Inklings oct 2014 by CPHS Inklings

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS Oct. 30, 2014 Vol. 79 Issue 2

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Crown Point’s square offers variety of food, shopping options

S Read more about the square on pages 8-9

Targeting student needs As state ranks near bottom in student-to-counselor ratio, guidance department serves students in variety of ways BY VERDA MIRZA editor-at-large

ecent studies have indicated that Indiana is one of the six states with the lowest number of school counselors with an average of a 650 to 1 student to teacher ratio. Crown Point High School is an exception. With an average of 450 students per counselor, CPHS has been able to maintain its student’s needs with comfort. “We are comfortable with our student to counselor ratio. We have two freshmen counselors who have a 350 to 1 ratio and we have got four other counselors that service grades 10, 11 and 12,” assistant principal Robert McDermott said. However, some students are not comfortable with the amount of counselors available to a student body of over 2000 kids. Statistics might say that having 450 to one is better than 650 to one, but some see 450 as still too high of a number. “I definitely don’t think we have a comfortable number of counselors,” senior Anthony Huls said. “Somebody I know had an issue getting transcripts sent in because the counselors were just so swamped with college applications.” Another problem that can arise in the counselor to student interaction is the lack of connection due to the counselors having too many students to only fully focus on one. “I feel like we should have more counselors because, honestly, I don’t think we have enough time for a personal relationship with them to be able to talk to them about emotional and school issues like going to college,” junior Katlyn Wos said. “With the large amount, the counselors have to see everybody and you don’t get a close enough relationship with to actually get to know them and them to get to know you.” This large student to counselor ratio is not to blame, however. Counselor Ami Marcinek believes while counselors may

seem too inaccessible, Marcinek believes it is a student’s job to seek their guidance. “The hard thing is we are not out anywhere for the students to get to know us and to feel comfortable. At this point they really have to reach out to us because we just don’t have the opportunity to talk to them in class,” Marcinek said. “A lot of it is that ‘I don’t know her, and she doesn’t know me. Why would she care?’ It is the exact opposite because we do care about the students and want to help, but they would have to reach out to us first.” Crown Point has ensured that a counselor’s responsibilities are focused primarily on a student’s academic and emotional needs. McDermott expresses that the school tries not to put specifics on a counselor’s job description other than that they are here to serve the needs of the students. At times, this responsibility can become too consuming to balance out with only six counselors, two of them specifically for freshmen. “I can honestly say we try our very best to meet the needs of all of our students. Do I think we could do it more efficiently or more easily with a smaller caseload? Sure, but it is what it is and all of us in the guidance office choose not to dwell on the fact that we have extremely high caseloads,” Marcinek said. “Instead, we work diligently each day to do everything we can to meet the needs of our students. From schedule adjustments, to social-emotional issues, to college prep and career planning, we make time to address it all.” Senior Nick Isaacs feels the counselors have met such goal by addressing his academic and social needs to his satisfaction. “I think the counselors have done a great job in always getting back to me about my academic and social problems,” Isaacs said. See Counselors on page 2

488:1

is the United States student-to-counselor ratio average according to U.S. Department of Education

90% of Indiana school guidance counselors do not have the information to assure students succeed after graduation according to guidance for Indiana high schools

graphic by Collin Raiser

450:1

is the Crown Point High School student-to-counselor ratio according to the guidance department

Feature

News Escaping Syria Student’s family relocates after recent events in Syria page 3

A&E Trick or treat Guide to horror movies to watch or to skip

Healthy hints Tips to avoid illnesses during flu season page 7

page 14

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news october 30, 2014

Counselors continued from p.1

PHOTO BY JILLIAN KIDDER

AP biology teacher Brian Elston teaches his morning classes in the LGI where his lecture takes up one part of the double block class.

Advanced placement classes experience growth BY MAISA NOUR

assistant editor

With the increased interest in more challenging and rigorous courses, student growth in advanced placement classes has increased over the last several years. Because no restrictions on class enrollment are enforced, assistant principal Robert McDermott believes AP growth was inevitable. Five new AP courses have been added over the course of the last three years and class sizes have grown by 69 percent. AP courses provide students with the rigor of a college-level course that is not found in a normal-level class, preparing students for classes after high school. “I think (AP courses) give them a good idea of what to expect when they get into college,” counselor Lauren Sandor said. “The pace is faster, so it gives them that taste of the college experience.” The growing amount of students looking to challenge themselves with such rigorous material has helped contribute to the

‘‘

growth of AP class sizes, especially with the push from school administration.

A student needs to look at it in a ‘Can I be successful in this class?’ kind of way. It would only be a disservice to them if they take all these AP classes but end up getting poor grades.

John Lambersie English teacher “I have learned more than I would have in a normal class, but I feel like they should not be pushed on students,” junior Maddy Canfield. However, some studnets take AP classes for the challenge the class offers. “The culture of Crown Point is one where students think, ‘I want to challenge

myself,’ and a lot of these kids want that challenge,” AP English Literature and Composition teacher John Lambersie said. Lambersie’s class has experienced a 40 percent increase in size. He believes that more students in a class come with the benefits of having a more variety of answers during class discussions but finds it harder to get assignments back to students due to the large amount of grading that occurs. Classes have doubled from four to eight. While Lambersie believes that the student’s willingness to take on the challenge of AP courses is beneficial, he also stresses the importance of scheduling these classes wisely according to a student’s ability to handle the rigor. “A student really needs to look at it in a ‘Can I be successful in this class?’ kind of way,” Lambersie said. “It would only be a disservice to them if they take all these AP classes but end up getting poor grades. Don’t let somebody push you into a class that you don’t feel you’re ready for.”

According to topcounselingschools. org, counselors are high in demand, but schools are forced to follow procedures and weigh dilemmas before hiring qualified counselors. “Hiring counselors is based on need and budget availability. What we do is we look at the need of the students and the available funds, and if there is a particular time we believe that we need an additional counselor, then we have to request it to our superintendent which ultimately goes to the school board,” McDermott said. Before even requesting for a counselor from the school board, various objectives are analyzed. For example, the ratio of counselors to teachers is examined to see whether there is a reasonable amount of students placed with each counselor. We want a number of counselors needed to best service our students but you got to figure out what’s the best ratio,” McDermott said. “In a perfect world you have one counselor for every student, which obviously you can’t do. You try to look at what ratio best suits the needs of our building.” McDermott mentions how the school’s ratio right now is at 450 to one but adding one more counselor would not make much of a difference and how it would be better by expending the funds the school has on programs beneficial to the students. “For example, the online scheduling was not a program that was free; it was a program that cost money. So we have to figure out what is the best way to utilize the funds that are available to us,” McDermott said. Hiring counselors can be a long procedure, and the job of a counselor can be challenging. However, for some a challenge that is worth it. “The job as a school counselor is challenging, but that’s what I like about it. Each day is a little different with a new set of issues to tackle. There is rarely a dull moment. And I think challenging is good because it causes us to grow as professionals,” Marcinek said. “At the end of the day, it’s the success of our students that makes it all worth it.”

