafzai

A woman is killed in parking lot of St. Mary’s School in Griffith.

EBOLA

Eric Garner case

riots

Idina Menzel name failure

Ukraine

“Interstellar” Jimmy Fallon becomes host of “The Tonight Show.”

FIFA WORLD CUP

Flappy Bird

FUR VESTS

Malaysian Airlines Flight 370

Republicans win senate

MARIJIUANA LEGALIZATION Mount Everest Israel/Palestine conflict avalance

OSCAR SELFIE

Iggy Azalea

Nick Jonas

Jimmy Fallon

miley cyrus

Amanda Bynes

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

NFL suspensions

U2 RAY RICE

Popular

winter olympics

FERGUSON

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Justin Bieber SHIA LABEOUF

14. “She Looks So Perfect” - 5 Seconds of Summer

JOHN GREEN

“The Fault In Our Stars”

13. “Ain’t It Fun” - Paramore

BILL COSBY Kim Kardashian

Nicki Minaj

12. “All About That Bass” Meghan Trainor

since 2005.

Events

richard sherman

Odell Beckham Jr.

11. “Happy” - Pharrell Williams

Joan Rivers Adam Levine

LeBron James

“22 Jump Street”

ROBIN WILLIAMS

10. “Turn Down for What” - DJ Snake and Lil John

14. Girls tennis wins regionals for the first time

September

November

NFL deals with multiple incidents of domestic violence.

Grand jury decides to not indict Officer Darren Wilson in shooting of Michael Brown.

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BECCA BURKE

Students find ways to keep up their fitness when weather does not cooperate

BY BECCA BURKE

reporter

Blustering winds and face burning snow can be a fitness fun killer. However, some students and coaches have cracked the code to incorporating fitness into their lives during the winter months.

One way for students to stay active is by visiting one of the many workout facilities and fitness clubs around the community.

“In the winter the (YMCA) gym becomes more full with basketball players and classes such as Zumba and spin become more popular because people can’t really go outside and just do stuff anymore,” said YMCA employee and junior Kourtney Bruder.

However, some students such as senior

Jon Imburgia prefer to participate in team activities. Imburgia stays active by playing lacrosse and soccer at the Hallmark Sports Club in Merrillville.

“A lot of it’s just the guys having fun together and sometimes there are late-night pickup games. But, there is a league that I play in on a team with 10 guys. We play competitively and just have fun,” Imburgia said.

Bruder enjoys taking advantage of the many classes that the YMCA has to offer and has had the opportunity to explore different options for staying fit indoors such as Zumba, Spin, Pilates, and Tabata.

“Tabata is like floor exercises but you don’t really need any equipment; you do reps and stuff (ie. a cycle of 10 pushups, 10 sit-ups, and 10 jumping jacks) and keep

cycling through it for a couple minutes. It’s weird, but I like it because it’s kind of interesting. Zumba’s a lot of fun because it’s like a big just dance party,” Bruder said.

All classes and sessions require a YMCA membership and a few cost extra. However, sometimes the classes are worth the cost.

“Spin costs extra, but it’s actually pretty popular. They take you in a room and they do black lights, and it’s stationary biking.

There’s an instructor that tells you to do all sorts of exercises on the bike,” For students tied to the school, or those who prefer to remain in a familiar environment, girls cross country and track coach Adam Piaskowy suggests taking advantage of the school’s workout facilities and conditioning programs. For girls, Piaskowy especially encourages trying out the

track and field conditioning program offered now through Feb 15.

“I would love to encourage anybody that’s interested in just staying healthy over the winter to come and check it out,” Piaskowy said. “By no means does a student signing up for either track conditioning imply that [students] would be joining the track team.”

Whether students are hoping to tone up for a spring sport, getting a head start on New Year’s resolutions, or simply being fit for the sake of being fit, Imburgia encourages just having fun.

“During the winter just find something that you enjoy,” Imburgia said “It doesn’t have to be super hardcore training but can just be something that’s fun and keeps you active.”

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in the

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sports december 19, 2014

We have been improving our weaknesses day in and day out, believing we will go far in the tournament.

- Senior Josh Berquist

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‘‘

Bending bars, breaking records Fiacable breaks Crown Point’s all time clean record by six pounds As soon as hip extention is achieved, Fiacable must pull his body underneath the bar.

Fiacable catches the bar on the front of his shoulders, the bar between his deltoids and throat.

