Inklings March 2019

IN K [ [ ] L I N G S

Crown Point High School Crown Point, IN @InklingsCPHS March 22, 2019 Vol. 83 Issue 7

Read about amateur photographers page 6

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“Social media use affects students’ mental heath” page 8-9

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Read about senior Ryan Fender’s last season page 11

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IT HAPPENS EVERYWHERE

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Signs, misconceptions of human trafficking raises awareness to ongoing issue

BY LINDSEY BAEZA MORGAN TAYLOR ASHLEY REKITZKE MADELYN WHITAKER co-editors-in-chief editor-at-large co-online editor

H

uman trafficking is a major issue whether individuals choose to believe it or not. Although some may not want to accept it, it happens in our state. In Indiana alone, there were 59 cases of human trafficking reported in 2018 according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This form of modernday slavery is not a problem secluded to Third World countries, but rather can take place in one’s community.

Recent events in mainstream media have highlighted the severity of these crimes, English teacher Jacob Adam says, putting them more in the eye of the public.

Adams also believes that human trafficking infringes on one’s individual rights and should be pursued by law enforcement more vigorously.

“I believe that human trafficking is one of the most egregious human rights violations facing our world today. It is a form of modern-day slavery, and its eradication should be a priority for all responsible citizens, lawmakers, and law enforcement officials,” Adams said. “The fact that someone as prominent as New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been charged with exploiting a victim of sex trafficking shows us how serious and widespread the problem really is.”

With Northwest Indiana (NWI) being a major transportation hub with its numerous highways and waterways, NWI human trafficking coalition coordinator Darrell Hervey notes that trafficking is more likely to be prevalent here as opposed to more remote areas of the state. “(Human trafficking) definitely is more saturated (in NWI) just because of the access. Human trafficking, unlike drug trafficking, is a very organic criminal industry because you’re selling your product. Once you sell drugs or guns they’re gone, but humans can be resold over and over again,” Hervey said. “It’s

easier to jump on the freeway and go down to the next location. They use very similar drug trafficking and human trafficking route nationally and internationally. (Lake County is) definitely going to be much more saturated than Jasper County. Either way, there are obstacles. Even though we know that we have a problem where we are, people will still have a tendency to ignore it and not believe it.”

Some local members of the community also worry that because Crown Point is connected to major roadways. Credit recovery teacher Donna Velgos comments on this concern.

“I think it’s a problem everywhere, but with Crown Point being so close, even the Square being so close, to I-65 it’s pretty easy access to grab someone and go anywhere.

(Crown Point is) too close to a lot of different states,” Velgos said.

These types of crimes aren’t always what people perceive them to be according to Hervey. There are a variety of reasons a person may be trafficked. “(Human trafficking) is not twenty girls in a house chained up. A lot situations that I’ve run into recently have been family or family have been (soliciting) their own children. There are categories: there’s sex trafficking which we hear about the most, there’s labor trafficking which actually occurs the most, and then you have domestic servitude,” Hervey said. “There are some situations of domestic servitude when someone comes over here as a student and the host family pays them for service.

They either not compensate them right or don’t give them payment in exchange for that.”

Misconceptions of human trafficking are common, and are especially seen in prostitution. Hervey believes these false impressions can cause investigators to overlook potential trafficking cases.

“One of the biggest issues with prostitution is that it almost always seen as a victimless crime. Now, that’s why people are looking at prostitution and human trafficking because people are admitting that is wasn’t voluntary,” Hervey said.

Acknowledging that there are survivors of human trafficking, Hervey said that some still choose to turn a blind eye to the

issue. He speculates that this is due to the “We just hear all these stories about new and disturbing nature of these crimes. people disappearing all the time. You just (*Read about a survivor’s story on page hear about it for the first couple days, and three.) then it usually dies off because the case “Whether it’s pride or ignorance, I goes cold and they don’t have any leads on think people have different reasons. We it,” Huitsing said. “I mean I’m not really don’t want people to be living in fear frightened, but I know there’s a lot of either. It’s kind of like terrorism where people that are kind of scared or creeped we know it exists but we can’t have people out by those things because they never living in fear either,” Hervey said. “We have know what’s going to happen or if it could to take some sort of action against it so I happen to them.” think that human trafficking is such a new Working for the Indiana Trafficking concept that they don’t have the education Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP), to identify what it entails. People gloss over Hervey explains his role in the prosecution the issue because we know what it is but of traffickers as well as his efforts to make don’t get deep into how it happens.” the investigative process more cohesive.

Accounts of suspicious activity have Centering more around taking down the been reported locally. Officer Sean Steffel recounts a time where members of his family were in an uncomfortable situation.

Human trafficking is the fastest growing “Actually, my wife and second largest criminal industry in the and niece have been in a world, generating roughly $150.2 billion suspicious incident at a local retail store. They immediately worldwide. found an officer and reported it,” Steffel said. “The police were familiar with the person and although he wasn’t a human trafficker, it was an According to the Trafficking in Persons Report produced by uncomfortable situation.” the State Department, approximately 27 million Finding an officer and men, women and children are victims of some reporting the situation is form of human trafficking. key according to Steffel. He believes that is always the right move.

“If you ever feel threatened or something doesn’t feel right, call the police. It can always be 59 cases reported in Indiana in 2018 investigated,” Steffel said.

While Steffel’s family avoided danger, senior Tyler Huitsing acknowledges that some may not be 46 out of 59 cases as fortunate. News reported in Indiana were broadcasts of sex trafficking related missing citizens, Huitsing says, seems to https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2963.htm indicate https://www.purchased.org/indiana see human trafficking on page 3 https://humantraffickinghotline.org/state/indiana this.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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NEWS INKLINGS March 22, 2019

St. Baldrick’s event raises awareness, money for cancer research

BY CAT PADILLA JOHN JORDEN social media director reporter

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation hosts a shaving event every year in order to raise money for cancer research. The symbol of a bald head is supposed to inspire confidence while making patients feel more comfortable with their appearance. German teacher and Key Club sponsor Candis Carey mentions that while the high school has not been hosting this event for long, the community has always been a part of this event.

“It is only our third year organizing this and it has been in Crown Point for a long time,” Carey said.

While the high school has very few students and teachers who participate, there are multiple people from different Crown Point schools and the community alone who get involved. There are more than a hundred shavees as well as people who volunteer at the event.

“For the last two years I have been involved there have been about 120 shavees and then a lot of volunteers,” Carey said.

Key Club is also challenging themselves this year to try and raise more money for cancer research. The elementary schools play a big part in raising a lot of money and the high school wants to raise just as much, so the high

school is trying to beat last year’s record.

“We set it at $70,000 this year.

Last year we raised $56,000 and most comes from the elementary schools. We are trying to get the high school on board, but it is huge at the elementary schools,” Carey said.

This event receives a lot of shavees from school systems, but the community also gets a lot of volunteers as well. Mayor David Uran is not unfamiliar to this event and usually starts the event off by shaving his head first. There are also other businesses in town who participate by creating teams and the barbers in town who give their time to this event.

“Yeah, the mayor usually raises around $4,000. He often kicks the event off by being the first person to shave his head,” Carey said. “There are other parents and adults and some organizations, and offices create teams as well and the barbers in town from Man Cave Barbers and Sports Clips also are involved by being our barbers and donating their time.”

Junior Nate Tufts is one a the few students shaving their heads from the high school this year.

Tufts is also not unfamiliar to this event and has been donating his hair for multiple years now.

“This will be my 12th year in a row doing this,” Tufts said.

While Tufts hair may not be

PHOTO BY MADELYN WHITAKER Nate Tufts participates in St. Baldricks Foundation’s shave day for the 12th time in a row. Tufts raised $1,011 for cancer research.

long enough to donate, it can still be possibly made into a wig which can also make a big difference.

Another difference is all the fundraising and money raised that helps towards cancer research.

“Unfortunately, my hair is not long enough to actually donate. Your hair can only be donated if it is longer than six inches, but if it is long enough to be made into a wig they will keep the hair,” Tufts said. “I do also know that the money raised makes a huge difference. In my first 11 years I have raised over $20,000.”

After raising thousands of dollars, Tufts personal goal this year is $1,500. Once Tufts hits his goal for this year, he will continue to fundraise for this event because he realizes there is no limit to do-

nating for cancer research.

“My personal goal this year is $1,500,” Tufts said. “Even though I set my goal at $1,500 I am not going to stop fundraising once I hit that. I always try to donate as much as I can.”

Radio and television teacher Chris Gloff has been asked by multiple students to shave his head for this event and Gloff has always declined. This year, Gloff was asked again and decided to make it a challenge for the students.

“I wanted to make it worthwhile like I want it to be a struggle so I had originally said $5,000 and I thought it was a little tough and $4,000 is still tough but I’m hopeful that they reach it,” Gloff said. “If cutting off my hair can

raise $4,000 for cancer research and the students of CPHS can do that then I will cut it off.”

People who participate in this event make an impact that can help towards cancer research.

Helping other people for a chance at better health is important and raising any type of money or collecting hair for cancer can help multiple people.

“Our health is the most important thing we have, so to think of kids that are sick or have passed away from and to just give yourself to that and collect money for cancer research. I think it is just a good way to do something nice for somebody besides yourself,” Carey said.

Robotics competes at state level, sophomores prepare to take over team

BY HOLLY WAGNER reporter

After rebuilding their robot, collaborating with different teams of Indiana and having a good overall notebook, team 1233A went on to the state competition at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The competition starts with four teams picked to compete with each other. Two teams then pair up with each other to strategize against the other teams.

Through this competition process, teams learn how to work with different types of people. Senior Benjamin Baker has learned many things through his experience competing.

“Teamwork is definitely a challenge because there are people from different ages and schools different backgrounds and so working together with others is sometimes hard but the more you work together the easier it becomes,” Baker said.

As the programmer, Baker helps his team by programming the robot to go when signalled by command. Through working with the different aspects of the robot and its design, he is able to score points at the beginning of each match.

“I am the programmer mostly so I program the robot to drive through the auton-

omous period which is all pre-programmed so the robot does everything by itself without user input,” Baker said.

The second part of the match consists of driving the robot, where Senior Blake Deck scores points by flipping caps and changing the color of the flags to the side that they are competing on. Deck has to work against the clock and other team to get points. He also needs a lot of driving practice.

“I work a lot with the robot to feel comfortable with the different controls and with driving so I know what to do on the day of competition,” Deck said. “Such as lining up the robot to be able to shoot the balls to hit the flags and being able to stack the caps on the flag.”

There are many ways that a team could qualify for state either through the excellence award, which is where a team has a good notebook, a good interview and a good overall standing in the competition.

The other way that a team could qualify for a spot for state is winning the competition.

If all the spots are not filled then it goes to the highest scorers in skills. Skills is where one is by themselves and will try to score as many points as possible in one minute and thirty seconds. 1233A qualified

THINK AHEAD Apr. 1

April Fools’ Day Take advantage of this day to prank and scheme against your friends and loved ones. On April Fool’s Day, beware of those who want to pull a prank on you.

Apr. 2

ACT/Portrait of a Graduate Day All underclassmen will be doing standardized testing while seniors can take this day to explore their postsecondary options or plans.

Apr. 3

for the excellence award which helped with qualifying for state. Another part of the building process is completing the notebook. In charge of finishing the notebook is sophomore Kat Valente.

“The notebook is a collection of everything we have done over the year such as different brainstorming ideas and CAD which is a online overview of what are robot looks like,” Valente said.

According to Valente, this award is the highest award that a team could win to qualify for state.

“We qualified with excellence award which is an overall achievement award. It’s actually the highest award that someone vex can offer someone,” Valente said. “Basically it’s when a team excels in a notebook, interview and just with their robot in driving.”