CPHS theater prepares for production of “Charlotte’s Web” BY LAUREN MASSOW

reporter

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

november

Play director Kit Degenhart instructs the cast of “Charlotte’s Web” during rehearsal. Opening night will be Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the CPHS auditorium.

A classic story will be brought to life on the CPHS stage on Nov. 15, 21 and 22 when the theatre department performs their take on the children’s book “Charlotte’s Web.” The play will be showcasing the life of a runt-of-the-litter pig named Wilbur and an itsy bitsy spider named Charlotte. Charlotte hatches a plan to save Wilbur’s life after he learns that he is in danger of being slaughtered. The cast has been working on perfecting their lines for opening night.

“I think the play is going to go really well this year,” sophomore Caleb Scibbe said. “We’re all working really hard and we seem to be doing really well.” Some students have been wondering how the actors will be portraying their parts, because most of the characters in the book are animals. “The thing that seems to be what a lot of people are interested in is how are humans going to play animals, so were trying to find a balance because we can’t have them walk on all fours,” said theater teacher and play director Kit Degenhart.

The cast members that have parts as animals will be dressed in clothes resembling the animals in the story. To get tickets to the show, students can call or visit the box office in front of the school’s auditorium Tues. through Fri. from 2:45-3:45 p.m. The costs of tickets for the show are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. “I think the play is going to be awesome,” senior Julia Thorn said. “We have a lot of different things going on and people should definitely come out and see what we’re doing.”

Fall Break

Fall Play

Thanksgiving Day

No school due to the last day

Opening night for the fall play

There will be no school. School will

of fall break.

begins at 7 p.m. in the CPHS auditorium.

Blood Drive Sign-ups

for

the

Student

Council blood drive will take place during all lunches next week.

resume Dec. 1.

28 10 No School

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news october 30, 2014

LIVING CRISIS

THROUGH

Shaheens move to Crown Point to flee violence in Syria BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

he Shaheens didn’t know when it would happen. It could have been at night, when the city’s residents finally got

some shut-eye. It might have been during broad daylight, when the kids were headed to school. Either way, they knew that the gunfire that raided Damascus was quickly escalating. Government crack-down had intensified. An estimated 3,000 Syrians had been killed that summer of 2012, and the Shaheens knew: if they didn’t escape then, the bullets would tear apart the life they knew. If they didn’t leave Syria, they feared they would be killed, too. When the Syrian Revolution first began in March, 2011, moving to the United States was a farfetched idea in Ammar Shaheen’s mind. Syria was his home. As a child, Ammar spent countless hours roaming the markets of Homs with his grandparents. It was a city filled with memories that he was desperate not to leave behind. But where kiosks and fruit vendors once stood, tanks and security checkpoints began to emerge. Antigovernment protests had turned into an armed rebellion as President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces unleashed violent crackdowns on civilians. His son’s bus was attacked on the highway back from medical school in Jordan. His brother-inlaw was imprisoned and tortured for seven hours without cause. The family was in constant danger. “I remember coming back from my grandma’s house one night during Ramadan, and we started hearing shooting in the area around us,” senior Ihsan Shaheen said. “We were forced to keep our heads underneath the car seats in case something flew in and hit us, and we started hearing the gunshots around us keep getting closer and closer. All you could smell was the scent of the gun powder filling the

air.” There wasn’t a moment of rest. Ihsan recalls being unable to sleep most nights, staying up late to the sound of helicopters patrolling the city’s skies. Soon after, the aircrafts began shooting into the city from the top of nearby mountains. “We got calls from people asking us to forgive them for anything they may have done in the past, saying their last goodbyes in case they died,” Ihsan said. “It was terrible. No thirteen-year-old wants to hear that, inside of Syria or not.” Despite the trauma, there was no place to complain. One word of criticism towards the Assad regime could result in a lifetime of pain. The schools were no safer. “No one would say a word in class,” Ihsan said. “You just knew that if you said one wrong thing, everyone would talk about you, and at that point you weren’t safe.” As the violence escalated, the death toll continued rise, and, as more and more doctors were taken into custody for helping the victims, Ammar, a psychian, was an automatic target. He began to realize that his childhood home was long gone. This was a different Syria. “It is extremely frustrating and

saddening to see and know that these wonderful places have suddenly turned into places of destruction and death,” Ammar said. People were getting kidnapped, robbed, humiliated and killed, and there was no protection at all.” The risks became too serious. Ammar knew it was time to move, and after contacting a Syrian-American friend in the United States, the Shaheens moved to Crown Point. It’s been three years since the Shaheens moved, but nothing has changed in the country they left behind. A UN estimated 191,000 people have died since 2011 and more than three million have been displaced. Ihsan fears for her relatives’ safety, especially with the recent rise of ISIS; an extremist group based in Iraq and Syria known for its beheading of westerners. The threat is so real, Ihsan has come to view it as a daily routine. “They’re in constant danger, but that reality just becomes the norm after a while,” Ihsan said. “Eventually, though, you have to start over. You can’t sit there and constantly think about it. At one point, you have to move on.” Moving on is what Ammar has been able to do since relocating to

Indiana, participating in various humanitarian efforts to aid his home country. “Helping the displaced either inside or outside Syria, giving medical assistance and vaccination for kids, donating school supplies, sponsoring orphans and sending clothes or food are all ways we should be helping out. It’s something we can all do,” Ammar said. The Shaheens know that their efforts are little compared to the country’s suffering, but they still hope that there will come a day when Damascus is returned to the safe haven they once knew, when the kiosks and fruit vendors will be restored to the markets of Homs. Until then, the Shaheens will take advantage of the opportunities they’ve been provided with in the United States. Ammar will serve his local patients in Crown Point the way he served his patients in Syria. Ihsan will graduate in June. They’ll live—a fact that wasn’t guaranteed to them three years ago—and remember Syria in the process. “We’ll always pray,” Ihsan said. “We’ll pray that peace previals and Syria heals quickly so we can go back and see our family, even if it’s only for a few days.”

crisis in

SYRIA

700 Syrians killed in two days on July 20, 2014 at least

3 million refugees

191,000 killed as of August it’s been

3 years since the Syrian conflict first began

statistics from the United Nations website

For the full story, visit www.crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

VIEWS on

NEWS

Student reaction to events in our world

Area Hammond man commits homicide

State Indy’s new hockey team has started play

Nation Ebola sweeps U.S. causing mass hysteria

World Canada shooting causes military precaution

Suspected murderer, Darren Deon Vann, from Gary, Indiana is currently being held at the Lake County Jail. It is reported that Vann strangled and murdered seven women. Several bodies have been reported near abandoned buildings in the area.

