Inklings may 2016 by CPHS Inklings

ink L

Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS May 23. 2016 Vol. 80 Issue 8

Read about the Best Buddies’ Friendship Walk on page 2

and

FIRST foremost

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Student approval of American freedoms increases as First Amendment controversies take stage worldwide BY SAM BARLOGA editor-at-large

Over 200 years ago, the Bill of Rights was added to the United States Constitution. The document included 10 amendments that allow every American citizen a basic set of rights that cannot be repealed. Setting the groundwork for rights across the globe was the first of those 10 amendments. With rates on censorship rising across the globe and attacks on basic freedoms on the rise in the forms of terrorist attacks like the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris and the shooting in Copenhagen, Denmark, later that year, some are arguing that First Amendment rights matter more than ever. A new study by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation shows that high school students care more about the First Amendment than their adult peers. Some attributed this rise in support of the First Amendment to the fact that students did not live through the post-9/11 era, where the National Security Agency (NSA) rose to the forefront, and national security was often prioritized above personal freedoms. Jon Sotsky of the Knight Foundation confirms this in an interview he gave to The Guardian about the poll. “14 to 18-year-olds were still in diapers on 9/11. The big question is how they will respond

over the passage of time,” Sotsky said in his interview with the British publication. Excalibur Yearbook adviser Lisa Keene said it is not a shocker that students value the First Amendment more than adults. “I work with high school students, and I’ve worked with high school students for a long time now. So (them appreciating the First Amendment more than adults) doesn’t really surprise me,” Keene said. “Plus, I think that students are interested in their freedoms and their rights, and pushing the limits and figuring out what they need to do and what they can do. I think it makes sense that students are going to be some of the people that are watching and policing our First Amendment rights.” Indiana High School Press Association (IHSPA) Director Diana Hadley believes adults sometimes do not value their basic rights. “I think that sometimes adults begin to take their freedoms for granted. As high school students become adults and gain more independence overall, they embrace the fact that the First Amendment includes them and thus allows them to speak to their interests,” Hadley said. Some argue that the rise of presidential candidates such as Donald Trump has added to the tension surrounding First Amendment rights. Trump in particular has made statements that challenge

the First Amendment’s freedom of the press. As the billionaire businessman said, if elected he would “change the libel laws” to cut down on criticisms of the presidency by the media. Libel laws currently allow public citizens to sue if someone writes a false or malicious article about them. Trump is in favor of expanding these laws to block many forms of criticisms, essentially restricting the freedom of the press. Sophomore Maram Fares spent part of her life in Jordan. She stated that the experience helped her appreciate her First Amendment rights more so than she did before. Americans who do not see how life is in the Middle East can take their rights for granted. Hadley believes that the manipulation from certain politicians is hurting press freedoms in the United States and tricking people into believing they would work. “Politicians who want to change libel laws want to control the media. Citizens who don’t counter those attempts probably don’t realize how devastating it would be if we stopped supporting coverage that might not be favorable but true and important to understand and resolve issues,” Hadley said. see Amendment on page 3

Singing in spring Senior choir members take the stage a final time for concert page

the

First

19%

of Americans know the First Amendment protects freedom of religion

10%

of Americans know the First Amendment protects freedom of assembly

of Americans know the First Amendment protects freedom of petition facts provided by newseum.org

Feature

News

Knowing

A&E

100 years later Print publications celebrate 100 year anniversary page

When life gives you lemons Beyoncé’s latest album is a sweet success page

news may 23 , 2016

intheknow

A final fairwell for the year

ink L

PHOTO PROVIDED

Senior Susie Szymanski, junior Sarah Hautzinger and junior Maddie Gellinger pose with their third place award at Purdue University.

Academic Superbowl English team takes third

The Academic Superbowl English team consisting of senior Susie Szymanski and juniors Sarah Hautzinger and Maddie Gellinger placed third at state held at Purdue University. In order to make it to state competition, the team had to be one of the top seven teams out of 280 from around Indiana.

Relay for Life to come to fairgrounds

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the 2016 South Lake County’s Relay for Life on June 3-4 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Anyone interested can sign up or get more information at www.relayforlife.org/southlakein.

Crown Point Community Foundation Scholarship Night The Crown Point Community Foundation awarded scholarships to graduating members of the 2016 class. Seniors Savannah Schuljak and Nate Hanlon were the recipients of the largest scholarship available, the Dean and Barbra White scholarship, which awards two full ride scholarships to a male and female senior intending to major in business at an Indiana school.

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

The Intermediate Men’s choir perform “Hey There Delilah” and “Sweet Home Chicago.” “Sweet Home Chicago” was choreographed by Casey Bieszczak.

Spring sing concert showcases student talent BY ALLY REKITZKE

co-photography chief

The lights dim down, the room is quiet and the singing begins. This is it: the last choir concert of the year for everyone. The last high school concert for seniors. The annual Spring Sing choir concert was held on May 18 and 19. The concerts featured performances from the a capella groups QYP and Bella Voce, beginning choir, intermediate men’s and women’s choirs and concert, show and treble choirs. “Spring Sing is a concert but is ... like a talent show in some ways. All the choirs get up and perform, and they do some choreography. Then all the seniors who want to do a solo can do a solo in the concert,” choir teacher Joanne Borodine said. Performances included a compilation of Beatles songs from beginning choir, “Hey There Delilah” and “Sweet Home Chicago” by the intermediate men’s choir, “Sing” and “Shut Up and Dance” by concert choir and different selections from Bella Voce, QYP and show choir.

“I try to do current music, or if anything, some oldies that sound better than current music. You can’t always get the music. You can’t obtain the sheet music for the stuff that is current and on the radio right now, so you have to go with some semi-current music,” Borodine said. For many students, the highlight of the concert is watching the seniors perform their solos. Senior Colin Caudillo chose to sing “4 Chords” by Axis of Awesome. “It’s a compilation of all the hit songs of our generation from Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ to Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl.’ The point is that every song in the compilation was made using the same four chords,” Caudillo said. “I found it hard to just choose one song, so I did a compilation to show off the style and other skills.” Not only was it the seniors’ last show, but it was Borodine’s as well, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. “I feel relief at this point. I probably won’t think much about it being done un-

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

Beginning choir performs a compilation of songs by the Beatles including “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude.”

til the summer because it’ll hit me then that it’s really done,” Borodine said. “It’ll be bittersweet because there are things that are certainly frustrating about any teaching job, but there are great rewards. The kids really want to be here or else they wouldn’t have signed up for choir.” Her proudest moment at the concert was the end performance. “My proudest moment (was) when all the kids get up and sing the song at the end, ‘Blessing,’” Borodine said. “It’s when all the seniors stand up and sing their farewell song.”

Locals unite in annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI editor-at-large

May

All City Orchestra Concert

Memorial Day Enjoy a three day weekend by remembering our troops.

walk, we get sponsors to come in, set up fun activities and have a table where there is Best Buddies merchandise being sold.” Senior Karson Triscik was named a top individual and CPHS was awarded second in the top teams in the area for what they raised at the event. “Over the past couple years, we’ve been able to raise $28,000, and this year we were fortunate enough to raise $15,000 alone,” Senior Mackenzie Artim said.

June

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Senior Nicole Gilbert and Best Buddies members participate in a match of tug of war at the fundraising event.

For the past several years, Crown Point High School’s Best Buddies Club has sponsored a friendship walk in which supporters come to walk and raise money for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “The walk makes the community aware of what Best Buddies is. It’s an organization that promotes friendships outside of

school time, and the walk shows everybody that they’re just like you and I,” Best Buddies sponsor Liz Hanlon said. Schools from around the region team up and think of ways to raise money. All of the money they raise is donated to Best Buddies Indiana. “We get all the schools in this area that are also apart of Best Buddies and think about fundraisers we can do to raise money for this walk,” sophomore Jackie Jatis said. “At the

Class of 2016 Graduation ceremony

To Artim, Best Buddies has become more than just an organization she participates in. “Best Buddies started out as something to keep me occupied in high school, but I got absorbed in the idea of building these lifelong friendships with these spectacular kids that so many people tend to take advantage of,” Artim said. “I will always try to wiggle my way into something that pertains to kids like the ones I won’t forget here at CPHS.”

countdown until Memorial Day

5 school days countdown until last day of school

9 school days

ink L

Concert for a cause

news may 23, 2016

Band management hosts benefit concert for multiple charities BY LAUREN MASSOW copy editor

The lights were dimmed and speakers were booming. A common gym setting was transformed into a concert hall. The CPHS band management and recording class held a Sounds on the Square, or SOS, Fest at the On the Square Sports Academy complex. The class, taught by Christopher Gloff, took control of this event and focused on the logistics of putting on a real concert. “The students (prepared for) this concert from a different perspective. We tried to incorporate some of the thought processes that go into putting on a music performance like making a profit and then taking that profit and donating it to worthwhile charities,” Gloff said. “The purpose of the concert was for students to learn all that goes into doing it from concessions, marketing, public relations and acquiring acts.” Previously known as “Foodstock,” this year’s class wanted to stray away from this image in order to help a variety of organizations. While they got rid of the name, students still had the ability to donate two cans of food to knock off $2 of the $7 admission price to benefit the food bank. After the show, about 100 pounds of food were donated. While the food donated went to the food bank, the money made was donated to the Joy-Hope Foundation. This particular charity helps families who have lost a child in its early stage of life. “The Joy-Hope Foundation is a charity where they try to provide a little bit of joy and a lot of hope to families who have lost infant children,” Gloff said. Gloff decided to let his students choose a charity as a group through researching different organizations. “The Joy-Hope Foundation is one that I particularly

PHOTO BY ALEXIS RIVERA

Senior Mark Henricy playing his guitar at the SOS concert benefit.