Another important part of the notebook and the robot is the CAD program.

Sophomore Bethannie Bowen uses this program to take the robot and then digitally remake it.

“I usually help out. I help Kat with the notebook, and I help out by doing CAD for the notebook,” Bowen said. “CAD is a design of the robot online and then I print it out as different files.”

It takes Bowen a few hours to adjust

Apr. 22

Band Concert

Earth Day

This free concert is a preparation performance for ISSMA District competition and feature both the concert and symphonic band.

While environmental issues such as climate change becoming a pressing issue, take this day to promote the cleanliness and safety of the Earth.

Apr. 19

Good Friday Students can enjoy a half day for teacher conferences (inservice).

the robot using the online program. When adjusted, Bowen prints this out and adds to the notebook.

“I usually spend around three hours (adjusting the robot). I can’t really help out as much because I have to wait for Ben and Blake to do the changes to the robot and then I go onto the CAD program and adjust the robot online,” Bowen said.

Before they can start running the robot they have to build it and reset the field.

The field resetter, or the person who helps build, is junior Jack Targett.

“I’m the assistant builder so I help build the robot and then I reset the field every time they want to run autonomous,” said Target.

He also is important to the team through scouting, which means that he talks to other teams. He then tries to figure out what the other robots can do.

Scouting is important to the team because they need to know what to add or change to the robot so the robots can work together. This is important because one of the robots may be on defense and the other robot may be scoring points, it just depends on who we are with or who we are competing against,” Targett said.

Apr. 23

NHS Induction Ceremony New members of National Honor Society will be honored for their academic achievements and community service at the high school.

Apr. 27 Prom

Set to take place at the Avalon Manor, this year’s prom will be held on April 27 at 6 p.m. Themed “A Night in Neverland”, this year’s prom has a maximum occupancy of about 850 people.

NEWS INKLINGS March 22, 2019

A Survivor’s Story

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Human trafficking survivor recants story of how family raised her into life of abuse

BY LINDSEY BAEZA MORGAN TAYLOR ASHLEY REKITZKE MADELYN WHITAKER co-editors-in-chief editor-at-large co-online editor

Trauma can affect someone their entire life, no matter when it happens to them. While human trafficking is a heinous crime in all instances, survivor Mary Knight experienced this tragedy within her own household.

“I am a survivor of familial human trafficking. My parents used me in child pornography, and (solicited) me or raised me to be used by men and women,” Knight said.

Later in life, Knight realized her parents may have been part of a white supremacist group which exploited her. She speculates that some of the members of the group attended her church.

“I believe my parents used their group meetings to distribute child pornography,” Knight said. “I think there were some connections between the trafficking that happened through my specific

Christian domination.”

Although Knight was aware of the severity of her abuse, she had not considered it human trafficking. Now as an adult, she is making a documentary about her experience with abuse.

“I did not realize I was victim of human trafficking until I was looking for a physical sponsor for my film and somebody referred me to Shared Hope International which is a human trafficking organization,” Knight said. “I hadn’t thought of myself as a human trafficking survivor but I am a survivor of child pornography. If it is produced to be sold then it is human trafficking right there.”

Typically, a survivor of familial human trafficking can have a recollection of memories over time.

For Knight, the memory of abuse wasn’t apparent until she became older.

“I didn’t remember my abuse until age 37. That is typical of someone who is a survivor of familial human trafficking; having recovered memories isn’t unusual because it is a survival technique,” Knight said. “I don’t think I will

Human Trafficking

traffickers is Hervey’s personal focus.

“Our mission as an organization is really to be able to bring about a complete education and make sure that the resources are aware of each other so that at some point we are not needed to kind of bridge those gaps. There’s a huge communication gap of course, there always has been,” Hervey said. “I’m focused on the prosecution of the traffickers, that’s my motivation in this because we do have the resources for care, but what’s lacking is the intelligence network to put the systems together for a successful prosecution.”

Youth (12-18) are typically those targeted according to Hervey. He presumes this is due to younger individuals’ vulnerability.

“Usually it’s going to be someone who is more detached from family or their resources. The reason why they are trafficked so young is because younger people don’t have any control over that,” Hervey said. “There are a lot of youth that are easily manipulated and it usually starts off with some kind of sexual abuse.”

Given his line of work, Hervey has noticed typical red flags. These help decipher the line between acts of a common crime and acts of human trafficking.

“You can’t just take any one red flag.

You have to take them kind of together

ever need to remember everything.

I don’t think I will have to remember all the atrocities. I receive the memories as a way to help me heal or as a way to help me protect other people.”

Some victims of familial trafficking may find that they can only escape from their abuser when they become autonomous.

In contrast, Knight noticed that she truly gained independence when she received a college degree.

“I did feel like (being independent of my parents) would help me. Getting a college degree was good, but then getting my master’s degree in social work was just especially good,” Knight said.

“When I got my degree in social work, that was a good step for me to be on my own and then becoming financially independent.”

With familial human trafficking, building relationships with blood relatives is especially difficult.

Knight became dependent on herself emotionally as a survival technique.

“I had to get relationships with other people. I had to have a way to live life without any contact with any blood relatives. I

had to get to a point where I was independently emotionally. It was a survival skill that I had,” Knight said. “I have looked at friendships that were always important to me from my childhood and I really built on that skill of building friendships. They were different for me. One of the differences is that I would be so dependent on a specific friend. She would need to really be my sister and she really wasn’t my sister.”

Knight requested that her availability to help anyone in any abusive relationship or situation was included in this story. Students and trafficking survivors may receive a free access code to her film if they email her, and she can be reached at maryknighthappy@yahoo.com.

She also provides ways she has healed on her website that may be helpful for others who have been in a traumatic situation, http:// www.maryknightproductions. com/how-i-healed.html.

“I do recognize that this is very dark material. Whenever I show my film, I let people know that they won’t hurt my feelings if they leave,” Knight said. “Where

I am at now is more coming to terms with my mother,” Knight said. “If you see my film ‘Am I Crazy? My Journey to Determine if My Memories are True,’ you will see that it has to do with what aspect of me coming to terms with my father and just deciding my father, who is deceased, was never a father. I think that is what I am going to come to with my mother too.”

Despite the abuse that she suffered, Knight is appreciative of her experiences and how they aided her in supporting others.

She desires to focus on selfimprovement so that she can be a better mother to her children.

“I’m really glad I am able to use my experience to help others.

I’m not quite to the point to say I don’t wish I had a good mother all along because there’s things you just get from having a good mother that I do not just have yet,” Knight said. “Someday I will be a good enough mother to myself that I will make up for it. I wish I could have been a better mother to my sons from the time they were born instead of recovering while they were already children.”

continued from page 1 to make sure that’s just not one thing in the situation. (Red flags include) excessive amounts of cash or somebody that doesn’t have any identification so they cannot be located. A lot of the victims will be given jewelry, a specific locket or a tattoo of a letter or image that brands them as belonging to a particular group,” Hervey said. “(You may also see) restricted communications, physical injuries, other signs of abuse and of course a lack of knowledge. In volunteer or missionary work and the people have no clue where they are, they don’t know what state they’re in, they don’t know what they’re doing there and they were born somewhere else, (they may be a victim.)”

When in public, freshman Emma Depa talks about the red flags identifying possible perpetrators that she looks for.

“I look for people who seem like they’re out of place. They look off and not correct and creepy,” Depa said.

Not only does Hervey focus on prosecuting those who traffic others, but also he ensures that their victims are able to assimilate themselves back into society with the assistance of multiple social services that the ITVAP provides. Hervey explains that victims of human trafficking suffer emotional trauma as well as any physical harm that they may have endured.

“There’s a forensic interview that is put

together and then you’re able to pinpoint that it probably is or may or may not be a trafficking victim. If it is then you start to put the pieces together first with law enforcement so that they understand what they’re dealing with and then you start the social services aspect and keeping that person safe until we get them through the process,” Hervey said. “We’re treating the victim socially and psychologically.

You’re getting them placement where they feel protected and then at the same time you’re dealing with them and getting more information because not all of the details you get right at first. You gradually have to rebuild their lives.”

Education and communication are integral to Hervey’s role in preventing additional trafficking instances from occurring. He insists that bystanders should feel comfortable speaking up when they see suspicious activity to raise awareness to these crimes.

“Probably 60 to 75 percent of it is really the education and prevention part of it , and the other 25 percent is getting the victims to have the courage to say something. In your school right now, there are young men and women that are being abused,” Hervey said. “How do we look at

them and look at the picture globally and say this abuse can lead to something else?

By getting people to talk about it.”

For parents, as well as schools, educating and being vocal on the dangers of human trafficking is what will make a difference according to Velgos.

“I just really think that parents need to talk. I think the school needs to talk to the kids, make sure they really know what’s going on in the world,” Velgos said. “It is a scary place if you’re not paying attention to what’s going on around you.”

Hervey hopes that one day the ITVAP will no longer subsist and others will carry on spreading information and resources.

He hopes to see a day where trafficking is no longer present.

“Our goal is to be able to not exist at some point as crazy as that sounds. We need to put the information and resources out there where the system turns on.

Believe it or not, people your age are at a critical point,” Hervey said. “You can reach a lot of people, you can prevent a lot of people from heading down that path, or you can also identify it because there are a lot of victims in that range of 12 to 18. Our agency particularly deals with 24 and under but we educate everybody. Fortunately this is something that it is preventable.”

VIEWS on NEWS [Students’ reactions to events in our world

Miles Vickers sophomore

‘‘

I actually am a big fan of the show Riverdale so I am heartbroken about it. I think he was a great character and a great actor and I thought that he seemed to be a great person because he seemed very caring and nice.

A patient in London could be the second person to be cured of HIV in history. The patient has reportedly been in remission after 18 months of antiretroviral drugs, according to CNN.

World

‘‘

I believe that I feel like Indiana people don’t really put that much effort into healthcare so I could see why we are ranked in the bottom 10.

Luke Perry, beloved actor, died of stroke at 52. He plays the father of character Archie Andrews on the teen drama Riverdale and starred on Beverly Hills 90210.

Nation

‘‘

I think it’s disgusting, considering the fact that someone I know and someone I had a conversation with was killed. I haven’t slept in days Keighton Morgan because of it. junior

In a recent posting on Indiana News, it was revealed that Indiana’s residents rank in the bottom 10 of annual wellbeing in relation to other American states.

State

Area

Two teens were found burned to death in southern Porter County after being reported missing for multiple days. The suspect, who is now in custody and is being prosecuted, in the case is a 17-year-old Valparaiso High School student, according to The Times.

‘‘

Zoe Orosz freshman

That’s pretty good if they are finding cures for HIV since it’s a problem and there was no cure.

Corey Botts senior

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OPINION INKLINGS March 22, 2019

COLUMN

COLUMN

Posting on social media causes lack of privacy

Stop stereotyping people based on biased opinions

BY TABITHA BEISHUIZEN editor-at-large

BY ASHLEY REKITZKE editor-at-large

Recently, I read a headline focusing on the fact that a Cedar Lake teen committed a crime, rather than the crime committed itself. If I were stand in front of you, would you be able to tell I live in Cedar Lake? If you could, what made you think that? If you thought I was from Crown Point, what made you think that?

Was it the way I look? The way I talk? If so, throw it all out the window.

I grew up hearing different stereotypes about my community, none of which influenced the way I view where I live in. However, others are too close-minded to disregard this. It makes anyone uncomfortable to hear stereotypical beliefs about a group they are a part of. The stereotypes I hear about the town that I live in makes me uncomfortable. Not everyone is the same in any town.

