Inklings march 2017 by CPHS Inklings

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.I .N .G .S

Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS March 24, 2017 Vol. 81 Issue 7

Read about St.Baldrick’s, Dance Marathon on page 6

People of the lot: staffers discuss bad habits in parking lot

Climate of Change

page 7

70.3%

of students are worried about the environment in this area.

78.3%

of students believe that to solve climate change people need to make lifestyle changes. Issues that concern students most:

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Industry lines the Lake Michigan coast, bordering the northwestern corner of Indiana. ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor sits on 950 acres of shoreline land.

Evaluating pollution sources essential towards sustaining planet’s resources BY JACKIE HAM AUDREY GACSY

co-editor-in-chief advertising editor

Our planet is in a state of confusion. Right now, there is an ideological battle between the government and advocates for the environment: keeping industries alive while also making the Earth a sustainable habitat. In Northwest Indiana, the environmental impact is heightened due to the density of industry, leaving the impacts influential because of the proximity to Lake Michigan. The region has always been home to industrialization. The first developments date back to the early 1900s, and since then, the generation of different facilities has expanded throughout Northwest Indiana. The lakeshore of Lake Michigan has been inhabited by these industries and serves as a vital component of their processes, varying from creating nuclear power to generating coal-powered electricity; consequently, the side-effects of these necessities are the root of environmental issues. The Great Lakes are a crucial source for drinking water, agriculture and a home to numerous animals meant for consumption. In Flint, Michigan, the city’s lead pipes leaked into the water supply. These lead pipes were a human implementation to the city that resulted in the pollution of the water supply. Junior Matthew Burrell notes the importance of taking care of water sources due to the effects of water pollution on the people of Flint, Michigan. “Within Flint, Michigan, and the water pollution that is going on there, it is dangerous for people to drink with the lead poisoning. It is something that directly affects people because they don’t have water to drink in that city. It affects certain aspects of daily life like agriculture and drinking water,” Burrell said. Cook Nuclear Power Plant is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the plant is responsible for abiding by regulations set in place to control the hazardous nuclear materials, maintain public safety and follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

guidelines. Bill Downey, the Communications Representative for the plant, feels as though the national regulations will be seeing changes. “It’s really too early to say what impact the current administration will have on the EPA. Certainly there are some signs that there may be a loosening of regulation, but again, the NRC is what regulates nuclear power,” Downey said. “Regardless of that however, we have our own commitment to be good environmental stewards and to protect the health and safety of the public.” Similarly to Downey, Nick Meyer, the Director of External Communications at NIPSCO, agrees that under President Donald Trump’s administration, the environment and the ways in which industries treat it will be receiving less regulations. “A source (of air pollution) that has been put more front and center lately is carbon dioxide. The previous administration had looked at putting some further regulation there. We have seen some regulation drafted but the current administration seems to be taking a different direction there,” Meyer said. President Trump has proposed a budget cut to the EPA by 31 percent, but even though it has not been finalized, some are worried that this will only add to environmental issues the Earth is already facing. Senior Gabriela Risteski sees this cut as the country moving backward in the grand scheme of going green. She now believes that the usage of renewable energy will be stalemate. “When you drive around, you do see different forms of energy like you can see wind power being used, and some people have solar panels on their roofs, but it’s not to the full efficiency that we could be using the sources to. I just think that we are stuck in what is regular for us and not even people are informed on how big of an impact that alternative energy makes,” Risteski said. The shift in concern with the new presidency is also an issue for Save the Dunes Executive Director Natalie Johnson due to past dilemmas like those that affected the Grand Calumet River. Before the rules that are set in place today, industries were allowed to dump their waste in the river which inevitably ended up in Lake Michigan. see environment on page 3

Air Pollution Water Pollution Car Emissions Invasive Species Industrial Pollutants 8.4% 24.3% 19.3%

24.5% 23.5%

Do you know anyone who has been directly affected by pollution and its negative impact? No

Yes

28.6% 71.4%

All poll information collected from online survey emailed to 2,764 CPHS students with 500 respondents

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news march 24, 2017

intheknow

reporters

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELLE HAM

Inklings staffers attend IHSPA 11th annual First Amendment Symposium, receive state honors Seniors Yousef Abdeldaiem, Jackie Ham, Jill Kidder, Maria Leontaras, Matt McConnell and Dominic Tomich were honored at the Indiana State House on March 14 for their journalist achievments. Ham and Leontaras were two of Indiana’s seven finalists for Journalist of the Year, Kidder received third place in sports photography and Abdeldaiem, McConnell and Tomich received first place in sports team reporting.

Students vs. Teachers Olympics sign ups

Students vs. Teachers Olympics are on Tuesday, April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Sign ups are in Ms. Magee’s room C206 or Ms. Szafasz’s room E219. It’s $10 to participant including a shirt and $5 for a spectator. Money and registration are due on April 7.

New ceremony honors Cum Laude BY KIERSTEN HARDY KIRA SCHUELKA

Front row: adviser Julie Elston and seniors Maria Leontaras and Jackie Ham. Back row: seniors Jill Kidder, Ally Rekitzke, Matt McConnell and Dominic Tomich, sophomore Henry Withrow and senior Yousef Abdeldaiem.

Students endure four years of endless tests and quizzes and many sleepless nights while trying to get the best grades possible. Administrators have assessed how the top of the class will be recognized and still maintain a competitive atmosphere. Principal Chip Pettit and many others have been working on changing the way high ranking individuals are recognized since the class of 2017 was in eighth grade. “We wanted to design a more inclusive program that still required students to compete, but with a clear target,” Pettit said. There will no longer be a valedictorian or a salutatorian; instead there will be three distinctions between the highest GPAs. Students with a 4.25 and up is Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 to 4.24 is Magna Cum Laude and 3.75 to 3.9 is Cum Laude. The Roots and Wings ceremony will be replaced with a ceremony that features student and administrative speeches. “I believe that our top students want to compete and be recognized for their achieve-

PHOTO BY JEREMY DEBOLD Senior Sydney Dennis shakes Superintendent Dr. Teresa Eineman’s hand at the Cum Laude ceremony Wednesday night. Students received their stoles.

ments. Our challenge is to devise a recognition program that allows for both while not limiting opportunities that align to college and career goals. Students at the top of the class were not taking dual credit and internship courses due to not receiving a grade point bump,” Pettit said. Students have already begun to notice the impact of the new recognition program. Senior Ethan Wood believes that the system will benefit the student body in many different

ways. “I love how the students who would’ve missed the cut for being top 10 by .001 points on their GPA are now recognized for their hard work. The new system allows for a less cutthroat process among peers. However, my favorite part of the new Cum Laude system is the ability of students who don’t cheat the system by loading up on easier, highly weighted classes to be recognized as equally as the people who do. A student who is motivated and taking challenging classes should be

recognized,” Wood said. Senior Elizabeth Dietrich spent her high school career focusing on classes and working hard to get good grades. Since she worked hard, she was slightly upset that she would no longer get the same recognition as top performers in previous years. “I believe that as a top student I work very hard in all of the classes I take along with pushing myself by not necessarily taking a study hall every year or sacrificing social events because I have homework. I believe that the top students should be set apart from the rest of the students and be recognized in some way,” Dietrich said. Traditionally, the valedictorian gives a speech at graduation, but this year they are no longer guaranteed a spot in the ceremony. “There will be only one student speech at graduation. All Summa Cum Laude students have the option to write a speech for graduation,” principal secretary Karen Rodd said. “All speeches will be reviewed by a panel with the student’s name blacked out. The panel will choose the speech that is the best fit for the graduation ceremony.”

Educators will face new requirements to teach dual credit courses BY ABBY SOBEK co-associate editor

Even before some students go to college, they are getting prepared by taking college level courses such as Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes. These classes provide students with college credit that they can carry to universities. Not only are students getting ready for college, now teachers are having to go back to college to teach their course. The Higher Learning Commission has decided that in order to teach a DC classes, the teacher must have a master’s degree in the subject that they are teaching. Principal of Student Services Robert McDermott believes a reason this change may have occurred is because universities feel that high school teachers do not have enough credentials to improve students and their scores. “Several years ago Indiana was ranked towards the bottom in the nation as far as educational performance and over the past few years we have moved way up. I think the last few years Indiana has really stepped up their game on accountability,” McDermott said. This new requirement may raise concerns in the academic community because many teachers do not qualify. “Originally the state of Indiana came out saying only about 25 percent of teachers don’t meet the requirement, so I had argued at a state level that those numbers have to be false because in our school about 95 percent of our

teachers don’t meet the requirement,” McDermott said. “Well now further research is coming out showing that it is about 75 percent of people do not currently the credentials to teach it.” Teachers at Crown Point High School are even now having to go back to school to get their master’s degree. History and Psychology teacher Josh Graegin has been teaching DC and AP classes for 10 years, will now be going back to school to get his master’s in psychology. “According to Indiana standards, if I wanted to keep teaching dual credit by 2022, I would have to have a master’s in my content area. So for DC psychology, I would have to have masters in psychology,” Graegin said. Although they did extend the deadline to 2022, teachers have to cover the payment of the colleges course they now have to take. Hearing this concern, the state is coming up with solutions to help teachers. “They have come up with some things at the state level, if a teacher already has their master’s degree, they’ll assist them in getting the last couple of courses they need to get credential. That doesn’t help CPHS because we have very few of our teachers that teach DC that have a masters degree in the area at which they teachers,” McDermott said Since, according to McDermott that this assistance will not help CPHS, Mr. Pettit and McDermott have been trying to find ways to come up with better solutions for the school. “Mr. Pettit and I went down to meet Dr. Teresa Lub-

bers, and she’s the leader of the Indiana Commision for Higher Education. We met to specifically to talk about that issue, and she’s kind of in charge of all the colleges in the state,” McDermott said. “She has been spearheading with the colleges for them to come up with programs that’s affordable for teachers and to make it easy to do.” Recently Purdue has announced that they will not allow the extension to 2022 for their classes. They want teachers to have their master’s by the end of this year. CPHS has many Purdue credit courses and the school is doing what they can to fix this issue. “Our goal is not to lose any (courses). Could that happen? Yeah, that could happen in the long run, there could be courses that we offer where teachers are not able to get credentials, but we are going to do everything we can within the next five years to get all of our teachers credentialed,” McDermott said. Despite this change, CPHS is doing what they can to make sure students get the opportunity to experience college level vigor. “It’s important for students to be exposed to college level curriculum when they are in high school because it is very beneficial financially for students to do that, which really eases that transition. But I think most importantly, it allows high school students to realize that they can handle college,” McDermott said.