have a connection with in the sense that I’ve benefitted from it. Most people know that my wife and I lost a baby at 37 days old, and this particular organization sought us out and did some really nice stuff for us. I suggested to the students this charity because it is a particularly difficult year for them,” Gloff said. “I left it up to the students to

research it and see if it was something they were interested in, and they decided on that charity.” In the past, Gloff had to send requests for bands to come to his class and audition for the show. This year instead of searching, students came to him. “In the past we’ve put out an announcement for bands to come to us, but this year we had so many people coming to us that we had enough without having to go out and look,” Gloff said. Junior and frontman of the B-Side Aces, a headlining act of the night, Donny Colvin believes that the SOS Fest was a show that people were not expecting. “Some people were saying, ‘Wow this wasn’t what I was expecting from Crown Point,’ like this was a legit thing that they didn’t expect from a high school event,” Colvin said. Not all of the bands that performed were compiled of current CPHS students; some of the bands that played the concert included graduates. CPHS graduate Roman Ruiz played with his band Thanks Again at the festival. “There’s nothing that trumps seeing those who consistently support us and being able to share the moment together,” Ruiz said. “We’re always thrilled to play benefit shows. It’s a great way for bands to give back and support the community.” This festival has been an annual event in the past. If students keep the interest high, Gloff wants to keep this event running in the future. “Prior to (last year), it’s always been an annual event. I’d like to keep it going as long as the student interest is there and the class is there to do the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively,” Gloff said. “It’s a long night with a lot of music and an opportunity for these bands to have their friends and families come out to support them.”

amendment from p.1

Approximately 40 people have been arrested after hundreds marched to Whiting’s BP oil refinery in mid-May. Police in riot gear apprehended protesters sitting in a circle singing and chanting. The protest was purposed in bringing attention to climate change.

‘‘

I do not think they should have been punished if they we not committing crimes aka trespassing or destruction Andréa Kutemeier of property. senior

freedoms of student journalists sometime in the near future by passing a state law to override the Supreme Court’s decision in Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988), which restricted student press freedoms. “IHSPA is starting preliminary groundwork to propose legislation for student press freedom in Indiana — possibly as soon as the 2017 legislative session,” Hadley said. In the future, Hadley said that the rise of technology could lead to more challenges to the First Amendment’s freedoms. “There are always challenges to the First Amendment,” Hadley said. “As communications technology evolves, interpretation of its use will be a monumental issue for journalists, government officials and citizens who will have different opinions on levels of security, privacy and free flow of information.”

Student reaction to events in our world

A photo of Cathedral High School German students performing a Nazi salute has surfaced on Twitter; it has since been taken down after its discovery. In response, the Indianapolis school held a meeting on cultural awareness. Those involved will face consequences.

‘‘

is going on right now in Turkey. Those rights are being eroded very quickly, almost before our eyes. We are seeing the place fall away from being one (of) the great democracies in the Middle East into a dictatorship. They’re doing it by taking away what we would consider to be our First Amendment freedoms. You can’t criticize the government (or) gather in public without permission,” Bernacky said. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) took center stage last year around Indiana. The state allowed businesses to deny services to LGBT people based on religious grounds, prompting another face off about the freedoms of the First Amendment. Public pressure eventually made the state’s government cavein with them passing a so-called “fix” to RFRA. Hadley’s organization is moving towards expanding the

This is America, so I don’t think they should be doing that. I don’t think that should happen, and they should get Gabe Herrera sophomore in trouble for it.

A Florida parent is suing to stop schools from allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their chosen gender identities. The lawsuit declares the district is not providing a safe environment for the children.

‘‘

I think a transperson should be allowed to go in whatever bathroom that they identify Marissa Okeley with. sophomore

World

news

“The First Amendment is really about empowering us to act socially and politically. It’s one of those ones that is out there to govern what you’re allowed to say, how you’re allowed to think, how you’re allowed to express yourself in public, who you’re allowed to associate with. (It’s) everything you really need to have an economic basis and a political basis for public life,” Bernacky said. In much of the world, the freedoms Americans are allowed do not exist. And in many other parts of the globe, government action is eating away at basic freedoms. Turkish president Recep Erdogan is attacking the freedom of the press and speech, locking up thousands of journalists for merely criticizing his presidency. He also asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to lock up a journalist who drew a negative cartoon criticizing his leadership. “You can see in places what

Nation

Area

views on

ment because it allows his group to say what they need to without the threat of government action. “The First Amendment means to me that I have the right to disclose what I want and establish myself more freely. (I can) protest what I want to protest, but it basically just gives me the rights I deserve as an American,” Supan said. To Hadley, the First Amendment provides the base for her to speak her mind all within such a small amount of words. “The First Amendment allows me to speak about issues that are important to me through all media platforms, to assemble or petition and to practice any religion I choose, all in just 45 words. What a succinct guarantee of my freedom,” Hadley said. Government teacher Don Bernacky says the First Amendment sets the standard for daily life.

State

However, to many, President Barack Obama’s current administration has been harsh on First Amendment rights, especially toward the press. In an article she wrote for Forbes, Jennifer Granick, the Director of Civil Liberties at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society, stated that “President Obama’s has been the most aggressive Administration in history, not only in going after whistleblowers but also pursuing the reporters who write their stories.” Reporters Without Borders largely backs up Granick’s claims that the U.S. has fallen to 41 on the organization’s annual World Press Freedom report. The nation fell to an all-time low of 49 in 2015 and has fallen 21 spots since President Obama took office in 2009. CPTV senior Johnny Supan is thankful for the First Amend-

ISIS claimed responsibility for back-to-back bombings at an outdoor market in Baghdad on May 17. This was part of a series of attacks which left 69 dead across the Iraqi capital. Over the past week, almost 200 have been killed in bombings.

‘‘

I think America should stay out of it because they should just fend for themselves.

Adam Batkiewicz junior

ink

opinion may 23, 2016

Only you decide how this goes

alt

editor-at-large

After four years in this place, I am left to reminisce and reflect on the last four years of my life. I am left to be disgusted with who I was but grow satisfied with who I have become. My time here was an experience --- one that I’m thankful for. It can be the same for everyone because this place is what you make it. My first year here, I hated this place, beset with the most basic curriculum save a handful of honors classes, coming here was a chore. Sitting in the uncomfortable seats, in rooms that were always set to an imperfect temperature of 60 or below, learning things I had little to no interest in, being force fed college and career readiness. I felt like a prisoner, and I hated it. But I did not give this place a chance. I failed to explore the possibilities this school had to offer out of some self righteous cause to be disobedient and mime what I had seen every portrayal of a typical high school student. I convinced myself this was not worth it. I convinced myself to hate this place because I wanted to. If you want it to be awful or you think it, so then it will be. You have to be here anyway, so why would you put yourself through that? However, if you want this place to be an exploration of self, a place to figure out who you are, a place to make friends, a place to make memories, then it will be. It can be fun here; it is just on you to make it that way. As far as fun goes, there is a club for almost anything, and if there is not, the opportunity to create one is available. All it takes is to find a teacher willing to host and some signatures from friends or those interested in forming a club. The high school also offers courses that vary in topics. Chances are if you are interested in learning about something, there is a class out there, just ask your counselor about it. Furthermore, be willing to ask anybody anything. You cannot be afraid to grow or to make mistakes. The biggest successes are derived from the biggest failures. Disney, Jobs, Jordan --- all of them had to tough it out before they made it big. So get up and do something with yourself. Do not leave with any regrets. Do as much as you can before it is too late because one day you’ll be looking towards life and that, like this, is what you make it. So start making it.

speakup

BY CHRIS REKITZKE

Why is the First Amendment important to you?

Bra

Car n eers

Lif

essential in American society, future

For 225 long years, the United States’ Constitution has been the gold standard for basic freedoms. As western influence dwindled and empires fell across the globe, new nations would, and still do, look to the shining house on the hill to draft their futures. The United States is one of the most demographically diverse nations in the world. There is a smorgasbord of races, ethnicities and faiths in our country --- whites, blacks, Buddhists and even those who believe in a flying spaghetti monster. It is because of this vast diversity that the importance of the First Amendment persists in an even more far-reaching way than it did in the time of the founding fathers. The right of expression is essential so that all of these points of views have a platform to contribute to the American identity. Freedom of speech is about so much more than speech. It’s about the minority’s rights, the right of dissent, the right to disagree. The freedom to speak freely is worthless if no one is listening. But through the right to petition, the government at every level must listen to the citizens’ needs. If they don’t, the officials are often out of a job and the right to assemble comes into effect. In many nations, people die for this right --- for what some here take for granted. Imagine America without the First Amendment. Imagine a society much like the dystopia George Orwell imagined in his novel ”1984” that would come to be without our basic freedoms. A dark and dreary world would emerge. Though the circumstances that would have to arise in order for this to ever come into play are almost unimaginable, in order to further ensure the persistence of our first freedom we must fully take advantage of the abilities it provides. At Crown Point High School, we are celebrating 100 years of print publications. One hundred years of using the freedoms given to us to tell our stories and to document the successes and failures of the student body, informing and giving voice to issues and people. We toast to the media programs here and likewise encourage all students to take part in actively exercising their right to free speech and all of their guaranteed First Amendment rights: religion, press, petition and assembly. As we move to be a more equitable society where most of us want the playing field to be level, the First Amendment is a good place to start. The freedoms it provides and how we take advantage of them help show why we’re one of the most democratic societies on this planet.

editorial Vol. 80 Issue 9 May 23, 2016 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

editor-in-chief Natalie Brigham editors-at-large Maisa Nour L I N G S Katie Pawlowski Crown Point High School, IN Chris Rekitzke Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced Sam Barloga journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS copy editor faculty, staff or administration. Lauren Massow Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted opinion editor one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings Hannah Bauner reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns. arts & Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings. entertainment Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Associaeditor tion Hoosier Star, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup Maria Leontaras publication.

freshman

“I can express myself, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Nobody can tell me that I can’t say that.”

iew: First Amendment

ink

Devon Mcsurley

CARTOON BY DESTINY KOGLER

Kyle Hatton sophomore

“It lets you speak your opinion. Some people might not want to hear it, but they can finally hear the truth.”