BY SAM BARLOGA

reporter

Senior Eric Fiacable wasn’t driven to get better by anything supernatural or extraordinary. The weightlifter and former football captain was motivated by sheer thrill of becoming the best.

“Up until last year, I had guys in front of me that kept me from joining the weightlifting club, but the hard work has taken me to being maybe the best in the school, or even better than that,” Fiacable said.

The hard work that Fiacable put in, day in and day out paid off on Dec. 8, when the senior broke the school’s clean record by lifting 155 kilograms (341 lbs.).

“I put a lot of hard work into breaking the record, so I was really excited when I did break it because of all the work I put into it,” Fiacable said.

Fiacable doesn’t plan to stop there, though. By the time he graduates this spring, Fiacable has his sights set on breaking even more records.

“In addition to the clean record, I have my sights set on the clean and jerk and the discus records before I graduate,” Fiacable said.

Fiacable had begun lifting as a way to compliment his track and football passions back in middle school. Fiacable says that weightlifting coach Mark Garrett helped bloom the multi-sport participant into a weightlifting star.

“When I started in eighth grade, coach Garrett was there from the beginning. He taught me how to lift, and he has encouraged me the whole way,” Fiacable said.

Fiacable has already committed to Rose-Hulman Insitute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana where he will take his competition onto the NCAA level. He plans to compete in Track and Field as well as keep on weightlifting to make sure he stays in shape.

“I’m planning to do track and field at Rose-Hulman, so weightlifting is something that definitely goes hand-in-hand with discus, shot put and hammer: the events I plan to compete in, in college,” Fiacable said.

Fiacable has stated that his drive to get better at everything he does has been the overwhelming self-drive that has taken his competition to its current level.

“I started lifting for track and football, and I found out I was pretty good at it, so I kept pushing myself to get better and put myself in a position to break records. I’ve been mostly self-motivated, there hasn’t been anyone who has pushed me harder than myself,” Fiacable said.

But for Fiacable, the school work will remain the most important thing no matter what level he’s on.

“The education will be first, with an engineering degree being the thing I’m going after the most,” Fiacable said.

Current records

PHOTO BY ALEX STACK

1. Eric Fiacable 341 lbs 2. Lance Lamere 335 lbs 3. Nicholas Damjnovic 325 lbs

Recognizing limits and making history my view

BY JACKIE VAN DER WEY

sports editor

It isn’t an athlete’s natural abilities that will determine the impact they make but rather their ability to push themselves to their breaking point.

In the case of Derrick Rose, Brandon Marshall and any other recently injured athletes, pushing themselves may have been detrimental to themselves,

teams and careers.

Fortunately in the case of Eric Fiacable, who recently broke Crown Point’s weightlifting all time clean record, his drive and unwavering self-determination helped to bring him to the next level. For six years, he worked toward the goal and now describes the feeling of breaking the record

as ‘exhilarating.’

However, the question posed is whether the risk of pushing athletes too far is worth the greatness achieved. In my opinion, it depends on the athlete. It’s important to acknowledge one’s limits, especially when returning from an injury. However, if it is truly for the love

of the sport, there should never be a question as to whether pushing oneself is for the best. Often times professional athletes are accused of lacking a ‘love for the game,’ but look at athletes like Derrick Rose who returned playing full force immediately, risking no one else but himself and reinjuring himself in

the process. This is not unique to him; in fact, it has become a problem.

Athletes return to play too soon and injure themselves further in the process.

Bottom line: good athletes risk self-harm in order to reach their maximum potential; however, great athletes are able to recognize their limits.

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Boys basketball gains momentum heading into Portage game

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Junior Hannah Albrecht plays tough defense against Highland. The Bulldogs came out victorious with a score of 62-21.

Girls look forward to match-up against Lake Central

BY ELI UDCHITZ

reporter

This past weekend was a true test for the girls’ squad to show where they stand in the DAC; they faced off against Valparaiso followed by a non-conference game at Penn.

The girls split the games beating Valpo 52-40 and fell to Penn 68-16.

Junior Hannah Albrecht lead the charge against the Vikings, scoring 11 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter to secure the victory after being up by one going into the fourth.

“We started playing better fundamental basketball, and we cleaned up the turnovers which helped us pull away,” Albrecht said. “It’s always nice winning a DAC game, especially against a team like Valpo; it shows that our team can hang with the teams in our conference.”

