Inklings may 2015

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS May 22, 2015 Vol. 79 Issue 9

leaping forward

Bulldogs track and field season runs forward into sectionals

S Read about the boys’ track season this far on page 12

Police work, responsibilities involve more than what meets the eye

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM

associate editor

Movies make them seem heroic. Current events such as the Baltimore riots and cases of police brutality, however, have painted them as barbaric. As headlines highlight the negative, officers who do the job well must deflect such perceptions. Both officers and their family members find themselves caught in the middle of this prevailing attitude and their own realities.

For local officer Ryan Olsen, the responsibility of doing the job well was appealing early in his childhood.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a kid.

I lived down the street from the police station, so I would always see the police cars and fire trucks driving down the street, and, growing up, there were a lot of movies about cops, and I thought it would be a cool job that’s also interesting,” Olsen said.

For officers like Olsen, there isn’t such a thing as a normal day. Each day provides new situations, some that have the potential to be life threatening. Olsen discovered this early in his career.

“I went to the Northwest Indiana Police academy. I started in Gary, and my second day, there was a murder. A guy got shot nine times on the sidewalk. Once we cleared the scene, the officer I was with said, ‘We’ll be back tonight,’ and I didn’t think anything of it. Two hours later, we went back because the witness’ house was set on fire. Luckily, no one was in there, but it was so crazy. I had never seen anything like that,” Olsen said.

When police are called to a scene, Olsen explained, they

receive limited information, putting the officer at a disadvantage and forcing them to figure out the potential threats upon arrival. Typical issues during day shifts are city ordinance calls, but at night, the severity of the calls increase.

Many understand the physical dangers of becoming a police officer. The internal struggles, however, may not be as clear.

“The dead bodies you see, whether it’s natural, a suicide or a murder, you don’t forget them. That’s also a difficult part of this job. You don’t forget the stuff you see, and it can really weigh down on somebody,” Olsen said.

Having battled through such struggles, Olsen still values his job and sees it as an opportunity to help those he might not usually see.

“You meet a lot of good people that are having a bad day.

Not everyone is a criminal. Sometimes someone is just having a bad day, and you have to be a counselor. Sometimes people don’t know how to deal with certain relationship or work issues, and we can help them through that,” Olsen said.

Junior Jordan Al-Nimri hopes to work in the police force in the future, believing the job is vital to everyday life.

“Police officers are like soldiers for society. They make an oath to put their lives in harm’s way so other people’s lives don’t have to be. When people choose to disrespect that, it really makes me question why and question if they really understand the situation,” Al-Nimri said.

Al-Nimri aspires to be a cop because of the unique combination of helping people and the thrill of doing good. He appreciates the risks all officers take to protect others.

Money in the bank Scholarships awarded to high achieving seniors

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fallen Indiana officers names are included on the memorial in Washington D.C.

1962

• •

Get your gi on Students enjoy taking part in karate

12,501 local 3,063 sheriffs

15,404 police officer injuries due to assaults

when President Kennedy made May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day

police officers that are female

12%

about 146 police officers die in the line of duty each year

See police on page 3

Feature

News

17,985

state and local law enforcement agencies in U.S.

May 10 to May 16 National Police Week

more than

900,000

sworn law enforcement officers now serving in the U.S.

facts collected from nleomf. org, justice.uaa.alaska.edu

A&E Attraction adventures Chicago area offers variety of museums, zoos page 10

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news may 22, 2015

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CROWN POINT’S TOP TEACHER

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intheknow

PHOTO PROVIDED

Senior Mallorie Krucina and freshman Micah Finfrock pose after being named Indiana’s Buddy pair of the Year.

Crown Point High School students named Indiana’s Buddy Pair of the Year

BY LAUREN MASSOW reporter

PHOTO BY LISA KEENE

CPCSC Superintendent Teresa Eineman and art teacher Karen Cox’s students surprise Cox with a congratulatory message in class.

Karen Cox named Teacher of the Year by the CPCSC

BY LAUREN MASSOW

reporter

Art teacher Karen Cox thought she was just fixing a graduation banner. CPCSC Superintendent Teresa Eineman walked into her classroom with the simple request, asking Cox to take a look at the mistake.

On the banner was a message that was far from being a mistake. Cox had been named the Teacher of the Year by the Central Office committee of Crown Point schools, and this was her congratulatory message.

“She told (Cox) that she had to read a banner that they needed for graduation and that there was a misprint on it and asked if she could fix it. She opened up the banner and it said, ‘We’re proud of our talented ‘Teacher of the Year,’” teacher and daughter Lindsay Cox said. “She’s reading it saying ‘I don’t see anything wrong with it; there’s no misprint.’ And finally I had to say ‘Mom! You’re Teacher of the Year; it’s for you!’”

Cox has been teaching art for 38 years at various schools around the county. To be considered for the honor of Teacher of the Year, a staff member has to be nominated by other teachers, students or parents. After all of the nominations are in, the committee narrows the nominees down to five.

“A parent, teacher, student or administrator can go ahead and nominate someone online. I never found out who nominated me or how many people nominated me,” Cox said. “All of the nominations are then taken to a committee at central office. Central office goes ahead and narrows it down to five.”

After the top five teachers are chosen, they are called in for an interview about their experiences and teaching styles.

“When I went in for the interview, it was with people I have never met before.

(The interviewers) included a business owner, someone from the community, a parent and last year’s Teacher of the Year,” Cox

said. “We sat down and had about a 20 minute interview and they asked me questions like what my philosophy of education is and how do I differentiate instruction.”

Multiple students in Cox’s art class helped out with the surprise by bringing in balloons and cake after the banner was revealed.

“It was really nice that the students helped surprise me, too. It almost meant even more that the students were excited for me,” said Cox. “I was really excited that they were excited for me.”

Even with all of her experiences as a teacher, Cox did not think that she would win Teacher of the Year.

“I was very surprised, honored and humbled because there are so many wonderful teachers here. I didn’t think I would win,” said Cox. “For them to acknowledge and feel that I am one of the elite means so much. There are so many elite teachers here. I am so honored.”

In addition to raising $3,000 towards Best Buddies Indiana with this year’s Friendship Walk, senior Mallorie Krucina and freshman Micah Finfrock were named Indiana’s Buddy Pair of the Year for their commitment to friendship, inclusion and Best Buddies.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Academic Super Bowl placed two teams at state this month at Purdue.

Academic Super Bowl places two teams at state Academic Super Bowl placed two teams at state this month at Purdue University. The Fine Arts Team of juniors Susie Szymanski and Emily Fender and senior Eric Kim earned state runner-ups while the Science Team of juniors Saym Imtiaz, Joey Krampen and John Sakaleros and senior Justin Waran earned third.

Seniors honored with community scholarships at Scholarship Awards Night

BY HANNAH MORGAN

reporter

PHOTO BY MICAYLA WATROBA

Members of the Crown Point Community Foundation present scholarship awards during the Scholarship Awards Night.

Twelve years of one’s life is spent working towards graduation. One strives to hold that diploma in hand while wearing a cap and gown. Once that is accomplished, however, there’s the future. There’s college, and for many, that only results in copious amounts of debt that cannot be covered with a mediocre paycheck. Others, however, excel academically and are rewarded.

Scholarship Awards Night is held to help reward those students.

Scholarship Awards Night was held in the CPHS auditorium to honor students who applied for various school and com-

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munity-wide monetary awards.

Recipients were specifically selected by meeting the requirements of the organization offering the scholarship. 81 Crown Point seniors were given scholarships, adding up to a total of $276,000.

Seniors Nick Isaacs and Danielle Klawitter were honored with the Dean White Scholarship, which is the highest scholarship offered. Both students are able to attend a full eight semesters at a public, in-state college for free.

Isaacs was honored to receive the stipend.

“I was at a loss for words,” Issacs said.

“I look forward to taking full advantage of it.”

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Second semester final exams

Diploma pick-up and graduation gown return

Monday, June 1 1st, 3rd & 6th hour finals

Tuesday, June 2 2nd & 7th hour finals

Wednesday, June 3 4th & 5th hour finals

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Class of 2015 Graduation Ceremony Radisson Star Plaza - 7 p.m.