Kendall Beckman junior

“Because it gives people the opportunity to speak up and voice their opinions and can help to change the way other people view things.”

Matt Mozak senior

“I’m a very loud and vocal guy. If I couldn’t be vocal about stuff and kept it in, I would not be a happy guy.”

sports editor Dylan Wallace assistant sports editors Tommy Frame Dominic Tomich feature editor Jackie Ham design editor Grace Cleland chief photographers Jill Kidder Ally Rekitzke art director Abby Sobek

artist Destiny Kogler advertising editors Becca Burke Audrey Gacsy staff Yousef Abdeldaiem Tiffany Curtis Jeremy DeBold Branden Dwyer Andrew Gianfermi Matt McConnell Alexia Wojciechowski adviser Julie Elston

ink L

opinion may 23, 2016

Should CPHS have open enrollment? Estimated Time

Students should thank influential teachers

Crown Point High School

45 min.

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

Limit

Speed 30

Arrival 7:30 a.m.

35m/h

GPS CARTOON BY ABBY SOBEK

Pro:

Open enrollment would be a financial benefit for schools BY JEREMY DeBOLD

Con:

Open enrollment would cause issues associated with overcrowding BY DESTINY KOGLER

reporter

With many states and school districts having changed or updated their public school open enrollment policies, it is apparent they are seeing an upside to it. Open enrollment is set to see a potential future in Crown Point as open enrollment possibilities are being considered. Open enrollment offers many financial benefits to schools as well as academic opportunities for students. One of the most immediate benefits is the financial boost that comes with open enrollment. Schools receive extra funding for each student that enrolls in the school outside of their district, the average voucher being $4,000 according to the Indiana Department of Education. Ohio has seen over 70,000 students enroll in schools outside their district as of 2014, resulting in over $360 million being shifted around the state’s school districts according to Ohio.com. Open enrollment to public schools in Indiana directly benefits school districts, who receive money from the state but does not cost the student directly. This money could potentially be used to not only benefit the students outside the districts who are enrolling but also the students who are currently enrolled. Open enrollment offers many academic opportunities for students, giving them the ability to attend public schools which may be outside their district but offer more academic or athletic opportunities to help students pursue their goals. This benefit is bolstered by the fact that the student is not responsible for paying more to attend open enrollment schools and is free to attend other schools without tuition being a factor. The student’s resident school district covers the cost of the student’s schooling at the other school district. Another benefit is the opportunity for schools to increase in diversity and expand cultural and ethnic opportunities. Open enrollment allows communities with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to mesh in a safe environment. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about others in a first hand manor, expanding students’ views of the world around them. Overall, open enrollment offers both students and schools benefits and opportunities to benefit their academic possibilities.

7 Inklings staffers agree Andrea John

17 Inklings staffers agree Ashley Plumley

sophomore

“We would have to add on more wings to the school to support all the kids that would coming in. Crown Point is a great school, so it would be great for other kids to come”

Rocci Beebe

artist

Open enrollment is an option many schools explore across the nation. The concept opens the doors to all students even if they live out of the school district, but the question is: Could it work here? This influx of students means class sizes will grow. Bigger classes means less one-on-one time with the students and teachers. This means more kids getting confused because they cannot talk to the teacher for help as often as they can now, which is still not all the time. Larger class sizes means more desks will be crammed into the already full classrooms, and more busses to transport an even larger student population while stuffed busses are already an issue. Because of this, open enrollment would have negative impacts based on how large our student population is even without the concept in play. Furthermore, if there are more students, logically, there will be a larger amount of students going out for sport or club positions. While open enrollment might be a positive experience for a student from another district without their desired club, it also means that more people are trying out for the same activities which means that more cuts are going to be made in order to maintain desired club sizes. Or in the case that clubs grow in size, more advisors will be required to oversee the operations of clubs which could mean more fees to pay. Open enrollment does offer more diversity to schools. It aids in mixing cultures and developing a better acceptance of one another. On the other end of the spectrum, mixing these cultures and cliques might create more drama amongst the school population. Crown Point, like other high schools, has rival schools. In the event that someone from one of these conflicting schools joins, there is likely to be tension due to preconceived judgement about students from those already attending CPHS. In theory the option sounds like a beneficial concept to consider. The mixing of culture and diversity are fundamentally apart of our nation’s history. However, CPHS is already a large school that is already pushing the limits of its size and structure. If the high school were to carefully consider an open enrollment policy, expansion to the building would almost certainly need to occur.

junior

“Although I think it would be fine, if other people from other schools start causing problems then we should not let that happen at all”

science

“No because the school is almost at maximum capacity now.”

Keegan Govert

freshman

“No, the school will have too many kids.”

It is difficult for me to comprehend that my high school career is basically over. In a few short months, I and many of the graduating seniors will be heading to college and have to start over again. We will be in a foreign place with new teachers, peers and friends. We won’t know who to sit with at lunch, and we might even get lost on campus a few times in the first weeks. But before our parents drop us off in a small dorm room with unknown professors and roommates, I think we should take a moment to reflect on the people who have helped us get to this point in our lives. The teachers in this building have not only taught us -- they have supported us. Since the first day of the school year, they took the time to learn our names, find our interests and help us become more mature individuals. I know that if it weren’t for the support of the educators in this building I would not be the student or person I am today. Every test, essay and homework assignment not only better prepared me for college, they taught me the meaning of determination and perseverance. Don’t think I’m a weirdo who likes doing homework and quizzes for fun; I didn’t enjoy the work at the time, but if I had to, I would do it all again. Every time I thought I couldn’t handle the assignment or grasp a topic, my teachers were there for me. They took extra time out of their day to teach me. More important than teaching me math or science, though, they were teaching me to trust myself. The educators in this school had a massive impact on my life, and I am certain I am not the only one with this experience. So before we graduate and vacate the building for summer, let’s thank our teachers for all they’ve done for us this year. It doesn’t take much time to do, but a thank you can mean the world to those that have cared enough to help us get this far. For myself in particular, there are certain educators I need to thank. Mr. McGee, Mrs. Elston and Mr. Correa thank you for letting me live in your classrooms, answering my every question before and after school and replying to my panicked emails at 9 p.m. You are all dedicated beyond words, and I cannot imagine where I would be without you. Thank you for preparing me for my future career and encouraging me every step of the way.

ink

i on life

feature may 23, 2016

experiencing a different perspective

Summer Safety

Professionals, students discuss different ways to stay safe in summer BY JACKIE HAM

AUDREY GACSY feature editor co-advertising editor

Stranger danger was taught at an infantile age. Parents educated their children to be aware of their surroundings, to not trust unfamiliar people and to remember to keep a phone on hand for emergency situations. Even though these tips are important to some, this standard may not be enough to maintain safety anymore. With the summer season just around the corner, taking certain precautions may keep one safe from potential dangerous situations. Director of Security Milan Damjanovic has had experience with the escalated accounts of dangerous situations during the summer season. He warns that the warm weather causes more outside exposure to kids drawing in the risk for meeting predators. “When it is summer time, kids are walking more and are out there more. They are a lot more exposed outside than they are compared to in the winter time because they are all cooped up,” Damjanovic said. “Now the risk is greater because sports are outside. Dangerous people can get to them a lot easier now.” Damjanovic stresses the importance of being prepared before traveling to unknown places. He also encourages kids to have items that may help defend oneself in case of emergencies. “One of the things is to carry mace. You can buy it at the sporting good stores, or even a small little can of hairspray will do the job too,” Damjanovic said. “Keep your keys in your hand as you are walking because that is another weapon you can use against somebody who tries to hurt you.” He also believes that taking a self defense class may help ensure one’s safety. Sophomore Shannon McCloskey partakes in a kickboxing class that she admits has helped her live with less fear. Since starting the class, she has gained confidence that has allowed her to feel safer in her everyday life. “I think that self-defense is so important because if you come across a situation, you don’t want to feel helpless. In the summer, we travel to unfamiliar places, and we

The #

don’t know what to expect. It’s good to have a sense of security,” McCloskey said. McCloskey also says that her kickboxing has influenced other parts of her life. “Not only do I feel better with my own sense of safety, I feel better physically and mentally,” McCloskey said. Junior Nicholas Winter is a weight lifter for Crown Point High School, and he believes that his size allows him to take a handle on any threatening situation he might encounter. “I feel that if you are overall strong in your body and mind, you are a force to be reckoned with,” Winter said. “Being stronger has its perks. You can help more people if you are stronger and bigger because less think of you as prey.” Even though Winter says that his size affects the way people treat him, he believes that there is no immediate threat to students. Damjanovic has an adverse opinion regarding student safety. “One of the things that I receive monthly is a list of the predators that have moved into the radius of our school corporation. They have to stay away from each of the schools by 1000 feet. I work together with the Crown Point Police Department, along with Winfield Township and Cedar Lake, especially at the end of the school year (to keep kids safe),” Damjanovic said. One of the biggest impacts on student safety is their presence on social media. Identity is hidden through false names and personal information may be shared more easily, hindering the safety of a student. “Do not get me wrong, social media is a good avenue with certain things. Social media has exposed kids so much, it is unbelievable,” Damjanovic said. “A lot of times, kids using social media take pictures of themselves near something, or they play for a school team. If it says Crown Point on it, guess where this guy is going to go? Social media has become very dangerous for our kids.” Damjanovic said. According to Damjanovic, places like parks or trails attract predators more due

1.8 million adolescents in the US have been victims of sexual assault.