The Indy Fuel have officially opened as Indianapolis’ newest professional team; playing inside the renovated Pepsi Coliseum. The Fuel play in the ECHL, two levels below the NHL, serving as an affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.

The first case of Ebola in the United States was confirmed late last month. Texas marks the first North American state to be exposed to the deadly West African virus. The confirmation has since sparked nationwide controversy.

On October 22, a shooter killed a Canadian soldier before firing multiple shots at Canada’s Parliament building in Ottawa. Two hours later, more shots were fired near the Parliament building. Canda has ordered soldiers not wear their uniforms in public.

I think that the CDC has to get to airports and major cities to make sure nobody else gets Ebola.

It’s not fair to take away soldiers’ privilege of wearing their uniforms; soldiers take pride in representing their country.

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Noah Giedemann freshman

I think that guy is pretty crazy. I don’t know how someone could go and kill all of those people.

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Kelly Covaciu sophomore

I think if they’re not as good as the NHL or AHL it’s kind of pointless to have a team.”

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Noah Scibbe junior

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Savanna Robison senior

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opinion october 30, 2014

speakup

News may be depressing, but it’s still reality

How do you stay healthy in school?

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

Information is at the public’s fingertips--literally. News stations such as ABC and CNN have developed mobile apps for on-the-go purposes, and with one little touch, the day’s news and breaking headlines can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Yet, the more access we have to various global events, the more it seems that we chose to neglect them. We claim that it’s too hard to watch the news nowadays, using the fact that “it’s too depressing” as an excuse to remain in ignorant bliss. And there’s truth to that. Nothing about Ebola fills a person with glee. Innocent children being massacred by oppressive regimes overseas is heartbreaking, and child abuse and domestic violence cases are downright painful to hear. These headlines are, in fact, very depressing. They’re also our reality. A lack of exposure to depressing situations only triggers insensitivity, and no amount of happiness spared when we choose to neglect breaking headlines could possibly outweigh the guilt we should feel by doing just that. Nothing is wrong with wanting to feel happy all of the time. It’s in our human nature. We shouldn’t, however, fear expressing anger and sadness in response to tragedy. Emotion, when properly utilized, can result in great things. Passion leads to action. When a global misfortune draws our attention—when we choose to respond to depressing news rather than avoid it—we become motivated to create change. Raising funds, sponsoring benefits, sparking a movement: it all starts with feeling. No one is suggesting that we force ourselves to absorb heartbreaking realities 24/7, 365. Overwhelming ourselves with these images will never amount to the pain of those who are suffering. But there has to be a balance. We can no longer assume that we’re just “looking on the bright-side” when, in truth, we’re simply ignoring reality. There is no doubt that we are a privileged nation. We’re beyond fortunate that the gruesome images being lived overseas are restricted to our televisions. Yet, while we live in lessthreatening circumstances, many are still stripped of basic necessities abroad. People are suffering from poverty, oppression and disease. The least we could do is acknowledge their existence.

CARTOON BY ARRIANA RAINWATER

“I wash my hands a lot, and I try not to touch other people. I drink a lot more water to try not to get sick.”

iew: Counselors are not to blame for frustrations

The scenario is not entirely uncommon: a student has an issue that needs to be resolved, and after approaching the guidance office for direction, he or she is told to submit a request to meet with their counselor. Four or five days go by, however, and the student still receives no response, left with an unfulfilled request and a high level of frustration. But that’s not a counselor’s fault. With the recent reinvention of the profession, counselors find themselves providing more than just student assistance. They’re in the classrooms, teaching students the process of decision making and career planning. They’re aiding teachers and administrators in brainstorming methods to better student achievement and raise test scores. Yes, someone is to blame for when students find themselves incapable of receiving the guidance they deserve. Students have deadlines, too, and waiting for a counselor’s response does no good to help them meet them. Worse, if a student is suffering from mental and emotional illness and requires immediate attention, a long wait is a serious risk. But it’s time we pointed our fingers in the right direction. Counselors are not to blame. The state, however, is. Counselors are often the fist on the chopping block when school districts look to cut spending, and as the need of their presence in schools constantly grows, their numbers continue to decrease. The recommended student-to-counselor ratio is 250:1. The national average is 481. Counselors already do so much to solve the very problems representatives have pledged to fix, but without the state’s help to provide proper funding and better supplement an understaffed department, counselors will continue to be overwhelmed, and students will continue to feel the need to voice displeasure. The state needs to realize that having an abundance in school counselors is not a problem. It’s a solution.

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Crown Point High School, IN

Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS faculty, staff or administration. Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns. Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings. Inklings has been recognized as an Indiana High School Press Association Hoosier Star, National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown, and Quill and Scroll George H. Gallup publication.

Danielle Biancardi sophomore “You should make sure to get a flu shot. I wear warmer clothes, and dress better for the weather changes.”

Jenna McCaroll junior “I have little hand sanitizer bottles, and I try to use them all the time. I try to use one vitamin C packet a day, too.”

Nick Jeffirs senior “I try to get as much sleep as possible to start the day off right. I eat a good breakfast to feel good going into the day.”

editorial Vol. 79 Issue 1 Sept. 29, 2014 1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

Timmy Angel freshman

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

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

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

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opinion october 30, 2014

Are teaching videos beneficial to students?