Klawitter, too, was thankful for the award, and she advises students to take advantage of their time in high school to work towards such an honor.

“I would really recommend to just work your hardest and make sure that you have something to show for your work,” Klawitter said.

Guidance secretary Diane Bowman is particularly fond of the ceremony’s tradition.

“I think Crown Point High School and Crown Point Community Foundation have a great partnership, and we are very appreciative for everyone involved,” Bowman said.

15 Summer School Begins Session 1 will be from 7 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. Session 2 will be from 9:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Classes will end July 24.

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news may 22, 2015

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Sprinting past the differences in abilities Varsity athletes team up with special needs athletes for track

BY TIFFANY CURTIS

reporter

The shot rings out, and, for many of special needs teacher Brandon Lorek’s students, it is their first time running in an actual race. Thanks to Champion’s Together’s Unified Track, students are now able to take advantage of an opportunity that wasn’t presented to them before.

Lorek is the special needs advisor for Champion’s Together at Crown Point High School, and he wanted this program to be started for both special needs athletes and athletes without disabilities.

“Champion’s Together became apart of the IHSAA as a partnership between them and the Special Olympics to give special needs kids the opportunity to learn and participate in sports with athletes who have not been born with disabilities,” Lorek said.

Lorek was motivated not only to give kids more opportunities but to also help students gain leadership skills.

“We wanted varsity athletes, who have been given so much not only in funding but also in opportunity, to give back to the community and help special needs athletes get equal opportunity. That involves the athletes organizing camps and truly instructing the special needs athletes, which shows great leadership,” Lorek said.

The effort began with the soccer teams getting involved first. Junior Jenna McCarroll was inspired to organize a small camp after a special needs speaker from Indianapolis spoke to all the athletes in an asembly.

“I’ve always held a great respect for the special needs kids, and the assembly really

inspired me to make a difference and show these people that special needs athletes are no different from us,” McCarroll said.

Since then, Champion’s Together has become more prominent at CPHS. One of the most prominent events Champion’s Together sanctions is Unified Track, which gives special needs athletes the chance to participate in five traditional track and field events: the 100 M Dash, 200 M Dash, 300 M Dash, Long Jump and Shotput.

Freshman Tyler Jones, who is on the track team and participates in Unified Track, believes Unified Track has given him an opportunity to meet students with different qualities than his own, giving him a chance to help the cause.

“Unified Track is awesome because I was able to meet kids with different strengths and weaknesses than me. It has taught me a lot about perseverance,” Jones said.

Junior Caitlin Fasano is just one student who has benefitted from this partnership.

“I love to do the shot put, but my favorite part is definitely being with my friend Michael Poole,” Fasano said.

The difference in the strengths and weaknesses has allowed the partnership between both special needs and varsity athletes to flourish.

“I think that the partnership and bond you develop allows you to rely on each other and really form a friendship. It’s extremly rewarding seeing your partner succeed knowing you helped them get there,” Jones said.

(Top) Sophomore Brandon Loney takes the baton from freshman Hailey Uran during one of Champion’s Together’s Unified Track events. (Bottom) Brandon Lorek’s special education class poses before the start of the Unified Track meet.

PHOTOS BY JACK SNEDDEN

Police continued from p.1 “When they strap on their boots, they know that there’s the possibility that they could die that day, but that’s in their job description and they still do it because they want to help people,” Al-Nimri said.

Family members of officers have become accustomed to feelings of worry. Attendance officer secretary and mother of police officer Jake Burkholder Carol Burkholder worries that people forget that officers in uniform are people, too.

“I think that people don’t understand that these men and women are putting their lives on the line every time they walk out the door,” Burkholder said. “I try not to worry about things until they happen, but of course with everything that’s happening

VIEWS on

NEWS

Investigators and volunteers combed through Roselawn with no avail as they tried to find missing Crown Point man Michael Hernandez. Hernandez has been missing since the night of May 1, and any information on his location should be reported to the Crown Point Police at 1-219663-2131.

Madi Marsh sophomore

government affiliated establishments to fly flags at half-staff and encouraged private businesses to do the same. Olsen and other officers do feel appreciated but say incidents of police brutality and violence during riots has led to police receiving negative media exposure. He also attributes part of the negative attitude towards people misunderstanding situations.

“Being a police officer means that, often times, you have to take control of the situation; you have to be the boss when you’re there because if you’re not, things get out of control. People’s emotions are high, and the job of an officer is to take them out of that situation. We’re just trying to help the situation out,” Olsen said.

Olsen acknowledges the fact that police brutality does exist but is confident that the majority of officers he has met are good people and want to help others.

“Not every policeman should be a policeman, but overall in my nine year career, the majority of the officers I’ve met are good guys and good officers,” Olsen said. “I’ve never met a cop who actually wants to take his gun out of his holster, let alone shoot somebody. Some people think that cops go to work and want to beat up people. That’s not true either. It is sad that some people have that perception. Luckily, most people don’t have such a negative view of cops and understand, or at least try to understand, what we do.”

Student reaction to events in our world

Area Search for missing Crown Point man continues

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with the police and the whole country, in the back of my mind, I do worry.”

Her worries are not unwarranted. In the year and a half her son has been in the police force, he has attended two funerals for fellow officers.

“I would say the most difficult part (of having a family member in the police force) is knowing that the culture is trending towards negativity towards the police.

It’s just heartbreaking. There is so much anger towards police, but they’re the first people you call when you get into trouble,” Burkholder said.

The week of May 10-16 marks Police Appreciation Week. To honor fallen officers, Governor Mike Pence ordered all

He and his family are in my prayers.

I hope for his safe and quick return home.

State Indiana General Assembly finishes 2015 session

After an eventful 2015 session that included a new representative for Crown Point, the passing of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the removal of State Superintendent Glenda Ritz from the state school board, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) has ended its 2015 session.

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Alissa Perry freshman

I think they shouldn’t have kicked her off the board and RFRA should have never happened. Our lawmakers have done a bad job.

Nation IS claims responsibility World Celebrations mark 70th anniversary of V-E Day for Texas terrorist attack The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack at a drawing contest of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad held in Garland, Texas. No civilians were killed in the shootings, and police were able to expel the threat despite the fact that the two suspects wore body armor.

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Julius Kirk junior

I think it’s terrible.

It’s awful and everyone should be loved and tolerated. A person is a person, no matter how small.

In the annual tradition of celebrating German surrender in World War II, nations across Europe and the world celebrated Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day for the 70th time. Russian President Vladimir Putin invited several world leaders to his nation’s parade, but most western leaders turned down the invite.

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Logan Dexter senior

I think it’s a good idea to turn down Putin’s invite because he’s causing a lot of trouble in Ukraine.

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opinion may 22, 2015

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speakup

It’s time we finally beat the bullying bystander effect

What do you think teachers do in their free time?

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

It’s been a full four years now, and at the start of every one, I tell myself the same four words: this is the year.

This is the year someone will finally speak up. This is the year someone will be bold enough to do what’s right when everyone around him or her is doing what’s wrong.

This is the year someone beats the bystander effect.

But every year, I’m wrong.

We’re always too hesitant to step in, always think that someone else will intervene. We let ourselves rationalize reasons why we shouldn’t be the ones to take a stand, and, in the end, we stay silent, let another person fall victim to verbal or even physical abuse.

Reality is, someone needs to step in, and, sometimes, that someone needs to be us.

We need to recognize that, yes, it is our problem. When someone is being belittled or has insensitive remarks thrown their way, it’s everyone’s problem. A fellow peer is having his or her well-being jeopardized, and if that isn’t reason enough to step in, the offender is creating an environment where students must enter every day feeling threatened or unsafe. That’s not an environment we should be tolerating.

“I don’t really know him or her” is not an excuse, either.

The second we think that is the second we decide someone is not important enough for our help.

It’s not easy to speak up in the moment; that’s no secret. But there are subtle ways to speak out. Reach out to the victim.

One simple text to let them know that what happened was wrong can go miles in terms of showing your support.