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

Officer Damjanovic warns students to be aware of the surroundings in public places. Parking lots, parks and bike trails are places where people may find predators.

to the mass amounts of kids present and the overall increased foot traffic. Even in a public place, he does not want kids to hesitate to use self-defense. “Do not be nice. If you have to scratch, pull or bite, do whatever you have to do to get away,” Damjanovic said. “You are not going to go to jail for hurting someone

30% of sexual assault cases are reported to authorities

statistics provided by https://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Education/FactsStatistics?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

who tries to hurt you. You have to do what you have to do protect yourself.” Ultimately, Damjanovic says that being conscious of your surroundings is the biggest step to staying safe. “Know what you are going to do and where you’re going,” Damjanovic said. “If you’re going out, let somebody know about it.”

1 in 6

18%

boys are sexually abused before the age of 18

of women in the US have been raped

ink L

feature may 23, 2016

Lessons learned

PHOTOS BY BRANDEN DWYER

Teachers Dorothy Duffala, Joanne Borodine, Brenda Wolski and Scott Vlink gather around CPHS’s bulldog. They plan to retire at the end of this school year.

Retiring educators reminisce about careers BY BECCA BURKE

Co-advertisiting editor

Although the coming and going of teachers and staff members is hardly a new occurrence, each summer still brings a bittersweet air, particularly for the retiring staff of 2016: choir director Joanne Borodine, art teacher Dorothy Duffala, P.E. and health teacher Scott Vlink, and guidance counselor Brenda Wolski. Vlink, who has been a teacher as well as one of Crown Point’s coaches for 37 years, reflects on this bittersweet situation and the things he’ll be leaving behind. “Retirement kind of reminds me of a line in a song, ‘You don’t know what you got til it’s gone,’” Vlink said. “Some of my closest friends and best relationships have been developed through the faculty here at Crown Point High School.” Like Vlink, Wolski, an employee of the education system for 32 years, is reluctant to leave the school behind but believes now to be the time to move forward and embrace new things. “My mom is going to turn 80 in July. Her and both of my sisters live in Indianapolis, and I want to be near to them,” Wolski said. “I also have a part time photography business

and want to make it more full time.” Some of the staff members, like Duffala, started out in Crown Point, working their way up through the school system into what they believed was the best position for them. “I started out part time at Lake Street and Nativity Catholic School. Then, after that, a job opened up full time (at CPHS),” Duffala said. Others, such as Borodine, recall Crown Point as being more of a final destination for teaching rather than a beginning. “We had lived in Illinois, but a number of teachers had moved over to the Lakes of the Four Seasons,” Borodine said. “Before my son was born, I was doing a lot of active show choirs, but afterward, I was looking for someplace local and Crown Point opened up.” Whether a teaching career lasts seven years or 37 years, Vlink can attest to the brevity and the beauty of enjoying the little things. “Time goes by quick,” Vlink said. “So rather than complain about it, enjoy the relationships with your students and your coworkers. Enjoy the fact that you’re helping people and look at all the good things. Just enjoy all of it because time really does fly, and it will all be gone before you know it.”

Music

Health

Guidance

Art

Borodine

Vlink

Wolski

Duffala

“My husband has been retired for 10 years, so I’m looking forward to spending some time with him, doing some traveling, basically hanging around the house. We have family in Minnesota, so we take regular trips up there. I want to get around the United States and go to different places. My daughter is getting married next summer, so I’m looking forward to giving her a lot of my time and helping.”

“I won’t be a coach that comes back and critiques whatever’s going on. If I come back, it’ll be simply in the role of a fan, just to be supportive, support the kids of Crown Point, support the events of Crown Point and things like that. I enjoy going to the games; I enjoy going to football games. It might actually give me the opportunity to go to more events other than just the ones that I coached in.”

“I’ll definitely miss the students. I love the interaction with the students. I love the conversations that I have with the students and finding out what they want to pursue career-wise. I’ll definitely miss the people in this department; they’ve been wonderful. They’re just great people to work with. Being in (education) is just a great opportunity to stay in touch with different parts of life, and that I’ll miss.”

“I’ve been teaching for 20 years. I’ve always loved to draw. I’d definitely have to say the students are (my) favorite part, meeting all the students. Helping the students is probably the best part of it and teaching them about art. I mean, it’s probably the best job ever. I get to do what I like. I like to draw. I like to paint. I like to do anything in art. I like to do art history and to teach what I love is even better.”

ink

feature may 23, 2016

By George they’ve done it!

CPHS celebrates 100 year anniversary of printed publications

ew things survive a century. As time continues on, trends fade, new styles emerge and scientific and social breakthroughs change the norms of everyday life, but at Crown Point High School, print publications have managed to endure the changes that accompany a century. This year marks CPHS’s 100 year anniversary of print publications. The first yearbook was published in 1916. During its early years, the yearbook went by the name “The Oracle.” The now withered and fragile publication was created by 10 members and included handdrawn illustrations, student submitted jokes and black-and-white photographs.

‘‘

I think it’s really special to be a part of something like this ... because it’s so many years of history. Everybody wants to see 100 years, so I feel like there’s a lot of hype for it. There’s high expectations. Brooklyn Turley senior Today the 30 students on the Excalibur yearbook staff are tasked with the same job as the staff of 1916, but their product is 280 pages, encompassing every club, sport and event that takes place during the 2015-2016 school year. Senior and co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook Brooklyn Turley says the staff has been preparing to make this yearbook since the summer of 2015. “In the beginning of the year, we go to a journalism camp at Ball State where we are there for about eight days. We come up with our theme for the yearbook, our templates for the yearbook and pretty much everything that we’ll need for the year,” she said. Preparation for the upcoming year does not stop after the journalism camp; it continues into the weeks that follow by training incoming staff members to ensure the staff will be well versed in InDesign, a frequently used computer based publishing program, as well as having leaders for the next school year. “When we come back, we go through a training process where we train everybody new on staff for three weeks, maybe. Then we teach them InDesign, tell them about our theme and pretty much all that kind of stuff. Then we make teams which consist of a writer, designer and a photographer. They’re assigned to either a coverage spread or a sport, and then we put it all together.” English teacher and yearbook advisor Lisa Keene has been involved in the making of yearbooks since 1990 and has noticed a technological evolution. She began instructing when students had to physically cut and glue their product together before having it mass produced. “I was there at the tail-end of when it was paste-up. In 1990 when I was working at Highland High School, we did have typewriters ... There were certain little rules you had to know … There were different skill sets involved then. But still, it was still about reporting on what was going on. I was there right when we got

our first Mac (computer),” Keene said. “From there, it just evolved. It just continued to go. And the desktop publishing revolution just took off. I also worked for Herff Jones, which is a publisher, for years. That was my job all day everyday --- to keep up with the changes in the publishing revolution. It has been fun to watch.” Turley believes that attempting to produce the modern yearbook utilizing the processes used in 1916 would be nearly impossible. “I feel like it would be very hard. They didn’t have the technology that we do now and the programs that we have now, so I can’t even imagine making it back then,” Turley said. Both in 1916 and 2016, many view the yearbook as a vital way to document the year, so students can look back in the future and reminisce on the memories they made in school. “Everybody wants to look back at it in the future. It’s capturing all the memories from the year. You want to make sure you cover everybody and do a good job of covering everybody, so they’re not disappointed in the future when they look back at it,” Turley said. The staff generally agrees that making a yearbook is stressful and constructing this year’s yearbook has been an even more stressful job. Turley believes that this pressure stems from the anticipation of such a historic milestone. “Definitely (there is more pressure) because a lot of people will see it, and everybody expects it to be one of the best books,” Turley said. “I feel like you have to do a good job of covering the history and looking into history but also (covering) what’s going on now. I think it’s really special to be a part of something like this because everyone looks at your 100 year edition because it’s so many years of history. Everybody wants to see 100 years, so I feel like there’s a lot of hype for it. There’s high expectations.” Senior and design editor Reagan Holderby thinks that this year’s theme “By George we’ve done it,” which incorporates retro 1920s accents, will make this year’s yearbook memorable. “Making the 100 edition yearbook was a big deal for me because, as a staff, we realized we needed to make it special. We picked (this) theme because it has a timeless and classic feel. Creating the book and adding a 1920s spin on it was exactly what we needed to make this book unique and special to us,” Holderby said. hile the book serves as a historic milestone for journalistic publications, Holderby feels that being on staff has had a major impact on her life. “It was the best experience I have ever had in high school. I made some of my closest friends throughout my two years on staff,” Holderby said. “Without yearbook I wouldn’t even know what I want as a career. It has shown me what I want to do in the future, which is graphic design at Purdue, and has really helped me find my passion.” Keene believes that being a part of the publication goes beyond just creating a physical document; it brings her happiness. “To me, living in Crown Point, working in Crown Point, I have purposefully orchestrated my life around this,” Keene said. “So it makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself, and it makes me happy that this is where my family and I chose to make our lives.”

Yearbook

through the

century Then in 1916

1926

1946

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

1996 1976

Today The 2015 edition of the yearbook was titled “At this point.” This year’s Excalibur is still being made but will be available to students next school year.

Junior Rileigh Haas updates the Excalibur calendar for May events. Excalibur covers all events in the 2015-2016 school year.

ink L

feature may 23, 2016

The ultimate activity The Hammer

The Chicken Wing

“It’s an overhand throw where you use the same grip as the forehand to throw it,” junior Nick Stockton said. The frisbee is gripped just like the forehand toss except the disc is brought behind the head and thrown forward with an upwards wrist flick. The motion is similar to hitting something with a hammer, hence the name of the toss.

The Forehand Also known as the flick, two-finger and side-arm throw, the forehand throw is common in Ultimate frisbee. “It’s basically the opposite of the traditional throw,”Stockton said. Momentum is provided by the flick of the wrist when executing the toss.