Friday was a good day for the Dogs, but Saturday did not show a similar result against the Penn Kingsman (10-1).

A poor showing this early in the season could really demolish a team’s confidence, but senior Katie Howarth thinks that there is more to the season than a big loss against a well-known team with a great track record.

“Honestly, the biggest thing we have to do from this

game is to move on,” Howarth said. “We need to learn that when we play fundamentally good teams, we have to play our best defense and put points on the board to match our defensive intensity.”

The girls rebounded Tuesday night against Highland, beating them by a score of 62-21. The game has been overshadowed this week due to the huge matchup Friday night against the Lake Central Indians who are ranked seventh in the state amongst the rest of the girls’ teams.

“We have to know that Lake Central is a great team, and we need to mentally prepare to shut them down defensively because they have great players all around,” Howarth said. “The biggest thing about them is that we need to make sure we guard them and play fundamentally sound defense.”

The Lake Central girls beat Penn earlier in the season by a score of 49-48. Head coach Anne Equihua thinks the team can respond in a positive way against a solid Lake Central team.

“LC is similar to Penn- they are a good team- one where our mistakes will be capitalized on by them. I am confident that our girls will respond and be up for the challenge,” Equihua said.

After a 25 point loss to start the season against Penn, the Dogs knew they needed to practice harder, give more effort and hustle more in games and practices.

“The loss to Penn was pretty humbling and so the whole week of practice after that there was a huge emphasis simply on effort and hustle,” senior Nick Jeffirs said.

“Then when it came to the games, we were able to carry that intensity over and pick up two good wins.”

The two wins consisted of a 74-69 victory against Andrean and a blowout victory over Lafayette Jefferson 7852. In both games junior Grant Gelon led the way for the Dogs scoring 20 points against the 59ers and 27 points with 9/12 shooting off the bench against the Bronchos, feeding off the energy of the crowd and his teammates.

“The atmosphere was great, special shout out to the student section; they were awesome,” Gelon said. “I was just feeling it. I have the best teammates anyone could ask for, they got me the open shots, and I was fortunate enough to make them.”

Another big part of the team’s wins was a result of their improvements on the defensive end, giving up 13 fewer points agaist Lafayette Jefferson than against Penn.

“I think that we really zeroed in on the defensive end of the floor,” head coach Clint Swan said. “We obviously didn’t score much at Penn, but I think much of that was derived from our defense; it’s a lot easier to run your offense when you’re not taking the ball out of the basket on every possession. We did a lot to get consecutive stops, and it helped us get the wins against Andrean and Lafayette Jefferson.”

Moving forward, Swan still believes there’s a lot of work to be done at practice for the Dogs to continue their success throughout the season.

“I think we have to maximize our possessions more; we have too many unforced errors, too many turnovers in spots where we need to get a good shot; we just kick the ball away or get called for a travel or something like that. We need to clean up those possessions,” Swan said.

“Also, we have to try to get more second shots; there are not enough opportunities for us to get two or three cracks at it at a time, so we’ll be working on that at practice as well.”

Although there is still a lot of work to be done, the Dogs have a record of 2-1 to start the season. Their first DAC game will take place tonight against the Portage Indians (5-1) at 7 p.m.

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taking a stand

WITH SAM

BY SAM BARLOGA

reporter

New system, same problems

‘Tis the season.

It’s December, time for holidays and cheer, and time to complain about college football.

For the last 15 years, college football was dominated by the BCS, which set up unpopular national championship matchups throughout its existence.

Teams who thought they were deserving for a spot in the national championship game, would get left out year after year.

So, a system emerged, a playoff, where the best team would be truly crowned for the first time.

Or so they thought.

On December 7, the committee picked the four “best” teams in the nation to face off in the inaugural “College Football Playoff”. Those teams will be Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State. But, the system to end controversy, just created more.

Ohio State replaced TCU in the final rankings, even though the Horned Frogs beat Iowa State 55-3 in the season’s final weekend. Ohio State had a better victory, a 59-0 win over #13 Wisconsin. But, even though the argument could be made for the rise in OSU’s ranking, the Horned Frogs did nothing to merit falling out of the playoff.

Two well-deserving teams in TCU and Baylor were left out, despite the fact that they did nothing to merit not being in the poll.

This means the comittee has failed do the job they were told to do and we need to find a balance between a good system and a little controversy? We need to expand the playoff to 12-24 teams, where the best ones get a bye past the first round, and lower-level teams can make their mark on college football.