Bullying is and may continue to be a problem for a while, but we are the solution. We may not directly resolve the issue or eliminate bullying all together, and we certainly don’t want to be caught in the middle of the crossfire.

But by standing up for what we know is right, by refusing to stay silent when someone else is being harmed, we are pushing for a cultural change. We’re acknowledging that, yes, we can slowly but surely begin to make a difference in the situation. And as my own high school career comes to a close, I ask you underclassmen to do me one favor: Make next year that year.

CARTOON BY COLLIN RAISER

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Kirsten Verdegen freshman

iew: Avoid excessive laziness during summer break

Summer---a small, six-letter word that contains so much meaning. Summer means the end to another school year, the start of another two months filled with vacations and relaxations. It means hours by the pool, little to no homework and, for many, freedom from daunting responsibilities.

But as we approach the conclusion of nine months filled with the same daily routines, it’s important to remember what else summer represents: time. In seven short school days, we won’t be spending eight hours a day in classes. That’s eight hours of our life granted back to us.

Now it’s time to use them right.

While fun and rest are essential for a balanced and healthy life, it’s just as important not to get carried away and fall victim to excessive laziness. We have an opportunity the next two months to dedicate our time to things we used to be too busy to handle.

Getting a summer job, working at an internship, volunteering at a local charity---all are ways we can utilize our time off.

The benefits that come with seeking out and utilizing jobs, internships and volunteer work far outweigh those that come with doing nothing. A summer job has the potential to be a heavy contributor to college funds. Internships are ways to gauge our interests in a specific field, guide our passions in the right direction and give us a head start towards a credible resume. And while volunteer work has no financial benefits, the time spent at a local YMCA or food shelter has the power to provide insight we otherwise could have ignored.

Breaks like this only come once a year, and there’s no guarantee where we’ll be or what we’ll be doing when summer comes back around. Opportunities and open windows for involvement are getting slimmer, too, and it’s vital as high school students that we stick our foot in the door while we still can.

Now is our chance to do just that.

editorial

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Crown Point High School, IN

Vol. 79 Issue 9 May 22, 2015 1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

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.

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

“I think that teachers just grade papers and watch T.V. when they aren’t in school.”

Renz Buenavista sophomore “I think teachers do what they teach, that gym teachers are into fitness and social studies teachers are into history.”

Kaitlyn Dillion junior “Teachers probably spend time with their kids and do other things that regular people do.”

Daniel Sanchez senior “Teachers probably spend a good hour grading homework when they go home.”

online editor Sam Barloga sports editors Jackie Van Der Wey Dylan Wallace advertising editor Hannah Bauner chief photographer Jack Snedden photographers Jill Kidder Micayla Watroba

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

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opinion may 22, 2015

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Should homework be assigned over the summer?

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Live out high school to its fullest extent

BY OLIVIA ELSTON

editor-at-large

CARTOON BY ARRIANA RAINWATER

Pro:

Con:

Summer homework provides students with a way to stay mentally active

Summer is about relaxing and cleansing the mind, not doing homework

BY CHRIS REKITZKE

BY VERDA MIRZA

Three months—approximately the amount of time summer break is. For some, these are three months of get-togethers, sun bathing or trips to near and distant lands. But for others, the three months are an offseason of the mind. As opposed to rigorous workouts and tests of strength, it instead consists of writing essays and reading novels, and rightfully so.

As the summer progresses, a vast amount of information has the potential to be lost. Math equations turn to archaic lines. Critical grammar knowledge is lost; the difference between “your” and “you’re” quickly fades. By the time summer ends and school starts back up, the mind of a 16-year-old is that of a 10-year-old. Hyperbolized to an extent, the point remains sincere: over the summer, students lose material they learned over the course of the year.

This can be solved, however, with summer homework. Classes nationwide, particularly those of honor or AP merit, already employ this tactic. For instance, AP United States History tasks students over the course of a summer to cover and write essays based on the first chapter of material while AP English Literature for incoming juniors expects students to read two books, analyze and then test over once they return. By doing these assignments, students both keep their minds active and are prepared for their upcoming courses and even prepared for their specific AP exams.

However, the system isn’t exactly perfect. There are assignments that students are not capable of completing. Students cannot be expected to teach themselves calculus equations, but as long as summer homework assignments are within reason, their benefits are unlimited.

These homework assignments are also not expected to be done all at once. There is a certain amount of pacing involved in the tasks assigned. Most are not designed to be done the week or day before the first day of school.

Furthermore, three months, roughly, is a long time, a long enough time to do the assigned tasks while also relaxing. In the end, it may be worth it.

Summer and homework: two things that should not go together.

Summer break was invented to be able to relax and clear the mind of stress and anxiety that builds up throughout the school year, not to keep building up more stress.

For the majority of the year, students are in school, so why can’t some teachers let students relax for only three months out of the year?

Some give the reason that summer homework is supposed to keep student minds challenged because three months makes students into cavemen and forget their ABCs. However, three months of not doing AP Calculus or reading novels for English class isn’t going to make students unintelligent. In fact, three months away from anything related to school is good for the mind to regenerate and start fresh for the new school year.

Furthermore, most of the time when summer homework is assigned, teachers don’t even spend more than two to three days on the homework. For example, summer reading assignments ask students to read the novels, begin school year by taking a test and then do nothing with the material after a few days of discussion.

Most schools believe these summer assignments help keep material fresh in students’ minds when the new school year begins and teachers don’t have to review as much. However, if a student can’t remember how to multiply fractions, maybe the material simply wasn’t taught well enough.

Also, students could be doing an assignment all wrong without a teacher there to help, so it defeats the whole point of keeping students intelligent when they can’t even do a problem to begin with.

It’s a wide known fact that students aren’t the biggest advocates of school. Students begin the year already counting down the last day, and the presence of summer homework they were assigned is a constant reminder that school will begin, causing stress to build up.

Summer is the time of unstructured lifestyle where students can be more at ease and enjoy life beyond a desk, and nothing---not even summer homework---should change that.

12 Inklings staffers agree

15 Inklings staffers agree

reporter

Adrian Brown

editor-at-large

senior

Ashlyn Morin

“Some of it is unnecessary, but a lot of the AP stuff is necessary. It prepares you for the AP test because you take that test in May, so you lose months of preparation without it.”

Jason McGee

junior

“I see no benefit of (summer homework), and I’ve done so much of it. The AP U.S. assignment was just homework for the sake of homework.”

math teacher

“I think there should be homework.

We do a summer assignment for AP Calculus because it allows us to keep sharp on our skills so we don’t have to waste time during the year.”

Sarah Robertson

Latin teacher

“Kids shouldn’t have homework over the summer. I think kids should have time to be kids and relax. They can go to school for the rest of the year.”

Another school year is approaching its end, and for the seniors, the end of high school.

But this is for the underclassmen, the ones who will be returning to the high school routine. This is for the underclassmen because as, I approach my final days left of high school, I realize that all I have left to give is advice to help all of you appreciate high school, even when leaving it is the only thing running through minds.

To the freshmen: you will finally not have the tag of “freshman.” A new group will fill those shoes, but remember how you felt as a freshman, so don’t think it is decent to go around picking on the new ones; you were just one, so you know how it feels the most. The workload is more taxing as sophomore year begins, so be prepared and start off strong. Don’t slack on grades, because it is so much harder to make up a deficit than to start at the top. Hard work does pay off in the end; trust me. One last thing: join as many activities as you can. Relationships that are formed there are the ones that are cherished.

To the sophomores: you are officially halfway done with your high school careers. My advice is to not get sucked up into the popularity aspect of high school.

Never try and change yourself just to “fit in.” Once senior year hits, no one cares what you wear or who you hang out with. Just be yourself and be friends with people who are actually a good fit for you. And, also, you are approaching the most important year: junior year. Take challenging classes and focus. This is the year that is most important for college, so don’t mess up.

To the juniors: you are so close. College consumes all thoughts but don’t forget to take in all the final moments of high school. This upcoming year is it.

It will be the last time to be part of a high school and be a high schooler because in life you only go through it once. Don’t take it for granted; you are not too old or cool to attend games, to go to dances, to be in clubs. Take it from me who is now done: live it up because we seniors are now passing the torch onto you all.