Rumors I hear concerning things such as drugs, hicks and pregnant teens make me feel like I should be ashamed. But I’m not because I know the town I live in and that what is said is not entirely true. The things we see on the news about a specific group that a person is from doesn’t mean that whole group of people is nasty. It’s time to realize that idealistic town you think you live in isn’t perfect nor should it be.

This many not seem like a huge problem in the world, but it is definitely not helping fix the problem. Racial stereotyping is racism. Gender stereotyping is sexist. While these acts aren’t violent hate crimes, they are a form of degradation. One should not shame people based on others actions with the same race, culture or gender. Just because certain stereotypes have been around for years and may be a part of your everyday ideology, it doesn’t make it okay.

It is really simple. Stop judging others. Most of us probably would be offended by the judgements made about us, so it doesn’t make sense to do it to others. Get to know everyone for the person they are before you decide to try and define them by their culture, gender or any other factor people may use to stereotype individuals.

At the end of day, the world would be a much happier place if people would stop stereotyping others and start getting to know them.

CARTOON BY MADELYN WHITAKER

Never take safety for granted; heinous crimes like human trafficking can happen anywhere EDITORIAL

When one thinks of human trafficking, it usually has a terrifying connotation, as it should. Yet still not everyone knows that because of its many different forms, it can often be hard to detect not only in the world but in our own state. It can be hidden behind the crime of prostitution or general domestic abuse, but in reality end up being part of a much larger network of organized crime.

Living in Indiana, a lot of us think ‘that could never happen to me.’ We’re always warned of the dangers large cities hold, but never the dangers of our own tight-knit communities. Although Crown Point was named the fourth safest town in Indiana, that does not mean we should throw safety to the wind. The 59 cases of human trafficking reported in Indiana last year prove the state isn’t immune to similar heinous crimes. This can, and does, happen everywhere.

No demographic, no population size, no economic status keeps a population out of the wake of human trafficking.

With a busy vacation season like spring break coming up, it is pertinent that everyone becomes more aware of their surroundings and educates themselves on identifying distinctive red flags in high-risk places like foreign countries or airports. Taking extra precautions are fairly simple and very important. We’ve been told all our lives to take precautions such as to travel in groups, but often we begin tuning out advice after hearing it over and over again. These simple actions could be crucial to one’s safety, so listening when given advice is pertinent when it comes to staying safe. We must never take our safety for granted. It is always best to be alert and aware.

That being said, some individuals all over the world still choose to turn a blind eye to human trafficking. They still have a sense of doubt that it could happen to them or that this could happen in their surroundings. We must know ignorance to the situation is only adding to the problem. Educating people on ways to recognize abuse and how to get help is key. Watch educational documentaries, read informative books or research resourceful organizations. Do all that you can to educate yourself to help bring down human trafficking. Every person’s efforts aid victims and cripple predators. Be the key in reducing human trafficking in our state and around the world.

SPEAKUP

How do you think that you could take precautions to ensure that you are safe from dangerous situations?

Lizzy Gately senior

Grace Baker junior

Mason Eaton freshman

Sam Atchison

“I carry a whistle and I try to not say out past dark alone and if you are to stay in public areas, I also carry a flashlight on me.”

“If I noticed someone around me who acted strange I was call the anonymous tip line to keep myself and fellow students safe.”

“Don’t go into sketchy places.

Just be careful.

Don’t do stupid stuff.”

“Don’t go into shady places that you don’t feel good about or get a bad feeling about.”

sophomore

I’m sorry to say this, but if something is posted on social media, it becomes everyone’s business. Even if it is from years ago or if it was deleted, once it is out there and someone has seen it, it becomes something that can, and will, be talked about. Once it is posted and not just a secret, it has to be expected that anyone and everyone will know about it.

There is no doubt that everyone has once posted something that they regretted after. Whether it was posted out of anger, sadness, or any other emotion, there is going to something posted that should have never put out into the world. But just because it was an accident or emotionally driven at the moment does not make it go away forever. Mistakes happen and regrets will come, however, that does not take away from the fact it happened.

Posting on a finsta account is a common reason people get into fights or comment wars back and forth with one other. Just because some social medias allow limiting viewing access to only close friends does not mean it will not get out farther. If someone posts about their relationship, expect people to talk and post about it. If someone post about doing drugs or vaping, expect to have it talked about and for possible consequences to result from it. The person that posts it is starting the conversation so they are the only one to blame if it gets spread and talked about, not the people who pick up on it.

Twitter is also a common place to find subtweets and beef. Just because someone can formulate the 280 character limit so perfectly that only the person they are subtweeting about will know it is them does not mean that no one will talk about it or make up their own theories about what the drama was. The “What? That tweet was not about her!” approach will not save them from what they did. If they start beef with someone, be prepared to be talked about and tweeted back at.

Overall, everyone needs to realize that what is posted online is out to the world. If someone posts they are out partying, then they need to be aware that there could be consequences to their posts. If someone is in a fight and they want to post about it and make it public, then people are going to give their opinions and pick a side. Once the conversation is started, it will not just go away because they want it to.

OPINION INKLINGS March 22, 2019

INTHEIR

V I EW

5

Should there be consequences for past actions that have resurfaced?

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Crown Point High School, IN

Vol. 83 Issue 5 - January 2019 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

Olivia Wagner senior

PRO: “I think

it should affect you in the future because then it gives you an insight into their past.”

CARTOON BY DOMINIC THEPHASDIN

Carter Garling junior CON: “If it hap-

pened far back and this person moved on and is a good citizen still then the punishment should be brought down and not as bad.”

Brenda Avila teacher

PRO: “I think

everything we do has a consequence. It might be right away or in the future, but everything we do affects us.”

PRO:

BY OLIVIA BUDZEVSKI assistant editor

It’s become a common excuse to say that the past is just the past. Many individuals also claim to have changed over time. This is why they feel any poor decisions made in the past should be overlooked. However, when it comes down to it, one should own up to his actions. There have been many instances in which previous mistakes have led to the downfall of public figures. Some may argue that this is unjust, as the person may have been unaware of the consequences at the time. The idea that an individual is too young or naive to understand what they’re doing is incredibly flawed.

More often than not, the person knows that what they are doing is wrong. They still decide to see their plans to the end, though. It’s not until after they are confronted that they claim to have lacked the knowledge of their mistake. While there are exceptions that can be supported with proof, a majority of reckless acts are performed by those capable of moral perception. According to research, human consciousness develops early on in one’s life. A child learns the difference between right and wrong prior to becom-

CON: Andrea Whitehouse teacher “It depends

CON: on how long

if it happened five years ago or if they already paid their dues then you definitely should not be punished.”

WHATWE

THINK PRO: 10 Inklings Staffers CON: 16 Inklings Staffers

There is a difference between right and wrong, children and teens are aware of actions ing two years old. Clearly a teenager or even a grown adult would have the ability to discern whether their behavior is appropriate. One must think about how each choice has the potential to either positively or negatively affect the future. Sometimes it even gets to the point that the action is something done repeatedly by a person. This essentially proves that they were sentient enough to do it the first time and felt no remorse in replicating the deed. It can be tricky to decipher though. There are also several degrees of inappropriate behavior. Even still, each one has its direct effect on some aspect in life. This can influence the type of punishment that must be given.

Let’s say someone made a careless choice that risked the safety of others. If this is uncovered some time after its occurrence, that person should not be let off the hook for it. It would be unfair to all of the innocent lives involved. It would be equally wrong to dismiss an injudicious act done by a singular person.

Humans don’t exist without a purpose. Everything said and done in the course of time will persist throughout the years. In the end, people make choices and choices make people.

Everyone makes dumb mistakes when young; they should not define for life

BY TABITHA BEISHUIZEN editor-at-large

The person someone is when they are a 15-year-old in high school is not the same person you are when you are an adult. There are so many mental differences between a child and an adult and what someone said when they were a kid should not be the premise of their adulthood. No adult would want to have all their past actions of their high school shenanigans put in front of the world to see because they are in the past and should not define someone now. The difference between someone in high school and someone that is a full grown adult is big enough to have differences.

There are so many teenagers out there who are drinking and doing drugs underage, yet they have no repercussive consequences for them when they get older and these actions are illegal and deadly. If there are going to be major punishments or judgement for those or made an offensive tweet, there should also be punishments for those who were actually doing illegal activities.

There is also a difference, however, between actions and words. The standard between someone who put out an offensive tweet in high school versus someone who killed someone has to be different

because they are different. If someone is a convicted felon, their past life as a felon should be brought back up and looked at to ensure that they are the best fit to have a certain job or be in a certain location, but if all they did was make a stupid decision to post or say something inappropriate, they should not have to face that throughout their whole life.

Most of the time when it comes to situation where this issue has been brought up into the public eye is when it deals with celebrities. Recently comedian Kevin Hart did not host the Oscars due to controversy over past racist tweets that were brought up. He had however already addressed this tweets and apologized for them before. If the problem has already been addressed and explained, then it should not be a concern.

Saying or posting insulting or politically incorrect things is and will never be right, but a teenager is not the same person as a adult. Teenagers make mistakes and do things they will later regret, but that is part of being a kid and is going to happen. Most of the time when these things are posted they are meant to be funny or are posted with no bad intentions. The past is the past and if it does not have any long term effects on anyone, it should be left there.

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

Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings.

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

co-editors-in-chief Lindsey Baeza Morgan Taylor editors-at-large Tabitha Beishuizen Ashley Rekitzke associate editor Jessi Alcorta-Robles assistant editors Olivia Budzevski Emma Frank Erin Muller Ariana Setlak Alexandra Sulewski sports editors Timmy Abbott Henry Withrow assistant sports editor Gwyn Isaacs online editors Dominic Thephasdin Madelyn Whitaker social media director Cat Padilla advertising editor Elizabeth Gonzalez staff Asmaa Abdeldaiem Nolan Chase Emily Helmuth Jackson Hillman John Jorden Andrew Poeschl Noah Thomas Haley Thornberry Holly Wagner adviser Julie Elston

6

experiencing life beyond the building

FEATURE INKLINGS March 22, 2019

PICTURE PERFECT Photography

Photography provides creative outlet, career building opportunities

iL ION FE

BY ALEXANDRA SULEWSKI assistant editor

Photography is often used as a way for the photographer to express their creativity in a visual form. From finding a background, to setting up props and editing the pictures, photography is a step-by-step process that requires a large time commitment.

Junior Allyson Zdanowicz knows what a time consuming process this can be.

“It probably takes me three plus hours to edit a shoot,” Zdanowicz said. “Right after I take the pictures, I go home on my computer. I use Adobe Lightroom, and I edit my pictures on there a lot.”

For Zdanowicz, her passion for taking photos began after she received a camera for her birthday. She first started using it to take pictures of her friends.

“I got my first camera for my seventeenth birthday,” Zdanowicz said. “I took pictures of (my friends), and they posted it on their account and tagged my photo account. So I started my photo account, and people have been messaging me.”

Zdanowicz learned how to use her camera with the help of her sister, as well as from watching tutorials online. However, she has also been able to learn through personal experience.

“My sister taught me a couple things, and then (I watched) YouTube videos and tutorials on how to edit photos and take them,” Zdanowicz said. “Lots of trial and error.”

While expanding her photography skills, Zdanowicz has also gained opportunities to be paid for her work. In addition to photoshoots for family members, she has also taken pictures for local businesses.

“I am going to be taking 413 Dance Academy’s recital pictures, and they are going to be paying me for that,” Zdanowicz said. “A couple people have paid me for a regular photo shoot. Those are the people I mostly post on my account.”