Thinking Ahead for April holidays

5 7

Go For Broke Day Caramel Popcorn Day

13 Scrabble Day 27 Babe Ruth Day

First Day Back from Spring Break

Good Friday No School

April Fool’s Day

Easter Sunday

14 1

ACT Testing for juniors

Final Payment for AP Test Due

Prom

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news march 24, 2017

Biomedical classes, Code Red raise money for heart disease Every day some Americans lives’ are touched by heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans. Biomedical students and the Code Red club have partnered up with the American Heart Association to host the first Heart Walk sponsored by a high school in the state of Indiana. “The heart walk is similar to the heart walk they have in September with the Heart Association but it’s called ‘Heart Walk for high school.’ It is our way as high schoolers to organize an event that both directly

affects our biomedical club and raises money for the heart association,” biomedical teacher Kelly Chevalier said. Proceeds made from sponsorships and donations will directly benefit the American Heart Association while the proceeds made from the 50/50 raffle, basket raffles and concession stand will benefit the biomedical courses and club. “It will actually do more for us to raise money for additional lab supplies, supplemental lab supplies and different things like that to do in the class,” Chevalier said. Code Red treasurer and biomedical student, senior Renz Buenavista understands not everyone can donate to the cause, but just being there for support is what matters most.

“All that matters is that you come out to just walk and support the event itself. I know that some people don’t have the money to necessarily support the funds, but just being there to help out would be the most important thing,” Buenavista said. For students like junior Lauren Bunchek, participating in the walk will allow them to take on more leadership opportunities as they near the end of their high school career while making a difference in their community. “As I’m approaching the end of my junior year, I noticed that I haven’t taken many opportunities to get involved in leadership positions,” Bunchek said. “When Mrs. Harnew (Code Red sponsor) told us about the Heart Walk, I knew that this was

That’s what it would be like without the dunes. That’s why I care,” Johnson said. Similarly to Save the Dunes, Munster has funded projects that adopt a green lifestyle. Centennial Park is situated on top of a landfill and houses environmentally friendly equipment ensuring that the park remains as natural as possible. “Centennial Park is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) facility, certified green. The clubhouse was built in a manner that natural light heats the building with the winter. In the summer, heat is reflected away, which helps with the cooling. Also, the grounds are covered with plants that absorb the water to prevent underground erosion,” Greg Vitale the Director of Parks and Recreation in Munster said. “Furthermore, the slope of the grounds allows for rainwater to flow into the lake, rather than into a storm sewer. This captured rainwater is used to irrigate the golf course and the park. … Finally, the parking lot is not like most. It is a permeable pavement, which means that water seeps through the pavement and into underground drainage. This drainage also takes the water to the lake for the recycling process.” The landfill may create some concerns due to the knowledge that landfills are notorious for excreting methane, but Centennial Park partakes in NIPSCO’s energy program that allows customers to generate their own electricity from renewable sources and sell it back to them for a profit. “There is also the issue with methane mitigation. Landfills produce methane and it needs to be burned off. In our case, we cap the methane and send it to a gas plant where it is burned and converted to electricity. For this reason, the landfill doesn’t give off that typical methane smell. This is sold back to NIPSCO as a utility credit,” Vitale said. More and more people are moving towards a cleaner way of living. People from

all walks of life have become interested in contributing to a more sustainable society. Younger generations, like students, are hoping to look towards the future of how society could thrive. “Soon, we won’t have a planet if we continue to use our resources like we do now. We have enough food to probably sustain even more people, but why is world hunger such a problem? We aren’t rationalizing the issue how we should be,” Risteski said. “As a high school student, I sometimes feel like I am putting more effort towards environmental issues than those setting the regulations.” NIPSCO is also stepping ahead of the trend to ensure a safer lifestyle for everyone. The company even tries to set their own standards that exceed those set by law. While the costs may be high, the benefits outweigh the initial cost to be a cleaner company. “We are always looking toward the future,” Meyer said. “We rely on others to determine the public risk. We do care about the environment, and we are always looking to find the right balance between cost and the impact on the environment. Sometimes we go beyond the regulations.” The Trump administration’s view of the environment, and its current issues have fueled a battle that has long been at a stalemate. Some Americans feel that the environment is being abused by human impact, while others dispute climate change’s existence. Regardless of opinions, the numbers show that there is in fact a change occurring, both environmentally and ideologically. “My statement would be: Do more than just live. Think about it. Every time you get in your car, think about the footprint that you are leaving,” Risteski said. “The gases, CO2, the food on your plate, the land that the food took to grow. There is so much more that we could all do. Think about it. Educate yourself.”

environment continued from p.1

views on news

Area

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It’s very good for our area... that burglary is declining. It’s beneficial to... kids growing up here since they will live in a safer area.

In Delphi where two girls were murdered, authorities are still in search off the man who abducted and killed them near the Monon High Bridge Trail on Feb. 13. After serving 70 trials and getting multiple search warrants approved, there is a chance police have already met the killer.

State

Burglaries, larcenies, vehicle theft and arson were up in the area in 2016. The 10 year trend are less compared to a decade ago. All but Merrillville saw declines in these crimes from 2006 to 2016 according to the UCR database. Officers say that social media is to have helped in finding the criminals.

Grace Lynch junior

Industrial Indiana 1901

Inland Steel gets 50 acres of free land in East Chicago, builds $1 million plant.

1908

First ore boat unloaded at U.S. Steel, marking the beginning of steel production.

1939

World War II begins along with metal drives.

1952

Dorothy Buell forms the Save the Dunes in an effort to protect the lakeshore.

1970

President Nixon creates the U.S. EPA, and the Federal Clean Air Act is adopted.

1978

The U.S. EPA says Lake, Porter counties do not meet Clean Air Act standards.

1986

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is established.

1999

Oil spews for 11 minutes from BP Whiting Refinery, sending 12 to the hospital.

2000

BP’s Refinery is permitted to release more ammonia into Lake Michigan.

statistics provided by http://www.nwitimes.com/specialsection/news/northwest-indiana-s-environmental-timeline/ article_d397c49a-b192-567c-b436-1cd94b2ef20c.html

Student reaction to events in our world

The police have done a really good job at trying to find him. They need to find him now because if they don’t, he could do it again and cause Lauryn Sanders some bigger issues. senior

An indication of the state of the labor market is less Americans are applying for unemployment benefits. Jobless benefits applications have slipped from 2,000 to 241,000 after it had claimed to have risen by 20,000 reported by the Labor Department. It was also claimed two weeks ago that it had fallen to a 44 year low of 223,000.

Nation

“The river was so polluted by industry back in the day that it could catch fire. All of that contamination accumulated and is still present in some of the stretches of the river today,” Johnson said. “(Because of the lessened spending toward the EPA) we may see less regulation of industry or regulations to become less strict, meaning we may go back to times when the water catching fire was a real risk.” Even with less money going toward the EPA, NIPSCO is working to keep in touch with the need of their customers, but also looking at the other factors that play into their industry. The health of the environment is a concern, but with those concerns come varying responsibilities. “We’re constantly evaluating our energy portfolio, and we are wanting to find the right balance between our customers, environmental regulations, reliability, safety factors and then obviously our employees. Those are all pieces that we look at. Cost obviously bears a bit more weight,” Meyer said. “Certainly, you know your customers, whether they be large steel producers who are competing globally that need their costs to be low or just everyday residential customers, cost is very important.” Industries are not the only groups impacted by the possible cutbacks to the funding of the EPA. Groups that will take substantial blows are environmentalist and preservationist groups, like Save The Dunes. Their mission is to preserve, protect and restore the Indiana dunes along with other natural resources in the Lake Michigan watershed to enhance the quality of life, and Johnson sees this budget cut as an alarming action. “We are tied to our environment. If you like clean water to drink and clean air to breathe, then you should care. The dunes are part of our Northwest Indiana region and are one-of-a-kind. Could you imagine what it would be like to never be able to visit the beach on Lake Michigan again?

a great opportunity to not only better the community and advocate for a great cause, but to gain experiences towards the end of my high school career.” All students are encouraged to donate anything they can or participate in the walk. Donations can be made from a mobile device or computer. To register, visit www.heart.org/HSheartwalkNWI. Once here, one can register to walk and follow the steps to start a team, join a team or join as an individual. If one wishes to only donate, visit the website and click donate. Once here, one can donate to a team or participant. The walk will take place at Crown Point High School on the track and football field on April 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.

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I would say that even if the economy seems to be doing better it could be a spike. It may keep going so we shouldn’t put all of our trust in it.

A letter was delivered to the Central Paris Office in the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Thursday. The letter contained a firework, which exploded and injured the person who opened it. The area was evacuated and examined by bomb squad officers.

World

BY GRACE CLELAND design editor

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It shouldn’t have happened. They should have preventive measures, bomb detectors and higher security.

Riley Welsh freshman

Afan Atif

sophomore

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opinion march 24, 2017

speakup

Appreciate others

Do you think that people are starting to care less about the environment?

BY ALLY REKITZKE co-associate editor

People don’t appreciate the people around them enough. Every day I hear people complain about their parents or friends. Yes, parents can do things that annoy us, but they do it for our own good. If you’re constantly complaining about your friends, you need new friends. When you have a good support system filled with a loving family and caring friends, please tell them how much you appreciate them. Send a quick text that says, “I appreciate you,” to your friends. Call up your grandparents and tell them that you love them. Hang out with your parents, and tell them about your day. Cherish all of these people around you. Let them know that you appreciate what they do for you. The people around me make me who I am. And I appreciate them, though I don’t tell them enough. My parents are my foundation and support system. They have been there for me for everything. They sit in the stands for my siblings and my sporting events. Through the cold and heat, they sit in the stands for hours on end just to watch and cheer us on. They’re just as invested in the game as we are. They have sat through countless band concerts for the past eight years with smiles on their faces. They share our accomplishments and appreciation to everyone on their Facebooks, adding to our pride. My grandparents are always there for me, too. My grandma is brutally honest, and I need it sometimes. My grandpa fixes our little mishaps. Together, every morning they make breakfast for my siblings and me. They are so unbelievably proud of all of us. I don’t appreciate them enough for always being there, pushing us to do the best we can, and loving us for who we are. My friends chose to love me for who I am. They make me a better person and help me make some tough decisions. They have been my shoulder to cry on and a constant source of laughter. They and their families have welcomed me in. They decide to deal with my constant dumb questions and funny looks. I know I don’t say how much I appreciate them for putting up with my awful jokes and craziness. Appreciate the people around you. Don’t take them for granted or complain about them when they’re trying to help and care for you. Tell them more often that you love them and how much you appreciate them.

CARTOON BY DESTINY KOGLER

freshman

Care for our iew: ecosystem, so it can care for us

“Yeah because there’s a lot of pollution. People don’t like to throw their things away in the correct disposal unit.”