High school flies by way too fast, and it is hard to realize my time is up. But even as the class of 2015 prepares to leave, we know there will always be a part of us that will forever remain a Bulldog. Good luck, CPHS.

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feature may 22, 2015

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i on life experiencing a different perspective

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I think this program can help you decide what you want to do for a career if you don’t already know.

Alyssa Harvey senior

One year later

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Senior Kelsea Costello speaks her lines into the microphone. She currently interns for WJOB radio located in Hammond, IN. Costello has read weather updates on air for the station.

Senior students reflect on what was learned during internships Life after high school--a time that teachers and administrators at Crown Point High School convey to their students often. Whether those days consist of a college education or involve entering directly into the workforce, programs have been established to ensure that students have a head start on their futures.

The opportunity to intern is one of those programs, and students such as seniors Marco Mendez, Alyssa Harvey and Kelsea Costello have taken advantage of this newly implemented program.

Mendez, who hopes to pursue a career in criminal justice, interns for the Crown Point Police Department.

“I like going around and helping people, so that’s what kind of sparked my interest in interning there. It was between capstone and an internship, and I didn’t want to just go to school and have to go to work. It was something that bettered my future, so when the internship came up, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me,” Mendez said.

During his time interning, Mendez teaches the D.A.R.E. program to elementary school students, learns about how police and detectives work and gets to experience life in law enforcement.

“I’m learning a lot about not just law enforcement but the way people think and how people act.

I hear a lot of stories about how things happen,” Mendez said. “I learn what cops really do and what they’re really like and if they’re behind you thinking ‘Should I pull them over?’ or if they’re just going to lunch.”

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7/10

interns offered a full-time position

Costello discovered an offering at WJOB, a radio station in Hammond, in hopes of furthering her abilities in radio production.

“I edit audio files and upload them to the radio station’s social media sites,” Costello said. “I also have gotten to record some commercials for different places and give weather on air during some shows.”

Since she has always had an interest in radio production, the internship program gave Costello an opportunity to experience the field first-hand.

“This is the kind of field I want to get into when I get older. I’ve been interested in (radio) since I was little,” Costello said. “It gives me working experience with people other than people my age.”

Harvey, too, took the opportunity to intern, working at the Griffith-Merrillville Airport.

“I help with office work and random things around the airport, which has really helped me to learn about the various facets of the aviation industry,” Harvey said. “I’ve also had a few opportunities to go flying with one of the flight instructors, which was really awesome. She showed me what the different controls do and let me fly the airplane, which was really cool.”

In addition to learning what you want to do after high school, Harvey believes the internship program can help people gain work experience.

“I think that this program can help you decide what you want to do for a career if you don’t already know. If you do know what you want to do, an internship can help you get some great career experience and help you learn more about your career field,” Harvey said.

current amount of student interns from CPHS

42

63%

of college graduates have completed an internship

13

percent more likely to find full time employment after interning

25%

of internships last between 10 and 12 months

Where to intern?

Salon Utopia

Kwik Kopy

Madalyn Adducci

Jeremy Mesa

Lakeshore Public Media Alexis Berdine

Inspiration Fitness Seth Dee

Walgreen’s Pharmacy Four Seasons Animal Hospital

Madelyn Mays Ana Ilievski

Meranda Seibel

Pat & Cassie Photography Erica McDermott

Physio Point

CPHS

Austin Thomas

Roman Ruiz

over

35.3% 100 of full-time entry level hires came from internships *facts from www.internships.com and the internship program at CPHS

summer internships available in the Chicagoland area

of nationwide internships are in the midwest

reporter

22%

BY HANNAH BAUNER

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feature may 22, 2015

on the road to

7

LICENSEHOOD

Students share tips, experiences for obtaining driver’s license with and without enrollment in driver’s education

BY JILL KIDDER

reporter

<<< Driver’s education >>> “I suggest online driver’s education because you can do it on your own time. You just read each lesson and take a quiz, and if you get 80 percent or higher, you move on. ”

<<< Without schooling >>>

“I ended up skipping over “There’s more pressure www.teamhondaon30.com some parts that I didn’t think driving with an instructor, but do driver’s education because it is better than staring at a book and learning yourself. It’s more hands on.”

Taylen Hovanec

were very important (while studying alone), but I got one of the questions that I didn’t study on the test, so look over the whole book.”

Hannah Kish

sophomore

sophomore

“I did driver’s education just to get my license sooner, but when I went to the classes, I actually learned a lot. They lead you to know what to do and what not to do.”

Maddy Canfield

Patrick Wilson

junior

sophomore

“Study the tedious details especially like the distances and the certain speeds on certain roads.

The small things are what almost got me my first time.”

Alec Takacs

Noah Giedemann

senior

freshman

students have to be

16 & 1/2

to get their license with driver’s ed

students have to be

16 & 3/4

to get their license without driver’s ed

“Driver’s education was expensive, and it’s easier to learn from a parent. I’m not nervous (to get my license).

It’s pretty easy when you get used to it.”

drivers must hold a permit for

6 months

before getting their license

you must arrive

15 min

before your scheduled appointment to take a driving skills test

if you are younger than

18 years old your license is considered probationary

Michael Bauner mbauner@hondaon30.com 4613 East U.S. 30 Merrillville, IN 46410 www.teamhondaon30.com

219-947-3900 800-653-0065 Fax 219-947-0912

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PHOTO BY MAISA NOUR

Beyond the classroom

Teachers share interests, summer plans for time outside of school

BY MAISA NOUR

assistant editor

They do, in fact, have social lives, kids to tend to and interests that go beyond the life cycle of a moss or fern. Despite spending hours a day confined within classroom walls, teachers also live normal lives off campus.

For chemistry teacher Stephanie Harnew, life outside of school changes with the seasons as she coaches for the CPHS softball team, but once the season ends, Harnew enjoys spending time with her family.

“Right now, I am in coaching season, and I coach softball. When we are out of season, I usually spend time with my kids and play board games or go outside,” Harnew said.

Harnew not only enjoys coaching the softball team, but she, also, has hobbies of her own, which include bowling to unleash her competitive side.

“I’ve been bowling since I was little, and I just joined a bowling league this year.

It’s great because I am very competitive and bowling is a great way for me to let my competitive side come out,” Harnew said.

As school is coming to an end, stu-

dents are not the only ones counting down the days until summer vacation. English teacher Lisa Landgrebe is looking forward to spending her summer in Hawaii.

“In July, I’ll be going on a trip to Hawaii with my husband,” Landgrebe said.

“We will be spending two days in Honolulu then go on a cruise for the next seven days.”

When not on vacation, Landgrebe spends time with her husband and tries to relax.

“My husband and I started going to the gym, but I actually hate it,” Landgrebe said. “Most days I just zone out in front of

Cosmetology

the TV and just try to relax.”

For history teacher Jim Ingelhart, staying at home and cooking a nice meal is the best way to relax.

“I love to cook, and you could say I do 90 percent of the cooking in my household,” Ingelhart said. “I love it so much because it helps me calm down and regroup after a long day.”

Aside from teachers, principal Chip Pettit has hobbies outside of school as well.

“I love spending time with my family and friends,” Pettit said. “When left alone, some of my hobbies include fishing, reading and golfing.”

Barber

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feature may 22, 2015

S

Soaking up too much sun

9

Dermatologist warns against overexposure

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN • Always use a sunscreen or moisturizer containing an SPF of at least 15.

•

•

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

Summer is approaching. Students will soon be able to go and participate in outdoor activities. What is easy to not take into consideration, however, are the harmful rays of the sun.

Being outside for too long without taking proper precautions can cause an individual to burn, causing harm to an individual that extends past the redness.

According to dermatology physician assistant Heather Upchurch, skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that can be caused by overexposure to the sun and can cause serious consequences.

“There is an increased risk of getting skin cancer from increased sun exposure or sunburns,” Upchurch said. “Skin canWear a hat cer can spread to other areas of the body, resulting in illness whenever or death.” you’re in Students may enjoy their tanned skin at first, but the long the sun. lasting effects may cause one to think negatively about tanning and sun exposure.