Although Zdanowicz does not plan on pursuing a career in photography, she would consider taking pictures as a side job. In contrast, senior Joshua Colley plans on combining his love of nature and photography to pursue a career working for a

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSHUA COLLEY Senior Joshua Colley takes wedding pictures with a professional photographer. In addition to wedding pictures, Colley also gets requests from other students to take pictures. He hopes to use this experience to pursue photography in the future as a career.

publication like National Geographic.

“I want to major in journalism, and then take photography classes also, so one day I can maybe go to National Geographic,” Colley said. “I like nature and animals, it’s just more interesting to me.”

Colley first learned how to take pictures by working with a professional photographer. Over time, this experience allowed him to be able to make money from his work.

“I met a professional and he showed me the way into it and it inspired me to do it,” Colley said. “He helped me out a lot with my training. Then he sent me to a new professional, so now I work with him.

I’ve been working with him for the past two years and we go and do gigs like weddings, family photos and senior photos.”

In addition to doing photoshoots with a professional photographer, Colley is also contacted by students to take pictures for sports or birthdays.

“I’ve had kids come up to me in school for senior photos, quinceañeras, sports photos with basketball or football and those kids have paid me personally,” Colley said.

BY

THE

#

38.9

average age of a photographer

Statistics from https://datausa.io/profile/soc/274021/

33.3 percent of professional photographers have a degree in visual and performing arts.

Colley relies on himself for motivation to continue taking pictures. The process of shooting and editing his photography ends up with a result that inspires him to keep taking pictures.

“I kind of doubt myself when I don’t pick up the camera for a while, but when I pick up the camera and I shoot, and I come back to my photos and I edit them, and I see how good they turned out, it kind of inspires me to pick it up more frequently,” Colley said. “It’s all kind of self-motivation and self-inspiration.”

Similar to Colley, senior Corrin Hummel also gets contacted to take pictures for students. She typically is asked to take senior pictures, but also takes pictures for her family. After Hummel takes the photos, she edits them before they are sent out.

“I have done a lot of senior pictures this year. I’ve done my brother’s engagement pictures,” Hummel said. “After I do the shoot, I usually tell them I can have them ready by mid-week and then I come back here and I edit them all on PhotoShop.”

Hummel finds inspiration for her

108, 194 total

photographers in the workforce

photography through multiple sources, including Pinterest and other photographers.

However, her first inspiration to start taking pictures was her mother, who worked as a photographer. She then expanding these skills by taking a photojournalism class.

“My mom used to work at a photography studio when I was little. Then I took photojournalism my freshman year, and Mrs. Keene really took it off for me from there,” Hummel said. “(I) follow more photographers and try to find what they’re doing and compare it to what I’m doing and how I can collab both ideas. Or Pinterest expands every day.”

Although Hummel would like to continue her photography into college, it does not coincide with her future career path.

However, she would like to take photography classes if she can fit them into her schedule.

“I would love to take classes in photography, if my schedule allows it I would totally do it,” Hummel said. “I am planning on bringing my camera, but I’m planning on majoring the medical field. But if there’s time I’d love to pursue it.”

Jobs for photographers are expected to grow 7.4 percent in the next 10 years.

$36,999 average salary of a photographer

FEATURE INKLINGS March 22, 2019

7

Motivation types explain drive for academic achievement The pursuit of motivation is endless.

Everyday students have to find new sources that motivate their school activities. GPA, homework and college are among the many motivations in a student’s high school career. Motivation among students can be explained through various means but all tie into their core motivation of success or personal enjoyment at school.

The Journal of Psychosocial Research defines academic motivation as being “a student’s desire as reflected in approach, persistence and level of interest regarding academic subjects when their competence is judged against a standard of performance or excellence. Motivation is an integral aspect of learning. Achievement motivation of a student is positively related to their academic success.”

There are two types of motivations that can explain the daily drives of a high school student. These two types of motivations are known as extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation drive people to engage with their goals in a specific manner. Especially in high school students, these two types of motivations encourage them to complete tasks such as finishing their work or getting ready for college. The individual goals of each student determine whether they are motivated intrinsically or extrinsically.

Intrinsic motivation in students is do-

Why We Do What We Do

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Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

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Students who are intrinsically motivated may still have to set goals so they can succeed in school, similar to how an extrinsically motivated student does. Students can be extrinsically and intrinsically motivated at the same time. Huls distinguishes between both types of motivation.

“Students who are motivated intrinsically tend to see the daily tasks accomplished as working toward the big picture or long-term goals. Students who are extrinsically motivated may need more tangible rewards or praise from others to keep moving forward,” Huls said.

College-bound students may take harder classes for a GPA boost or because it looks good on their transcript. Smith explains students should be careful when doing this especially when factoring in how motivated they will be to handle this task.

“I think that students should pursue higher-level classes that they are interested in. I don’t think students should take a higher-level class if they tried that topic and they don’t have the passion for it. If they haven’t tried it yet then maybe they should because they don’t know what they are getting into yet,” Smith said.

Like students, teachers also have motivational factors when working. Students may not think about the motivation teachers must have while at school. Smith demonstrates why she is motivated especially as a teacher.

“I’ve always had the passion to help others and teaching is a channel where I can actually physically see a student learn something,” Smith said.

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Though some students like Suleiman have a clear vision for motivation, other students may not be as motivated and will need something more to inspire themselves in the school environment. School psychologist Kathryn Huls weighs in on how a student could build their motivation.

“Students can build motivation by setting small goals initially, reaching those and gradually increasing expectations for themselves. Along the way, it helps if students are mindful of their progress and accomplishments, paying attention to their self-talk and recognizing the progress they have made,” Huls said.

Many experiences and factors contribute to a student’s motivation daily. Smith explains the sources that contribute to motivation.

“I think students are motivated to earn respect. You are going from an age of being a child and being told what to do to now making decisions that are going to be your future career or future pathway,” Smith said.

Intrinsically motivated students with a passion for their subject are more likely to be motivated to learn and test well in their subject than someone who is extrinsically motivated in that scenario. Smith explains how eagerness to learn is important to have among intrinsically motivated students.

“I think they (students) need to find a passion or something they like. Because ultimately if you don’t know what you want to do in the future how are you going to obtain any goals if you don’t know what they are yet,” Smith said.

Ca

co-online editor reporter

ing something out of pure interest and enjoyment in the subject material at hand. A student who studied literature because they enjoy it would be an example of someone motivated intrinsically. Psychology teacher, Rebecca Smith shares her insight on intrinsic motivation.

“Intrinsic motivation with students is when they want to learn the information because they are interested in it. If you are going into pre-med, then of course you are going to work hard in biology because you are interested in it,” Smith said.

Extrinsic motivation in students is being motivated through external rewards such as grades or money. For example, students who are extrinsically motivated may not like the subject they are studying but will continue to study because they desire a good grade. Smith offers her thoughts on extrinsically motivated students.

“Extrinsic motivation is about students’ grades and sometimes grades aren’t enough to motivate a student especially if the class is boring,” Smith said.

Extrinsically motivated students may have an easier time staying motivated when a class is uninteresting to them because they are driven by the good grade and not the topic. Intrinsically motivated students may have a harder time because they are more motivated by what interests them. Sophomore Adam Suleiman reflects on how he is extrinsically motivated.

“I usually want to achieve something whenever I do something, so mainly I work for achievement rather than just for the sake of doing it,” Suleiman said.

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FEATURE INKLINGS March 22, 2019

FEATURE INKLINGS March 22, 2019

get connected

Suggested For You

turning the into

NEGATIVES Many people fear oversharing on social media.

What you post can give away where you live, your current location and other vulnerabilities.

Instagram

@cpkeyclub

@cphsstudco

@crownpointlatin

@cphs.yearbook

+ Follow

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Hailey Lawhead (12)

Mara Manoski (11)

Kenny Mills (12)

Twitter

@bestbuddiescrownpoint

+ Follow

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Morgan Taylor (12) Leah Surufka (12)

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the effect

SOCIAL MEDIA MENTAL HEALTH has on teens'

POSITIVES Turn off your location on all apps, and make all your accounts private. This prevents people you don't know from seeing your posts and locations.

Students can also let their use of social media outweigh the importance of their sleep schedules.

When scrolling through your phone, time can get away from you fast.

On the iPhone, you can set a "bedtime" in the alarm app that reminds you to sleep at a certain time in order to get a full 8 hours.

You can also charge your phone on the opposite side of the room to avoid picking it up out of habit.

Self control can be hard when it comes to using phones and social media.

It's easy to spend too much time on your phone and not realizing the time that is being wasted. It can become overwhelming.

Setting a time limit on apps can be a beneficial way to allow yourself screen time, but also to make sure it isn't being overused.

Social media cleanses can also be beneficial. Take the weekend for yourself and delete social media apps for those two days.

Use of social media during school hours can be suspicious because it can lead to cheating, sharing answers and lack of attention to teachers.

Rather than cheating on tests and homework, social media can be used as a studying tool with apps like quizlet. It can allow for students to easily work on group projects as well.

Since 2009, social media use has increased by 58 percent 38.8 percent of students get 35+

Social media can be beneficial, detrimental to students' lives depending on frequency of use

BY JESSI ALCORTAROBLES EMMA FRANK ARIANA SETLAK asscociate editor assistant editors

T

he access to technology has developed so much in the past decade that it is integrated into the majority’s daily life. It has become essential in places it has been deemed unacceptable.

With the vast improvements technology has born, social media is one that has changed the culture. For freshman Jovana Bajmakoska, social media has played both a positive and negative effect in her life.

“I think social media is both a tool for students and harmful to them as well. It helps people communicate easier, and it has made me more open and it easier to talk to new people. However, people tend to spend more time on their phones than they do with each other which is a negative affect,” Bajmakoska said. “Social media has had a large negative affect on my sleep schedule because there are nights where I stay awake until 2 a.m. just scrolling through Instagram and Twitter.”

Since the educational tool of the internet can be abused in a classroom setting the challenge of keeping students off phones has impacted the way teachers and administration respond to limiting the accessibility of phones and technology overall.

“The one thing I’ve learned as I’ve taught longer and longer is that the schools ability to enforce heavy handed regulation has diminished. I think we do a pretty good job, as far as I know. If I'm on the wifi I can’t get onto Twitter, Facebook is blocked, so how are we deciding what’s blocked and what’s not,” CPTV advisor and English teacher Chris Gloff said.

Buzz, Google, Quizlet and Kahoot are just some of the ways that teachers have incorporated a blended learning into a normal school day. While those are tools used both inside and outside of the classroom, the Remind and Groupme Apps have given teachers a way to get a hold of and advise students that are not in class.

“Our radio and T.V. kids at the advanced levels we have to communicate with each other during school for coverage if a student is with a camera at the other end of the school I can’t leave a classroom to go down there, so we have a groupme app and everyone is on it and we can make announcements we can remind them about meeting at certain times,” Gloff said.

Bajmakoska’s views on the use of social media and technology in the classroom vary as well.

“Social media has had a large effect in school, especially in the classroom. Since phones allowed in the classroom, most kids just sit through the entire class period just on their phone instead of paying attention to the teacher,” Bajmakoska said. “It can impact school in a positive way, too. You can use it for listening to music, which helps me focus, and there are apps like Quizlet and Remind that are good too.”

With hectic lifestyles from school work to activities one may not have the time to devote a certain amount to be social. Social media can give one insight into a person’s life even if they cannot see them. Online communication has given some the fulfillment they need when they are unable to go out, which can be vital for some relationships.

“I feel like social media has affected my life in the most obvious way, socially. It has allowed me to have more friends, and most of the people I’ve met have been through social media. Even if we’re busy and can’t see each other that week, we can still text and keep in touch,” Bajmakoska said.