This kind of system is practiced on the division I-FCS level, where a 24 team playoff takes place. This allows more teams, for more upsets and makes the NCAA and their sponsors more money as more people watch playoff games than regular season or bowl game.

Go big or go home.

extra

points

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Crown Point senior captain Caroline Lodovisi warms up for the Highland meet. The girls were victorious over the Trojans (126-53).

Looking for round TWO

Girls swimming looks to follow-up last year’s second place state finish

BY DOMINIC TOMICH

reporter

evening and defeated them handily 126-53.

“Since Highland isn’t as strong as a competitor as some of the other teams in our conference, it allowed us to swim some of our off events. It was a great meet to mix up and test out some new swims,” Kukurugya said.

The start gun for the Crown Point lady swimmers has gone off and the girls are making waves for a long and hopefully very successful year. With four meets behind them, the ladies are still finding their form.

The girls started the season with a loss to Chesterton followed by a strong win against Our main goal is Valparaiso. The girls then came up short improving individually from last against a very strong Munster team, but were able to bounce back this week with two victo- year to better our outcome as a ries against Highland and Merrillville. whole.

A big concern for the girls swim team this Kelsi Artim year is replacing the loss of talented swimmers Rachael Bukowski, (Michigan State) and Holly sophomore Schuster, (University of Miami, OH).

“Last year we graduated some great swimThe team followed up the Monday night mers who attributed to the relays tremendousvictory by traveling to Merrillville Tuesday ly. This year we are working hard to fill in evening and defeating the Pirates by a score those relay gaps,” sophomore Hannah Kukuof 144-34. rugya said.

Crown Point hosted Highland Monday

‘‘

“I think it’s important that we win a lot of our meets now to boost our confidence. We will need that at the end of the year to succeed,” sophomore Kelsi Artim said.

Last season the dogs placed second at the state finals with only six swimmers competing.

This season the team hopes to repeat that same success.

“A lot of what we work for is to get as many girls down to state as possible. Our main goal is improving individually from last year to better our outcome as a whole,” Artim said.

The swimmer’s confidence seems to fit perfectly for coaches expectations of the season.

“We have the same set of goals every year: those are to win the conference meet, sectional meet and be a top five team in the state,” assistant coach Bryan Trippeer said.

To top of the weekday meets, the girls traveled to Rensselaer High School to face off against the Bombers. At press time, the results from the Thursday night meet on Dec.18 were not available.

Boys swimming hopes to improve on poor season start

BY TOMMY FRAME

reporter

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Jack Gardner practices his freestyle in preperation for the season.

Who will win the inaugural college football playoff ?

The boys team hosted Highland Mon., Dec. 15. They emerged from the water with a much needed victory after losing three straight match-ups to Chesterton, Valparaiso and Munster.

“We really needed a win for a confidence boost, and that is exactly what it served as,” junior captain Joey Karczewski said.

Karczewski competed in the 200 free relay, and took first place with a season best time for himself.

“We really came together as a team and got a morale boost moving forward,” Karczewski said.

Senior captain AJ Huls had similar feelings of triumph after the boys beat the Highland Trojans.

22% Say Ohio State 38% Say Alabama 28% Say Oregon 12% Say Florida State

out of 91 students polled

“The team did very well. We have been working hard and were confident going in,” Huls said.

The team is working toward big success later in the season as the difficult practices and many meets are making them work extremely hard.

“A lot of us are tired. We have been working pretty hard but are confident that the hard work will pay off come sectionals,” Huls said.

Assistant swim coach Bryan Trippeer was proud of his team earning the win.

“We haven’t been surprised with the competition. All meets have been competitive and a good test of our ability,” Trippeer said.

At press time, the results from the Thursday night meet on Dec. 18 against Rensselaer were not available.

My moment of the month.... “...was scoring my career high points and pulling out a win against Portage even though we were down a lot of the game.”

-Ashley Cunningham

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inreview “Arrow” Season 3

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“The Hanging Tree”

By James Newton Howard “The Hanging Tree” by James Newton Howard is one track from the “Mockingjay” soundtrack.

This song possesses a haunting tone with the variety of string instruments and powerful vocals. The song fits well with the film, and is an excellent aspect of the soundtrack.