Misconception of feminism

BY VERDA MIRZA

editor-at-large

CARTOON BY COLLIN RAISER

Pro:

Con:

Videos help students stay on track if absent

Teaching videos lack one-on-one attention

BY TIFFANY CURTIS

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

reporter

associate editor

It’s that time of year again where viruses and illnesses are starting to take effect. When a student finds himself or herself affected and are forced to miss school, they find they’re at a serious disadvantage. However, what if there was a way for students to stay on pace even when they miss a day? Teaching videos have been a method several teachers have started using recently. These videos serve as a way to clear up the confusion many students may have and to keep students on track when they do miss school. CPHS prides itself on its rigorous and fast-paced courses, so missing even one day can lead to a student falling behind and getting confused. Even students who are present at class can have trouble understanding that day’s material. Most classes are taught until the bell rings, not leaving a lot of time for questions to be answered. Then, when students start their hours of homework that night, it takes even longer because they don’t understand the subject the homework is testing them on. Teaching videos are perfect because of their accessibility and content. All one has to do is go home, turn on their laptop or computer, plop down on the couch and learn in a comfortable environment. The videos are also great because they eliminate the distractions a typical classroom environment provides. You’re allowed to focus on what the teachers said instead of becoming distracted. It isn’t right to just give a student that has missed a day of school a packet of notes and homework and just say, “Well, here you go best of luck to you.” Teachers realize that, too, which is why the teaching videos are extremely convenient. The lesson is right there for students’ own viewing pleasure. It allows students to stay on course with the lesson that they miss so they do not fall behind. As stated, CPHS prides itself on its many challenging courses, so it’s natural for some kids to be confused on the tough lessons teachers are instructing. The teaching videos clear up confusion that students have over their lessons and also allow the teacher to go more in-depth on subjects they didn’t have the time to cover in class. These videos are the future of CPHS and will benefit everyone.

Technology has made its way into the lives of students throughout these past years. Whether it is for turning in assignments or researching topics, technology has become an unavoidable resource to a student. With the rise of technology, new ways of teaching are being created. One way is through the use of teaching videos. These videos are just recordings teachers make of themselves in order to teach a student a subject or topic. Teaching videos, however, are unnecessary and do not allow a student to properly learn a topic. If a student has to rely strictly on teaching videos, not much will be accomplished. A student may become distracted at home with friends, television and sports. Because of these distractions, a student may fall behind in their school work. These videos lack the kind of one-on-one attention most students need in order to be successful in the classroom. Some students need that extra help from a teacher that you can only get by actually sitting in the classroom and listening to the teacher lecture. How is a student supposed to ask a question if they are confused? Going back to the video and watching it again may not necessarily answer a student’s concerns, only resulting in further frustration. Teaching videos are not the most reliable sources, either. Devices are continuously crashing or running out of battery life. Internet connection could be lost. These setbacks with technology can cause problems for students. If a teacher assigns homework that needs to be completed by using a teaching video and something goes wrong with the computer or internet, a student would be unable to finish that assignment, and that could lead to poor grades in the class. Students shouldn’t have to worry about not being able to learn a lesson because they can’t get on the internet or because their computer is dead. CPHS is known for its outstanding achievements academically. How would our school be able to uphold that title if students are doing poorly because they are required to learn from a video rather than in the classroom? Teaching videos are unnecessary. CP 2.0 can hold off on this one technological idea because it will create more harm than it will success.

5 Inklings staffers agree

25 Inklings staffers agree

Jerome Flewelling

science teacher

Paul Dawley

“I think teaching videos discourage relationships between teacher and student. I don’t think students have the opportunity to ask questions for help.”

“I think if the information is given in a well done video, classes could benefit from them.”

Hanna Van Prooyen

junior

senior

“If you have a video of the lecture, you can rewatch it as many times as you need to understand the material.”

Brian Elston

science teacher

“You can’t take the place of the actual fact that you are in the class and getting the material in front of you. It’s not as personlized, and you don’t feel the energy of the class.”

Feminism. A simple word that has obtained a negative connotation in today’s society. There have been many misconceptions of what feminism is. Many individuals have this perception of feminism being that feminists hate on men and burn bras in their spare time. However, that is far from the truth. A feminist is an individual that believes that everyone should have equal stand in society regardless of gender. In her speech for the HeForShe campaign at the United Nations headquarters, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson describes her experience with the word feminism. Watson states how, when she was eight, she wanted to direct plays and people started seeing her as ‘bossy.’ Additionally, some girls at her school stopped playing sports because they did not want to look too ‘muscly.’ Women who are outspoken are stereotyped as man-hating and aggressive creatures. Feminists don’t have some sort of dungeon where they torture men and put curses on them. Their whole goal is to have equal rights to that of their male counterparts. Other than the misconception of feminists being anti-men, there is also the whole idea that only women can be feminists. One can be a feminist who has a Y chromosome. News flash: if one believes that women should have equal rights socially, politically and economically, then they are a feminist. Additionally, feminism does not always mean that it cares only about women’s rights. The aim of feminism is to liberate men by abolishing the standards which society has placed on male and females. Society has this ideal that men should be powerful, love sports and war and be emotionless. However, feminism says that men can be whatever they desire to be. If they want to knit, let them knit. Finally, many also believe that there is no need for feminism because women can vote and have equality. No, inequality still exists in things like the huge pay gap and that the idea women can’t have a career and family but men can. There are numerous delusions surrounding feminism but it is just an ideology that desires to see everyone have equality.

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feature october 30, 2014

i on life experiencing a different perspective

SAY WHAT

BY the

1/5 of teens have

High volume leading cause of hearing loss BY TINA WINFREY

editor-in-chief

hearing loss

On an average day, one can walk down the hallway and hear a wide variety of songs blasting from the headphones of passing students. With the headphones market exceeding $8 billion these audio devices are growing to a popularity they have never had before, but as the amount of headphones being sold rises so are the amount of Americans with hearing loss due to high volume sounds. “It’s scientifically proven that extended use of headphones at high volumes will in fact damage your hearing over time,” anatomy teacher Kelly Loving said. According to the Hearing and Health Foundation, 1 in 5 teenagers have developed some sort of hearing loss due to habits of listening to a high volume of music. Junior Kayla Giraud has seen a rise in the amount of kids walking through school hallways with headphones in. “I remember my freshman year it seemed like almost everyone was walking around with Beats headphones on their heads, and today you see a lot of commercials with athletes and other famous people wearing headphones,” Giraud said. Due to the popularity of headphones, Giraud finds herself listening to hers more and more. “I use headphones all day every day. I kind of like to block things out in the hallways and even on the bus. Anywhere I’m at I like to blast my music,” Giraud said. The process of hearing loss due to high volume sounds does not happen all at once but is stretched out over time. “There’s tiny little hairs in your ears that under loud volumes will actualy be broken down and destroyed, so you lose part of your hearing because it becomes less sensitive,” Loving said. Loving also explained that in order to have hearing loss from high volumes, one would have to be exposed to a high volume of music multiple times. “When you’re exposed to loud volumes it carries a lot of energy, and it