The chicken wing is a variation of the backhand throw. It is held the same way as a backhand toss, but the frisbee is kept on the dominant side of the thrower instead of reaching across the body. “No one in Ultimate really uses it,” Stockton said. “It’s just a fun throw.”

More throw information at http://www.discace.com/ultimate-frisbee/ultimate-frisbee-throws

Ultimate frisbee strengthens sportsmanship, friendships BY GRACE CLELAND MARIA LEONTARAS

design editor arts & entertainment editor

Flat land, good friends and an average frisbee is all it takes for a portion of Latin club members to have fun in Crown Point. The sport follows similar regulations to football without the physical contact. Teammates work together to get the frisbee into the end zone to score points. “Ultimate frisbee is a competitive sport where teams compete to score the most goals. Teammates pass a frisbee to their teammates and try to work their way towards an end zone, similar to football. If teammates drop the frisbee, it counts as a turnover and the other team gets a chance to go in the opposite direction towards their end zone,” senior August Dailey said. There are challenges to every sport, but

practice is said to make perfect. According to senior Callista Christ, it is the techniques that matter while playing. “The hardest part about ultimate frisbee is learning how to actually throw the frisbee correctly so that you can pass it to a teammate during a game. So if you want to get started, I would suggest tossing the frisbee around with family or friends and getting your throw mastered before you actually start playing games,” Christ said. After mastering the technique, one must find an appropriate location for the game. Though outdoor locations are typical, there are various places where the sport can be played, as stated by junior Nick Stockton. “(You can play) really anywhere you can. You can play on a football field, you can play on a soccer field, any place where you have open space. Even indoors as long as you don’t hit anything with the frisbee,”

663-6551 211 South East St. Crown Point

DINE IN

carriagecourtpizza.com CARRY-OUT

DELIVERY

S NG¢ I W

50 n on d -i an ne bo days s s ! es Tue onel days b urs Th on

Visit our website for coupons and a menu!

Fri PIZZ ice da ys A! A 9! f ter

When you see the Pizza Slice, Have your picture taken with him!

Dine in Specials Every Day!

Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In!

Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery

o C u r e t g Piz a i r r

Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine in! Carry-Out! Delivery!

Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In! Carry-Out! Delivery! Dine In!

Stockton said. Places without major obstacles are ideal, but having the obstacles can make it more of a challenging game. “The strangest place (I’ve played) was in the Lake County Fairgrounds. We played there, and there was just no good space for it. We were playing in between trees and picnic shelters and whatnot. It was just a really odd space,” English teacher Vince Bauters said. No matter where the game takes place, Bauters has found it to be a great way to meet new people or become even closer to preexisting friends. Bauters himself has found some of his friendships strengthened because of frisbee. “When I was in high school, my friends and I started an ultimate frisbee club. It survived for a while. It was pretty fun,” Bauters said. “There was a time when we had a club (at CPHS) for ultimate frisbee, but the

membership was fluctuating so much that it just didn’t survive.” Though the maintenance of an ultimate frisbee club at CPHS was unsuccessful, other clubs, such as Latin club, have carried on the tradition of the sport. “I actually have a lot of people in Latin club (that I play with). Latin club’s huge with ultimate frisbee, so I play with a lot of kids that I know from that,” Stockton said. Members of Latin club play the sport whenever they can. Christ said that her favorite place to play the sport is at the summer Latin National Convention. Ultimate frisbee allows for participants to go beyond bonding over Latin and school. “I like the atmosphere that we create around frisbee,” Dailey said. “Whenever our Latin club has free time, we go out and play frisbee for fun. It truly is a great bonding sport.”

feature may 23, 2016

ink

Hide & Seek

HOW TO FIND A GEOCACHE STEP

ONE

Track the geocache on the Geocaching app and locate it’s position.

STEP

TWO

Spot the hidden geocache and open it to discover the hidden treasure.

STEP

THREE

PHOTOS BY JILL KIDDER

Sign your name in the logbook and place an object back into the capsule.

Junior Hannah Kish looks underneath a rock to find a geocache at the Crown Point Fair Grounds.

Geocaching sends participants on a search for hidden items BY JILL KIDDER ABBY SOBEK

co-chief of photography art director

Trudging through the mud, eyesstraining, searching for a hidden treasure, geocaching embodies the concept of discovering a concealed capsule with mysterious contents inside. Although the definition seems simple, the sport of geocaching is much more than hide-and-go-seek. Objects are hidden in everyday locations that can be found through the geocaching app, Geocaching, which has discoverable pins in almost every region. Geocaching is not only limited to hiking in the woods; there are varying styles. “We realized that it not only happens in the woods, but there is a lot of urban geocaching. There’s economic geocaching on college campuses. There’s sorority geocaching. You can do it around any theme.

People do it for bachelor parties,” History teacher Don Bernacky said. Not only are there different styles of geocaching, but the geocaches come in different shapes and sizes. “The two I’ve found personally are little, orange capsules, and they come in different sizes,” senior Caleb Smoot said. “There’s a screw on top. You put the stuff inside of it, and then you screw it back in and put it back in the place that you found it. But there are big ones that are like the size of a desk.” The memories made on geocaching adventures are not only based on what is found in the capsule, but the time spent searching for the capsule. One of Bernacky’s most memorable geocaching experiences revolved around an event. “The one I enjoyed the most was (when) we did an urban geocache for a bachelor party. Everyone finally met at a restaurant from the clues that led you to the restau-

rant where they were holding the reception. It was a memorable night because it was fun,” Bernacky said. Depending on the location, geocaching can require both physical and mental essentials. One of the major essentials being the app. While Smoot suggests patience, gloves and friends, Bernacky suggests a positive mind set. “All you really need is a sense of adventure, some friends to share with (and) the ability to be patient and see what comes later,” Bernacky said. Geocaching can lead one to locations that are typically uncommon in daily life. Junior Hannah Kish’s first geocaching experience led her to a cemetery. “We went to a cemetery, and we had to go by all these bushes and look in the bushes for the actual geocache. It said in the description that it was in a little pill bottle, so we went over to the trees and bushes. The pill bottle was attached to one

of the branches,” Kish said. “We opened it up, and we found half of a guitar pick and a piece of paper with some names on it. So we left one of our little dominos and put it in there.” One of the rules of geocaching is that in order for one to take an item, one must leave an item in return. Many people tend to put something that is sentimental to them so the experience is more personal to the owner and to the person who finds the object. Personal or impersonal, Kish finds geoaching to be an exciting experience. She compares finding her geocache to being a kid on a holiday. “It’s like Christmas morning, and you know that you are going to get a present,” Kish said. “Maybe there will only be one present ... But you open it up and there’s another present inside. It is a pleasant surprise and is unexpected.”

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR

ADVERTISERS Buy your 2015-2016 yearbook! Order by check – make a

$70 check out to Excalibur Yearbook with the student’s name in the memo.

Order by credit card – go to the school website home page and click on “yearbook ordering” in the site shortcuts sidebar.

‘‘

ink L

sports may 23, 2016

We need to stay confident and work hard this weekend and go into regionals without being overly nervous.

in the

huddle

- sophomore Ana Maksimovich

‘‘

174ORED

.958 TAGE

RUNS SC

WIN PERC

15 OWED

RUNS ALL

1 25

NK STATE RA RANK NATIONAL

. g n i n n i W . g n i t t i H . g n i h c t Pi

From left to right senior Marie O’Malley, sophomore Lydia Byrd, senior Miranda Elish, freshman Maggie Cantrell and senior Felicia Wacasey

Bulldogs ranked heading into tournament BY DYLAN WALLACE sports editor

The top team in the state. That’s the title for the softball team so far this season as they have accumulated a 23-1 record with a perfect 14-0 record in the DAC, leaving them ranked first in the state. “The girls have come out and played really well this season,” head coach Ginger Britton said. “All around with their hitting, pitching and fielding, I think they have done a good job staying consistent throughout the season so far.” This is not news to the Dogs, though, even though they were obtaining this kind of success last year only to be knocked out at regionals by conference foe Lake Central. They have already avenged that loss twice this year in the regular season beating the Indians 5-3 and 3-0. “It was disappointing that we didn’t beat them on our field last year, so it felt really good to get that win this year,” senior Felicia Wacasey said. “We will be working

hard to make sure we don’t lose to them again in the postseason.” The loss in regionals last year has only given the girls more motivation to go further into the postseason and capture the state championship that has alluded them ever since Crown Point High School was established. “Crown Point has never won a state championship,” Britton said. “The last couple years, we have had a good shot at it but could never get the important postseason wins. I think the girls have more motivation this year, and because of that, I think we have a good chance to finally win a state title.” The Dogs have a winning percentage of .958, have scored a total of 174 runs, have allowed 15 runs and, to go along with their top state rank, they are ranked 25 in the country. Those statistics shouldn’t go unnoticed, but in the locker room, the girls pay no attention to them whatsoever. “It is satisfying to say that we are recognized as a nationally ranked team; how-

ever, stats or rankings do not get you a state title,” senior Morgan Matalin said. “The past three years, we have had similar stats and rankings to this year and still came up short. This year it is our mission to prove that we are worth the top ranking in the state and deserving of the title.” Despite a nearly perfect season, the girls think that they are far from perfect and still have a lot of work to do if they want to accomplish their season goals. “We definitely still need to work on our small ball game,” junior Alexis Holloway said. “Going into the postseason we will be facing some really good teams and pitchers where we will have to be able to move runners once they get on.” Not only are the Dogs a good softball team, but they are also a good team in terms of chemistry and having each others’ backs. “To go along with all of the in game adjustments, one of the other important things is that we have to stay loud in the dugout and give everybody energy to perform at their best,” Holloway said.