We inhabit one earth. The resources we have are sustaining life at this very moment, but how long will this last? The problem is that we, as humans, have put our wants before the care of our planet. When we constantly put our own materialistic desires before our environment, our ecosystems cripple and drastically alter our futures. “If everyone on the planet consumed as much as the average U.S. citizen, four Earths would be needed to sustain them,” according to BBC. We have done so much damage that we can pinpoint what sources are directly altering our planet. We take our natural resources without thinking of the future generations. The problem is that as a whole, we cannot agree on the best plan of action on how to continually take care of our planet. This results in a never-ending cycle. All of us could significantly reduce pollution and help better our earth, but the eco-friendly alternatives are usually more expensive. We destroy our oceans by overfishing and dumping garbage into them. We destroy our air by raising thousands of cows for our McDonald’s hamburgers. We destroy our freshwater by using an excess amount of water for agriculture fields. We are killing the bees by using harmful pesticides. Bees pollinate flowers. These flowers include apples, berries, cantaloupes, cucumbers and almonds, and without the bees, we would not have these foods. We need to save not only the bees, but also the planet. In order to save our planet, we need to dramatically decrease our ecological footprint, a term which best means the impact a person has on the environment. Decreasing our ecological footprint can be simple business. Making the effort to buy an eco-friendly car, unplugging appliances that are not being used, recycling, switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs and not wasting food are just a few simple things you can do that make a major contribution to our environment. These simple techniques are just the tip of a massive iceberg, but it cannot just stop there. We have to demand serious action from our government leaders. We can do this by advocating for our earth; calling our representatives, electing leaders that value our environment and if necessary, organizing and participating in marches and protests to make sure our voices, and Earth’s voice, are heard.

editorial

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Vol. 81 Issue 7 Mar. 24, 2017 1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: www2.cps.k12.in.us/inklings

co-editors-in-chief Jackie Ham Maria Leontaras editor-at-large N GG SS LL II N Jill Kidder Crown Point High School, IN associate editors Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced Ally Rekitzke journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Abby Sobek Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS feature editor faculty, staff or administration. Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted Alexia Wojciechowski one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings online editor reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns. Jill Kidder Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings. sports editor Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Association Hoosier Star, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Dominic Tomich Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup assistant sports publication. editors

. . . .

Emma Graber

Gage Kirchoff sophomore

“Yes. Considering I’ve had four beer bottles in my yard in the past week and then I drive past this highway by work everyday, and I see all the trash on the side of it so.”

Destiny McKnight junior

“I believe that people take less care of the environment because they think that we have all these new resources and that everything is getting better when in actuality we still need help.”

Nikola Petkovski

senior “With the increasing educational opportunities presented in the 21st century, people are beginning to care more about the environment overall.”

Yousef Abdeldaiem Matt McConnell design editor Grace Cleland chief photographers Jill Kidder Ally Rekitzke art director Abby Sobek artist Destiny Kogler advertising editor Audrey Gacsy staff Jessi Alcorta-Robles

Lindsey Baeza Tabitha Beishuizen Jeremy DeBold Kiersten Hardy Andrea John Destiny Kogler Demetri Massow Kaitlyn Penkala Ashley Rekitzke Kira Schuelka Morgan Taylor Henry Withrow Jon Wolwark adviser Julie Elston

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opinion march 24, 2017

Should CPHS utilize the reverse classroom setting in all classes?

Reviewing of House Bill 1130

BY JACKIE HAM

co-editor in chief

Pro:

The reverse classroom setting allows students to work at their own pace BY DEMETRI MASSOW

Con:

Reverse classrooms are an ineffective way to learn a subject BY ALLY REKITZKE co-associate editor

reporter

When the curriculum at school changes, it can be difficult to accept the new material. The transition requires the students to be open-minded and willing to try new things, and without support, the new ideas cannot be improved. In a few select classes, the teachers have adopted a new teaching strategy called the reversed classroom. Instead of the teacher teaching the new unit and giving the assignment to the students at the end of class, students do the notes at home and do assignments with groups in class with teacher assistance. The notes are taught with videos and an accompanying note sheet. The videos are narrated by the teachers, and they work out the problem step by step with notations. Students are able to fast forward when the concept is too easy or rewind if they do not understand what is being taught, which prevents the students who need more time to understand the material from falling behind and allows students who are quickly grasping it to move forward and continue with the lesson. The videos allow the teachers to give full instruction to every student who watches them without any of the distractions that can cut into a certain class period’s time. Doing the assignments at school is beneficial to the students because they can get whatever help they need from either their group or their teacher. This removes the confusion and stress that can accompany assignments done at home. There is also the benefit of a shorter completion time of assignments because students can collaborate with each other and help fix any problems they have with the material together. Students can share the different ways they solved the problems with others to help them even more. Doing the assignments in class and with other students can reduce the stress that students may have when it comes to completing a difficult assignment on time. This, along with the teacher’s support, can help students reach a higher understanding of the topic. The advantages of doing notes at home and assignments at school outweigh the disadvantages. Students can get help from teachers face to face rather than by email, and there is less time spent on work and less stress as a result. Benefits of this system may make it easier for students to learn material that was problematic.

10 Inklings staffers agrees Riley Metzcus

sophomore

Chris Gloff

A traditional class consists of an in depth lecture and then free time to do homework or ask questions. In a reverse classroom setting, this is not the norm. Instead students do notes on their own time and during class, they do their homework. This is not an effective way to teach a subject. Notes are an essential part of a lesson. It’s the base knowledge of the subject, and trying to learn it all at home is not effective. In class, a teacher is able to go in depth on the subject and can explain why something happens or how it gets from one point to another. They are able to tell anecdotes or memorization techniques that students might not be able to come up with. With this new system, teachers can’t go in depth on powerpoints or videos thus making it harder for students to remember content. Some students won’t put the effort in at home to do the notes. All students procrastinate. Doing notes in class keeps students on track, but at home, students tend to veer off course because of distractions at home like a phone, television, pets, family etc. At school, the teacher is able to control these distractions. Without putting in effort for the notes, homework cannot be finished in class. There is only so much time in a class to answer every student’s unique question. Students who didn’t understand the notes cannot complete the homework without asking multiple questions. If the teacher spends whole class answering questions, is it an effective way to spend the class? It would be completely bypassed in a traditional classroom setting because the notes would be done in depth, so the number questions would be lessened. A reverse classroom setting is not an effective way to teach a subject. Notes are an important part of a lesson; it is the foundation of understanding the subject to then do the homework. At home, there is too many distractions that make students procrastinate these notes, and they fall behind then. If students do the notes but don’t understand them, questions are asked, but there is not enough time in class to answer every question. Classes should stick to the normal setting of notes at school, homework at home and asking questions the next day.

10 Inklings staffers agree Quintin Dombrowski

“I would say yes because it lets us work at our own pace. It improves my grades because I don’t have to slow down for other students or speed up for teachers.”

CARTOON BY ABBY SOBEK

junior

“I think that kids need guideline to help them, to show them. Some kids can’t learn on their own. It’s harder to teach yourself than having someone teach it to you.”

communications teacher

“I am pro flipped classrooms in CORE content areas ... I think that the education should be driven by the students.”

Zorine Pusara

attendance secretary

“I think that disrupting the way that students are educated doesn’t help make learning any better.”

Social media goers have no problem expressing their opinions over topics like politics or social injustices, so why is it okay for people to express their views over twitter but not in a newspaper? I am thankful that CPHS allowed not only me but the entire Inklings staff to report freely about a variety of topics, but this is not the case for everyone. After attending a camp at Indiana University this summer, I came into contact with students from all around Indiana that have been victims of censorship. The stories were not the problem, the administration was. The reasons given behind the censorship were that their school administration felt like it would create too much controversy, so the students had to resort to reporting on mainstream, repetitive topics. Indiana has decided to do something about this. House Bill 1130 is under review in Indianapolis after passing through the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. This bill is meant to protect the right of freedom of the press for student journalists against unwarranted censorship from school administration. This bill will stop censorship as long as the stories are not libelous, slanderous or gratuitously profane. For most, this bill will not affect them because they are not student journalists, but that is not the point. Censoring the opinions of students makes it seem like it is crime to explain how you feel about a certain topic, and puts censorship in a positive light. What makes our voices different from the voices of the New York Times? I have feelings, so let me tell you about them. The First Amendment states the we, as American citizens, have the right to express our feelings through print media, so for a school to say that you cannot print that because it will make us look bad should not be allowed or handled lightly. We have rights too, and they must be protected. The power behind words is something that is unexplainable. We should be encouraging people to speak their minds, and better yet, we should be encouraging people to speak their minds ethically. The passing of this bill will give power back to the students and allow student journalists to be the watchdogs they are supposed to be.

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feature march 24, 2017

experiencing a different perspective

PHOTO BY BRIDGETTE BAZIN

Senior Michael O’Brien shaves his head in CPHS’ small cafeteria to help raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. O’Brien raised $340 for the foundation to further cancer research.

Community raises funds for children in need BY MARIA LEONTARAS STEVEN KVACHKOFF co-editor-in-chief reporter

A mess of hair falls upon the ground as the clippers continue to buzz. A variety of hair can be recognized: blonde and brown, ginger and black, long and short, thick and thin. People are cheering. Donations are flowing. The fundraiser is underway. The St. Baldrick’s inspired fundraiser regularly carried out by the fire department was taken over by Key Club this year, this being the first year the club has sponsored the event. The event took place on March 17 in the small cafeteria. “The money we raise from St. Baldrick’s will be used to benefit child cancer research. Donations of longer hair will also provide wigs for cancer patients,” Key Club President Matt Krampen said. “We had a goal of $50,000 when we started the event, but at the day of the event, we crushed our goal and raised over $68,000.” It is still possible to donate online at https://www. stbaldricks.org/events/CrownPoint2017. Usually, around 150 to 200 spectators from Crown Point are involved in the annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. Children diagnosed with cancer, or cancer honor kids, also come to support the cause. This year, there were 115 participants including Mayor David Uran. “With the help of the community as well as fellow businesses and public figures, I have managed to raise around $4,000 to $5,000 each year for the past six years,” Mayor Uran said. “I hope the funds St. Baldrick’s raised this year will be enough to discover more substantial cancer research and to be able to build a future for children everywhere.” Krampen is thankful that his and the club’s work was able to benefit more than just the community. “It was an amazing feeling to be able to organize this event. Knowing that my hard work and diligence was

The #

83%

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RACHYL ADAMS The Student Council officers visited Lurie Children’s Hospital to meet the kids and discuss how to make Dance Marathon better. Top row: senior Matt Metlov, sophomore Billy Pouch, junior Annie Brigham, freshman Elizabeth Gonzalez, sophomore Arianna Smith, freshman Maria Jeffirs, sponsor Colleen Fano and senior Matt Krampen. Bottom row: seniors Rachyl Adams and Elizabeth Dietrich and three Valparaiso University Dance Marathon representatives.