Though communicating through ways of the internet can be helpful for some people or environmental issues, it can be detrimental to aspects of a person’s abilities. Social media has decreased the need for face to face communication based on how

convenient modern technology has become.

“Some things are evolving for the better, we are reducing our paper waste consumption but now the thing I love community, are we isolating ourselves. No matter how many breakfasts I make does it not matter because we’ve isolated ourselves with these devices,” Gloff said.

Along with the developments that have been made to better society, getting a hold of all of another’s information can be nothing but searching a name in a browser.

"My wife was just interested as to how protected we were on the internet. She put in my full name, normally if someone googles me they put in Chris Gloff and they come up with my jobs and rate my teacher some speeches I’ve made here and there,” Gloff said. “But when she put in my full name every address I’ve lived at including my current address, it gave the cars that I’ve owned, there was a link where you could get in depth information on me.”

The current generation and up are living the effects of social media right now. This is the generation where the beginning of schooling may have been non electronic to completely having to switch to internet based learning half way through their education.

Knowing a healthy limit for one’s self can be crucial for their well being.

“I wish I used social media less because I’m always on my phone and I really don’t do much because of it. I spend a lot of time on my phone, when I can be using that time on other things like hanging out with my friends. If it wasn’t for social media, I probably would go out more,” Bajmakoska said.

With anything comes benefits and harm, social media however, can vary depending on the person.

"It’s like anything in media today, there’s positives and negatives. The positives are we have quick access to information, we can communicate with each other in multiple ways," Gloff said. "But along with those positives come negatives in which students can get in trouble, in terms of disciplinary trouble for them but also could put themselves in a position of a risk."

snapchats a day.

27 percent get 11-30 snapchats a day.

34.1 percent get 0-10 snapchats a day.

What social media app do you use the most?

Z Z

Z

56 percent of

students say social media affects their sleep schedule. Only 44 percent say it does not.

184 students check their screen time out of 269 students.

"Social media definitely affects my sleep schedule. I'll constantly be on my phone. It's like okay after this video and I just keep going and it's never ending. It can be an addiction."

- sophomore Sydney Ottomanelli

9

10

FEATURE

INKLINGS March 22, 2019

Conspiracy theories provide discussion, promote social interactions

BY ASMAA ABDELDAIEM ANDREW POESCHL reporters Some believe that man never stepped foot on the moon. Others believe that, despite the scientific evidence, the earth is in fact flat. Even celebrities such as Kyrie Irving believe in these theories. Conspiracy theories may be as little as disagreeing with the shape of the Earth, or as large as believing 9/11 was planned by the U.S. government.

History teacher Donald Bernacky explains the variety of conspiracy theories and the meaning behind them.

“Typically, what a conspiracy theory is, is an alternative view of either a widely accepted historical reality or an event that occurred that is different from the rest,” Bernacky said. “There are so many different conspiracy theories that really kind of identify the belief systems of the people who hold them.”

Junior Rylee Garza is one of many conspiracy theory fanatics. She finds the mystery behind these theories to be the most amazing aspect.

“My favorite theories are surrounding things that we don't really know about, such as the Malaysia flight. It's really interesting to think about all the different possibilities,” Garza said. “A good conspiracy theory is one that makes you think. I like theories that you really have to consider and figure out in your head.”

Conspiracy theories can be spread through several forms of communication including social media, YouTube and in some cases, even teachers will discuss them.

“I usually hear about theories either through my friends or social media influencers like Shane Dawson. I've heard a lot of conspiracy theories from my history teacher,” Garza said. “I've heard about alternate endings to different events that have happened in history to modern day stuff we see on the news.”

Some may just be starting to enjoy these theories as they circulate. Others have been enjoying conspiracy theories for years.

“I fell in love with these stories as a kid just because they were so scary and lurid.

I realized it was that very thing that was attracting me to them,” Bernacky said. “It wasn't that I believed in them, it was that I was a fan and I think that people need to recognize that difference in themselves.”

Although these conspiracies are only theories, Bernacky believes they can give insight to those who believe in them.

“I love studying how conspiracy theories rise and who subscribes to what conspiracy theory. They all subscribe to one.

It kind of tells about where you’re from and your social or economic status. It tells more about your political background,” Bernacky said.

In the 1960s, conspiracies were more than just amusing assumptions. They were used as coping mechanisms when dealing with tragedies.

“One of the things that makes a good conspiracy theory is a bad or horrific event such as 9/11 or the assassination of JFK, things that are psychologically difficult to process,” Bernacky said. “When he was taken from the country so suddenly, instantaneously it couldn't be that just one man, one disturbed individual, could take someone down with this god-like status. People

would rather believe the theory than believe it was just one guy with a purpose. In the '60s it was a loss of innocence for them.”

Conspiracy theories can have many components such as where they originated or how much evidence is behind them. History shows that conspiracies tend to rise due to misconceptions.

“The Salem Witch Trials was all about acquiring real estate. That conspiracy was good old-fashioned American greed,” Bernacky said. “You had others that came out of misunderstandings such as the vampire scare that occurred in New England in the 1800s. People misunderstood consumption and would call it vampirism.”

Although conspiracies have a rich history, there are still several theories that make appearances today. Some even go as far as going under investigation.

“Right now we are embroiled in this whole thing and trying to get our hands around whether or not the Russians have infiltrated our government,” Bernacky said.

“The conspiracy theory behind this one is Vladimir Putin whose life is a conspiracy in itself.”

Some conspiracies remain small and entertaining theories. Others go on to become sizeable and serious. If taken out of hand, they may even become precautions.

“There are situations where you have to be careful and you have to keep an eye on the rhetoric within that conspiracy. It’s one thing to think that Beyonce and Jay-Z are trying to build their own republic of rap because no one is dying because of that,” Bernacky said. “It’s another thing to think that there is this racial apocalypse coming.

That's when things begin to get very dangerous and those are things that we have to

watch for amongst ourselves.”

When learning about conspiracies, it’s always important to pay attention to the evidence. Considering the source is the best way to do this.

“I always try to teach my students to use primary documents. I tell them about digital history, and I tell them to go back to the source," Bernacky said. "You have to consider the source and where these things are coming from. You have to pay attention to whose agenda is being served by this.”

While some prefer just to read up on conspiracies, others prefer to thoroughly examine them. Bernacky believes this can help reduce the chances of falling for false theories.

“I just prefer that we look into the abyss and we deconstruct it. When you look into the nature of this industry of fear, you immunize yourself against its ability to control you and you become much more rational,” Bernacky said. “You have to understand that now it has become a formulated practice on how to go ahead and sell these things to the people.”

Bernacky believes that while deliberating conspiracy theories it’s important to be open-minded and understanding. If discussed properly, they can be used as a form of unity.

“What brings us together is, in fact, the fraternity of ideas. We are a democracy and we are a marketplace of these ideas. That is always going to be an essential weakness,” Bernacky said. “With all freedom there is risk. Conspiracy theories are going to be the dark side of this. They've been with us since the Salem Witch Trials.”

Common Conspiracies 9/11 was an inside job Theory: Bush knew about 9/11 before it happened and allowed the events to take place in order for the government to invade Iraq Alleged Evidence: Jet fuel was not powerful enough to actually melt steel beams Stats: 54.3% believe government is covering this up

There is a cure for cancer Theory: The FDA has a cure for cancer but will not release it to the public because it will put many physicians out of work Alleged Evidence: The FDA spent millions that was said to have cured up to thousands of patients back in 1964 Stats: Four in 10 Americans believe there is a cure for cancer

Avril Lavigne is dead

Theory: Avril Lavigne died in 2003 and her family hired a look-alike named Melissa to continue her career Alleged Evidence: In a photoshoot, what seemed to be Avril had the name Melissa on her hand Stats: Avril Lavigne has four songs that hint at her death and replacement Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.teenvogue.com/story/avril-lavigne-called-doppelganger-conspiracytheory-death-so-weird/amp

Source: https://www.livescience.com/56479-americans-believe-conspiracy-theories.html

The moon landing was faked Theory: America has never successfully sent someone to land on the moon and instead faked it in order to boost national pride Alleged Evidence: The flag appears to be moving although there is no wind in space Stats: 24.2% believe government is covering this up Source: https://www.livescience.com/56479-americans-believe-conspiracy-theories.html

Source: https://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/practice-management/ newsonline/%7B930bf77f-de5c-4530-8a12-b05de287e502%7D/survey-4-in-10-americansbelieve-alternative-treatments-can-cure-cancer

The Earth is flat Aliens are real Theory: Aliens are not just made up sci-fi creations but instead are real creatures Alleged Evidence: There have been thousands of UFO sightings Stats: 1,329 UFO sightings were recorded in June 2018 Source: https://www.statista.com/chart/8452/ufo-sightings-are-at-record-heights/

Theory: The Earth is not spherical but is actually flat Alleged Evidence: Images do not show the curvature of the Earth and appear to be flat Stats: 44% of millenials believe the Earth is flat Source: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/do-people-really-think-earth-might-be-flat/

EXTRA POINTS

SPORTS INKLINGS March 22, 2019

11

WHATEVER IT TAKES

‘‘ I hope to win the DAC championship this year and qualify as many runners in the state meet as possible. I want the team to be undefeated this season as well.

Maddie Russin junior POLL Will there be two or more one seeds in this year’s Final Four?

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RYAN FENDER

40 yes 29 no OUT OF 69 STUDENTS POLLED

HOT TAKES

“Johnny Manziel signed with the Memphis Express of the new AAF. With the way he played in the CFL, he won’t be able to play in the NFL ever again.”

-Noah Thomas, reporter

Senior Ryan Fender in the midst of throwing a pitch. Fender helped the Bulldogs finish 16-8 on the season last year and him and the Bulldogs are prepared to build off of it.

Senior Ryan Fender heads into last season before going to Murray State

BY NOAH THOMAS reporter Senior Ryan Fender has done a lot to propel his career up to this point. Fender earned a full ride to Division I college Murray State University, is one of the top ten prospects in Indiana and is a scholar-athlete. The list goes on and on.

“I think I exemplify a Crown Point Bulldog through my work ethic and humility. I balance honors classes and baseball by using my time as efficiently as I can and with hard work,” Fender said.

Head coach Steve Strayer believes Fender has great talents that he’ll use in his college game next year.

“Ryan will have an excellent year if he continues to learn from his mistakes. He has worked as hard as anyone that I have coached. With Ryan’s background, he is like having another pitching coach on staff. If he can consistently locate his pitches, he will have a chance to be dominating on the mound,” Strayer said. “He needs to make a conscious effort to realize making mistakes is a gift; a gift to make himself a tougher player. Our players need to strive for perfection, but realize that nobody’s perfect.”

Fender has worked very hard to get to where he is today and isn’t looking back.

“I train year round. Typically, I train harder in the off-season than I do during the season but

I spend around two hours a day either working out or throwing outside of high school practice.

Coach Strayer has played a huge part in my success. The biggest thing I have learned from him is the mental aspect of the game. In baseball, only half the game is physical and the other half is mental. Coach Strayer has taught me how to be mentally tough,” Fender said.

Fender has played since a young age. He recommends for young players to just go out there and have fun. His fastest pitch was 94 mph. He says that he’s the most zoned in on the days that he pitches.

“A typical game day for me always depends whether I’m pitching or not. If I’m not pitching, my day is just like any other day. When I’m pitching, I keep to myself and listen to music all day. On days that I pitch I typically don’t eat a lot, just enough to give me the right amount of energy,” Fender said.

Fellow senior Marek Bauner has a close relationship with Fender and says his work ethic is tireless.