Team morale is big when trying to accomplish big goals, and the girls have their morale at an all-time high with many of them having their own individual handshake with another player. “This is by far my favorite year because my teammates are just really awesome,” Matalin said. “We like to laugh a lot, and even all the freshman fit right in. We have had some pretty good times outside of the field.” It’s about having all the little things that help accomplish the big goals. The girls have three games remaining in the regular season before the postseason gets underway, and they are more anxious than timid to get that tournament rolling. “When postseason is right around the corner that starts to become the main focus,” Britton said. “It’s hard to not think about it. The girls are all pretty anxious to get the postseason going but we have to finish out these last three games and then get refocused for a whole other type of season to start.”

Despite team loss, Crown Point runners advance BY TOMMY FRAME

assistant sports editor

Last Thursday, May 19, the boys’ Track and Field team took on all visitors as they hosted the sectional championships. Merrillville stole the show, taking home the team championship and beating Crown Point with a score of 142.5 to Crown Point’s 128.5. The beauty of a sport like Track is that Crown Point will be well represented in the regional championships next Thurs-

day, May 26 at Valparaiso High School. The boys’ 4x100 meter relay team composed of seniors Rob Harrell and Garret Shoemaker and juniors Shane McCormick and Zack Stewart took first place with a time of 42.74. Although this time won them first place, the team knows they can speed up their time come Regionals. “We won, and that is awesome. I’m so proud of my teammates,” Harrell said. “We can most definitely do better. We were the best team there, so there

wasn’t that much competition to push us. At regionals when Portage is pushing us, we will run really fast, and we will beat them.” Harrell also qualified in the 100 meter dash with an 11.1 time. As far as individuals go, Shoemaker made his mark at sectionals. Aside from being on the first place 4x100 meter relay team, he won the 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash and took second in the long jump. “I’m extremely happy with how I’ve been performing, espe-

cially setting all of my personal records my senior year,” Shoemaker said. “It’s nice knowing I finally proved myself to be an all around track athlete.” More individual success came from McCormick who was a part of the 4x100 meter relay team as well but also placed third in the 200 meter dash, qualifying him for the regional meet. “I did better than I expected,” McCormick said. “I knew our 4x100 relay team would perform well, and I’m happy the 200 meter

came along for me as well because qualifying for two events in regionals isn’t easy.” Putting in off-season work has led to success for the track team, and it has shown for those extending their season to next week. “I knew I was expected to be one of the top guys this year, and I had to prove I could fill those shoes,” Shoemaker said. “I always say, ‘You’ve got to risk it to get the biscuit,’ and I’ve been getting myself nothing but red lobster cheddar bay biscuits this postseason.”

ink

sports may 23, 2016

Girls tennis keeps win streak alive BY MATT MCCONNELL reporter

The streak is still alive. After 21 straight years of sectional championships, the girls tennis team had a tough draw for the first round of sectionals this year with Lake Central, one of the top teams in the area. The Dogs had already beaten the Indians once this season 3-2 but knew it was not going to be easy this time around. “LC is a good team, but we just worked hard and wanted it bad,” sophomore Ana Maksimovich said. They wanted it, and they got it by defeating Lake Central 4-1 and extending their sectional title streak to 22. “We just went in there with confidence,” Maksimovich said. “We went from a 3-2 win to a 4-1 win, so that proves how much our team has improved.” The competition between the two schools is fierce. “It’s a big rivalry between us and Lake Central, so you have to make sure the emotions are kept in check. We really talked about how we were going to attack these guys, not get too nervous or too excited

at the beginning of the match, and just focus on getting the points instead of how big the match is,” head coach Brian Elston said. The match between Lake Central and the Dogs was no easy task. “We graduated so many people last year so coming into this season, we didn’t really know what to expect. We weren’t really anticipating the sectional title. Lake Central had so many returning players who are really good, so just the fact that we improved so much this title means a little bit differently in compared to others,” Elston said. Senior Helen Keilman finds it rewarding to be a part of a streak with so much history to it. “It’s rewarding because it shows that all the hard work and dedication that the teams I have been a part of have paid off,” Keilman said. Keilman hopes to give motivation to the whole team as they move on to regionals. “Everybody needs to bring their A game at regionals,” Keilman said. “As a senior, it’s my job, along with our other seniors, to get everyone as pumped and motivated as possible.”

PHOTO BY BRANDEN DWYER Junior Cece Maginot charges towards the ball to return it back across the court to her opponent from Michigan City on senior night. The team defeated the Wolves with a score of 5-0.

Girls track falls one and half points short at sectionals, several individuals move on to regionals at Chesterton BY DOM TOMICH

assistant sports editor

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER Junior Bridgette Bazin clears the bar in high jump against Portage on senior night. The Lady Dogs went on to win that meet along with capturing the DAC title but lost by one and a half points to Lake Central at sectionals.

The girls track team has not been taking it easy on the record books this year after recently winning the school’s first conference championship. “Winning conference, considering it was our first time in school history, was pretty cool. The girls were going in second place and we knew we had to beat Lake Central in the conference championship in order to pull off the conference title and the girls came, showed up, ran great and preformed great in order to secure the title,” Head coach Moscalick said. Doing something that has never been done before motivated the team to compete at their highest level. “Everybody wanted to compete their best at conference; the energy level was higher than previous meets. Everyone was all in trying to make history,” Junior Kristen LaCosse said. “Knowing we have never done it before motivated the whole team to contribute as much as they could to win the meet.” However, the season for the Lady Bulldogs as a team came to a conclusion Tuesday evening at Lowell High School. Despite the heart wrenching 1.5 point loss in sectionals to Lake Central, the Dogs aren’t looking at the season with bitterness. “After I found out the results, I had to reflect on last year and Lake Central beat us by about 40 points, so for us to come within 1.5 points of them speaks volumes about the potential we have with these girls and should make them hungry moving forward in order to get a team title,” Moscalick said. Although winning sectionals was the team’s main goal, the Lady Bulldogs were still able to advance multiple ladies

to the regionals next Tuesday in various events. One of whom was Sophomore Hannah Wylie who finished first in both the mile and two mile.

‘‘

Everybody wanted to compete their best at conference; the energy level was higher than previous meets. Everyone was all in trying to make history.

Kristen LaCosse junior “Falling short to Lake Central by only 1.5 points makes the team wonder what if we did something better, how would it turn out. However, losing to Lake Central fires us up going into regionals. I want to set personal records in both my events and win both again on Tuesday,” Sophomore Hannah Wylie said. Kristen LaCosse was able to find success in about all of her events this Tuesday, similarly to the rest of the season. “Finishing first in the 300m hurdles, 100m hurdles and the 4x400m relay gives me a lot of confidence heading into regionals at Chesterton. I”m hoping to have another successful meet and advance further, eventually making it to Bloomington for the state championship,” LaCosse said.

ink L

sports may 23, 2016

Pitching, defense keys to baseball season’s successes

In the game

with T-frame

BY SAM BARLOGA editor-at-large

BY TOMMY FRAME

assistant sports editor

Chicago: the baseball capital What a time to be alive. In case you haven’t heard, Chicago is back on top. The Cubs are in first place in the National League Central Division. The Sox are in first place in the American League Central Division. The Cubs have the best record in baseball. The Sox have the second best record in baseball. Both are in search of one thing: a World Series Championship. Through 42 games for the Cubs, they have consistently been the best of the best. With a starting lineup that could probably be the starting lineup for the entire National League All-star team, taking down the Northsiders is no easy feat. While the season has been going great, complications have still caused problems for the Cubs including the loss rookie standout Kyle Schwarber early in the beginning of his sophomore campaign. His collision with center fielder Dexter Fowler cost him the rest of his second season in the League. However, the Cubs have depth, and when one man goes down it is next man up. 2015 unanimous rookie of the year Kris Bryant made the move to left field, allowing Javier Baez to move to third and complete the lineup. Was Schwarber a big loss for them? Yes. Are they still the best team in baseball without him? Yes. As far as the South Side goes, things are finally looking up. Trading for Todd Frazier this offseason was huge, and has translated to an increase in offense. It helps that Melky Cabrera is actually playing well this year too. Besides the offense, Chris Sale has been unbelievable this year. Posting a 1.58 ERA to this point, he has been one of the best pitchers in the game hands down. While the Sox have a history of inconsistency, this year may be the year they break the trend. Who knows? Come October, the World Series could be a short travel between Wrigley and U.S. Cellular Field, but one can only dream. All in all, the Cubs are rocking and the Sox are rolling and Chi-City has never been happier. There is no more next year.

extra

points

After two straight victories over Merrillville, the Bulldogs are preparing for a sectional showdown on the diamond. On Tuesday, Crown Point defeated the Pirates by a score of 3-1, using the pitching of senior Brandon Haczynski, who threw for a complete game and shut down Merrillville from nearly start-tofinish. In the first six innings, Haczynski only allowed one hit and a handful of base runners, as Merrillville failed to get any traction. Crown Point started their momentum early, but failed to score in the first inning, stranding three runners on the bases. However, in the second, Crown Point scored two runs off of an RBI-triple from junior Charlie Patrick on a flyball that nearly left the ballpark. The Dogs added an insurance run in the third inning, and that would be more than enough to allow Crown Point to glide to a victory. Next Wednesday, Crown Point travels to Merrillville to start their postseason run, and

senior catcher Nick Ricci is confident about how the team is playing. “I’d say we’ve been pretty successful,” Ricci said. “We’ve overcome a lot of challenges; we’re still working on getting better though, and I think we can do it, I think we can make a run (in the postseason).” Last Wednesday, Crown Point’s bats came alive in their road trip to Merrillville, where the Dogs notched a 11-0 victory. Junior Luke Adams went 1-for-2 in the victory, driving in an RBI single, and coming around to score a run. Bulldogs’ head coach Steve Strayer said the team is still developing after Tuesday’s victory. “Our hitting is very inconsistent and our offense is very inconsistent. I think we have the pitching and the defense, but our offense is going to have to step up (heading into the future),” Strayer said. Ricci is hoping for a long postseason run after the regular season’s strong finish.