50 million

Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear

60%

of people with hearing loss are either in workforce or educational settings

school children per 1,000 have a hearing loss. The ratio of children and teens that have permanent hearing loss by high-volume sounds

1/8 Amount of decibles normal talking creates

40-60 110 Amount of decibles headphones

create on high volume

50 50 45 50 45 40 45 40 35 40 35 30 35 30 25 30 25 cause of hear- 25 20 ing loss is excessive 20 15 20 noise exposure 15 10 15 10 statistics from hearingloss.org, hearinghealth5 10 matters.org, nlm.nih.gov, starkeyhearingfoundation.org, and hearinghealthfoundation.org5 0 5 0 0

Amout of decibles a loudspeaker at a concert creates

120

50 Are aware of 150 the 45 of loud 45 music45 effects

Amount of time using earbuds 1

6% 7%

325

2are not

2 25

3once2 a week 2 3

once a month or less 2

* of 69 students polled

1 1

1are every day 1

87%

breaks those hairs down. If you keep doing it they don’t come back,” Loving said. Average headphones range from 85 to 115 decibels at the medium volume range. Hearing loss is possible after just 30 minutes a day of a sound 110 decibels or higher. “That’s kind of scary. It makes me a little bit more concerned than I was to know that I could probably be deaf by the time I’m older,” Giraud said. Even though headphones can cause hearing loss, they can also be used to listen to music on the go. Sophomore Luke Adams uses his headphones to keep him focused. “I like to block other people out to get my stuff done in class,” Adams said. Adams also uses his headphones in the hallway but refrains from using too high of a volume. “I hear a lot of kids listening to their music in the hallway, so I’m assuming theirs is at a pretty high volume,” Adams said. The Stony Book School of Medicine states that “If you can hear the sound being delivered to a person’s ear via headphones or earphones, it indicates the sound is too loud.” This loud sound can, of course, lead to hearing loss. Giraud is aware of the effects loud volumes can have on hearing, but finds it hard to change her headphone habits. “My friends like to joke around and say that I’m going to go deaf when I have my music loud, but it’s one of those things where it doesn’t seem like a common problem,” Giraud said. “I’ve never actually heard of anyone going deaf from listening to their music too loud, so it makes it a little harder to see it happening to myself.” Loving acknowledges that loud music is not always bad when it is taken in intervals. “You can listen to a song that’s kind of loud, but don’t keep it at that level continuously,” Loving said. “You’re going to want your hearing when you get older.

2 2

5 0

63 3 3

Volume of headphones

1low 1 2 1 2medium 3 2 3 3high

7 1

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feature october 30, 2014

Down with the sickness Preventing illness becomes more difficult as flu season approaches BY NATALIE BRIGHAM

assistant editor

Severe headache with a fever, a barking cough, nausea, vomiting, extreme diarrhea and body aches—symptoms that, with the recent hysteria over the Ebola outbreak—can be easily misleading. In reality, these symptoms are much more common. It’s not Ebola. It’s the flu. Students are required to maintain physical health, balance school work, extracurricular activities and study for midterm and final exams. Getting sick prevents students from fulfilling their duties. Preventing sickness starts from the basics. “Washing your hands, covering your mouth and getting rest are so, so important. It sounds almost juvenile, but they are the key to staying well,” nurse Colette Schurch said. According to Schurch, a healthy breakfast can help prevent headaches from rising later in the day. Even eating healthy foods can do wonders for a person’s health. Eating certain foods such as avocado, pineapples, almonds, beans, celery and watermelon possess nutrients that have been proven to help people fight illnesses and stay well. A practice common in high school that can often result in sickness is sharing beverages. “Sharing beverages with your friends is another easy way to get sick,” Schurch said. “When I was in high school, I shared drinks with my friends. I know everyone does it, especially sports teams, but you can get mono or other illnesses from doing so.” Typical ailments in school range from allergies to the flu. “The most common illnesses I see in high school students are respiratory issues, sore throats and upset stomachs. Healthy eating can help combat upset stomachs and headaches, but if a student has a sore throat, they should see a doctor right away,” Schurch said. Regardless of many precautions students can take, the risk of acquiring a sickness still runs high. Schurch estimated that on average she sends 15 students home a day. Crown Point High School has a policy in effect in an attempt prevent illnesses from spreading. If a student contracts a fever, they cannot return

It’s a Strack & Van Til Thing. Crown Point

Myth

The flu is to school until he or she has been fever free for 24 hours. Home remedies may help prevent sicknesses, too. Senior Eva Kirby’s mothonly er taught her some natural ways to stay well. danger“(My mom) told me that cod liver oil is good for you because it has Omeous to ga-3, an essential fatty acid and fat soluble vitamin A and D which is good for young immunity,” Kirby said. “Bone broths like chicken soup cooked with the bones people in it help microbes thrive and boost immunity because you get the essential minerals and fermented kefir.” Junior Joey Krampen has managed to avoid missing school because of sicknesses. “I haven’t had any unexcused absences Fact or sick days ever. I mostly just force myself to go to school even when I’m not Stress feeling well. On those days I drink increases a lot of water to stay hydrated and the risk of hoard tissues in my backpack for coming when I have to sneeze or cough,” Krampen said. down with If students put healthful the flu practices into effect in their every day lives, the chances of them staying healthy year long will increase. Myth Just remember one final piece of advice from Schurch, Going out “Please always rewith wet member to wash your hair hands!” will cause a cold

Fact An apple a day keeps the doctor away

CARRIAGE COURT PIZZA

(2 locations) 200 Franciscan Dr. (219) 663-0304 10851 Broadway (219) 661-4144

Merrillville 7201 Taft St. (219) 738-2150

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#you’vegotthathungryfeelin Phone: (219)663-6551 Location: 211 South East Street Crown Point, IN 46307

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feature october 30, 2014

On the Square

Shops around courthouse cater to variety of tastes

CROWN TOWN GRILL

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO. Soon to open on Nov. 7, Great Harvest Bread Co. looks to serve customers a variety of bread, pastries and cookies. “It is not a typical bake store because all baked goods are made with whole grain,” owner’s son and senior Slayton James said. As well as these goods, the shop will also sell sandwiches using the bakery’s bread. The vision for the new bakery is to keep the idea of healthy eating carried throughout it. “The atmosphere is based on the idea of whole grain foods and general health,” James said. James’s mother, the owner of the shop, has always dreamed of having her own bakery. “My mother is a mother of seven kids, and so far four of them are in college so she is not as busy tending to kids anymore,” James said. “She has always wanted her own bakery but has never had time to own one, until now.”