going to pay off for these kids suffering from cancer was a great feeling,” Krampen said. “It is humbling to see kids showing support for their peers with cancer and making them feel comfortable.” St. Baldrick’s was an addition to the list of events hosted at CPHS that benefit others. This year, Student Council’s annual Dance Marathon will take place on May 12. “Dance Marathon is a Student Council sponsored event where CPHS helps raise money for the kids at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. At this event, we dance, play dodgeball, sing karaoke, take photos in a Photo Booth, play bags and eat tons of delicious food,” Student Council President Rachyl Adams said. Sign ups for Dance Marathon will be during lunches

of money raised is through the head-shaving events

statistics provided by https://www.stbaldricks.org/faq#sbfinfo-answer5

368

institutions for laboratory and clinical research granted by St. Baldrick’s

at the end of April to the beginning of May. Student Council has set the goal to raise $10,000. Donations can be made to students carrying colorful buckets around the school or online through a Student Council member’s sponsorship link. Student Council has reached out to children affected by Lurie Children’s Hospital in hopes of having them attend Dance Marathon to share their stories. “Student Council recently visited Lurie Children’s Hospital. When we were there, we went on a tour of the hospital and saw how amazing and inspiring it is. The hospital is incredibly family friendly, and I know that all the money we will raise for them is for a good cause,” Adams said. “At the end of our tour we met with their Dance Marathon specialist and the leaders of Valparaiso University’s Dance Marathon. From this trip, we learned a lot and now know of ways to improve our event.” Even though the Student Council members did not get to meet patients, sponsor Colleen Fano still found the trip impactful. “We did not get to interact with the patients since they have to stay away from any potential germs. However, one of the most powerful moments was when we walked down a hallway filled with the children’s artwork and poetry,” Fano said. “Some of the images or word choices in their artwork and poems had allegorical elements that made me feel very emotional. I cannot imagine being so young and having to face those kinds of obstacles.” Student Council hopes to be able to help these children with the funds raised at Dance Marathon. Adams believes it is a fun occasion in order to help those in the community. “Dance Marathon is a great opportunity for students to have fun and give back to the community,” Adams said. “There are so many people in this world that are struggling and realizing that our actions could change their futures is one of the best motivators.”

22 million

71¢

St. Baldrick’s funded for pediatric oncology researchers

of every dollar raised goes to research for finding a cure

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feature march 24, 2017

Parking lot people who peeve us

BY INKLINGS STAFF

Student drivers all in one parking lot can be hectic. Mix in some parents trying to pick up their kid(s) and a lot of people trying to escape after a long day at school or work, and craziness will ensue. The Inklings staff has some advice for the people of the parking lot so everyone can get in and out of school in a neat and orderly fashion.

Impatient Drivers Incorrect

Parkers

If you don’t work for the school, you can’t park in the areas reserved for the numerous faculty members. Whether students like it or not, the faculty has the priority parking spaces, and since the students aren’t employees of the school, they cannot park their cars in those coveted spots. Walking to the main doors from the edge of the junior lot can be traumatic, especially when it’s rainy and windy, but it’s something everyone has to suffer through. Don’t try to outsmart the faculty because they will catch you, and it’s not worth it.

The

If students are leaving out the back of the school at the end of the day, patiently wait your turn in the line. Why do you think you have the advantage and can pass all the cars in the line to get out faster? If you have something to do at 2:45 p.m., how about next time you make your appointment for later or have a parent call you out a little early. Calm down. We all want to leave at the end of the day, but seriously stop trying to get in an accident with other drivers.

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE Corporal Chuck Noonan directs after school traffic, so the students exit quickly and safely.

Underclassmen

Drivers

There is a thing called common courtesy that seems to be nonexistent in life these days. Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. Opening the door for someone else. But especially in the parking lot, giving someone that respectful “thanks for letting me in front of you” wave. They did not have to let you in. They could have let you suffer in the mile long line, but instead they let you go ahead and have your chance towards freedom. And if you don’t have the decency to thank them for their gesture, then we are not sorry for when they don’t help you a second time.

One

Parents

We get it. You are much older than the student drivers, but when it comes to the laws of the road, age does not make a driver superior. We know that you may have kids at other schools, and they need a ride too, but the parking lot is not a scene from “The Fast and the Furious.” The road has rules for a reason, and when it comes to age or parental status, there are no exceptions.

Rude

Wayers

Okay, we have all seen the sign. It has gone unsaid that the one way is reversed at the end of the day so students can exit the lot quicker. Do not try to get through the one way the opposite way when the teenagers are exiting. Trust us, they will not move.

Parkers

If you are not a senior and are parking in a senior spot, are you just trying to be cool? Underclassmen should not be parking in the senior lot. There are two lots for a reason, and some people just refuse to realize that. We don’t care that some upperclassmen have taken you under their wing. If you are not identified as a senior, stop parking in the senior lot. You will have your chance someday, and today is not the day.

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

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feature march 24, 2017

Music to the ears PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE Senior Carter Bisel plays the guitar in his basement after school. Bisel also plays piano and cello and is the main creator and musican for his band, The Dan Jones Experience. He records music in his free time.

Musical passions pursued by community members BY MARIA LEONTARAS JEREMY DEBOLD co-editor-in-chief reporter

No matter the language, music has the ability to make most listeners feel a certain way. Because of this, some like freshman Mara Manoski use it to express and evoke emotions from those who will listen. Manoski created an Instagram account to showcase her talents. “I like being able to express different feelings that I have through the music instead of just saying them out loud,” Manoski said. “Normally when I’m trying to tell someone something that’s really deep and inspiring, I can’t really get all the words out … without crying. It goes through music, and it helps you actually feel what someone’s trying to say.” Manoski has struggled to find confidence to post videos of her singing and advises others to find someone to support them before posting a video. Ultimately, Manoski posts her singing when she truly enjoys a song or wants to express her feelings. “If I really like the song, I’ll post it no matter what. I don’t normally say things to people’s faces, so if I’m trying to tell someone something about how I feel, I’ll post a song about it. Normally if I just relate to the song very well or if I can play it without messing up, then yeah I’ll post it,” Manoski said. Like Manoski, senior Matt McConnell and his friends, seniors Ben Depta, Koste Karamacoski, Sam Surufka and Lake Central senior Ethan Niewiadomski, have utilized social media to share their musical feats. But unlike Manoski, McConnell and his group, Table For Five, post original songs on SoundCloud for the world to hear. Table For Five is a rap group, and the

‘‘

If you’re going to make music, you have to make it because you want to do it. You have to make it because this is what you feel, this is what you like to do, not because you want to make anyone else happy Carter Bisel senior

group plays off of their talents throughout their album. “It’s funny because there are people in our group that aren’t that good, but we make it a joke. We use that and then we (make) that a benefit almost. Surprisingly, it caught a lot of people’s attention, and it was a very successful debut,” McConnell said. For McConnell, creating music with Table For Five is less about being the best and more about following his passion and sharing music with his friends and classmates. “It’s always cool to see a creative process come together and see the finished product, which is a really cool aspect when making something with your friends,” McConnell said. “I kind of do it more for me just as when I start something I want to finish it. I love music, so it’s cool to make my own, and people seem to love it, too.” There are many facets to the music industry, one being actually recording and producing music. McConnell received assistance in recording “Table For Five” from fellow senior Carter Bisel. Bisel not only mixed music for Table For Five, but he also creates his own music for his band The Dan Jones Experience. Bisel was introduced to music early in his life, and the desire to share his talents manifested into his band which consists of him and senior Daniel Jones.

“The Dan Jones Experience started because I just wanted someone to play music with me. Dan doesn’t really know how to play music, so I said, ‘Dan, I’m going to teach you how to play piano.’ I never really did, so that’s that,” Bisel said. “(The band) is about 98 percent Carter, two percent Dan Jones. The two percent being the name of the band.” While Bisel did not get his partner to play music with, The Dan Jones Experience has driven his passion and allowed him to share his music with others. “I just really like recording music. Recording music is my number one passion. When I get home from school, what I like to do to unwind and relax is play music, write music, record it. The Dan Jones Experience was just a way to share that with people,” Bisel said. Overall, Bisel believes that one’s involvement in music should be based on one’s own desire to create, not pressures from an outside source. “What I’m trying to say is you have to do it for yourself before you do it for anyone else. If you’re going to make music, you have to make it because you want to do it. You have to make it because this is what you feel, this is what you like to do, not because you want to make anyone else happy,” Bisel said. “That’s all I have to say about music. If you’re going to do it, do it because you want to do it, not because you

want to make other people happy, I don’t know. It has to be for you.” Making music for oneself correlates with making music about one knows, and this is what Athletic Director Mike Malaski does. Malaski is a songwriter and has been involved in creating music since high school. “These are all songs that are concept songs for either stories I have heard or things I have come across or read online,” Malaski said. “I always try to be positive and optimistic with things. ... I don’t have much to be dark about. I have a great wife, a great family and a great job and great insurance, and I am genuinely happy. I think we covet what we know, and that is what I know.” While Malaski notes that his career has taken time from him being able to play music, he always comes back to it. “The thing about music is you don’t ever have to give up. You can have other jobs and play music. You can have a family and still play music. It’s not like I wanted to be a doctor, and it didn’t work out for me. You know, the idea of me going back to school and becoming a doctor, that isn’t going to happen for me, but I can go home and practice playing guitar for three hours,” Malaski said. Malaski believes that playing music has provided him with many memorable experiences. He advises new musicians to find a group with common interests and enjoy themselves. “Just jump right in and have fun with it. Some of the best times of my life were playing music. Just go play, find other people that have common interest with you and just go play,” Malaski said. “I just love to play. I go down in my basement studio for six or seven hours and just get lost, you know, and get nothing done, and that’s okay. You just have to play.”

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feature march 24, 2017

Students helping seniors

Teens volunteer, work to assist at retirement homes BY DESTINY KOGLER JON WOLWARK reporters

PHOTO BY JON WOLWARK Senior Nathan Darche serves resident Alice Konieki coffee at dinner. Darche works at Christian Village Retirement home for two years now.

fun for them and me. It was a connection that I won’t ever forget.” Unlike the ordinary one on one contact with the residents, there’s a staff that works behind the scenes, helping with things like dietary or wait staff. Students from all over the area are hired to create meals for each resident to enjoy based off of their specific diet plan. The dietary department assures that each resident is having the proper nutrition and is well fed throughout the day. “I really enjoy working at Christian Village Retirement Home,” junior Colleen Regovic said. “I work in the dietary department, so I don’t take care of the elders as much as the CNA’s do. But I love talking to them when I serve them their food.” Having a job at a nursing home is not the only way to spend time with the elderly. A rewarding way for senior Nolan Furgye to interact with the elders is by volunteering at Colonial Nursing and Rehab Center. “At the nursing home, the other students and I all join

the elders and play games like Yahtzee or bingo, something just to make them smile and have a good time,” Furgye said. Furgye connects with the residents and is able to form a bond between a wide generation gap. He knows it is vital to be able to have a connection with these elders who seem to value the younger age group visiting them. “The importance of youth in the nursing home is a big deal because I’ve seen so many faces light up when they see us walking through the doors. We bring joy and laughter to them,” Furgye said. Furgye knows the time he spends at Colonial is for a worthwhile cause. It is significant to both him and the elderly he interacts with. “Game night at the nursing home has impacted my life by showing me how happy and important you can make someone feel by taking two hours of your life every other week and devote them to those who just want your time,” Furgye said.