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Junior Charlie Patrick slides safely into third base against Merrillville.

“We want to take it one game at a time,” Ricci said. “Obviously, we want to win sectionals, take it one game at a time, not jump to any conclusions and not looking for anything more than what we can take, and I think we’ll be fine. Merrillville’s matchup on Thursday may have been the last Duneland Athletic Conference game, but the Dogs are in action twice more before the end of the

season. At the press time, the results of Friday’s game with Columbus North were not known. On Saturday, the Dogs traveled to Plymouth and McCutcheon to play a double-header of games. The results of Saturday’s games were not known at press time.

DAC Scoreboard W @ Portage 7-5 W vs Portage 11-5 W vs Lake Central 11-4 W vs Laporte 6-4 L vs Chesterton 6-5 W vs Chesteron 2-1 W @ Michigan City 4-0 L @ Laporte 3-2 L @ Chesteron 6-5 L @ Lake Central 2-0 W vs Michigan City 13-0 W vs. Merrillville 3-1 W @ Merrillville 11-0 DAC record: 9-4 Next game: Sectional opener @ Merrillville High School- May 25 @ 4:30 p.m.

Boys golf wins 10 straight conference matchups BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM reporter

As the postseason rolls around the corner, the boys golf team looks to continue their regular season success. After starting off the season with back to back losses to Chesterton, the team showed their resilience, winning ten consecutive DAC matches including their match on Thursday May 19, where they defeated Portage and Michigan City. The team shot a 147 setting the school record. Junior Sam Amedeo

Who do you think will be selected as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft?

out of 105 students polled

along with Senior Grant Miller led the way for the Bulldogs, each finishing with a score of 36. “I played consistently enough to score well and help get the W over Michigan City and Portage,” Amedeo said. “I was in a groove and was trying to think less and just play.” Sophomore Yianni Kostouros, who shot a 37 at Thursday’s match, felt that there was definitely room for improvement. “I did alright. I shot a reasonable score, but not great,” Kostouros said. “I need to finish stronger.

Ben Simmons LSU 45 Tyler Ulis Kentucky 13

Buddy Hield Oklahoma 32

Brandon Ingram Duke 15

I leave too many shots out there.” The team finished second in the Duneland Conference, coming in behind only Chesterton. The Bulldogs ended the regular season with a 12-2 record. Looking onto the Regional matchup, head coach Jon Haas believes there will be some challenges. “Our biggest challenge will be playing in a regional with four of the state’s top ten teams in it,” Haas said. “We will need to limit or eliminate double bogies from our scorecard.” Golf is a sport which requires

plenty of focus. Amedeo understands the importance of mental preparation as well as physical. “I need to improve mentally more than physically,” Amedeo said. I know I have the potential to play well, but my negative mindset can hold me back sometimes. I tend to get frustrated with myself and beat myself up too much on the course. ” The Bulldogs will compete in the LC invite on Saturday May 21. The results to this invite were not posted prior to press time.

My moment of the month ... “... was when I found out I qualified for regionals in the 100 meter dash and 4x1 relay.” Senior Rob Harrell

arts & entertainment may 23, 2016

inreview

“Dark Necessities” by Red Hot Chili Peppers After years of rumors about a new album, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have released “Dark Necessities” a single off their new album set to release mid June. The single features an instrumentally mature Chili Peppers, spearheaded by a wicked baseline from bassist Flea, moving piano rifts and versatile guitar play by lead guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.

Apple Watch This sleek watch is great for quick glances to look at your everyday notifications. The Apple Watch has many great features that enhances iPhone use. It can act as a remote for taking group pictures or for controlling music. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Apple family.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

BY CHRIS REKITZKE editor-at-large

Forget “Batman V. Superman” instead in theaters is “Captain America: Civil War.” The film is the newest thrilling and action packed addition to both the Captain America saga and the superhero genre. “Captain America: Civil War” is a picture that does so much well from the superbly choreographed action, the evolution of the characters and the additions of new ones and the always witty scripts-- the bottom line is this is a blockbuster worth seeing. Brothers and directors Anthony and Joe Russo deliver not a summer blockbuster but an epic that thrills with beautiful action and ideas more complex than simply good and evil as heroes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) draw sides against each other. After inadvertently causing the deaths of innocent lives, the Avengers are torn into two groups: Team ‘Cap, those against hero regulation, and Team Iron Man, those for hero regulation. As tension rises, those that were once friends are now at each other’s throats. “Captain America: Civil War” amasses more heroes than both “Avengers” films and any other in the genre. However, it is done so without having the characters thrown together as a cash grab to see big-name heroes duke it out. The film is instead thoughtful and remains true to its characters. The characterization of the characters is one of the highlights of the film. Screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, two people who probably deserve more credit than they receive for their contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe do an outstanding job with the heroes and heroines. Of these characters, Iron Man and Captain America are perhaps the most well rounded and stand outs in this latest Marvel release. Both have faced the most development since their early debuts and the events in the “Avengers” films. Stark, now a household name for his snark, wit and crimson suit, has grown eerily thoughtful in the eight years since 2008’s “Iron Man. Whereas Steve Rogers (Evans) has grown weary of the government, taking a dark turn where Iron Man (Downey Jr.) has taken a light. This film could just as easily be “Iron Man 4.” The film also features the additions of Wakandan royalty T’Challa, Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman and Peter Parker, Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland. Both portrayals bring something new to the table and provide an interesting dynamic. Both performances bode well for their characters and their upcoming solo films. “Captain America: Civil War” is an exciting addition to the MCU with thrilling action and compelling characters, striking a perfect balance between popcorn action film and Golden Globe worthy picture. See it and pick a side.

“Silicon Valley” Season Three

Justin Timberlake is known for his long, intricate musical masterpieces, but his newest song is far from that. He is falling under the standard of annoying pop songs. It will most likely be a hit that will be overplayed on the radio, but it will always be a typical popular song that is lacking the usual Justin Timberlake pizazz.

‘‘ ‘ ‘ “Civil War” shakes up Marvel Universe

Never failing to disappoint his fans, Nick Jonas makes another hit song that has taken the world by storm. This song is a perfect combination of party and chill that can be enjoyed anywhere at anytime. The lyrics can be relatable to anyone and everyone. Listen and take in the beauty that is Jonas’s voice.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

Okay, anybody on our side hiding any shocking and fantastic abilities they’d like to disclose? I’m open to suggestions. - Iron Man “Captain America: Civil War”

“Close ft. Tove Lo” by Nick Jonas

Season three of the HBO series picks right up where the last season ended as the staff of Pied Piper finally get funding but at the cost of their founder and CEO’s position. The show has an accurate and unique portrayal of the growing tech world and tackles both real-world business concepts while producing flawless comedy.

ink

Beyoncé runs the world with latest album BY MAISA NOUR editor-at-large

Taking the music industry to the next level is nothing new for Beyoncé. Release after release, she never leaves her audience disappointed. Her latest album was created as a visual to stimulate a new vibe to go with the new Beyoncé. For the first time in her career, she exposes her life struggles and secrets within her songs. The singer talks about the pain and betrayal that can accompany love. While nothing has been confirmed about the inspiration of the album, the music alone proves yet again that Beyoncé is the queen of music. The whole album is full of emotion that ranges from anger to sheer girl power. The album tells this powerful story of a couple going through what seems to be the end of the relationship. With songs like “Daddy Lessons” and “All Night”, Beyoncé for the first time is putting her emotions out for the world to hear. The lyrics “You can taste the dishonesty, it’s all over your breath as

life social

A section devoted to social media

you pass it off so cavalier,” in her song “Pray You Can Catch Me” can send chills down any person’s back who has experienced something of this nature. Though the first few songs of the album are full of rage and revenge, the audience comes to see the mood shifting to a forgiving tone. The actual music is woven so perfectly with the lyrics it can only be described as perfection. Beyoncé has always brought an upbeat song to the table, but this album takes it to the next level. It’s a combination of hurt, power and confident wrapped into one album that will help anyone through the toughest of breakups or times. Though revengeful the end of the album shifted with the song “Daddy Lessons” and the lyrics act a water hose to the fiery rage that was burning in previous songs. The opening lyric “Ten times out of nine, I know you’re lying but nine times outta ten, I know you’re trying so I’m trying to be fair,” acts as a truce to wrap up the relationship struggle mentioned. While not completely letting every-

best tweets

thing go, the lyrics show a depth of maturity that goes beyond Beyoncé’s classic girl power songs. The album is nothing less than the best. Beyoncé comes out as a new and improved artist ready to finally share her life with her fans and does so gracefully as a queen would.

best app

best follow

What if... It is a game that allows you to make a decision based on two factors.You choose yes or no based on your judgement of the “what if...” situation.

@willsmithdancin Almost everyone loves Will Smith, so why not watch him dance. The same Will Smith dance is mashed together with many different songs.