BY TINA WINFREY NATALIE BRIGHAM

editor-in-cheif assistant editor

Throughout the past few years, many new shops have been added to Crown Point’s square. With new diners and boutiques, students do not want to miss out on the new additions and new ‘It-spots’ to hang out. From comic book stores that make donuts, to affordable fashion shops and classic diners there is an attraction for everyone. Address: 107 N. Main St., Crown Point Phone: (219) 661-1955 Not many students know about the small, 50s inspired diner located just off of the square. “Crown Town Grill is unique because of the 50s feel. When you enter, you order your food at the register, and then we’ll bring your food to you,” employee and senior Kiley Walker said. The grill offers a variety of foods including 14 different styles of hotdogs. “I would say the Crown Town Grill is a hotdog place, but our best sellers are cheeseburgers and gyros. We serve a lot- really any type of diner food you could think of,” Walker said. Walker believes that the grill is a great place for student’s sometimes late night hang outs. “The Crown Town Grill is very student friendly,” said Walker. The diner remains open every Friday and Saturday until 4 am.

CHEMSHAW 13 DONUTZ & COMICS

Address: 138 S. Main St., Crown Point Phone: (219) 323-3115

Just recently opened, Chemshaw’s 13 Donutz & Comics brings a variety of goods that cannot be found anywhere else on the square. “We sell comics and a lot of them are centered around Marvel,” employee and senior Ashley Trent said. “We also sell collectors items and things for Dungeons & Dragons.” In addition to the comics and collector items, the shop is also known for its donuts. “The donut part is cool because we basically just play around with different ideas and flavors,” Trent said. The shop prides itself on making the donuts “in-house” on their own donut making machines. Some of the flavors range from Red Velvet Cake to Applewood Smoked Bacon Vanilla Long Johns. Trent enjoys her job at the donut shop due to her friendly co-workers and overall atmosphere of the shop. “It’s just a pretty relaxed and fun enviornment,” Trent said.

CHIC UNLIMITED

Address: Old Courthouse Square Crown Point Phone: (219) 663-6672

“Grand Old Lady”

A brightly lit and colorful store in the basement of the courthouse has attracted the attention of many CPHS girls. “I was originally attracted to the store while I was walking by. They had some color coordinated dress racks in the front of the store, and they caught my eye,” senior Kelly Williams said. Chic Unlimited sells new and used formal and semi-formal dresses. Williams believes the dress selection is reasonably priced. “I bought my prom dress last April from Chic Unlimited. I was really happy with it. It was a classy dress, and it was cheap for being such a nice dress,” Williams said. Williams also enjoyed the atmosphere of the store and suggests future dress buyers to take a stop in. “I’d recommend it for any girl looking for a nice dress and good service,” said Williams. “The employee who helped me was very attentive and helpful.”

alternate name of the courthouse

$500

the cost to build the courthouse

1878

the year the courthouse began being built

CANDY COVE

Address: Old Courthouse Square Crown Point Phone: (219) 663-8174

Address: 204 S. Main St., Crown Point Phone: 219-750-1008

A child’s heaven is located on the bottom level of the courthouse- a candy shop filled with old-fashioned candy and sweets welcomes customers of all ages. The candy shop offers a variety of old fashioned treats. Sophomore Trent Brey took a spur of the moment trip to The Candy Cove last year. “It was a random decision. I was with some friends and we were bored,” Brey said. “We thought it would be a fun thing to do since it was close to our school.” Junior Alex Baloski is another student who went to the candy shop at the beginning of this past summer. “I went with two of my friends,” Baloski said, “It was a cute and whimsical shop.” When a person walks into the shop, their eyes can feast upon a wall full of different types of candy ranging from gummies to chocolate. “They have a lot of selection there- I didn’t exactly like all of it, but there was a good amount to choose from,” Baloski said. Of the large variety offered, The Candy Cove makes and sells some of their own candy in the store.

facts collected from www.crownpoint.net/ courthouse.htm

PHOTOS BY TINA WINFREY

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feature october 30, 2014

Death

Fire

Spiders

Dark Waters

Public Speaking

Paranormal Activity PHOTOS BY JACK SNEDDEN & NADIA GIEDEMANN

The most common fear in the United States is glossophobia, more commonly known as public speaking. Rounding out the top six, according to statisticbrain website, are death, spiders, dark waters, fire, and paranormal activity.

Fears causing anxiety for students BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

When Senior Chelsey Stinnett has a pillow pressed to her face, fear begins to rise. Anxiety begins to take over as her claustrophobia, or fear of tight spaces, intensifies. “I’m afraid of tight enclosed spaces, or being held in a place where I do not have the control to be free,” Stinnett said. “If someone holds me down in a pool and I can’t get up, I freak out.” Stinnett’s reaction is not uncommon. Fears develop when individuals begin to feel anxious about a certain situation. How fears are first developed is a subject of debate among psychologists. Some believe people are conditioned to fear a certain thing, while others believe fears resemble inherited traits. “We have a predisposition to fear certain things,” psychology teacher Josh Graegin said. “We are more likely to fear spiders rather than flowers.” According to Graegin, other fears are believed to be more common and are shared

among people. “Fears may be more common such as being afraid when in enclosed spaces,” Graegin said. Fears, such as Stinnett’s could result from earlier traumatic experiences in an individual’s life. “When I was younger, my older sister would want to mess with me and she would sit on me and hold me down. I wouldn’t be able to breathe,” Stinnett said. “This eventually led to me panicking and crying.” Severe fears, or phobias, can eventually influence an individual’s daily life. Even meaningless practical jokes can cause an individual to feel anxious. “If someone holds a pillow close to my face, I start to feel nervous,” Stinnett said. “My heart races and I feel like I need to scream really loud.” A less common and less severe fear such as the fear of failure can cause students to struggle with remaining confident in class. Junior Leo Zdanowicz believes that an individual should not let a simple fear such as

failing control how one does in school. “Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from doing something great,” Zdanowicz said. Although fears may pose as a distraction to some, they can be overcome with aid from a professional. “If one was to see a psychiatrist, they would recommend an anti-anxiety medication,” psychology teacher Rebecca MaGee said. “Usually a psychologist would give someone a treatment or therapy.” The goal of therapy is to go above and beyond an individual’s fear so when they face their actual fear, they would not be scared of it anymore. Graegin feels that depending on an individual’s personal control and the severity of a fear, one can independently cope with their fear. “I try to close my eyes and take deep breaths,” Stinnett said. “If someone can convince themselves that they are not afraid of something, they may not be as afraid anymore.”