“Lips Are Movin”

By Meghan Trainor Meghan Trainor is out with yet another annoying single, “Lips Are Movin.” Just like “All About That Bass,” all the song does is repeat the same thing over and over again with almost the same exact beat. Nothing is moving to this song.

“The Librarians” Season 1 “The Librarians” made its debut; ten episodes have aired, having the most views compared to any other show airing at the present. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t live up to the hype. The plot isn’t anything new: four characters with special powers that save the world; how original. The difference is that they’re librarians to cover up. The storyline can be interesting, but it’s nothing that hasn’t been seen before.

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New Girl

BY MARIA LEONTARAS HANNAH MORGAN TIFFANY CURTIS

After a rough break up, Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel) moves in with three eccentric guys. As time progresses, they become one big, dysfunctional family. Having to deal with multiple hilarious situations, this FOX sitcom is a hysterical hit.

Don’t let anybody fool you: you DO do marathons. Netflix marathons, that is. And, like every other rigorous activity, you’re only as good as your best training. Here are Inklings’ recommended shows to binge--we mean, exercise--on this winter break.

Grey’s Anatomy The staff of Seattle Grace Hospital has a lot on their shoulders, including dealing with saving the lives of their patients and the effects of their many affairs and relationships within the hospital walls. Although farfetched and a tad melodramatic, this show will keep the viewer interested from beginning to end.

Movies for a vigorous workout

“Monuments to an Elegy”

By Smashing Pumpkins “Monuments to an Elegy” is the tenth studio album released by Chicago native alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins. “Monuments to an Elegy” features strong guitar and bass riffs accompanied by catchy hooks from Billy Corgan. The album is perhaps one of the finest from the band to date and is currently available on iTunes.

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Ready, Set, Netflix Shows to use for your warm-ups reporters

As if seasons one and two hadn’t already caused jaws to drop, the writers and producers of “Arrow” are blowing fans away with the most recent installment of the TV series.

No character is safe this season, and the thrilling and unpredictable plot twists will be sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats.

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Gladiator This movie tells the story of a Roman military general, Maximus (Russell Crowe), as he deals with the brutal murder of his family by an emperor’s crazed son.

He then returns to rome as a gladiator in search of revenge on those who took his life from him.

“Gladiator” is worth the 3-hour run time.

Home

The Wolf of Wall Street

Top Picks

After founding his own brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont, young Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio), his sidekick (Jonah Hill) and several eccentric brokers live a life of debauchery and bliss until the FBI starts investigating the firm for fraud. Filled with entertaining adult content, the “Wolf of Wall Street” will keep the viewer transfixed to the end.

Genres -Holiday Favorites -TV Shows -Action and Adventure -Anime -Classic Movies -Comedies -Documentaries -Dramas

Cool down with a hidden gem What Maisie Knew Maisie (Onata Aprile) is the young daughter of a rock star and an English businessman. When her parents split, she seeks love and comfort from their new spouses, Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard) and Margo (Joanna Vanderham). Maisie and the tales she tells are sure to touch your heart.

J. Cole impresses in much-anticipated album

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

The most anticipated rap album of the year is here. On Dec. 9, hip hop artist J. Cole released his third album of his career, “2014 Forest Hills Drive.”

Throughout this album, Cole continues to prove why he belongs in the conversation when people discuss the best rappers nowadays. In the past, Cole has introduced a new type of flow he prefers to use. He keeps that

life social

A section devoted to social media

consistent in the 13 songs the album displays.

The beat differential is the only problem in Cole’s album.

His beats are not exactly the same, but the feel of them have the same concept. There is an absence of hard hitting beats, but not every album needs that. What Cole does well here is make some of these softer beats into harder songs with the tone of his voice and the word choice he uses.

Throughout the album, he does indeed mention some other rap-

pers such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar, but the ones people seem to speculate he dissed was Iggy Azalea, Macklemore and Eminem in the song “Firesquad.”

Lyrically, Cole was at the top of his game, just as he always is when it comes to lyrics. The references, the puns and the flow he uses are flawless. There is no doubt that Cole is a lyrical genius, and there is no doubt that this album will be the best one released of 2014.

best tweets

best apps

I had a fish. Then it had babies. Then the babies got sucked up the filter. #smalltalk Senior Roman Ruiz

@seoulxpunk

Just bawled over a kid movie.... So that’s what my life has come to.