There are several precautions one can take in order to protect their skin from the harmful rays.

“Sunscreen should be put on frequently,” Upchurch said.

“Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses are other Wear precautions that one can take when outdoors.”

Senior Valerie Jones followed these precautions while sunglasses. she was on a tropical cruise. However, Jones had to deal UV radiation with the effects of being overexposed to the sun. can damage “I fell asleep on a hammock in the sun, and the eyes my skin got very burnt,” Jones said. “We went long-term, snorkeling right before I took a nap. All of the sunscreen I had on came off in the water.” leading to Jones’ entire chest was covered in cataracts. blisters, and she felt the pain ultraviolet rays can cause.

• Apply plenty of

sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Don’t forget tops of feet and back of the neck.

facts found at dailymail.co.uk, cancer.net

• Protect your lips by applying moisturizing chapstick that has an SPF of 15.

“It was extremely painful. If I wore a regular shirt, I would have to hold it off of my skin,” Jones said. “It felt like a hot plate was on my chest. It was constantly burning.”

• Be even more Jones put aloe on her skin along with lotion to cautious if you try to cool down her burns. are taking “Cool baths, moisturizers and Aloe Vera gel can medications relieve sunburns,” Upchurch said. that may make Freshman Annie Brigham also dealt with the harmful effects of the sun after getting sun poisoning from you more being under the rays for too long. sensitive to “My entire body was swollen and bright red, all bethe sun. cause I did not reapply my sun screen,” Brigham said.

After experiencing being badly burned by the sun, Brigham agrees that protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays is very important.

“You should try and stay out of the sun for a couple • Limit sun hours and put on some Aloe Vera lotion,” Brigham said. exposure “No tan is worth dying young of skin cancer; put on sunscreen.” between 10 While the sun is an important source of Vitamin D, a.m. and 4 Upchurch advises against staying out for too long. p.m., when “It is suggested that 20 minutes of sun is a good the sun’s rays source of Vitamin D; however, due the harmful effects are the most of sun exposure, a person can take Vitamin D in pill form,” Upchurch said. intense.

Being over exposed to the sun can cause serious problems.

Students should be cautious about their skin before stepping into the sun• Sunscreen creams are light this summer.

• Wear protective clothing to cover up any sensitive skin.

better for dry skin, and gels are better for the scalp or hairy areas. If possible, avoid using sunscreen sprays.

• Re-apply sunscreen frequently. Sunscreen can come off in the water.

10

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THE KARATE KIDS Students share teachings, benefits from self-defense classes

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

When senior Julia Brown first started taking self-defense classes at Homann Karate Do, she thought her time there wouldn’t amount to much more than innocent fun. She was only three years old, and after growing up a Jackie Chan fan, Brown viewed karate simply as a means of imitating her favorite celebrity.

She was wrong.

After nearly 15 years of karate, Brown attributes her self-defense classes to reshaping her into the person she is today.

“My dad took karate previously and my mom had always wanted to take it, and so they just put me in it,” Brown said. “I don’t think that most parents understand when they put their kids into it how much of a character build it is for their kids.

That’s honestly what it became for me.”

Brown is not alone. After getting into a fight early in his life, junior Corey Terwilliger’s parents enrolled him in self-defense classes, hoping their son would learn the proper manner and time when fighting was appropriate.

“I learned that karate isn’t about back flips and the crazy things you see on TV,” Terwilliger said.

“There’s a lot of simple techniques that students need to learn, things like pressure points and fast reflexes that you need to grasp before getting into

the spinning kicks or more complex moves.”

Karate extends beyond the physical moves.

Throughout her journey to achieving her black belt, Brown has realized the internal benefits to selfdefense as well.

“Self defense builds so much confidence,” Brown said. “A lot of my other friends are nervous about going away to college, but I have no issue about going alone and walking around because I’m confident that in certain situations I can take care of myself.”

Terwilliger, too, values the confidence his experience in self-defense has helped foster.

“When you’re in self-defense classes, you have the ability to feel things out knowing that you won’t get hurt, and that’s important,” Terwilliger said. “If you never get that experience and you find yourself in a situation where someone twice your size is trying to attack you, you’re less likely to be able to defend yourself.”

As she shares her teachings with her own students now at Homann, Brown hopes that more people realize and gain the same benefits she did growing up taking self-defense.

“I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without karate, no where even near the same ballpark. The mental conditioning and the training is so profound and is such an amazing, positive impact. That’s why people should consider joining a dojo or taking self defense. ”

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Senior Julia Brown has been taking self-defense classes since she was three years old. Brown attributes her time in karate to reshaping her into the person she is today.

‘‘

The mental conditioning and the training is so profound and is such an amazing, positive experience.

That’s why people should consider joining a dojo and taking self-defense.

Julia Brown senior

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

General Manager

219-947-3325 Fax 219-942-2530

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

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sports may 22, 2015

‘‘

S

in the

huddle

I think that if we get the right mindset as a team we can bounce back from our performance at DAC and win sectionals.

- senior Wess Honaker

‘‘

11

FOLLOWING THROUGH Lee hopes physical, mental skills help team reach state tournament

BY DOMINIC TOMICH

en my game,” Lee said.

Lee understands that, to be successful on the golf course, one needs to be both physically and mentally prepared for the course.

“I’ve physically gotten stronger throughout my high school career, allowing me to hit a variety of different shots, and, mentally, I’ve improved immensely on course management due to the fact my coach takes us all over the state to compete,” Lee said.

No matter the outcome of this year’s state tournament, Lee will not be finished with his golf career as he still has much he wants to accomplish.

Lee has committed to play golf at the University of Toledo, hoping to bring his talent to improve their team and his own skills.

“When I was looking for schools to go to, I wanted to find a place where I could play golf but also get a good education. Another big thing was coaching.

Toledo’s coach (Jamie Broce) is a professional golfer and I’m hoping I learn as much from him as I can,” Lee said.

Lee has competed at the U.S. open qualifier multiple times, falling short and holding him back from reaching what would be his hopes of playing in a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) tournament.

When asked where he expects to find himself in the near future, Lee answered directly: “Three letters: PGA.”

reporter

Though golf, in essence, is an individual sport, senior Mike Lee is not exactly in it just for himself. After qualifying for state individually the last two years, Lee has one wish: to close out his senior year with a team visit to the championships.

“I really want to go to state as a team this year. I’ve been to state the past two years without them, and I haven’t played well. Being around my teammates makes me play better and will give me a better chance to win a state title,” Lee said.

Lee has been working on his game long before most children have even heard of golf. The hard work he has put into his game since he was young translates into the type of player people hear about today.

“I started playing golf when I was five, and the reason I continue playing is because I have a great coach that has helped me grow not only as a golfer but as a person over my high school career,” Lee said.

The season doesn’t start in April for Lee. Lee competes and works on his game year-round with and without his fellow Bulldogs by his side.

“I try to compete in extremely competitive golf tournaments. Those and the competitive courses we play at throughout the school year really sharp-

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Senior Mike Lee follows through on his swing during a golf invite earlier this season.

will attend

TWO TIME

UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

state qualifier

at this

2014

ALL-DAC PICK

point

Buy your 2014-2015 yearbook!

Order by check – make a $70

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Crown Point, Indiana

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check out to Excalibur Yearbook with the student’s name in the memo.

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Order by credit card – go to

the school website home page and click on “yearbook ordering” in the site shortcuts sidebar.

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12

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sports may 22, 2015

L

sets up for

S

online editor

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Senior Jordan Embry keeps her eye on the ball as she prepares to hit a backhand. The girls tennis team record is 14-2 prior to tournament play.

Girls tennis plays for twenty-first championship Twenty.

That’s the number of consecutive sectional titles the Lady Dogs have brought home to Crown Point High School. As they enter the postseason, they are hoping to make that number 21.

The Lady Dogs ended up 14-2 on the season and 7-0 in the conference, making them DAC champions for the second year in a row. The momentum the season has given the girls into the postseason is all due to the work they put in throughout the year.