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Freaky Fear Facts

11%

of the population subject to a phobia at some point in their lives

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Approximately of the U.S. population suffers from Arachnophobia or fear of spiders

6.3

Million Americans have been diagnosed with a phobia Statistics from www.scienceandentertainmentexchange.org and www.aamft. org

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sports october 30, 2014

We are going to try to play to our full potential and work together to earn a sectional championship. - Junior Hannah Albrecht

‘‘

STILL IN THE RUNNING

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRENDA WOLSKI The Crown Point boys cross country team lines up at semi-state along with Lafyette Jefferson, Hebron and 17 other teams to compete for the six spots that would advance to state. Juniors Ryan Kepshire, Matt Mosak and Dylan Wallace lead the charge for CP.

Boys team heads to state; Wylie, Zimmerman qualify for girls BY KATIE PALOWSKI

reporter

The suspense builds as the running is over and the team waits silently for the official results. As the announcer shares the placings from twentieth to first, the news was good as the Bulldogs took third. They would be travelling to state. Along with the boys team are senior Jill Zimmerman and freshman Hannah Wylie from the girls cross country team. Zimmerman and Wylie both advanced individually placing 22nd and sixth respectively in semistate. After beating every DAC team participating at semi-state and placing third overall, the boys gained a lot of momentum going into state. Hoping to build on that, the team is carefully prepping for Saturday’s meet. “The volume of the workload has decreased to make sure the kids are fresh, but

the speed of the workout has increased,” head coach Keith Iddings said. The state meet is hosted in Terre Haute. Coaches have been preparing the runners physically, but the mental portion is left up to the runner. “The state course is a very difficult one to run on, so it’s just getting mentally prepared for it,” junior Matt Mosak said, “I have a system of weightlifting and running, and I’ve basically been sticking to that in preparation for state.” When not running the boys have a very close bond, but as soon as the gun sounds the happy family turns into a competitive one. The boys push one another to their limits and run against each other like their competitors would. “The best thing about cross country is that we are all one big, dysfunctional family,” Mosak said, “I’ll cheer them on in every race, and yet we still respect the capabilities of each other. We never take it easy on

one another when competing, and it’s the competition that the team thrives off of.” With the help of his teammates, junior Ryan Kepshire, who placed fourth at semistate, looks forward to seeing what the team can accomplish at state. “We have definitely improved since last year; several guys have stepped up over the season and showed how good and powerful they are,” Kepshire said, “I am very excited to see what we can do at state and hope we make top 10.” The girls were one place away from sending the entire team, but representatives Zimmerman and Wylie will make the trip. “A few weeks ago I didn’t know if I would even be able to finish my senior year (due to an injury),” Zimmerman said, “I’m so grateful that all the hard work has paid off, and I get the opportunity to experience state my senior year.” For Wylie, state has always been the ultimate goal and running in general has

been a passion since a young age. “When I was younger I was always running, and my passion really started when I started racing in the sixth grade,” Wylie said, “state was always in the back of my mind and as the season progressed, it became more apparent that was going to be a possibility.” A freshman, Wylie is excited to experience running state for the first time with her teammate Zimmerman, who has been a great leader for her. “Going to state as a freshman is really exciting,” Wylie said, “I’m glad I have this year to kind of get a feel for state and see what it’s like. Jill has been a great mentor, and it will be a lot of fun running with her.” The girls race begins at noon and the boys at 12:45 (both CST) at the LaVerne Gibson Course at Wabash Valley Sports Center 599 Tabortown Road in Terre Haute. Admission is $8.

Injuries are becoming common, but so are comebacks

our view BY JACKIE VAN DER WEY AND ALEXIS BERDINE

sports editors

All it takes is one injury. One injury to win, one injury to lose, one injury to ruin a scholarship. For the boys football team, it was two injuries that seemed to result in the shocking loss to Merrillville this past Friday. The high scores of the game indicate that the loss of senior middle linebacker Jonah Campbell after the second quarter may have

been instrumental to the Dogs loss. In addition to Campbell’s concussion, senior running back Troy Grady was severly injured during that same quarter. Although unlucky, the football team was not the only fall sports team to have suffered from untimely injuries. Girls cross country was added on to the list of CP

teams with bad luck when senior Jill Zimmerman was injured. Zimmerman has been instrumental to the success of the Dogs cross country program. This season she was aiming for the state finals when a possible stress fracture appeared on her leg. After spending several weeks in a boot with no running, Zimmerman came back better than ever and

proved to overcome her injury as she was one of two Crown Point runners to advance to state. The same rings true for junior cross country runner Ryan Kepshire, who aquired a bruised achilles tendon in midJuly. Kepshire also made a comeback, achieving first at sectionals, second at regionals, and fourth at semistate. In meets prior to

Kepshire’s return, the boys placed third and fourth, but upon his immediate return, the boys began to see the success the team was truly capable of achieving. Kepshire’s recovery put the whole team in a position to advance to state. Injuries may be inevitable, but what is most important to remember is that comebacks are just as possible.

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sports october 30, 2014

HEART-BREAK

Dogs lose 45-42 in sectional game; Grady breaks leg

Girls soccer finishes: sectional champs, regional runner ups BY ELI UDCHITZ

reporter

BY SAM BARLOGA

reporter

Eighty-seven total points. 947 total yards. Five lead changes. One game to remember. The Dogs’ 45-42 defeat to Merrillville, reaffirmed that the two teams’ second matchup was just as exciting as the first when CP came out with a 21-20 victory. With a little over three minutes left in the game, it looked like a missed point-after would not just cost the Pirates the game, but their season. After the Dogs landed two straight touchdowns to erase a 13-point deficit, Crown Point had to stop a Merrillville fourth-and-eight to clinch the victory. That’s when Merrillville quarterback DJ Wilkins found wide out Terrence Grayson over the middle for a 45-yard touchdown that looked to rip the heart out of the Bulldog faithful. The Dogs weren’t done fighting. Even after junior quarterback Artie Equihua threw an interception, the Dogs came back, and stopped Merrillville at the fouryard line to force a field goal and gave themselves one last hurrah in an attempt to come back and snatch victory out of the hands of defeat. With under a minute left, Equihua found senior Dax Jones to cut the Pirate lead to three and set up an onside kick where anything could happen. The kick fell short of the ten yards it needed to go, and the Pirates took two kneeldowns to set up a sectional final match up with Lake Central. Despite the loss, head coach Kevin Enright was proud of his

PHOTO BY ALEX STACK

Offensive line blocks as senior running back Luke Polus runs the ball in the second half of Crown Point’s 45-42 sectional loss to Merrillville. The team ended the season at 8-2.