Junior Chloe Mikus

@mikuschloe

Trivia Crack

It’s pretty sad that my wifi connects automatically when I walk into the surgery center Senior Maria Zembillas

@Maria_Zembillas

If my phone dies, just know that I’m gonna punch another hole in the wall Sophomore Hunter Briggs

@Hunter_briggs

goREACT

The competitive spirit is up as the user competes against either friends or random users in multiple trivia categories such as art, entertainment, sports, science, geography and history. goReact allows the user to connect to their inner science nerd. Mix together different elements on the periodic table and see what would happen if the experiment took place.

Top Track “Firesquad” Track #6

best follows @DoItYourself!

Learn how to do multiple do-ityourself activities by following this app.

@espn Keep updated on anything sports from, college to professional.

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“Exodus” falls short of expectations giant alligators or Death himself sends his shadow over Memphis. Because of these great animations and battle sequences, “Exodus” can rival any action movie.

“Exodus” is the movie that one goes to see if they want to be entertained for an hour or two then forget about and not buy on DVD. The film attempts to be great and turns out to be mediocre at best. “Exodus” is a movie you can love to hate, or hate to love. In the end, “Exodus” sits on the ledge of greatness but is weighed down by its faults.

BY CASEY AKERS

reporter

A tale of two brothers, the story of Moses, an Egyptian prince who discovers that he is Hebrew, who then frees a nation from slavery.

This is what “Exodus” tries to do. It is a story that has been told in films and, of course, ties into many religious cultures; however, people going into the theater hoping for “Exodus” to have religious value will be disappointed. The movie has nothing to do with religion.

The only things that it takes away from religion are the characters, and that’s how it should be. The movie was not made to have religious value and should not be taken as such. “Exodus” is entertaining, but it is no Oscar-winning performance.

The script is what ultimately brings down the movie from being at least Emmy worthy. If one wants a good film, the script has to be something near fantastic, but the script fails to bring life to what could be an amazing movie, with amazing actors, such as Christian Bale, who plays Moses and Joel Edgerton playing King Ramses.

The cinematography is mystifying. The way that the plagues of Egypt are portrayed brings chills down your spine as either

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Genres: drama, classics

BBC’s “The Game” fails to impress viewers

BY CHRIS REKITZKE

reporter

London, England 1970: the time and setting of BBC America’s latest mini-series, “The Game,” revolves around United Kingdom’s domestic counterintelligence and security agency MI5 (Military Intelligence, Section 5) during the Cold War. The series takes a closer examination of the constant threat of neighbor-

fuzzy socks

ing communism and the fear of treason.

BBC has experienced success with shows like “Doctor Who” and “Sherlock.” Sadly, “The Game” is not as successful.

“The Game” manages to capture the era, highlighting the technology and fashion. It exemplifies the hysteria and paranoia of the Cold War. However, the series is trumped by its six episodes filled with pitiful acting

and poor writing. Like a car without brakes, any potential enthrallment or entertainment value is gone at the first stop, or in this case, commercial break.

“The Game” features acting comparable to DVD features or, even worse, Hallmark network movies. The cast of the show fails to capture their intended emotions.

The series’ script is dull and predictable. Every episode

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Candy Cane Hershey Kisses are a delicious type of Hershey Kiss.

The peppermint flavor adds a wonderful holiday twist.

features identical plots: potential defectors and KGB sleeper agents and spies wandering the streets of London serving a communist plan labeled “Operation Glass” while the agents of MI5 run around like decapitated chicken trying to halt the operation.

Fortunately, the series has since met its inevitable and frankly, mediocre end. It’s just a shame it didn’t come sooner.

we’re so over vine trends Okay, we get it. A potato flew around your room. Enough is enough. Lately, all anyone ever hears on vine are things “broom broom where is me car,” “21” or “my name is Jeff,” a line from “22 Jump Street.” There aren’t any funny vines like there used to be when vine was first introduced to society. It is now just a repetitive annoyance with no quality laughable videos. How is a video of a potato flying around the room funny? It is just plain stupid. Vine trends have degraded the uniqueness of funny 6 second videos.

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It’s a selfish, selfish world we live in

BY TINA WINFREY

editor-in-chief

It has been said that we live in a selfish, selfish world.

Until recently, I had no idea how true this really was.

Earlier this month, news broke way that Delia’s, a girls clothing store, would be filing for bankruptcy and liquidating their products. As an employee of Delia’s for over a year now, the news was shocking. I immidately thought of the impact it would have on my managers. This job is their source of income.