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Juggling clubs, sports and school is time consuming in itself. Some clubs and sports are not the only thing that keeps students on their feet after the final bell rings. Besides fast food jobs, some students chose what could be considered a stronger, more care-intensive after school job centered around taking care of the elderly. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as being a senior is a lot of work, but Haley Bramwell is able to manage it well. She devotes hours to both of her daily responsibilities and works hard to succeed in what she does. “I work about 29 hours a week. I have school, improv and CPTV to work around. I try to work as much as possible without tiring myself out,” Bramwell said. Bramwell works closely with the residents in order to ensure they are comfortable and happy. She is there as a provider of care, a nurturer. She works to care of them and help them do all of the things they cannot. “(People) wake up, get out of bed, brush your teeth and hair, get dressed. I do all of the above for the elderly. I take care of them,” Bramwell said. Bramwell agrees that despite the long hours and hard work, the memories are worth while. She spends hours with the elderly, tending to their needs and caring for them. “What I like most about being a CNA is how much I have learned. Nothing will ever teach me more about life than working in a nursing home did,” Bramwell said. “The residents have taught me so many things, have shared with me so many stories and advice with me. I have more wisdom, love and compassion for the world than I did before. I am so grateful for my job and how I have become a better person because of it.” Creating memories with the residents during their time at the nursing home is vital to both them and the people who work to assist them. “I was working in the Alzheimer’s unit, and I was in a circle with the residents playing ‘don’t let the balloon hit the floor,’” Bramwell said. “It is my favorite memory because we were all distracted from reality for a little while, and we were happy and content playing this game that was

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feature march 24, 2017

TAKE A HIKE

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Senior Katie Ruess explores Sauerman Woods in Crown Point. Ruess began hiking in national parks with her family from a young age to stay active, and she continues to hike at local parks in her free time.

Hikers share tips, tricks, locations for successful treks BY JESSI ALCORTA-ROBLES ANDREA JOHN reporters

As temperatures increase with summer approaching, some students like to enjoy their time outside. One way to increase outdoor activity is by hiking, and there are a few places to hike in Northwest Indiana and the surrounding area. Hiking is one way to stay active during the warmer months and is inexpensive. Senior Katie Ruess began hiking from a young age with her family. “My mom is super into exercise vacations. So when I was a kid, we would always go on road trips to national parks where we could hike, and I just kind of made it a thing,” Ruess said. “I hike for (fun, exercise and health benefits) but mostly for fun, especially when you go with friends because then it feels less like working out because

you can talk with your friends.” Like Ruess, sophomore Kyle Hubbell also started hiking with his family as a way to stay active. “I like going hiking because it keeps me in shape and it’s fun to go with the family,” Hubbell said. “Turkey Run is my favorite place to go because it’s beautiful. The scenery is amazing.” Senior Grace Moles has hiked Yosemite in California, and like Ruess she also started hiking with her family. Both enjoy hiking the National Dunes Lakeshore because of its proximity, and it has 14 trail systems that cover more than 50 miles. Moles recognizes not everyone is a hiker, so one way to get started is to pick a spot and have a plan. “Start with a place that you think is beautiful,” Moles said. “It makes the hike much more fun and worthwhile. Also, make sure that you select a trail that is a distance you can handle.”

Local trails The local trails are less than 30 minutes away from Crown Point. These terrains are fairly simple for beginners and short in duration.

Sauerman Woods

Grand Kankakee Marsh

Sauerman Woods is located right in Crown Point on East South Street near the Hub Pool. It has a simple trail easy for beginners and a creek running through the land, as well as a playground and picnic area to rest after a hike. This trail is convenient because of its proximity to the high school.

Grand Kankakee Marsh has 2,069 acres of park to explore. Located next to the historic Kankakee River, the park is home to all kinds of wildlife to observe. It also has fishing and bird viewing areas to get closer to nature and multiple trails to choose from.

Erie Lackawanna

Taltree Arboretum

Erie Lackawanna is a paved, 17.7 mile long trail. This trail’s smooth path is commonly used for bicycle riding, roller skating or blading and walking. The ending points are Sibley Street in Hammond and East Summit Street Crown Point.

Taltree Arboretum in Valparaiso has seven trails that add up to over six miles. It is an oak tree preserve with special events and classes to get in touch with nature. There is plenty of room to walk and run comfortably with a dog as long as they are leashed.

Ruess seconds selecting a trail based on physical capability to avoid overexertion. “If you don’t want to go on a super strenuous hike, pick one that’s not super hard. It’s really not that bad, it’s just like walking unless you’re going on something really intense,” Ruess said. Hikes can range from a few minutes to a couple hours, and Hubbell recommends being prepared for how long the duration of the hike is. “I always bring water and some kind of food because you never know how long you can be gone,” Hubbell said. Moles believes that having the right gear helps a hike go by smoothly. When going on hikes, she recommends always having a few essential products with them. “A nice water bottle and lightweight hat are essential,” Moles said. “If you plan on going on really extensive trips, a solid pair of Columbia or North Face shoes is a good buy.”

Out of the region trails Each of these trails are a 30 minute drive away from Crown Point. These trails range from simple to rough terrain with varying lengths.

Coffee Creek Watershed Perverse

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Coffee Creek Park in Chesterton The Indiana Dunes National has 5 miles of trails. From brick Lakeshore consists of 14 hiking to dirt paths, each material was trail systems, with varying picked to best accommodate the degrees of difficulty from ecosystem while still allowing beginner to advanced. Some people the opportunity to get trails require accompaniment by close to nature. There are also staff. Paper maps of the trails boardwalks in the wetter areas to can be found at the visitor’s observe the growing vegetation. center and at the trailhead kiosk.

Starved Rock

Turkey Run

Starved Rock in Oglesby, Illinois Turkey Run has 11 different and consists of 10 different trails that range from very trails. There are 18 canyons in rugged to easy depending on the park and in 14 of them have length. A suspension bridge over visible waterfalls. Seven out of Sugar Creek leads to multiple the 10 trails are at least one mile hiking trails, which gives an long but can range from .3 of a overlook of the trees, plants and mile to 4.7 miles. creeks that surround Turkey Run.

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sports

march 24, 2017

Because of the weather ... I haven’t played in an actual game since October. We are all looking forward to getting outside and actually starting some games.

in the

huddle

- senior Alexis Holloway

Scoring

‘‘

Stefanovic’s

1,348 career points SETS CPHS

RECORD Stefanovic to continue career at Purdue BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM assistant sports editor

The basketball tradition continues in the Stefanovic family as senior Sasha Stefanovic has officially committed to attend Purdue University on a full ride basketball scholarship. Although the 6’4” guard had a variety of options with 23 Division I offers, Stefanovic feels Purdue was the obvious choice. “It’s been my favorite school since I was a kid,” Stefanovic said. “Being there for tailgates, football games and basketball games when I was little, I fell in love with West Lafayette and the whole campus. I was also influenced by the guys from the Region a few years back in E’twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel.” Stefanovic always knew basketball was in his future. At four years old, he first learned to play the game, joining an organized basketball team shortly afterwards as a first grader. By the time he was in third grade, Stefanovic was already considered an elite player on his AAU team. Basketball was not his only interest, but when it came down to it, it ultimately gave him the most joy. “To be honest, I just had most fun with basketball,” Stefanovic said. “I played baseball and soccer and really enjoyed those, but I really started to get into basketball. It just kinda took over, and I started to play that the most.” Stefanovic doesn’t have to search far for his inspiration towards the game. His father, Lou Stefanovic, played basketball at Illinois State before declaring for the NBA draft where he was selected by the Seattle Supersonics. He also had the opportunity to play for several international teams. Sasha believes his father played a major role in getting him to this point. “My dad coached me since I was in second grade playing AAU. He always taught me to work hard and do the right things,” Stefanovic said. “Seeing the success he had in his career and how he played in college and moved on to the pros -- that makes me want to follow in his footsteps.” For some players, it takes time to see their potential. Crown Point head coach Clint Swan believed Stefanovic’s talent started to unfold when he was only a freshman. “I saw his potential his freshman year. We had him on the junior varsity team to start the season and he was having games of 25 points, 30 points, and that was really hard to do in a junior varsity game,” Swan said. “We knew we had to get him off of that team and into a varsity game. We started seeing some skills and intangible things that he had like his timing and court vision that are unusual for a kid that age. That was when it started to occur to me that he was going to be a pretty high level player.”

Swan believed confidence in a leader was a must. For Stefanovic, he found that confidence boost the moment he started his high school career. “I made the JV team and dressed varsity as a freshman. That’s when I really thought I could do something with basketball. I figured that I was probably good enough to play varsity then eventually start. From there I just started making goals and did whatever I could to reach them,” Stefanovic said. Many of Stefanovic’s goals were high. Many that he achieved, he set himself. Others came unintended. Stefanovic’s high school career came to an end after a highly decorated senior season. Along with winning team MVP and making All Conference first team, he is also now the all-time leading scorer in Crown Point High School history with 1,348 career points. The thought of holding the school scoring title never even occurred to the senior until the day before the team played the Chesterton Trojans in the second round of the sectional championship. “I never knew how close I was to the record until I saw a tweet about it the day before the game. I never imagined that I would ever break that record. It was something I never even tried to achieve personally, but I’m very proud I achieved it. It feels very gratifying. Putting in all the work for four years to see a major accomplishment like that happen is very exciting,” Stefanovic said. After winning the Big Ten and making the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, Swan believes Stefanovich has what it takes to contribute greatly to an already talented Boilers team. “He’s going to be able to hit the ground running because of his really high basketball IQ. Purdue plays a very cerebral style offensively and defensively, and it requires intelligent players to come in there and be ready to play,” Swan said. “I believe he’s going to be able to provide that immediately. His ability to shoot and handle the basketball is outstanding. They don’t have guys out there who can just shoot and do nothing else. They require all their guys to be able to handle it, pass it, make good decisions, and Sasha is really good in all those regards.” High school to college may be a big jump, but Stefanovic’s work ethic will only help the transition. “I can’t wait to get in that gym and just start working hard everyday,” Stefanovic said. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of one of the best fan bases in the country and really just going out and representing the university that I chose.”