“We have worked so hard since last season ended, and I think the postseason is really going to show that. Still, we need to keep working and improving even now because we have gotten this far and can’t let up,” senior Danielle Klawitter said.

The sectional drawing last Monday revealed that the Lady Dogs would play against the Lowell Red Devils for the first round while sectional rival Lake Central would receive the bye. The team beat Lowell 5-0 and Lake Central 4-1 in the regular season.

“Playing Lowell first will help us get rid of first match jitters and get our mind in the right place in order to play well against Lake Central.

Lake Central, on the other hand, will be playing their first match and will probably be nervous,” junior Savannah Schuljak said.

Each match consists of different methods to win, and the Lady

G

BY SAM BARLOGA

TWENTYONE

reporter

N

Baseball takes it one game at a time

TENNIS

BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI

I

Dogs have worked their practices so that they get to see and experience each type before postseason.

“We prepare for different situations. We are just practicing all of our different arts in the game, whether it’s a short game, deep game, lob game, a spin game or a cut game. That’s the stuff we prepare for because things change all the time,” head coach Brian Elston said.

Schuljak believes preparation extends beyond practice as well. Playing teams such as South Bend St. Joseph, who is currently ranked fourth in the state, challenged the girls and sharpened their skills.

“We have played a lot of different types of teams this year which will prepare us to play well. Our match against St. Joe’s allowed us to play a team outside of what we usually play, a team that is better than us, which will only make us better players,” Schuljak said.

Due to weather conditions that moved sectionals back to Thurs., sectional scores were not available at publication time. However, before the matches, Schuljak was feeling confident that all the hard work and effort the team had put in would pay off.

“I definitely know our team has what it takes to win sectionals, and if we all play to the best of our ability, I know we will be able to beat the teams we need to in order to get that title,” Schuljak said. “We have put in so much effort for the season, and it would be nice to have something to show for it.”

Despite being 16-8, there’s one thing that the baseball players and coaches think the team the needs to improve upon: consistency “We have the ability to do some good things, but we have to be able to execute for seven innings, and we’re not playing seven innings of baseball. That’s what we need to be looking to do,” head coach Steve Strayer said.

Even though playing a full seven innings seems to be a team goal, the Dogs have a flurry of come-from-behind victories this season, including the 6-3 victory over Merrillville last Thursday, where Crown Point needed a fiverun sixth inning to pull out the victory.

The Dogs have struggled mightily outside of conference play, and that could hinder hopes of a long postseason run. Despite being 11-2 in the DAC and clinching at least a share of the conference title, the Dogs are 5-6 out of the conference, including a 7-1 home loss to Hamilton Southeastern on Saturday.

Seven of the eight teams in Crown Point’s regional are in the DAC, and senior pitcher Jon Dietrich believes this familiarity will help in the playoff push.

“Going into sectionals, it gives us a lot of confidence (playing DAC teams) and we believe we have a great chance to win (sectionals) this year,” Dietrich said.

Even with all the talk about the postseason, pitching coach Matt McCaleb says the team must take it one game at a time.

“We take it one game at a time, (and heading into sectionals) I’d like to see us put other teams on their heels and finish them,” McCaleb said.

Boys track falls in DAC, prepares for sectionals

BY ELI UDCHITZ

reporter

PHOTO BYJACK SNEDDEN

Juniors Ryan Kepshire and Dylan Wallace compete in the mile race at the DAC championship in Chesterton last Wednesday, May 13. The team ran in sectionals yesterday at home.

A season full of setbacks provided a tough challenge for the Dogs as they came away with a 7th place finish at the Duneland Athletic Conference meet. A team that is just beginning to get healthy hopes to find their strength and come away with a better result in their upcoming sectional meet.

Although he was plagued by injuries, senior Troy Grady has made his return to the track and continues to strive in hopes to match last year’s state appearance, which put him atop the region in hurdles.

“I feel like I am getting my body back to where it used to be

last year, and I want nothing more than to be able to compete at the level that I was at last year,” Grady said.

Although the DAC meet did not go well for the team overall, senior Wess Honaker took first place in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.73. This time not only beat the DAC meet record but also set a school record here at Crown Point.

This was only Honaker’s third meet of the year, and he feels as if he is finally ready to put himself back into the action and perform to the best of his abilities.

“I felt healthy enough to compete in the meet and make a difference,” Honaker said. “I had

a perfect start and that is what helped me beat the record and run the race that I did.”

At press time, the team will face off against ten other schools with home track advantage, and the playing field only includes two schools from the conference: Lake Central and Merrillville.

Head coach Keith Iddings believes that the team can pull through and have a good sectional showing.

“Hopefully hosting the sectional here at CPHS will elevate our confidence level since we are so familiar with the surroundings,” Iddings said. “We are capable of winning the sectional, but we have to prove it.”

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sports may 22, 2015

S

taking a stand

WITH SAM

Softball seeks deep postseason run

.958 winning percentage

2

BY DYLAN WALLACE

sports editor

BY SAM BARLOGA

Students should support athletic programs What do prom, homecoming and joining a club all have in common? They’re all things you should do before you graduate.

However, there is one thing that we should all do that is commonly left off the lists. You should proactively support our athletics program whether you’re in a sport or not. Crown Point High School’s athletics program is one of the things that our community takes pride in and it is “self-funded,” meaning that the money to run the program comes from things like how many people attend games and buy popcorn.

Furthermore, the IHSAA, which acts as the governing body for high school sports in the state is “self-supporting without the use of tax monies,” meaning things like ticket sales and concession sales, along with donations provide a chance for thousands of students to play the game they love each year.

The case is even worse for sports that don’t have IHSAA membership status. Sports like lacrosse and hockey, which are commonly school-sponsored programs across the east coast and even in Illinois, do not get that status here.

That means that each one of those sports have their own statewide overseeing committee and, in the case of hockey, require the athletes to pay thousands of dollars a year for things like travel and rink rental.

This means the $6 fee to get in the stands now seems much more reasonable. While a night at the football game can make for a fun Friday evening, a baseball or softball game can make a Monday or Tuesday afternoon less boring. At the same time, you’re helping out the athletes by giving money back to the school and helping the athletics program sustain itself into the future.

So, next time you have nothing to do on a weekday afternoon, see if you can give our beloved Dogs a helping hand.

points

Strike three.

Those words were heard 13 times by the Michigan City batters as sophomore Alexis Holloway racked up 13 K’s and threw a perfect game: no hits, no walks and no errors.

“Throwing a perfect game has to be one of my best accomplishments,” Holloway said. “I was just pitching well to start the game and just tried to keep it consistent throughout. With the support of my teammates, the game DAC got easier and easier as it went on.” record Holloway knows perfect games rarely come around nowadays, but when you have a flawless defense committing no errors in the game and a hard hitting offense putting 12 runs up on the board, throwing a perfect game can come a little easier for the pitching staff. This isn’t the Dogs’ only perfect game this season; junior Miranda Elish also threw one against Michigan City earlier in the season in a 10-0 victory. runs for “Good players can be made into great players with a great supporting cast, and that is what we have here on this team,” head coach Ginger Britton said. “A lot of our girls have been close to throwing perfect games and shutouts but walk a batter or give up a hit or two, but they have the opportunity to throw well because of the great defense behind them and the offensive ability to get a comfortable lead.” runs against The Lady Dogs have an overall record of 23-1 and a winning percentage of .958. Through 24 games, they have only allowed 17 runs and the amount of runs they have scored is a high 178.

Nationally, they’re ranked eighth in the Max Prep’s writers poll and, in the state, they stand at second. While such overall stats hold the team at a high status, the Lady Dogs are record keeping their sights at the ultimate goal.

“Our goal is to take it one game at a time for the postseason,” senior Rachel Honaker said. “The rankings don’t really matter to us; we just want to stay focused on our goal of going game by game.” national The Lady Dogs finish their regurank via PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER lar season run with a double header Max Junior Miranda Elish awaits for a pitch from Lake Central in a against Harrison May 23 and bePreps 9-0 shutout victory over the Indians May 4. gin their postseason quest May 25 against Merrillville.