Instead of feeling the same sympathy I felt, even our most loyal customers proceeded to come in and get angry over our new “no return” policy, the fact they would “never find jeans for their daughter again” and the “low discount” even though we were going out of business.

Some did show sympathy for the jobs that would be lost, but they were few and far between.

All that could be heard was a string of “MY previous purchases,” “now I can’t do MY holiday shopping” or “why would I buy something I’m not sure will even fit MY grandaughter.”

You might notice some similarites in those sentences.

People’s jobs are at stake and all anyone can worry about is themselves. Kind of sad, isn’t it?

This isn’t the only instance in which society’s selfish nature is extremely apparent.

As the holiday season progresses, often times the meaning of Christmas gets clouded by a holiday staple: the presents.

I mean, who doesn’t like getting gifts, but the season of giving should be about that: giving. Not getting.

People talk and talk of what they want and throw toddler-esque tantrums when, after all the presents are opened Christmas morning, they find some unchecked items on their list.

Instead, we should all be happy for what we get, not take it for granted and offer sympathy for those in hard times.

It’s simple.

I’m not expecting anyone to buy out all of Delia’s and save the company or even hide their feelings towards the stores closing, but showing some respect and care for others would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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senior Matt Grydzuk Dinner Date The first person that comes to mind, if I were to go to dinner with anyone, is Marie Curie. I feel like she is really interesting and is one of the first well-known women in science.

Changing it up

BY LAUREN MASSOW

This year for Christmas, instead of doing traditional Christmas stuff, my family is going to the movies and then doing tacos for dinner.

reporter

Pet Peeve PHOTO PROVIDED

Sophomore Nick Evans cuts candy pieces and coats them with sugar to give out during the holidays.

Sophomore Nick Evans bakes rock candy with family

BY LAUREN MASSOW

reporter

The oven is preheated. The ingredients are mixed. Nick Evans and his family are ready to start their holiday baking, but unlike others during the holiday season, Evans isn’t baking gingerbread and sugar cookies. He’s baking candy.

And a lot of it.

Each holiday season, Evans and his family attempt to break past years’ records by making an extra pound of candy. This year, they made 32 pounds of rock candy.

“It’s a family tradition,” Evans said. “My mom did it when she was a little child and she passed it on to us. I started when I was three, so it’s been twelve years (participating in the tradition).”

Baking more than 30 pounds of rock candy is not an easy job.

With the candy being over 300 degrees when it comes out of the oven, it is difficult to handle with bare hands. As soon as the candy is on a cold surface, it is crucial to start the process of cutting the candy and rolling it in the sugar coating.

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Has anyone ever told you Santa wasn’t real?

“My sisters told me he wasn’t real when I was seven or eight.”

The entire process takes 11 hours. To Evans, however, it doesn’t feel as tedious.

“Making the candy is fun to do,” Evans said. “To me, it’s as fast as three hours, even when it really was 11 and a half.”

Although Evans and his family keep some of the candy, most is packaged and passed out to teachers and friends. To Evans, the sweet taste of the candy comes second to the shared memories he has while making the candy with his family.

“Usually at the end of the baking we take a group photo, and we dress ourselves up in the sugar that we put on it,” Evans said.

“They’re fun memories.”

Evans is thankful for this family tradition, for the memories it has created and for the times he’s shared with his family during the process. It’s a tradition Evans hopes never dies.

“I’d definitely miss making the candy if we suddenly just stopped doing it,” Evans said. “Our tradition is special to me because it brings a lot of happiness to my family, and I look forward to doing it every year.”

Jasen Smack

“My mom just told me one day and my life was a lie.”

Catelynn Doffin

Junior

Freshman

“Santa Claus is real. What are you talking about?”

“I found out from watching a bunch of movies saying he wasn’t real.”

The thing that annoys me most is the trendy games that people have on their phones. If you like it, you should just stick with it instead of finding something new.

Hopes My worst attempt at a new years resolution is: every year, I try to lose weight, but it never happens.

Transforming If I could be any object, I think I would be a cardboard box because they’re useful and versatile.

“Hearing kids in school talk about it. It was a disappointment.”

“I asked my mom if Santa was real and she told me he wasn’t.”

Daniel Gjikoski

Carly Zdanowicz

Luke Decker

Hannah Vangundy

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Senior

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