PHOTO BY ABBIE GELON

Golf has high expectations under new head coach BY DOMINIC TOMICH sports editor

The boy’s golf season will soon be in full swing, but until then the emphasis is set on preparation for those tournaments and matches to come in the following months. “I am looking forward to having a great season and great time with my teammates,” senior Tommy Frame said. “I have been working a lot on my game and have been working on consistently being able to get off the tee and hit the green to better set up my putts.” The team has big goals set in the back of their minds while knowing they will not be easy tasks. “As a team, we want to compete with the top teams in the state,” senior Sam Amodeo said. “We need to and will work hard at each practice and put in extra time on our own in order to be at the top of our game and put ourselves in position to succeed. We want to win a lot of tour-

naments and eventually find ourselves competing at state.” One thing surrounding the boys’ golf team will be different than years past and that is the coach leading the way. Coach Ryan Bishop, who has been involved with the boys CPHS golf program will be assuming the position of head coach with coach Jonathan Haas leaving for the Valparaiso University job. “Although it’s my first year as head coach our goal will remain the same, and that is to get our team to the state finals,” Bishop said. “I’m most excited about our young group of freshmen along with our terrific leaders, including Yianni Kostouros who was a state qualifier the previous season.” The team is looking to push forward and continue what has been a successful sports program at the high school. “I am going to continue to build on the foundation

coach Haas has previously set,” Bishop said. “We want our players peaking towards the end of the season so that they are playing their best golf the same time we have conference, sectionals, regionals and state. We are going to do this by working with our players on an individual basis to help them improve on skills they need help with and really need to focus on. We also want to focus on what they do well.” Junior Yianni Kostouros is coming off what was a terrific sophomore season for himself last year. Kostouros qualified for the state tournament and has big goals ahead of himself for this season. “I want to get all-state honors and win the state championship,” Kostouros said. “To do this, I need to increase my percentages of fairway hits and decrease my putting average. If I clean these areas of my game up and perform how I know I can perform, I feel like I can be the state champion.”

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sports march 24, 2017

Girls tennis utilizes offseason to improve team

Boys track expects high achievements at state relay BY HENRY WITHROW

BY GRACE CLELAND

reporter

After another long offseason, the boys are finally hitting the track again. New and returning runners and field athletes are excited to be back to work and the team is hoping to send athletes to the state meet. “It is my expectation that the team will improve throughout the season and that we will be difficult to beat,” head coach Keith Iddings said. “We will win our share of our meets as long as the guys work consistently to keep improving. Once you reach a goal, you immediately set a new goal and strive to attain it.” The team has high expectations for this season sending about 20 boys to the Hoosier State Relays (HSR) and believes if they can stay healthy and keep working hard after their first two meets, they can do big things in this 2017 season. Sophomore Nick Morgan thinks there is one main thing that will help this team. “The most important thing we do is a thing called activation. Without it, about all of our runners would be hurt. One thing I always try to tell my teammates is that if talent doesn’t work hard, then hard work will beat it,” Morgan said. With fantastic HSR qualifiers on the team’s roster, the team is benefiting undoubtedly according to Iddings. “They benefit the team by demonstrating that anybody can be capable of great success if that person is willing to work for it. As they share their experience, they help their teammates to improve and make our team better,” Iddings said. The 2017 boys track and field team is looking ahead for a great season and hopes to come together to win as many meets as possible. “We definitely need to be more consistent, stay healthy, work harder as a team and keep a positive attitude,” junior Josh Whitaker said. The athletes on the roster all rely on each other to achieve points in order to win meets and have major trust in each and every man on the team. “We all have great trust in one another. When you have a team like we do, you tend to gain trust and confidence, and that is exactly what happened to us as a team. We have really come together and we genuinely like one another,” Morgan said. “The season is just beginning, but at the same time, we are looking ahead at the future.” The boys’ next meet is the Hoosier State Relays on March 25.

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PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

Sophomore Josh Lindeman practices in the fieldhouse prior to their first scrimmage.

Baseball optimistic for upcoming games BY DOMINIC TOMICH sports editor

As opening day approaches the boy’s baseball team is eager to step back onto the diamond for another season. Although the season has yet to begin the boys are prepared to leave their mark on all of their opponents. “We are looking to do big things this year,” senior Will Kulcher said. “We have improved all around as a team over these last few months and all we wanna do is step out onto the field and turn all of our hard work into wins. I believe all of the hours we put in fielding, conditioning, and hitting will soon pay off. ” The boys will display all of their hard work put in during the offseason in their scrimmage against Griffith at home on Mar. 24. “The scrimmage is going to prepare us for the long season ahead,” Kulcher said. “We are all excited to be back on the field. We feel that we are a better team than we were last year and we are ready to prove we are one of the best teams if not the best team around.” One area where the team feels they can separate themselves from their competition is in the batter’s box. “We are looking to do some serious damage this year at the plate. Our hit-

ters have been doing a lot of situational hitting in practice and are ready for any pitcher we will face,” Kulcher said. With the loss of seniors from this past season, younger players are looking to fill bigger roles in this upcoming season. “All we want to do is win games,” sophomore Josh Lindeman said. “Whatever the team needs I’m willing to do. Our team has been focused and energetic each and every day we have practiced and I feel like we need that type of practice style to be successful. As a team, we have one goal in mind, and it’s 36; 36 games to the state championship where we’ll win it all.” As the season has not begun, head coach Steve Strayer is optimistic on how the season will play out but is pleased with the team chemistry and the talent they have available. “We’re not sure how are players are going to respond to bigger roles. The one thing I can say is that this year has been really enjoyable and all the kids are having fun playing as a unit,” Strayer said. “I like our chances, we have a talented squad but for our team to compete with the other teams in our conference we are going to have to perform exceptionally well and be very disciplined and do the little things right.”

Nerves are high as the girls tennis team prepares for their 2017 season. After losing two powerful seniors, the team is focusing on individual improvement after each match. “The goal that we always have is that the second match is always better than the first,” head coach Brian Elston said. “We would like to be one of the top teams in the area, and we’d like to win the conference, sectionals and regionals. But those are always goals that are secondary compared to whether you improve or not each day.” As the years went on, senior Cece Maginot’s role in the team has become greater. For Maginot, this season is not only her last, but it is her season to lead. “As a senior, it’s my job to set the tone for the team as a whole. We are practicing as hard as we can in our preseason so we are able to start out well,” Maginot said. The team will always have its local rivals, but with a schedule built of other teams outside the area, it allows them to view their competition all around Indiana. “We are always looking forward to playing Munster and LC, but we are also excited to play schools that are farther away being added to our schedule like Penn, South Bend, St. Joe and Culver,” junior Ana Maksimovich said. Filling in the lost senior spots will be tricky, but Elston hopes the offseason preparation will pay off for regular season matches. “It’ll be very difficult (to replace them) because of either leadership skills or abilities or things like that. We have a lot of girls that did a lot of work in the off season, so hopefully they can fill in,” Elston said. With a schedule filled with conditioning and drills, the team has been working together to make this season one for the books. “A lot of my team and I are practicing and conditioning almost every day every week to make sure we can build up the team and get ready to play up to five matches a week,” Maksimovich said. According to Maginot, the team works as a whole, but also individually to meet their own goals and potential. “Our goal as a team is for each individual to reach their full potential,” Maginot said. “We have to make sure that we never get overwhelmed.” The girls first regular season match is April 10 at Hobart.

Boys basketball comes to sudden, disappointing end BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM assistant sports editor

After a record-breaking regular season and countless big moments, the boys basketball season has come to an abrupt end on Saturday, Mar. 4. The Bulldogs fell short in the Sectional championship against the Merrillville Pirates with a score of 71-60. The Dogs were favorites to win their sectional, giving them a chance to win their third straight. Senior forward Ken Decker believed that although the Pirates played well, the Bulldogs ultimately lost that game. “Even though Merrillville was a tough

game and they played well, we didn’t play how we normally play,” Decker said. “We missed a lot of open shots and way too many turnovers.” Along with winning the DAC for the first time in 18 years, the team also set a new school record for wins in a season with 22. Head coach Clint Swan believes this season was one for the books. “It was another historic season for us. To win 22 games with the schedule we played which, quite frankly, was one of the toughest schedules in the state, we didn’t hide from anybody. It was really quite and accomplishment,” Swan said. “Also to win the Duneland for the first time since 1999,

especially in basketball, is not an easy thing to do. There are guys in the NBA that came out of the DAC, so to pull that off, I think was really gratifying. I’m glad our guys got to accomplish that.” When you have such a dominant season, it is hard to pinpoint one moment to declare as a turning point. For Decker, that was their regular season game against the Pirates. “My favorite moment was ironically beating Merrillville the first time. That was when I felt we had turned the corner from being a good team to becoming a great team,” Decker said. “We had just come off a tough loss, so bouncing back from ad-

versity and playing our best game on the road made us feel that we were at the level we were striving for. That motivated us to try to go on to the next level and just keep getting better.” The season was like any other, full of highs and lows, but Swan left with a no regrets mentality. “I think our approach each day in practice was really good,” Swan said. “I think that the togetherness that we had was awesome. We had older guys helping the younger guys. We had contributions from players nobody was anticipating, so for our guys to accomplish those things, I don’t think I would’ve changed a thing.”

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sports march 24, 2017

What’s on Matt’s mind?

BY MATT MCCONNELL assistant sports editor

Will a one seed win the NCAA tournament?

PHOTO BY BRANDON DWYER

Senior Alexis Holloway returns to the mound after a disappointing loss in last post season game. The girls first regular season game is Mon. Mar. 27.

Softball looks to carry over success from last season BY MATT MCCONNELL assistant sports editor

As spring begins to take place, the Dogs are preparing for another softball season. With multiple division one commits returning for the girls and their strong work ethic, the Dogs have a hopeful start of the season. “We all worked really hard in open gyms over the off season and it was great because we had a ton of girls show up consistently, which allowed us all to work on our game,” senior Alexis Holloway said. “In our first couple weeks of practice we have been working fundamentals and the little things that often make the difference in close games.” Those little adjustments will play a part in their upcoming games, and like every anyone competing, they are looking for the win. “As a team, like many others, our goal is that state title. We, as a team, are focusing a lot more on the mental side of the game. We are going to focus on playing one game at a time and doing our job on the field both offensively and defensively. Our goal is to win games and have fun doing it,” senior Mackenzie Dunlap said. However in order to reach their goal of being state champions, they have to put in the

work that follows it. “This off season, the team and myself have spent a lot of time working on the fundamentals,” Dunlap said. “We have been pushing ourselves to get the extra reps in each day and still go home and work on something whether it be glove work or hitting off a tee. Everyday is an opportunity to get better, and we are doing just that.” Along with all the effort, there are small strategies the Dogs will be utilizing to enhance their record. “This year, we are going to use the speed we have to our advantage. We are going to play a lot of small ball (bunting) to advance runners,” Dunlap said. As the girls are training vigorously for their upcoming games, one can be easily be overwhelmed with all the time and hard work, but with the support of a new strong coaching staff, the road to victory should flow easily. “I personally would like to have the girls accomplish two things; the first would be to enjoy the season and have it be a good memory for them all,” Coach Iussig said. “Secondly I would hope that we play as well as we are capable of playing in each game.” The coaches may be new, but the hopes

are still high as the girls adapt to the new changes. “We pretty much have a whole new coaching staff this year, so it’s an adjustment to learn a new system, but everyone is doing a fantastic job staying focused and learning something new every practice,” Holloway said. “It’s naturally going to be a lot different. They are a great group of people and coaches who all bring something important to the table that is going to help us improve our game. We also have great team chemistry which is just an added bonus.” The goals are set high for the Dogs, as the girls prepare for their upcoming season hoping to go all the way to the state tournament. “This year we are going to take it one game at a time. Last year we were so focused on the game ahead rather than the game that was being played in front of us,” Dunlap said. “This year we have put in a ton of work in the off season and also still working individually outside of practice. We are incorporating the mental side of the game more, and focusing on maintaining that positive mentality through the course of the season.” The team opens up the season on Mar. 27 against Hobart.