13-1

reporter

extra

state rank

178

17

23-1 8

Lady Dogs DAC runner up; 4x400 relay remains undefeated

BY TOMMY FRAME

reporter

Just as a shotgun start, the Dogs fire into post- season with high hopes of success after improving their sectional result from a year ago.

The girls track team travelled to Lowell Tuesday for the sectional championships where the Lady Dogs finished second overall behind Lake Central.

“We took third last year and knew we wanted to do better this year,” head coach Adam Piaskowy said. “The girls did a phenomenal job.”

The girls won seven out of the 16 events, which was unexpected.

“Going into the meet, we were not supposed to win seven events, so to think the girls could rise to the occasion like that and take home seven championships was great,” Piaskowy said.

Four of the seven championships came PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN from sophomore Kristen Lacosse, who is no Junior Kennedy Richardson gets set to vault stranger to the podium having placed at state over the pole against Michigan City on May 5.

The Lady Dogs are currently preparing for re- last year as a freshman.

Lacosse competed in the long jump, 100 gionals which are set for Tuesday at Portage.

Who will win the 2015 NBA Playoffs? out of 145 students polled

Warriors

Rockets

52

27

Cavaliers

Hawks

39

27

meter hurdle, 300 meter hurdle and 4x400 meter relay.

“Kristen is an amazing athlete,” Piaskowy said. “She is the first one at practice and last one to leave. She is a perfect storm, one that hates to lose and loves to compete. That is why she has the success she does.”

In a sport that relies heavily on individual performance, teamwork is still necessary to have success. Senior Katie Mellady along with Lacosse and the rest of their 4x400 meter relay team have done just that, going undefeated throughout the regular season and continuing the streak through sectionals.

“Last night was awesome for the 4x400, especially since we have gone undefeated and continued our streak,” Mellady said. “Our mindset is to keep dropping our time, place first at regionals and remain undefeated going into state.”

With regionals approaching next Tues., everyone has their own goals set in place.

“We have a good grasp as to where we are at as a team and as a program, so at this point, it is just tweaking and fine tuning things to compete with the most consistency that we can,” Piaskowy said.

My moment of the month.... “...Was when we came out strong against Portage by putting a lot of runs on them to win the game.”

Junior Felicia Wacasey.

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arts & entertainment may 22, 2015

inreview “Stronger”

By Clean Bandit

L

Hours

The Field Museum is home to exhibits ranging from bird species to ancient Egypt.

The world’s largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, commonly called Sue, is also located here. This fossil, as well as the various other dinosaur fossils, are a must see for everyone within an hour of Chicago. The museum currently offers special exhibits about Vikings and even an exhibit that makes one feel as if they were shrunk down to the size of a bug. For anyone looking to view a wide variety of exhibits, the Field Museum is the place to go.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In the song’s defense, promoting being stronger is a nice idea; however, it was extremely repetitive and felt like it belonged in a family feature movie with Steve Martin. It’s definitely not my idea of a summer jam.

“I Really Like You”

By Carly Rae Jepsen

Museum of Science and Industry 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Art Museum 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The majority of students have been to Chicago from time to time, but along with the city comes a variety of alternate attractions. If your feet are aching from walking around the city, take a leisurely stroll around one of these many museums.

Shedd Aquarium For any fish fanatic, the Shedd Aquarium is a wonderland. With a wide array of fish from places as close as the Great Lakes to as far as the Caribbean, the aquarium is home to many new species one may have never heard of. A special exhibit featuring amphibians is currently at the Shedd and offers viewers an inside look at some of the world’s most dangerous frogs. For one that is tired of walking around, there is also a dolphin show that highlights the many talents of these creatures.

If one finds themselves on the wilder side, they may also choose to touch the stingrays in the stingray pool or view the sharks.

Art Institute of Chicago An entire day could be spent in this museum and each piece of artwork would not be analyzed. The museum is home to more than 40 paintings by well-known artist Claude Monet. In addition to these rare gems, there are also many modern pieces of artwork.

This museum is perfect for anyone in a creative mood.

Lincoln Park Zoo 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Museum of Science and Industry This museum offers a wide variety of exhibits. From the way natural disasters happen to the evolution of a baby, there is information for every person to learn. For lunch, the museum also is home to a delicious food court that serves just about every food imaginable. Finnigan’s Ice Cream Parlor is also located in the museum and resembles a real ice cream parlor from Hyde Park that first opened in 1917. A new addition is the numbers in nature exhibit that consists of a giant color lit mirror maze. Don’t get lost for long though because the museum is only open until 4 p.m.

“The Flash” From the blood pumping plot twists to the dramatic and complicated love story, the CW’s “The Flash” is a must-watch. One full season in, “The Flash” already has viewers hooked and leaving them wanting more.

Shedd Aquarium 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

* most attractions closed on major holidays

Brookfield Zoo • more animal exhibits

Lincoln Park Zoo • It’s free!

• closer to down• new bird show town Chicago opening Summer • variety of pro2015 grams offered

“Pitch Perfect” sequel is not perfect

“Bad Blood” music video

by Taylor Swift

BY BECCA BURKE

assistant editor

Sequels are all well and good for hit movies as long as they have something new and worthwhile to offer. However, when the sequels fall a bit flat, as “Pitch Perfect 2” did, they have the ability to leave fans wondering if they should have wished for a sequel at all.

The sequel is set with Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) and the Barden Bellas back for their senior year as national a cappella champions.

However, after a blundered performance at the Kennedy Center in front of the president, they are left needing to reclaim their honor. This sets them on the course to compete at the international level against the reigning champions, Das Sound Machine.

Bringing back the motifs of sisterhood and troubled love with the talents of Rebel Wilson (Fat Amy), Brittany Snow (Chloe) and Hailee

This action packed, slightly racy music video is unlike any Taylor Swift has ever released before. Many celebrities including model Cara Delevingne and singer/ actress Selena Gomez appear in the video. While all these added characters are great, there was really no plot line to the video, and it seemed very short.

“Blurry Face”

By Twenty One Pilots Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilot’s newly released “Blurryface” album have exceeded all previous expectations. With heavy bass mixed in with subtle ukulele and piano, there is surely a song for everyone on this album. The album is currently available on vinyl, CD and iTunes.

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Brookfield Zoo 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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BY TINA WINFREY

(no stars) I really really really really hate this song. As if “Call Me Maybe” wasn’t annoying enough, Jepsen has created yet another unbearable song that will stick in your head with its dangerously catchy tune, one that deserves no stars. Jepsen repeats the word “really” a total of 42 times.

If that is considered art then the world has become a very sad place.

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life social

A section devoted to social media

best tweets

best apps

Last night I told my brother he should make a Mother’s Day card..instead he stole mine, broke the seal, & signed his name...Kids these days

senior AJ Huls

@AJHuls

Since its Mother’s Day, s/o to Stacy’s Mom bc she’s got it going on. junior Holly Michaels

@LikeYouUsedTo

Crazy Helium Booth

@RachylAdams

I’m currently eating from two different tubs of ice cream and if that doesn’t tell you how much of mess I am, I don’t know what does

sophomore Marisa Wright

@MarisaDanielleW

Send your friends hilarious videos of your high-pitched voice and ridiculously distorted faces. Crazy Helium Booth is sure to make you the funniest among your friends.

Create your own life within this free app. With ways to design any character wanted, one can finally have the life they have dreamed of.

Every time I write “U.S.” I laugh a little at the obvious pun that’s it’s literally us. sophomore Rachyl Adams

Steinfeld (Emily), “Pitch Perfect 2” has nearly everything to add up to a good chick flick. As a sequel, however, the movie merely repeats the general plot and theme of its predecessor: the Bellas lose their good reputation and then go on the rocky path to redemption. Unfortunately, this sequel hit a low note, losing the uniqueness of the first.

Regardless, “Pitch Perfect 2” features a heartwarming story mixed in with a sidesplitting supply of gags and a great inclusion of cameos ranging from the Green Bay Packers to Michelle and Barack Obama. In addition, reappearances of characters such as Aubrey (Anna Camp) helped in moving the story forward and out of the realm of college, which was refreshing to say the least. Overall, it’s an exceptionally good movie to watch with friends, but not good enough to warrant the line, “The Pitch is back.”