I tried driving from St. John to CP without a GPS... Somehow I ended up in Cedar Lake sophomore Emma Baker

@emmafeb7

No big deal or anything...but I think I got a 6 on the AP chem exam junior Hannah Kukurugya

@Hann_kuk

@taliaisgreen and I went to the library to study for Econ but by the end I was wearing my pants on my head #ilovevincelewis senior Noah Scibbe

@scibbe3

ink L

arts & entertainment may 23, 2016

Meghan Trainor album has fans saying no BY ALEXIA WOJCIECHOWSKI reporter

Meghan Trainor, best known for her song “All About that Bass,” is back with her second album, “Thank You.” Although the sophomore album has songs much different than her previous, the lyrics lack originality, and overall the album falls flat. Before the entire album was released, singles “No” and “Me too” were released. Within hours, “No” became popular and seemingly began to play on every media outlet possible. It is even featured in a Sketchers commercial. Those who are into catchy pop music will probably find themselves liking “No,” but it is just the same as Trainor’s other one hits including a catchy chorus and an upbeat background melody. Luckily, the album is free on Spotify, so potential buyers can test it before buying it. The album includes a Meghan Trainor trademark song of empowerment, “Better.” “Better” tells of Trainor’s desire to improve what she has. Although the song tries to be powerful by telling girls that they deserve better, the rap cameo by Yo Gotti ruins the mood. According to an interview with Time magazine, Trainor claimed to have gotten inspiration from great artists such as Elvis, Bruno Mars and Destiny’s Child. Saying this, much more was expected from the album. The King of Rock and Roll must be turning over in his grave. Poor lyrics and choppy performance make the songs awkward and dull. The lyrics are extremely repetitive and sound as if a fifth grader wrote them for Trainor. The only decent song on the album is “Mom” because it pays tribute to her mother, which not many singers do nowadays. That being said, it is still not lyrical genius. If Trainor would have stuck to making “Mom” more personal and less catchy chorus centered, it could have been more successful. If you have enjoyed Trainor’s songs in the past, give it a try. If not, save your money and find anything else.

Popsicles

Books to battle boredom reporter

The anticipation for summer can take over as school starts to wind down. Then as summer comes, the excitement can wane off and boredom can slowly start to seep in. From thrilling fantasy to creepy paranormal to realistic romance, boredom should be fought off with these great book recommendations.

“Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell

Contemporary Cath writes fan fiction. She lives and breathes the Simon Snow world, and that doesn’t change when she goes to college. Yet, everything else in her world does. After her twin sister decides to take her own path in college, Cath has to learn how to become her own person away from her family. With the help of some quirky characters and Simon Snow, she figures out how to keep calm and carry on. Watching a relatable character take on real life challenges in a quirky coming of age novel makes for an easy and entertaining read.

“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” Series by Ransom Riggs

Paranormal

After a family tragedy, Jacob travels with his father to a remote island off the coast of Wales. He discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children which was destroyed in World War II, killing all of its inhabitants. The children that lived there seemed to be peculiar with special abilities, and most peculiar of all, they seem to still be alive. Based off of real hauntings and peculiar vintage photos, this book is peculiar enough to stave off boredom.

“Throne of Glass” Series by Sarah J. Maas

Fantasy The Throne of Glass Series follows Celaena Sardothien, one of the best assassins in the world as she competes for her freedom in a competition to find a new royal assassin for the king. However, the first book doesn’t represent the whole of the series well, and the story gets much more twisted and enthralling. With one of the strongest female characters in fantasy and the fifth book in this six book series coming out in September, summer is the perfect time to catch up on this series.

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline

Science-Fiction

Set in the year 2044, Wade Watts is obsessed with Oasis, a virtual reality utopia, and its late creator who promised fortune and glory to whoever can solve the puzzle he’s left in Oasis. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself playing against players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. This novel also is stocked full of allusions to the 80s and pop culture, and it keeps you entertained for a light hearted yet fast paced story.

favorite things Board Games

Walmart $8-50

Alex and Ani bracelets

Supermarkets $2-10

Take advantage of extracurriculars

BY TIFFANY CURTIS

Whether you want something retro or brand new, board games never fail to disappoint. Now available in all shapes and sizes, board games are great for any occasion.

The assortments of popsicle flavors, shapes and sizes always please. Popsicles are the perfect snack for a hot summer day.

Looking for bracelets that have a personal touch or ones that simply catch your eye? Alex and Ani have it all. These bracelets are simple, stylish and go with any outfit you’re planning for the day. Local jewelry stores $17-78

we’re so over slow walkers in the hallway Not everybody is trying to walk the pace of a snail. Texting and snapchatting while walking is only appreciated if one can walk at a normal pace and multitask. There are locker bays for a reason; talk to friends there instead of blocking up the hallway by standing four across. Need to slow down to look at your reflection in the glass of a display case? Stop in a bathroom and look at a real mirror instead. All in all, the hallway is for walking, not crawling. Move it or lose it, buddy.

BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI editor-at-large

High school is full of decisions. These decisions, both big and small, influence us as people. So as I leave high school, one last piece of advice I can give to all is to make the decision to get involved. Break out of your comfort zone and try extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities aren’t something you do to put on a college application or scholarship forms. They’re so much more than that. They teach you life lessons that have to be learned through experience, not reading from a textbook. Being involved with Inklings has been the most impactful decision on my life I have ever made. Because of Inklings I can talk to practically anyone confidently and with ease. I know how to conduct myself in an interview and how to observe the details of my everyday surroundings. Being in Inklings has taught me one of the most important lessons of just being myself and to not let anyone change who I am. I have made lifelong friendships through Inklings and I couldn’t thank the class enough for it. I’ve also been involved in basketball my whole life. I started when I was eight and these past four years playing as a Crown Point Lady Bulldog have taught me more than I ever could’ve imagined. I learned how to be a leader, how to communicate with my teammates and most importantly how to teach my skills to younger players who want to learn from me. It’s a long and hard season, and I learned how to get through struggles and setbacks with teamwork. We’ve always got each other’s backs no matter how much we may be annoyed with each other by the end of the season, and that sense of comradery is something you really cannot learn in any other environment. These lessons of teamwork, leadership, speaking and friendship are all things that make up our character. There are so many opportunities to be taken at Crown Point and to sit around and miss the chance to be a part of something so special is absurd. The bonds you make with your closest friends are with the ones who you’re around the most doing the things you love the most. You don’t expect it going in, but these extracurricular activities change your life and prepare you for the world outside of high school. I didn’t know I was unconsciously learning real world tools until I got to this year and realized I can handle what life throws at me.

people may 23, 2016

ink L

S o arin g

TAKE

to the top

sophomore Ben Land

Friendly spender

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

Senior Mike Krapf assists freshman Eric Fischl with his work for the organization in order to increase his chances at becoming an Eagle Scout.

Seniors achieve highest Boy Scout ranking BY HANNAH BAUNER opinion editor

Boy scouts are known for more than their diverse flavors of popcorn. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, and while most associate the program with children, the organization stays with members throughout adulthood as Eagle Scouts. An Eagle Scout is the highest ranking you can achieve in Boy Scouts. Less than 5% of all Boy Scouts earn this ranking. For senior Nick Cantley, becoming an Eagle Scout was proof of hard work and leadership ability. “I have always wanted to be an Eagle Scout to show people the leadership skills that I have and to be able to achieve something not many people can,” Cantley said. “Also, I have many family members that are Eagle Scouts and seeing how much that it has affected their lives has really inspired me.” In order to become an Eagle Scout, one must undergo a long process that showcases leadership, determination and care for the community. A Scout must earn all preceding rankings --- tenderfoot, second class, first class, star and life --- in addition to planning and funding their own service project. Senior Mike Krapf raised over $500 to help restore a veteran’s memorial located in Leroy, Indiana. “I learned that doing something for the community is probably the best thing you can do to make yourself feel good,” Krapf said. “The frequent visitors of the memorial were ecstatic to know that people like me still care

What are you most excited for this summer?

PHOTO BY ALLY REKITZKE

Seniors Mike Krapf and Nick Cantley pose in their Eagle Scout gear prior to their meeting.

about improving honorable places such as that one.” Making a positive impact on those around them is a large portion of being an Eagle Scout. The relationships one makes in the program have a lasting impact on those involved. “My favorite part of being an Eagle Scout is being able to meet other Eagle Scouts and share stories and learn about their journey,” Cantley said. “People also look very differently at you. They see you as someone who is maturing faster than others and you will be trusted with much more than an average 18 year old.” For Krapf, one of the responsibilities of

“Going on vacation “Training for the with my family, military. I am going hanging out with into the navy and friends and my probably going to birthday.” be a nuclear technician.”

an Eagle Scout is to help lead others in the right direction. Younger Boy Scouts may strive for an Eagle ranking with guidance from those who have already achieved it. “All the work is from the other ranks to get to Eagle. After you get there, you can become a leader and help all the little kids who are trying reach to the same level as you are,” Krapf said. The Eagle Scout ranking is more than just a title to Cantley. It exhibits his personality and determination to help with both community and personal goals. “Being an Eagle Scout means everything to me,” Cantley said. “It says everything about who I am as a person and that if I have a goal I will be able to achieve it.” Eagle Scouts not only do good for the community, but they also have a personal gain. Friendships and opportunities are created through working to get this prestigious title. “I felt like I was driven by my friends because we were always competing for who could get it first. There’s many benefits for achieving eagle, like scholarships and advantages in getting a full time job,” Krapf said. To get to the Eagle Scout ranking one has to conquer multiple obstacles, but Cantley believes that it is a very rewarding feeling to the people who earn it. “Everyone who is interested in a challenge and wants to show others that they have the leadership skills to achieve this award should try to become an Eagle Scout,” Cantley said. “They will not regret the outcome.”

“Not being in school, relaxing and hanging out with friends and theatre camp.”

“Having free time before college, grad parties and going on a road trip.”

“Out of everything I spend most of my money on just going out with friends out to do whatever.” Noodle nope “I absolutely hate spaghetti. I love all other pastas, but when it comes spaghetti I just can’t do it.” Funny guy for life “Comedy over everything because that is what I want to pursue as a career. The dream is to one day become a famous standup comedian.” Man to monkey “I’d probably choose to be an ape. They are almost as intelligent as humans and are exponentially stronger than us.” Super strong “If I could have any power it would be super strength. I would fight bad guys and save people. It would definitely make Coach Garret proud.”

“Hanging out with “To go to Europe with Mrs. Polizotto, Sam Kelik and going on the lake being done with the and chilling.” school year.”

Matthew Sulka

Nick Knerler

Caleb Scibbe

Sami Kennedy

Hunter Riese

Lily Smith

freshman

senior

junior

senior

junior

sophomore