Girls track ranked third in state, looks to improve health BY HENRY WITHROW reporter

As winter comes to an end, the girls track and field season begins, and the future is looking bright. The first meet in Portage went well as the 4x4 relay placed in first and senior Kristen LaCosse achieved first place in not only the hurdles but also the 60 meter dash. After the first two meets in Portage and Purdue University, the team is currently ranked third in the state of Indiana. Head coach Lindsay Moskalick believes the team should not let that get to their heads and focus on staying healthy instead. “Our top priority is to stay healthy as a

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team. The girls have been training hard, and we have high expectations and goals for our team this year. However, in order to accomplish these goals, the girls need to hold each other accountable and make sure they are doing the ‘small things’ this season. There are some areas we could always improve on, but that will come with time,” Moskalick said. For the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), it only took two meets to break the school record by 10 seconds. Moskalick had a feeling the girls would break the record heading into the meet, but she just didn’t know by how much. “For the entire race, the girls were running by themselves and having to push them-

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selves without the help of their opponents. So, I was pretty excited they were able to break the DMR record by 10 seconds all by themselves,” Moskalick said. While being ranked third in Indiana, the team seems to have a bright future ahead of them and are looking to improve in any way they can. “We cannot let the ranking get to our heads. We need to work hard every day and perform to our full potentials every meet,” junior Paytn Grady said. “We all believe that we can do big things this season, and as our coach always says, we have to start out strong and finish even stronger.”

The name “March Madness” describes the time of month perfectly. Teams compete from all across the country to give their all in winning the NCAA title, an award that only one team of all the colleges in the country dream about. With 68 teams all competing for the same award, the tensions and competition is incredibly high, which results in upsets each year. With that being said, this brings up the question: Will a one seed win the title this year? Year after year, teams like Kentucky and Kansas are granted the one seed position, which brings a lot of hype around them. However, there always seems to be a team that will upset a very low seed first round, such as Middle Tennessee last year defeating Georgetown and Florida Gulf Coast taking down Michigan State the year before that, both 15 seeds beating 2 seeds. There has never been a time where a one seed has lost first round, but I do think it will happen in the future. So with all these upsets happening to great teams in the past, will that trend continue for lower ranked teams to win it all? No one can say it won’t happen, and no one can say it will happen for a fact. That is the beauty of this specific tournament, anything can happen. One seeds win about over 50% of the time, based off past winners, but the question is can those odds be applied to the one seeds this year? I believe that a one seed will most likely win the NCAA tournament. However, I also believe there will be an upset this year to one of the four. With the “madness” taking place this month, all teams have the capability of beating each other. Everyone is shooting for the same goal, so teams have nothing to lose which is the fuel to all upsets. However, due to the coaching and experience of these one seed teams, they have a much better chance than winning than the higher seeded teams. As far as who wins the tournament, that is up in the air, but these one seeds have proven they are very capable and not a force to be reckoned with.

My moment of the month ... “...was qualifying for indoor state in the 4x200 meter relay.” Senior Zach Stewart

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arts & entertainment march 24, 2017

inreview “Green Light” by Lorde Lorde’s follow up of her immaculate 2013 album “Pure Heroine” is just as good, if not better, than all of her past music. The disco feel of “Green Light” will have listeners dancing in their seats and tapping their feet throughout the song. The catchy tune will have everyone dancing like Lorde.

“More Life” by Drake You would think he couldn’t get worse than “Views,” but he did. Drake came out with “More Life” this month, and it was subpar to say the least. With generic drum patterns to vocals that sound the same for almost each song, “More Life” delivered a steaming pile of laziness. The only thing that saves Drake on this one is that it is considered a “playlist” rather than an album. Let’s hope for the sake of mainstream music he can pull it together with the upcoming projects he has.

Get out of the house and see this movie now. Directed by Jordan Peele, “Get Out” makes you question how one director could even envision a thriller with so many twists and turns. This movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats anticipating what can possibly come next.

“The Voice” Season 12 The Blind Audition “The Voice” continues their streak of amazing voices, raw talent and funny coaches that will make one laugh until they cry. The biggest downfall is Gwen waits for the other coaches to turn around or not. She needs to find her own voice and not depend on the other advisers.

Latest Disney live-action remake does film justice BY TABITHA BEISHUIZEN reporter

A childhood favorite for many was brought to the screen again as a live-action remake. After 26 years since the original was released, Disney has brought the classic story of a princess and a beast falling in love back to theaters. Anxious Disney fans have been waiting for this release since it was announced that the beloved film was having a reboot back in 2011.

The movie follows the same basic plot of the original by having the same characters and scenes. A beautiful girl named Belle (Emma Watson) gets trapped in a castle in order to save her father from being imprisoned. The castle owner is a frightening Beast (Dan Stevens) who was cursed for not allowing a helpless woman into his castle. He was turned into a frightening Beast never to be a man again, unless he and a woman fell in love. Not only was his life on the

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“Get Out”

tale as old as time

Off and on spring weather One week it’s 60 degrees and sunny, so everyone is wearing short sleeves shirts and no coats. The next week it’s 30 degrees and nippy with people trying to scramble and dig out their winter coats out of the closet. Mother nature simply cannot make up her mind.

line, but the lives of all the people in his castle, who were turned into inanimate objects. A major problem was that the curse made everyone forget who the Beast was. He is given a rose in a vase and as soon as all the petals fall off he will never be able to turn into a man ever again. Since Belle was now trapped in his castle, he knew that this was his one chance to possibly fall in love and break the curse. As the movie goes on, Belle and the Beast slowly start to get to see the true colors of the other. The original and the current one do share many similarities, but the new version allows viewers to see real life characters act out the before animated movie. The liveaction allows viewers to put real faces and people to the characters, not just animated figures. With the original film being animated, having real actors allows people to see real acting and not just editing. Though the part of Belle was a difficult one to live up to, Watson reached the expectations of the role. The acting throughout the whole film stayed true to the time period it was based on and the feeling of the characters. Many classics and favorite Disney songs came from “Beauty and the Beast,” and most of those were put into the movie.

One of the main songs in both movies was “Be Our Guest” being sung by the talking candle Lumiere played by Ewan McGregor. The old songs are definitely favorites, but some news songs, along with remakes of past ones, are some of the best ones in the film. Most Disney movies are known for their catchy songs that will be stuck in everyone’s heads and this was definitely true in “Beauty and the Beast.” While great detail was given throughout the movie, the plot was slow to appear. The main point of the movie is to see Belle and the Beast together, yet by the time they were together, it was way into the movie. A lot of background information was given, leaving viewers stuck watching scenes going to the castle drag on. With minimal time in the castle in the beginning, people are left unknowing of what the real plot is until closer to the middle of the movie. “Beauty and the Beast” was overall an excellent movie that paid great tribute to the 1991 version. While there are twists and changes, they were all things that only added humor and modernity. The expectations of the movie were definitely met and exceeded from the anticipation leading into it. For anyone looking for a fantasizing Disney movie, “Beauty and the Beast” is definitely the movie to see.

Dr. Seuss’ 113th birthday; reflection on his lasting legacy BY LINDSEY BAEZA reporter

Nearly 26 years after his death, Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, continues to dominate the world of children’s books. He has written and illustrated over 40, his most popular being “The Cat in the Hat.” Other famous books written by Dr. Seuss include “The Lorax,” “Green Eggs and Ham” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” These books and others have helped many develop a love for reading and have even inspired several successful authors such as Deb Lund. On his birthday, Mar. 2, his ability to guide the youth into the pleasures of reading and the enchantment of wordplay is recognized. For some people, his work was the stepping stone to more adult literature. Seuss has affected many childhoods for the better by shaping the way children view the old-fashioned book. With new technological surrogates sweeping the nation, including video games

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and television, reading a book may be the last thing on a child’s mind. These new obstacles, however, fail to compete with Seuss’ wacky sense of humor that is displayed throughout his books. His ageless words show that they were critical to past generations and will continue to be important to impending ones. Throughout Seuss’ books, morals and lessons can be taken from the pages. “The Lorax” holds focus on environmentalism and the effects of the destruction to nature. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” supplies many meaningful life lessons about achieving goals and moving forward. Some of his books hold a darker meaning. “Yertle the Turtle” was meant to symbolize Hitler’s reign and “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!” is allegedly about Richard M. Nixon after the Watergate scandal. Despite being children’s books, many professionals take time to break apart the deeper meanings they hold. This year Seuss’ 113th birthday was celebrated nationwide in many elementary classrooms because of its festive significance.

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National Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) to recognize his legacy. Its goal is to motivate children to keep reading and become “lifelong successful readers” as stated on nea.org. It is proven that students who read more do better in school, and it is this fact that NEA clings to when acknowledging this holiday. Activities and programs are setup to get students excited about reading. Teachers, parents and other educational leaders take part in keeping the Seuss legacy alive. Seuss was a person who aimed to unify a nation of children by encouraging them to look at the world at a different perspective. He gave people happiness and added color to each and every one of his readers lives’. By promoting reading, he helped create a merry and literate society so children may be more successful in the future. In one of his books, he states, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

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arts & entertainment

HGTV’s Chip, Joanna Gaines broaden reach of franchise

march 24, 2017

Social media creates influencers

BY JILL KIDDER editor-at-large

“Cinderella” is a popular story about a girl who has an unfortunate life, but then receives the ultimate makeover from her fairy godmother. Later, she gets the lavish life she deserves. Nationwide, the country is getting the ultimate home makeover by the fairy godparents, Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Gaineses are most known for their HGTV show “Fixer Upper” and the restorations they are doing in Waco, Texas. “Fixer Upper” revolves around the perfect Gaines family and their home restorations in Waco. Joanna creates the blueprint ideas of what should be done, and then she works in post production like painting colors and decorating. Chip, on the other hand, does all of Joanna’s dirty work. If Joanna wants to take out a wall to extend the kitchen, without restraint, Chip will throw a hammer and rip the wall out for her. In return the only thing Chip will ask for is a ham sandwich. Chip and Joanna are a classically cute couple who demonstrate compromise and love to viewers. One of the Gaineses’ most admirable traits is their sense of family and community involvement. Before the show began, Chip and Joanna were small business owners, and they knew the financial hardships. Now with the fame from their show, they share the spotlight with other small business owners. In their show, they share the spotlight with countless others, in hopes of boosting their business. One of the small business owners they have supported through all four seasons