“Fender’s work ethic is like no other. He’s a beast when it comes to the weight room. We have a pretty close relationship regardless if we’re in-game or not. We’ve been playing together for a while, and our relationship is only going to grow more considering we’re in the same conference in college. I’ve seen his hard work,” Bauner

said. “I’m not surprised that any of our players are continuing to play in college because every single one of us deserves it with the work we’ve put in. I know he gets good grades and I would say he’s a very mature person.”

Fender chose to go to Murray State on a full ride scholarship. He fell in love with the school as soon as he stepped on campus.

“There are a lot of reasons I picked Murray State. I think the biggest reason was the feeling I felt when I first stepped on campus. I don’t know what it was, but I just felt like I belonged there. The atmosphere in Murray is very homey and welcoming, without having the hustle and business of a large city. I’m also a big fan of being outdoors, so I love how it’s in an isolated little town,” Fender said.

As for expectations for the season, both Fender and Bauner believe they’re going deep in the tournament.

“I think we have a very good chance of going far in the tournament this year. Our pitching staff is very deep and our lineup is going to be great. But at this point, we’re focused on winning the first sectional title since 2011,” Fender said.

Bauner has the same goal in mind, with thoughts of heading for a state title.

“Our goal is to win state. Anything less than that is a failed season,” Bauner said.

Boys golf looks to win sectionals for eighth straight season

BY JACKSON HILLMAN reporter

My moment of the month ... “...the 4x400 relay jumping from 39th in the state to 2nd in the state. This really helped our chemistry and confidence.

Senior Matt Hanlon Track & Field

The Bulldogs have held a high standard of competition on the golf course, winning sectionals the past seven years in a row. This year, the team lost one of their best golfers, Yianni Kostouros, but with returning starters and young talent, they are looking to continue their sectional streak and win back the DAC championship.

Another interesting change this season is that the regional course changed to the Sandy Pines golf course in Jasper County. Due to its proximity, players will have

home course advantage and will not have to travel during the regional tourney.

One returning golfer is junior Finn Kiger. He helped the team win their seventh title as a sophomore and is looking to improve.

“Coming into this season, our expectation is to continue our reign as sectional champions for the eighth straight year. We would also like to take back the DAC championship after a disappointing season last year. My personal goal is to make it out of regionals as an individual, and if we don’t get out as a team, to go on and

play well at state,” Kiger said.

The location change helps benefit the team in multiple ways.

“I feel like this will benefit the team due to the location and our familiarity with the course. We get to play a couple of invites at Sandy Pines during the season which should help to prepare us, while also giving an advantage over the southern teams that will have to come up.”

Coach Ryan Bishop also likes the change to Sandy Pines, and he’s very confident in his program and the boys future performances.

Bishop won the Post-Tribune boys

golf coach of the year in 2017.

“We lost a great player in Yianni, but we return four starters from last year. I feel our program is in a position that we can win sectionals and the DAC every year. Our regional course changing to Sandy Pines makes travel easier for us and a lot cheaper. Since it’s close, we can commute for our practice and sleep in our own beds the night before regionals,” Bishop said.

The boys and Bishop are looking forward to this season; they are expecting to win sectionals and compete for championships for many years to come.

12

SPORTS INKLINGS March 22, 2019

Indoor track season comes to close as Hoosier State approaches

COLUMN North Carolina will knock off Duke in the Championship

BY HENRY WITHROW co-sports editor

PHOTO BY JESSI ALCORTA-ROBLES Sophomore Jaelyn Burgos racing against the Chesterton Trojans. The Lady Bulldogs are heading into the final meet of the indoor season and are starting the outdoor year.

BY HENRY WITHROW co-sports editor

The long months of hard training are finally coming to an end for the Lady Bulldogs track team as the indoor season winds down into the seniors’ final outdoor season. With 11 seniors rostered on the team, leadership and hard work are valued most.

With the Hoosier State Relays coming closer, the team is preparing to bring home hardware. Senior Kirsten Macintyre believes the team can make noise at indoor state and start the outdoor season off on the right foot.

“I’m hoping we can perform well at indoor state. We have been training hard for it and I think we can really do well,” Macintyre said. “If we run as best as we can we can go to spring break and into the outdoor season on

the right foot. I have a lot of confidence in our team this year and I know we will make noise.”

The many seniors on the team believe they have two jobs. Coach Allison Florek thinks the seniors help coach the younger girls in ways she simply cannot. With nerves sometimes overtaking the young athletes, the seniors are there to help calm them and prepare them for any upcoming races.

“We rely heavily on our seniors at practices and meets. Our seniors this season lead by example and positively encourage the younger athletes. I strongly believe that the seniors set the tone for the season. I think our seniors have done a great job leading the team so far,” Florek said. “I expect us to continually improve and learn from our mistakes throughout the season.”

Along with the seniors lending a helping

hand, junior Maddie Russin says the coaches specifically craft each workout for each individual athlete.

“My coaches are amazing and they make each and every workout specifically for each athlete so they can make sure we’re pushing ourselves as hard as we can to improve our races. They are also super supportive in general,” Russin said.

As the final indoor season for the seniors comes to a close and the outdoor season commences, they are looking back on their favorite track memories.

“Throughout the years my favorite memories have always been our Friday night meets and staying in the hotels as a team,” Macintyre said.

The Hoosier State Relays will take place on Saturday, Mar. 23.

Softball seniors prepare for final season as offseason wraps up

BY GWYN ISAACS

assistant sports editor

Stepping up to the plate, the Lady Bulldog softball team is preparing for their upcoming season.

The girls have been training hard in hopes of reliving the successes of years past and going to the state game.

Sophomore Anna Holloway believes the team is in good shape for upcoming games due to the amount of preparation the team has put in.

“We’ve been working really hard on and off the field to get ready for the season. Preparing for the season off the field is just as important as practice; we have to trust each other as friends before we can trust each other on the field,” Holloway said. “We have a lot of team bonding and we all just spend a lot of time together.

We all give one hundred percent during practice as well to prepare

for this season.”

In addition to preparations, Coach Iussig is looking at what the team can improve on to increase the team’s chances of success.

“We are looking to be more aggressive on the bases this year.

Our two sophomore pitchers have a year of experience under their belts, so that should help, and the better they are the better the defense always gets,” Iussig said.

Iussig also believes that the team’s dedication will ultimately put them in a good place this season.

“We have had a great response from so many dedicated girls who have attended open gyms for numerous months now. The hard work that the girls have been putting forth the past few weeks since we started every day has really translated well,” Iussig said. “I’m hoping that every returning player

will take at least one step up from where they were at last year, and if we do that, we should be very good.”

With dedicated players comes an even more dedicated coaching staff. Junior Zoie Rettig believes that the coaching staff is what pushes the team to always put their best efforts forward.

“We truly have an amazing coaching staff that helps the team improve our abilities every day.

They give us lots of motivation and confidence to give our one hundred percent effort and help us when we fail,” Rettig said.

Although softball can be a stressful and demanding sport, senior Brooke Manhatton says the team always finds ways to make it positive-spirited.

“A special trait we have is being able to make everything fun.

Sports can be very stressful, but I feel like we always find a way

to laugh and have a good time,” Manhatton said. “This helps take the stress away and makes the season a lot of fun.”

Because the team’s bond is so unique, it is often hard for seniors to say goodbye to their high school career. This motivates the seniors to want to end their last season on a good note.

“I think it is different for me as a senior because I have an even bigger drive than I did the last three years. Knowing this is the last time I’m going to represent my school and wear the Bulldog jersey is what fuels all the seniors on the team,” Manhatton said.

“Also, I’m just wanting to end my career on a happy and high note and to be a good representation for the rest of the underclassmen for the future.”

The softball team will face the Portage Indians at home on Mar. 27.

It’s that time of the year again where brackets are being busted and money is being lost to the people in your pool who did the absolute least amount of research possible.

Upsets, cinderella stories and huge rivalries make for a terrific tournament every year and this year is shaping up to be more of the same.

Teams like Indiana and UNC Greensboro didn’t quite make the cut, but weak teams such as Arizona State and St. John’s slipped in. None of these four teams will or would have done much, however, so it is nothing to fret about.

With great first-seed teams like Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Gonzaga, a lot of lower seeded teams are hoping for the best but preparing for their inevitable demise as Duke and North Carolina will end up playing each other in the National Championship in Minneapolis.

Duke, obviously, has the three best recruits this year in Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish. Being one of the four blue blood programs in NCAA Men’s Basketball, they’re used to high expectations in the tournament.

The Blue Devils haven’t won a title since 2015 and this was the last time they were a firstseed. Finishing the season 29-5 overall and 14-4 in arguably the best basketball conference, the ACC, Duke is looking to make noise. Although their record looks scary, their rival North Carolina’s record is much scarier.

North Carolina beat Duke twice during the regular season but lost to the Blue Devils by a mere one point in the semifinals of the ACC championship. The Tarheels finished 27-6 overall and 16-2 in the ACC. Led by Cameron Johnson and Coby White, North Carolina is looking to wreak havoc on the right side of the bracket and eventually play their inner-conference rival Duke in the National Championship.

Both teams are coached by Hall of Fame coaches and are stacked with talent. Both blueblood programs are very scary and are the teams I believe will face off in the final game, with UNC winning, but everybody knows that anything can happen in March Madness. That is what makes it the best sporting event to watch.

SPORTS INKLINGS March 22, 2019

Boys track prepares for indoor state meet at Indiana University

BY ELIZABETH GONZALEZ advertising editor

As the last meets of indoor season finish up, the boys track team now approaches indoor state, which will be held at Indiana University on Saturday. Matt Hanlon and the rest of the team are determined to begin this season by making a name for themselves and meeting expectations.

“I am very excited for indoor state because it really does pave the way for the rest of the season,” Hanlon said. “Although indoor and outdoor season present their different challenges, they are similar in what is needed to overcome those obstacles. Persistence is a key component to succeed in a sport that is driven by willpower. Without the mental strength to withstand the agony of running, the experience of the race can be extremely trying. The best way to ensure that an athlete develops this mindset is through great coaching.”

Coach Keith Iddings has served as coach for 23 years. He is continuously aiming to build strong young men not only in running, but in life.

“Our priority is always that they are student athletes, not just athletes. We are always aware of this, and that their development as positive contributing members of society is more important than our athletic achievements,” Iddings said.

Junior Geno Christofanelli says the Bulldogs value the lessons that their coach has given them over the years, and that they’ll use them throughout their lives.

“Coach Iddings works very hard to be consistent with how we practice and what he teaches us.

He always tells us that we all are important and equally contributing to the team. I feel like when I leave Crown Point, I will not only be the best runner I can be, but an active person in my community,” Christofanelli said.

The boys are planning to take what they have learned from Iddings and apply it to the rest of their season. As of right now, sophomore Cole Simmons and the other runners’ team goals are not quite set in stone, but they are relying on building the best team they can and setting goals accordingly.

“Our goals as a team this year are to be the best we can be as a team. We believe that if this is the case, we can win the DAC championship, sectionals and potentially even regionals. If we could make some noise at state this upcoming summer, that would be great,” Simmons said.

Overall, the boys believe this season has a very promising outlook, and will work diligently to maintain the mentality they need to make themselves and their coach proud. This season will present its challenges as Christofanelli acknowledges, but nonetheless, they know they will persevere together as a team.

13

Baseball gears up for season after being ranked third in Indiana

BY TIMMY ABBOTT co-sports editor

Following last season’s unfortunate firstround exit in the sectional tournament, this season’s baseball team is feeling hungrier than ever to make an impact on the diamond.

The Bulldogs are just now finishing up their offseason and making the transition into regular season competition, having played their preseason scrimmage against Griffith yesterday afternoon. Senior Marek Bauner and the rest of the team are beyond excited to get the show on the road.