Sims Free Play

best follows @Lollapalooza Even for those not attending Lolla, this account offers tons of information regarding bands and artists.

@POTUS Barack Obama is officially on Twitter. While he won’t make your sides split in laughter, he is the President.

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No strings hold back “Avengers” sequel Genres: drama, classics, Romance

BY OLIVIA ELSTON

editor-at-large

Incredible characters: check. Intricate plot lines: check. Killer music: check. “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has it all. Marvel has yet again made a hit for the box office and all of its avid fans.

The gang is all back for the sequel to the “Avengers” and there are no better actors to portray the characters. This time around, though, the Avengers are faced against Ultron, an independent robot made from their very own Tony Stark and Bruce Banner.

While they had good intentions for Ultron to protect the world, things go haywire. The Avengers have to assemble to save the world from destruction with some unlikely allies. Other villains that leave the audience knowing they will be back because of their short appearance in this film are also reintroduced, especially in the extra scene at the end, where the cliffhangers are always at.

The new characters brought in create much more depth to the plot and allow room for new Avengers. While other main characters were mysteriously not in this sequel, it’s only a matter of time before they show up in other movies off of the Avengers. The audience even learns more about old characters as well. Shocking background stories are revealed to make the audience get more connected to the characters they already love.

The only downside to the movie was the length, but that was expected.

Any true fan would be ready and not even realize it was close to three hours long when the movie ends. Some newbies may think the movie drags, but it sets up for new plot lines. Of course, not every single scene is necessary for it to be as successful as it already is, so it could save the viewers some time, but either way, “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” is a must-see, a movie of the year.

Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Robert Downey Jr.

Run time: 141min

BY TINA WINFREY

editor-in-chief

BY CASEY AKERS

for.

reporter

Mumford and Sons, the Banjo plucking neo-folk band, is no more in their newest album “Wilder Minds.” In Mumford and Sons’ newest album, they totally abandoned their old acoustic sound for a new modern electronic sound, which works really well for the songs.

Some older fans of the band might be a little disappointed in its new sound, but that does not change that this album is one of their best.

The sound that the band went with makes the album more enjoyable to new listeners and will warm them up for the other great albums this band has created. The new sound is just the backdrop to even better and meaningful lyrics that Mumford and Sons is known

“Wilder Minds” could be one of the best pieces of music that has been released in a while and is a good starting point for people who are just now getting into any top alternative music. The best song on the album is by far the song titled “The Wolf.” With fast start and good lyrics as well as an up-beat tempo, it is a perfect song to put on repeat.

Mumford and Sons’ newest album hits the spot for any listener and is a must-buy for fans of the band. Do not be surprised if you hear more from this album on the radio in a month because this album could shoot them further into the mainstream.

favorite things

we’re so over

Loki Bracelets Loki bracelets are infused with elements from the highest and lowest points on the Earth.

10 percent of the profits are donated to charity. http://mylokai.com $18.00

Yankee Candle Car Air Freshner Choose from bags of various shapes and sizes of the tasty sugar filled treat. most grocery stores various prices

High school brings variety of lessons

Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo,

Mumford and Sons’ new sound shines in recent release

Sourpatch Kids

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Please anyone that steps into the car with new scents, like Luau Party, accompanied by year round classics such as Macintosh.

Yankee Candle stores $2.99

college spam emails The majority of colleges force students to make a choice on attendance by May 1. Many students have already planned out everything, from their major to the color scheme of their dorm room. Emailing students at this point is useless. Chances are, they barely look at the email before deleting it or marking it as read. Frankly, colleges spamming students with last minute reminders to apply are not only wasting their own time but also wasting students’. And to any senior who still is unsure what he or she will be doing come August? Check your email.

Four years of high school has taught me a lot, but as my high school years come to a close, I find it necessary to share a bit of wisdom I have gained.

1. It’s nothing like you’ve seen in the movies. There are no random choreographed dance numbers accompanied by cheesy lyrics, thank goodness.

2. Being a “teacher’s pet” isn’t a terrible thing. While adhering to their every beck and call may be a little much, it is important to get to know your teachers. They are often relatable and give excellent advice.

3. Four quarters are often better than 100 pennies. Time is better spent in spending time with a few close friends than trying to spread yourself around the whole class.

4. Your most embarrassing moment won’t haunt you for all of high school. Accidentally walk into the wrong bathroom stall?

Take a tumble down the stairs?

Don’t sweat it. It is likely that people will forget about it in less than a week.

5. Your parents aren’t as irrational as you think. They truly know what’s best, and you’ll likely thank them in the long run.

6. Your amount of instagram followers don’t make you cool.

No one REALLY cares about that stuff. Post what makes you happy.

7. An F is not the end of the world. You should try hard in school, yes, but a slip up here or there on a test will not stop you from getting into college. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.

8. Breaking up with your significant other is not the end of the world, and you will feel happy again one day. There are WAY more fish in the sea.

9. Fun is important. You won’t remember the nights you stayed in all night studying, but the times you spent an hour or two out on the town with your friends will stay memories forever.

10. These years will go by in the blink of an eye. Everyone will tell you this from your first day, but you foolishly won’t listen until it’s the last few weeks of your senior year and you feel like there’s so many things you forgot to do.

Take every chance you get.

Meet new people. High school will be some pretty great years that you’ll remember for years and years.

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senior Noah Murphy Summer swinging “My favorite summer activity is golfing with my friends. It’s a good way to appreciate the weather.”

Movie buff “I love ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.’

Johnny Depp plays such a unique role in that movie.”

Creative crafting

Stewart competes in national riding competitons

BY MARIA LEONTARAS

reporter

While her friends dreamt of princesses, puppies and ponies as kids, sophomore Cara Stewart didn’t have to dream.

Ponies were a reality.

Ever since she was old enough to sit up, Stewart has been riding horses, entering riding competitions as she got older.

“I started showing at the age of five and I’ve been to about twenty shows each year that are located all across the country since then,” Stewart said. “I never had a horsecrazed stage; I have just always wanted to go big and accomplish big things.”

Typical horse shows are a compilation of classes that riders can choose to partici-

pate in. Depending on the category chosen, one may compete with a varying number of opponents. A judge then announces the events he or she would like to see the paticipants complete and chooses a winner accordingly.

“My personal favorite class is called hunter under saddle,” Stewart said. “This is a form of English riding where a group of competitors ride around the ring and show off their horse.”

Stewart shows her own horses and is also a part of Interscholastic Equestrian Association, an organization that promotes equestrianism at the middle and secondary school levels. With this team, Stewart can show at a national level.

“It is exactly how you would show on a college team. You draw a random horse out of a hat and you have no time to warm up, you just show right away,” Stewart said.

Competing at this collegiate skill set may be daunting to most, but Stewart was unfazed at the National Championships at West Palm Beach, FL. After completing the first day, Stewart made it to the finals and finished eighth in the nation.

“For our first year as a team, I was the only one to advance to the championships, which is rare,” Stewart said. “Since the time I found out I advanced to nationals, I’ve been feeling blessed and proud of not only myself but my coach, my parents and all of my friends that helped me get there.”

Q

What would your “Tomorrowland” be?

PHOTO PROVIDED

“Living in perfect peace and a fantasy 8-bit world.”

“In my Tomorrowland... world peace.

Just kidding: superheros.”

Michael Keneson Zach Pierce Freshman

Senior

“Glass blowing is something I have always had interest in. You can make anything you want and get craftsy.”

Backyard fear “I’m actually scared of losing in backyard basketball. It’s just something I worry about.”

Mess with money “I’m afraid I’ll stop making money. I can’t imagine a day without having it and being able to spend it at will.”

“Mine would “I want hover “It would be “It would have have world boards or filled with can- hover boards anything from peace, and ev- dy, flying cars ‘Back to the eryone would be and people and under water houses.” that I like.” happy all of the Future.’” time.”

Danielle Turner Freshman

Gracie Hayse Sophomore

Carrie Russel Senior

Anthony Phillips Junior