BY JEREMY DEBOLD reporter

The modern day equivalent of telling your parents you want to be a rockstar is now telling your parents you want to be a soIn February, I travelled to the Magnolia cial media star. Often disregarded Market headquarters called “the Silos” in as having a presence solely within Waco, Texas. Although I did not get to meet their small corner of the internet, or see Chip and Joanna, they created an social media stars are starting to environment as if they were there. Inside the prove the power and influence Magnolia store, there was a guest book that they have to mainstream media. thanked each guest for coming to visit them. Their ability to guide massive Walking around the store, customers were in audiences has gained them the awe with the possibility that Joanna Gaines apt title of “influencers” or could have touched various products. Chip “social media influencers” and is Clint Harp. Harp makes dining tables, and Joanna also created something at the Sihas proven that there are viable chairs, desks or shelves that Joanna designs los for everyone. They have a store filled with careers in social media. for a specific house Chip and Jo are remodelsome house decor and merchandise, and they With hundreds of millions ing. Now Harp has recently premiered his have food trucks and a bakery store, honoring to billions of daily users, social own show on the DIY channel. Joanna’s love of sweets and an outdoor play media platforms have empowered Chip and Jo’s business, Magnolia, reaches area with swings, tables and games. their users, giving some young beyond the people of Waco. They have Chip and Joanna have extended thempeople huge fame and money but stretched into homes across America to all selves further than just a business or just a more importantly influence. They that watch HGTV, allowing design inspiration show. They have embodied a spirit of comhave influence over the millions to flow. The “Joanna Gaines look,” which is munity. The best trait about Chip and Joanna of fans they have, and the people often hardwood floors, grey or white walls is that they are unaffected by this newfound their fans share their message and rustic farmhouse decor has infiltrated fame and wealth. Now that they are millionwith. department stores, resale shops and homes. aires, their personas and attitudes have not Vine and Snapchat star Not to mention, they have created a quarterly changed in the slightest. Chip and Joanna, Jérôme Jarre started a campaign magazine filled with practical advice, recipes and everything they embody, is everything to raise money to send a plane and more home tips. one could dream of and more. of food to famine struck Somalia. The social media influencer campaign to raise money quickly garnered the attention of YouBY ASHLEY REKITZKE album, but they bring many Flowers” isn’t a favorite of the Other songs, like “Perfect,” tube sensation Casey Neistat, who reporter unique traits “÷.” “Castle on the two, but it holds significance to “How Would You Feel(Paean)” has over 6.7 million subscribers and “Happier,” make you feel the audience and to Sheeran. It Hill” provides another upbeat, A year of anticipation filled at the time of writing, grabbed warm inside from their powerful is held to close to him due to its pop song and brings more about with many high hopes for Ed the attention of Ben Stiller and and emotional lyrics. Listeners tribute to his grandmother who his hometown while creating a viSheeran’s break after previous alColin Kaepernick; the campaign will fall in love with “Perfect” had died during the making of sion about one day coming back bum “X.” Sheeran fulfilled these raised one million dollars in less because of the meaningful, “÷.” to their own town where they high hopes by producing such a than 24 hours, and have raised On the other hand, some of grew up. “Dive” is captivating well written lyrics, as it shows pleasing album but doesn’t come $2.8 million in three days. the songs get annoying for being and holds a lot in one song that throughout his whole album. out comfort zone by producing That is just the most recent overplayed such as “Shape of many can relate to. such similar songs in each album. “Happier” is genuine and heartexample, social media influencers You.” “Shape of You” is a really “Eraser” is the worst song on warming. It starts off as a slower Two songs that flowed have been using their influence song and transforms into a powgood song, and the get up and the album. His try-hard rapping nicely were “Bibia Be Ye Ye” and to drive change, back political and revolting rhythm in this erful, sincere, moving song. dance rhythm is amazing, but “Barcelona.” Both songs have candidates and raise money for song makes an unsettling and “Save Myself” and “Superbroadcasters need to take it easy a tropical and upbeat sound. important causes for quite some chaotic mess in listeners earbuds. market Flowers” are full of emowith the overuse of the song. These songs are great for putting time now. Nothing seems to flow within the tions as well. Both songs are the “Nancy Mulligan” holds promilisteners in a unbelievably cheery However the fame can be a song. more slower songs on the album nence to Sheeran due to being mood after listening. “Bibia Be double edge sword. Before the Most of the album was but have the most meaning to about his grandparents’ marriage Ye Ye,” which translates to “All 2016 election Neistat released a enjoyable for all ages. Sheeran them. “Save Myself” will make and what they went through to Will Be Well,” adds a unique video supporting Hillary Clinton never fails to amaze listeners and music lovers emotional because become what they are now. flare that is not common on his and denouncing Donald Trump, will keep amazing us one album of his meaningful words while “Castle on the Hill” and previous albums and creates a and urged other youtubers to do at a time. inspiring self care. “Supermarket “Dive” aren’t favorites on the sense of youthfulness. the same. When the video was released it was met with mixed reactions with many people outraged that he would push his Spotify related tracks Cadbury Mini Eggs views on others. The incident was Jamming out to the new Ed covered by countless news outlets Chocolatey, crunchy goodness Sheeran album and then it’s and youtubers alike. that is in the festive spirit. Mini suddenly interrupted with eggs are hard to stop eating. It is easy to look past them Walmart Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” as nothing more than “internet 10 oz kills the vibe. Lately, Spotify celebrities,” but they are more $3.24 frequently showing up on red has been suggesting more carpets and mass media producand more related tracks, and tions. Perhaps it is time that it needs to stop. There is a An effortless way to hold your we legitimize this new form of reason a new album or song is Comfortable, stylish, and it’s phone while playing on it. fame. Whether famous from being put on replay all day. Liseasy to throw on. Oversized Popsockets make watching their lifestyles, opinions or a teners should be able to listen shirts are the perfect go-to videos on the go easier. viral stunt (or stunts), this new outfit choice. to what they please without wave of celebrities has worked its Target it being interrupted by someOld Navy way into the daily lives of nearly $9.99 $13-20 thing that doesn’t belong. everyone. PHOTOS BY JILL KIDDER The Gaineses have expanded their business empire from a television show to Magnolia Market (above). The store sells home and baked goods, such as lamps and cupcakes, and provides seating for customers (below).

Ed Sheeran captures quality sound in latest release

favorite things

Oversized shirts

Popsockets

we’re so over

people march 24, 2017

Take

Taking the show

ink

5 L

Elyse Schurg senior

Disney v. Pixar “Disney. That’s what I grew up watching, and I like the movies more because the animation is better.”

Never going to give it up PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER (left to right) Sophomore Emma Maddack and juniors Gabrielle Price, Micah Finfrock, Violet Doffin, Marissa Myers and Madison Haas sing together in choir. Finfrock has been singing for as long as she can remember and enjoys singing songs from Disney, the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” as well as her other favorite artists.

Finfrock expresses herself in musical arts BY ALEXIA WOJCIECHOWSKI feature editor

Everyday, people search for ways to express themselves. For some, that involves fashion or art and for others it is writing. Ever since she was young, junior Micah Finfrock has been expressing herself by showcasing her talents in music. “I love to sing, I love to dance and I love theatre so much,” Finfrock said. “I love playing the piano, and I would say I am pretty good at it.” Although Finfrock has not been a part of the cast of CPHS Theatre Productions, she has found other ways to get involved. These alternate ways have allowed her to continue to pursue her love for theatre. “My freshman year I tried to audition for “Charlotte’s Web,” and I didn’t get in. I auditioned for “Once Upon a Mattress,” and I didn’t get in. So I signed up for set paint crew for “Once Upon a Mattress” and “The Election.” For “Oklahoma” and “Fools” I was in the costume crew,” Finfrock said. Since she did not make the cast for the school’s productions, this past fall, Finfrock was involved with a Crown Point Community Theatre production, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Her part involved being the right arm of Audrey II, the main puppet of the show. Working with the puppet opened her up to a new hobby, puppeteering. “I really like puppeteering. It was a lot of fun,” Finfrock said. “I’ve been working with some adults, teenagers and some people that are in college. They were amazing and the cast was amazing.” Being involved with the production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” by puppeteering, also allowed Finfrock to experience other aspects of being part of a theatre production. This involved trips out to eat and other ways of spending time with the cast and crew. “I get to go to cast parties and things. I got to go to Buffalo Wild Wings with the one and only Audrey II from “Little Shop of Horrors.” They also surprised me on October 22, my birthday, with Audrey II singing “Happy Birthday,” and it was amazing,” Finfrock said. One of the biggest parts of Finfrock’s life is her love and ability to sing. While at school, Finfrock participates in choir and sings along classmates. While at home, she just loves singing to her favorite songs by herself. “I love to sing, especially songs from “Little Shop,” Disney or any other artist that

I really like,” Finfrock said. “I do choir a lot at school, and Mr. Woods is the best choir teacher I ever had in my entire life. He is the one who wants me to be professional. I think that he is the greatest teacher that I ever had.” When she is not working in music or theatre, Finfrock runs her own YouTube channel. She makes videos about “Doctor Who” and specializes on one character, Dalek. Her channel, Dalek Bieber, has reached close to 200 subscribers. “I have a YouTube channel which I make video blogs for “Doctor Who” fans and Dalek fans, which I call Dalek Subscribers or Dalek Viewers,” Finfrock said. “I do videos with my Dalek, who is named Dalek Bieber, unboxing stuff, snack challenges, question and answers called ‘Ask Dalek Bieber,’ giveaway contests and also live streaming.” Recently, Finfrock has become involved with another Crown Point Community Theatre production called “Winnie the Pooh Kids” where she is playing Eeyore. “I want everyone to come see the show. I am playing as Eeyore, and (the show) is running through March 31 to April 9,” Finfrock said. “Everyone should bring the whole family and come. It is going to be so much fun.”

“I could never give up on weightlifting because it has become a huge part of my life, and it’s something that I’m decent at.”

Making a difference “I would rather end hunger because it’s something that you can physically do. There’s not much you can do about hate.”

Magical places “Hogwarts because I think magic is super cool, and I watched all the movies growing up. It was one of my favorite series.”

Creative soul “I’d say a paintbrush because I could be used for creating art and making beautiful things while making other people happy.”

What do you

Think

What is your fondest spring break memory?

“My fondest spring break memory is when all my brothers and sisters came home for their spring break, and we played a bunch of games... like backyard baseball.”

“My fondest memory is going to my grandma’s house because she’s amazing. She makes me cookies, and we tell jokes to each other.”

Last year, I had never been to Florida, and I went with my best friend and her family. We stayed down there for two weeks, and it was awesome being able to go to the beach and get tan.

“I would say my freshman year (in baseball) we played a game where it was 25 degrees plus the wind chill. That sucked.”

“My fondest spring break memory is when I went on vacation to Hawaii, and I was there for a week and a half.”

“I had a fun time at my aunt’s house last year. We went to the pool a lot and were all able to celebrate passover together. It was nice to be with family.”

Anne Kutemeier

Chris Garmon

Reece Kral

Charlie Patrick

Julia Galto

Will VanHorssen

sophomore

freshman

junior

senior

sophomore

junior