“We really are so hyped for this season,” Bauner said. “We are ready to get out there and start seeing some actual opponents, rather than just scrimmaging against ourselves all of the time.”

Bauner, who is committed to play collegiate baseball at the University of Tennessee at Martin, is just one of the many players on this season’s squad that have already announced their intent to play the sport in college. He believes that the Bulldogs have a lot of talent this season, and that they’re going to make the most out of that fact.

“I’m so confident in our guys this year.

We have such a talented team, and it’s going to be really tough to beat us. We have four Division I pitchers alone, and that’s not including the other college commits we have on the team,” Bauner said. “We are loaded this season and we all have the mindset that this year is our year.”

One of those Division I pitchers is senior Ryan Fender, who was recently ranked as the tenth best high school player in Indiana by Prep Baseball Report. Head coach Steve Strayer believes having so many solid pitchers this season should give the Bulldogs an edge, but he knows that they will have to display good control in order to maximize their potential.

“It’s nice to have a talented staff, but our pitchers still have to perform. If they cannot locate their pitches, it does no good to have talent,” Strayer said.

Senior Alex Rich, who himself has already committed to play baseball at Grace College, feels like everyone who’s planning to play baseball in college has come a very long way to get to the point they are at now.

“I’m very proud of the rest of the guys who are going to play at the next level,” Rich said. “I’ve had a great experience playing with them throughout these past few years and they have definitely earned it as well.”

Prep Baseball Report recently sent out their preseason rankings for the best high school baseball teams in Indiana’s 4A division, and Crown Point sits in the third spot. The only two teams listed ahead of the Bulldogs

PHOTO BY JESSI ALCORTA-ROBLES Senior Marek Bauner winding up to pitch against Lake Central. The Bulldogs are ranked third in Indiana’s 4A class.

are Penn and Columbus North.

All of the preseason praise that the Bulldogs have gotten so far has given the team a lot of extra confidence, but none of it is anything that Bauner and most of the team haven’t expected to receive.

“It’s a great feeling to be ranked third in

‘‘

We are loaded this season and we all have the mindset that this year is our year. senior Marek Bauner

the state, but we knew that we were going to be ranked high this year. We have loads of talent and we look forward to the postseason so we can make our run to state,” Bauner said.

High expectations often bring a heightened amount of pressure, but Rich says that

all of the seniors are ready to handle it and that they will make sure that traits like that trickle down to the underclassmen.

“Throughout the years, I’ve learned that there should be no pressure in any circumstance. This being our last year is only motivating us to get better, and us seniors just want to make the underclassman love the game,” Rich said.

The Bulldogs will play their first official game on Mar. 26 at Hanover Central, so they’ve been spending plenty of time getting themselves in gear for the challenge. Strayer is making sure his squad is keeping up on the little things as much as anything else as they prepare.

“We are trying to get the basic offensive and defensive plays down,” Strayer said. “We are working on our bunting and our hit-andrun’s to get our runners in scoring position.

We are also focusing on quality at-bats this year instead of our batting average.”

The Bulldogs will stay focused in on those things and more as they move closer into the thick of the regular season.

Girls tennis prioritizes conditioning to pave way for this year’s season

BY ELIZABETH GONZALEZ advertising editor

With hopes to consistently put hard work into each serve, the girls have started their season with their heads held high. The season started Mar. 13, but freshman Hannah Gerner and the rest of the girls have been putting in effort on the court since long before then.

“Before the season began we did conditioning, which consisted of running laps or running around the school. We also do ladders, stars on the courts and sprinting; some of these exercises continue throughout the season,” Gerner said. “Our workouts are challenging at first, but the more

we do them, the better we get.”

Although conditioning can be difficult, sophomore Payton Smith says it all comes to fruition when the regular season comes around.

“Preseason work can be hard, but it’s rewarding when we see all the work we did before the season transfer to the actual matches,” Smith said.

The girls begin their official matches on Apr. 8 against the Hobart Brickies. Head coach Brian Elston says the time in-between then and now will be spent sharpening mental skills.

“The girls have to learn to play their best, but when you’re playing a sport, panic can get to

you. They have the panic of looking at the scorecards and losing the match. If we can find ways to forget the panic, we’ll play our best, and that is all I ask,” Elston said.

Their team goals are to improve and win matches, but individually, junior Emily Rhee and the rest of the team all have goals that they will attempt to reach all throughout the season.

“My goal would be to play the absolute best that I can play throughout this whole season,” Rhee said. “I want to play number one for singles, hopefully.

But most importantly, I want to have an amazing season with all my friends, especially the seniors

before they leave.”

The roster still hasn’t been determined, but it’s something that can fluctuate throughout the season; therefore, it is not the most relevant thing in the girls’ minds as they enter tryouts. The girls are excited to build their relationships to be stronger than they were prior to this season.

Throughout this season, the girls say they will be aiming to continuously bring out their positive attributes and work together in unison.

The Bulldogs believe this will be a great season that will bring a lot of new faces to the forefront, and they’ll play their first official match on Apr. 8 at Hobart.

14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INKLINGS March 22, 2019

INREVIEW

ICE Sparkling Water Water tends to get boring. It’s bland, but it’s a necessity so after a while people may want to drink something that is flavorful, and ICE is the perfect thirst quencher. With its pleasant carbonation and wide variety of flavor combinations, everyone is guaranteed to find something they like.

Ben Platt’s Album “Sing to Me Instead” Former Broadway star, now singersongwriter, Ben Platt stuns audiences with his new album “Grow As We Go” as he tells his stories of love and heartbreak. Platt’s vocals are otherworldly and his songs evoke empathy and emotion from his listeners.

Orange juice with pulp When one goes to drink a refreshing glass of orange juice, they want it to be smooth and refreshing. Orange juice is perfect to accompany breakfast when it is not loaded with pulp and other vomit-inducing particulates.

Snyder’s Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzel Pieces

Pretzels have been a go to snack for ages now, but these pretzel nibblers offer a flavor punch on top of the typical pretzel flavor.

They come in a variety of flavors, with the honey mustard flavor being the most true to its flavor roots.

Charcoal face masks

After a long day of school and homework, a good face mask can change a mood so quickly. Charcoal masks are known for their benefits of deeply cleaning out the skin, while also not being too harsh. They come in a variety of different formulas, some of which peel off and some of which wash off.

The best of YouTube creators and influencers

BY EMILY HELMUTH HALEY THORNBERRY reporters

Cody Ko Comedy

Cody Ko is a stand-up comedian who first became known through the once popular app, Vine. He now boasts over 2 million YouTube subscribers, and that number is rapidly increasing due to his hilarious jokes and quality content. Ko’s most successful videos are with friend and fellow YouTuber Noel Miller, where they react to videos on the internet.

Ko is not only active on YouTube, but also hosts a podcast with Miller. He stars alongside several other YouTubers in the FaceBook Watch Series, “The Real Bros of Simi Valley.” He is currently on a nationwide comedy tour with Miller.

James Charles

Safiya Nygaard Fashion Reviews

Makeup

At only 19, James Charles is one of YouTube’s current biggest stars, as his channel has nearly 15 million subscribers. His whole channel revolves around makeup and beauty, and Charles is even the first male ambassador for CoverGirl. He has since released his own makeup products, and has an extremely loyal fan base. His fans are his “sisters” and they support him endlessly.

Originally starting off as an intern and then producing for Buzzfeed, Safiya Nygaard expanded her YouTube career by venturing out and creating her own channel. Nygaard often posts her trying out different makeup and beauty hacks, many of which become trends after posting. One of her most popular video types is trying out different fashion styles for a week. She combines hilarity with relatability as she finds fun in demolishing her makeup and experimenting with various online clothing stores. Nygaard never fails to impress her audience with her creativity and ability to find humor in the simplest things. Her sarcasm and jokes are of endless supply and they contribute to her millions of views on each video.

Emma Chamberlain

David Dobrik Vlogs

Similar to Cody Ko, David Dobrik started his video career off with making 6 second videos on Vine. Previously having just over 1 million followers on Vine, Dobrik expanded his following and now has over 11 million subscribers on YouTube.

Although every video is only 4 minutes and 20 seconds long, it is filled with a lot of energy and things that wouldn’t happen in our day-to-day lives. He is a part and is known as the leader of a group of YouTubers known as The Vlog Squad, which leaves people jealous of such a funny, close friend group.

Tasty Food

With over 13 million subscribers, Tasty is a channel all about food creations. Tasty is connected to Buzzfeed and is the most popular food channel on YouTube. The fun, overhead instructional videos of them making food always seems to pop up on Instagram and Facebook feeds. Their recipes are generally easy and inexpensive to make and are a great way to find meal inspiration. Shorter Tasty videos can be found on Instagram while longer ones can be found on their YouTube channel.

Lifestyle

Unlike other popular YouTubers, Emma Chamberlain was late to the game when it came to making YouTube videos. Posting her first video just under 2 years ago, Chamberlain quickly became famous for her vlogs and relatable teen persona.

Some of her most popular videos include the YouTube influencers, the Dolan Twins and James Charles.

Their group is known as the Sister Squad and the combination of their different personalities creates entertaining content that people love to watch. Only being 17, she decided to venture on her own and now lives in an apartment by herself in Los Angeles.

Jonas Brothers make comeback after 6 year hiatus

BY TABITHA BEISHUIZEN editor-at-large

Oh, how the tables have turned as the Jonas Brothers rejoin after 6 years of no new music and release their new single “Sucker.”

The music video features all of the brothers, Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas, along with their wives, Priyanka Chopra, Sophie Turner and Danielle Jonas. The single “Sucker” is currently the only released song, but a whole album is anticipated.

Rumors started forming weeks before the single release that the childhood Disney boy band may be making a comeback, but it wasn’t confirmed until the day before the single officially was dropped. The band’s social medias were also taken out of archive and it began posting promos for the release. Following the release, they also had a whole week on “The Late Late Show” with James Corden, in which they were featured in a variety of different games, skits and interviews.

In one of the interviews, they talked

about why they broke up and the reasoning for getting back together. The ending was due to Nick as he began to explore his personal career, but he was also very for the reunion.

After the brothers joined to film a documentary about their lives as a band when they were younger, they realized that there was no reason not to get back together and the timing just worked out for all of them.

The song “Sucker” brings back old school rock vibes mixed with a little taste of Maroon 5. The song itself is about how well the brothers fit with their wives and the love they share for them. The music video very well accompanies this meaning and puts a very eloquent feel to the song. Vocals are done primarily between Nick and Joe, as Kevin often times does not sing, with many featured solos.

With the constant upbeat rhythm, this is the perfect song to listen to when jamming in the car or dancing around with some friends.

In comparison to their old music, it is not the same type of music. The once Disney stars are no longer singing about the “Year

3000,” but rather their all too real relationships. While it is very different from their past, it is similar to other music that is on the radio now. While the song does have a lot of publicity and hype on it, that is mostly because they were a childhood favorite band getting back together, not just because of the song itself.

When it comes to releasing more music, there are no official release dates or song titles, but they did confirm they are working on and will be releasing more music. There is rumored to up to 40 songs already recorded just waiting to be promoted and released.

At the end of the day, the Jonas Brothers were a childhood favorite for so many teenagers and anything they release is sure to be a hit just from the fact that they are the Jonas Brothers. So far, the music is catchy and pop but it can be anticipated they will expand out and try newer styles since they are older and more mature than they were when they first formed as a band in 2005.

15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INKLINGS March 22, 2019

Vegan food provide alternate tasty food options

BY ERIN MULLER assistant editor

Many people around the world have switched to a vegan lifestyle in order to become healthier. The vegan lifestyle involves not eating and/or using any animal products. Finding and preparing food that is vegan can be very difficult and can also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily for people who are vegan in Crown Point, there are a variety of places they can go to get vegan food.

Lelulo’s, located on the Square, is one of those places.

Lelulo’s offers a wide variety of eats and treats. The environment is very welcoming and the workers were extremely friendly. As a meat lover, the vegan “meat” was surprisingly tasty with a good flavor. The BBQ sandwich was made with a meat substitute, seitan. The taste of the seitan was mediocre, but the sauce put on the sandwich wrapped it all together and brought a delicious flavor. The quality was definitely there, as every food item is made in the store when you order.

Along with the seitan, which is marinated in Lelulo’s own barbeque sauce, the sandwich was

rounded out with a miso slaw.

The slaw really helped to pull the whole sandwich together and bring out a savory flavor.

Dessert was hands down the best part of the Lelulo’s experience. The cookie dough brownie was absolutely delicious and was the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet vegan cookie dough. Dark chocolate was used instead of milk chocolate, which really enhanced the richness of the dessert.

Green is Good by Kate, located right off the Square, is another place that offers a wide vegan menu. Like Lelulo’s, the environment of the restaurant was comfortable and the workers were very pleasant. The food, on the other hand, was definitely mediocre. The VBLTA is a vegan BLT that offers eggplant as a bacon substitute on the sandwich. Overall, the sandwich was very messy and had hardly any flavor. The eggplant on the sandwich as a bacon substitute, was surprisingly good, but it would not be ordered again.

The best part of the sandwich was definitely the bread. Because bread normally contains milk and eggs, which are not vegan, the restaurant offered vegan

bread that was very tasty. Vegan bread normally tends to easily fall apart and not stay together.

However, this version had a great flavor.

This restaurant offers kombucha, made right there in the restaurant itself. The ginger raspberry kombucha was definitely one of the best purchases and was very tasty.

The only downfall of a vegan lifestyle is the cost. Due to the fact that vegan meals are mostly homemade, the cost of ingredients can really start to add up, depending entirely on where you are in Crown Point specifically, vegan restaurants are sparse, and there are limited options on the menu in the restaurants that do offer vegan items.

Overall, one major thing that both vegan places had in common was that everything is made right there in the restaurant. As a meat-lover, vegan food was surprisingly tasty and all of the food tasted fresh and had good flavors for the most part. Becoming vegan is definitely difficult and can be challenging at first for people just starting out, but in the end, it results in a healthier lifestyle.

BY JESSI ALCORTA-ROBLES associate editor

Reality TV portrays an unrealistic view of finding love

PHOTOS BY ERIN MULLER

Green is Good by Kate

Lelulo’s

186 S West St, Crown Point, IN 46307

186 S West St, Crown Point, IN 46307

Crown Point vegan restaurants Lelulo’s and Green is Good by Kate takes many by surprise by how flavorful their food is.

“The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann” exploits tragic event

BY MORGAN TAYLOR ASHLEY REKITZKE co-editor-in-chief editor-at-large

The latest true crime docuseries on Netflix, “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann” displays an eye catching perspective that will make any parent fear leaving their children alone.

This series showcases the reality of a suspicious event that no detective has yet solved. It has utterly shocked viewers who come across it.

A drawn out storyline makes viewers feel uncertainty about whether there’s a point Netflix is clearly trying to make. The eight episode series, featuring over eight hours of content, can almost be too much information. Writers

could have told this story in a more effective way by simply getting to the point instead of continually dragging it out.

It is unclear what point the writers are trying to prove, all possibilities are not off the table.

Since it is different than other recent series, viewers may find this style to be uninteresting or infuriating.

Netflix takes a journalistic point of view using former reporters that were at the incident in Portugal during the investigation. The show features news article clippings and front pages to emphasize the realness of this tragedy. Interviews with these individuals provides clear informations and vivid visuals of the situation right when it happened.

P L AYI N G FAVORITES Baby Carrots The crunch that completes any meal, baby carrots are the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

Smothered in unnecessary amounts of ranch dressing, baby carrots are perfect to eat on their own.

Aldi $3

White-Out Correction Tape Everyone one mistakes and with White-Out they can easily be covered up and fixed right on top.

This correction tape does not take long to dry and is super easy and smooth to write over.

The Dollar Store $2

WE’RE SO

OVER

Teenagers with nicotine addictions Having a nicotine addiction when your brain isn’t even fully developed can cause irreversible damage that seemingly no adolescent that Juuls or vapes can fully comprehend.

Juuls are for people who want to stop smoking cigarettes not for your mangoflavored nicotine buzz.

The first-hand perspective with the case adds to its chilling, yet captivating nature.

The usage of past video footage and photos takes the viewer back to the moment that happened 11 years ago. For those who enjoy typical true crime stories, this aspect of the show will interest them. This perspective allows for an interesting angle to the story, unlike other similar series on Netflix.

“The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann” ends with no clear conclusion to this disappearance which may cause viewers to find this uninteresting. The hardest part to remember that this a true story and these are real people. Viewers found this story is depressing and still hope to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Because you watched Making a Murderer The Ted Bundy Tapes Amanda Knox Documentary Cold Justice The People vs. O.J. Simpson God Knows Where I Am Mindhunter The Innocent Man check out “The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann”

“Married at First Sight.” “Ex on the Beach.” “Love Island.”

“90 Day Fiance.” “Are You the One.” “The Bachelor.” This is just a small list of them overwhelming amount of reality TV dating shows. But why? Do the people who go on these shows really expect to find true love, when the whole world is watching them and judging everything they do? Or are they in it for the fame?

In the Bachelor, a large group of women are all falling for one man and competing for his hand in marriage. Why would you want to compete for the person you love’s hand in marriage? In Ex on the Beach a group of men and women are brought onto an island in hopes that they will fall in love with someone. After a day or two, the contestant’s exes start to come into the show and ruin whatever relationships they have started, which counteracts the whole purpose of the show.

In reality, the amount of time that these people fall for each other is ridiculously short.

Most of them take place within a couple of months and breakup before the show even airs.

Those who genuinely fall for someone on these shows often end up heartbroken because the end result doesn’t fall in their favor. However, there are people in the opposite boat and are happy regardless of whether or not they end up with someone because they still got the fame that comes with reality TV. Reality TV is making love into something that it was never intended for. No one should have to have their heartbreaks and breakups aired on national television for everyone to watch, even if they did sign up for it.

Whether the contestants end up in love, hating each other or have moved on in their own ways, the idea behind it is unethical.

#TRENDING

BEST APP

A section devoted to social media

Slader Math can be hard. Not grasping a concept can be frustrating. Slader allows students to better understand their homework by allowing them to access worked-out solutions to homework problems accompanied by explanations to questions that are seemingly impossible.

BEST TWEETS “seeing movie or tv scenes with british drivers literally makes my heart rate go so fast”

“my diet exclusively consists various fruits and iced coffee and honestly i’m fine with that”

senior Emma Maddack

sophomore Ella Walley

@ emdillemma1128

BEST FOLLOW

COLUMN

@ ellagracewalley

@charlesavocado

Charles was the winner of the Try Guys YouTube series “The Barkschler” and has been making a scene on Instagram ever since.

This pup is a corgi that only has three legs after losing one when he was just a puppy. The content includes many awe-worthy pictures of Charles and his day-to-day adventures.

“if my neighbor doesn’t bring me back a keychain from hawaii im selling her house key on amazon”

junior Rylee Garza @ rkg2392

“The amount of people at Aldi stocking up for the snowstorm is making me feel like we’re gearing up for the apocalypse”

senior Riley Metzcus @rileymetzcus

16

PEOPLE INKLINGS March 22, 2019

Scouts Honor

Scouting offers valuable experiences

BY TABITHA BEISHUIZEN JESSI ALCORTA-ROBLES editor-at-large associate editor

Camping, learning how to tie knots and fishing are among the many things that scouts do.

For senior Benjamin Baker, he has been involved in Scouts from a very young age and plans on continuing to stay involved. The Boy Scouts of America starts allowing kids to join once they are in kindergarten.

“I first became involved in first grade, and I am an Eagle Scout now,” Baker said. “I have been involved for twelve years, and we meet once a week. We do service activities whenever the opportunities are available.”

Within Scouts there are various levels one must take between starting in Cub Scouts and advancing all the way to an Eagle Scout. Each level has its own list of criteria that needs to be met in order to advance. Baker is at the highest level being an Eagle Scout.

“To be an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank, you need to complete merit badges, you need to do service projects, you need to hold leadership positions and do many different things,” Baker

Scout Skills

said.

“There are many different ranks and you get them by earning merit badges, doing service projects, holding leadership roles and just doing basic Scout skills like tying knots and stuff like that. I have earned over 30 awards and merit badges over the years.”

Scouts does, however, limit how long people have to earn their merit badges and climb up the ranks. While many students do start out on Scouts at a young age, there are few that get all the way to being an Eagle Scout, especially with the 18-year-old deadline.

“You can earn ranks until you turn 18 and after you turn 18 you can then become a leader.

As a leader you can assist younger scouts and working their way up and helping them learn,” Baker said.

For many people involved in Scouts, they become very close to their troop. Many lifelong friendships and connections form.

“I have formed friendships that I think will stay with me for my entire life. I’d say that I have met a lot of good people in Scouts and I think that a lot of people that are in Scouts can say the same thing,” Baker said.

Time Management

The activities Scouts do ranges from local volunteering, camping, jamborees and more.

The main focus on the group is on life skills and giving back to the local community.

“We do a lot of different service activities for local churches, stuff for Crown Point like going to the Corn Roast and picking up trash. We would (also) do stuff for certain organizations if they asked,” Baker said. “There is a lot of different service projects that we have done over the years.

We also do a lot of camping.

We camp all the way from West Virginia to Iowa to Michigan, all over the place. For my Eagle Scout service project I built an information kiosk at the Korean War Memorial.”

With all the work and service that is done, there is also time for fun and bonding. Across the country there are approximately 2.4 million youth Scouts, and there are various events held for troops to join together.

“With Scouts, we drove out to West Virginia and went to the national jamboree, which is where there are like 30,000 Scouts from all over the world that go to this one camp sight and they just do a lot of fun stuff,” Baker said. “I got to participate in that, and it

Teamwork

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RACHEL WALKER Senior Benjamin Baker stands next to an information kiosk he built himself.

was really fun.”

While the time to join Scouts for high school students may be limited due to the age restrictions, there are still many benefits to be known from being involved in it.

It teaches a large range of skills that help in a variety of different situations.

Leadership First Aid

“Scouts has taught me a lot of leadership skills, it has taught me how to communicate with people better and it has taught me how to deal with other people in certain situations,” Baker said.

“Scouts is a very good opportunity for anyone of any age to join and participate in.”

Cooking

Info provided by https://www.theodysseyonline.com/11-scouting-skills-for-college

Student Spotlight junior Sydney Weiner I am involved in Business Professionals of America. I took intro to business my freshman year, and then I just fell in love with it. I really love connecting with everyone and having a bunch of relationships with people from different grades.

I will probably go to college for business. I think it has really exposed me to the business field and how everything works in there.

I am involved with business law and ethics, so I take a test over different law procedures and such. I was also involved with a presentation on broadcasting news, which I presented a video and talked about it. I got second at state for business law and ethics, and second for broadcasting.

What Do You

THINK?

What is your favorite TV show?

[ [ [

] ] ]

“Grey’s Anatomy. I like the drama and it’s entertaining for me. ” freshman Alyssa Madrigal

“Pretty Little Liars because it’s a mystery TV show that’s suspenseful, and you never know what’s gonna happen.” junior Ava Dzurovcik

“The Office because it’s funny and makes me laugh. It also always brings my mood up.” senior Tyler Smit