team’s unwavering fight. “I thought the guys played extremely hard. It was a well fought football game, and they faced a lot of adversity, a lot of ups and downs and they were able to keep their composure and fight through it. We, as a coaching staff, are extremely proud of them to be able to withstand some of the huge momentum shifts during the game,” Enright said. The scoring onslaught began with Crown Point’s initial 7-0 lead on their first offensive possession of the game after stopping Merrillville on a fourth-and-one. After the Dogs stopped Merrillville’s offense to a three-and-out,

Crown Point fumbled the ensuing punt and gave the Pirates’ the spark they needed to tie the game at seven. On Crown Point’s last possession of the first half, senior running back Troy Grady broke his leg in two places and was taken away on a stretcher. Despite the painful injury, Grady is doing well. “Troy is well, and he will be at school very soon,” Enright said. After tying the game at seven, the two teams would trade scores as the Pirates went into halftime with a six-point advantage. After falling down 34-21 in

the third quarter, Crown Point scored the game’s next two touchdowns and grabbed their first lead since the opening quarter. Merrillville’s next possession would set up the back-and-forth finish. Crown Point finished their 2014 campaign with a record of 8-2 making this their best season in the win-loss column since 2006. Even with the sectional round loss, Equihua feels good about the team’s accomplishments. “I felt that we had a successful season. Obviously it didn’t end the way we wanted, but I would say we had a good campaign and our record shows that,” Equihua said.

For back-to-back years, the girls’ soccer team has brought home a sectional championship title. This season, the girls knocked off Lowell with a score of 6-0 to advance to the sectional championship against Kankakee Valley, who beat the Dogs earlier in the season 1-0. Lauren O’Keefe and Brooklynn Darnsteadt both scored goals to help the team to a 2-1 overtime victory for the sectional championship. The Dogs faced off against Clark in the semifinal round of regionals and came out on top 6-0. This would be the last stop for the Dogs on their road to state as they would go on to lose to Lake Central in the regional championship by a score of 2-1. The Dogs played the last 27 minutes of the game one player up due to a red card that was issued to a Lake Central player. The weather on the night of the game proved to have negative effects on both teams. “The ground was wet and hard and made it a lot harder for both teams to score,” Darnsteadt said. Although the team lost, head coach Chris Mikrut was proud of their perfomance. “The girls followed our game plan perfectly and we just didn’t get a second goal,” said Mikrut, “I was pleased with the girls effort and I think that it was one of our best games of the year.” The Dogs finished their season with a record of 11-8, adding a sectional championship to their trophy case and making an appearance in the regional final.

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

General Manager

219-947-3325 Fax 219-942-2530

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

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sports october 30, 2014

REACHING HIGH FALLING SHORT

on the ball

WITH D-WALL

Boys tennis captures first regional title in 43 years, loses in semi-state

Last year’s reigning sectional champs can’t escape Valpo in close final match-up

BY DYLAN WALLACE

BY DOMINIC TOMICH

reporter

reporter BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

Thursday Night Delight Houston Texans running back Arian Foster doesn’t like playing on Thursday nights. It’s annoying, he said. It goes against the NFL safety policy. Not one player likes the idea, and the fans themselves don’t enjoy watching Thursday Night Football. I beg to differ. Thursday Night Football is not as hazardous to players’ health as it appears. Teams generally only play one or two Thursday night games a year, and the rest they lose during a short week can be regained during the longer, following week. The NHL, NBA and MLB do it, and although football may be more grueling, three days between two games once or twice a year should be manageable for players who spend all summer conditioning and training to endure things like this. Professional athletes are some of the highest paid people in the world. Players like Foster are getting paid millions of dollars to play the sport they exceed at and love to play. They should treat Thursday Nights as an opportunity to perform in the spotlight, not as a burden. Foster said he never met a player who liked Thursday night games. But what about Tom Brady, who says he’d play on any day of the week? He’s 6-0 on Thursday night games and doesn’t care that it’s a short week. Foster, despite being against Thursday night games, had one of his better games this year. Foster rushed for 109 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Colts that game. Yes, most of this season’s Thursday night games have been blowouts. The Falcons pummeled the Bucs 56-14, the Giants blasted Washington 45-14, and Green Bay ran all over the Vikings 42-10. Even though these games are obvious snoozers, Thursday Night Football is on pace to be the most-watched its ever been, averaging a household rating/ share of 9.9/17 and 16.2 million viewers. Foster should just accept it: Thursday Night Football is—and should be—here to stay.

extra

points

Despite beating Portage in the first round of sectionals in straight sets on Tuesday, the Lady Bulldogs came up short against a very strong Valparaiso team Saturday to finish the season with an impressive 27-8 record. “Even though our season didn’t end the way we wanted it, overall I’m proud of the accomplishments made over the season and how hard the team worked,” senior Alyssa Kvarta said. Going into the Valparaiso match-up Kvarta felt their best chance on Saturday was to face the Vikings as a team. “I think the biggest thing we need to do right now is keep working together as a team and not as individuals. We get so much more accomplished playing together rather than only for ourselves,” Kvarta said. The Lady Bulldogs fell to the Vikings in straight sets Saturday. “Saturday was a hard loss for us because we knew we had the skill to beat them, we just didn’t come ready to play. It was sad to go out as a senior on such a tough loss. But we have to give Valpo credit, they are a great team and deserved it,” senior Taylor Sabato said. Even though the Bulldogs beat the Vikings earlier in the season, the Lady Bulldogs, 27-7, went into Saturday’s game as slight underdogs to the favored Valparaiso, 31-5, the bulldogs were defeated in straight sets. Although the goal of winning sectionals did not happen, the season was far from a failure. “It was a great season, we had lots of success. We were 27-8 and anytime you have under 10 losses, it’s a great season,” head coach Alison Duncan said.

Respect, honor, success. According to first year coach Alex Tsikouris, those three words sum up the boys tennis season this year as they reached amazing feats. “I felt honored to be apart of the team this year,” Tsikouris said. “We have a bunch of guys that have so much talent and respect for one another, and because of that, we had a great amount of success this season.” The Dogs finished this season with a record of 19-3, winning conference, sectionals, and even capturing the regional title, which has eluded them for 43 years by defeating rival Munster(16-4), 3-2.

‘‘

It felt good winning conference and sectionals, but it felt 100 times better winning regionals. Anthony Kendall junior PHOTO BY BROOKLYN TURLEY

Senior Alyssa Kvarta sets the ball at the Crown Point Lake Central game. CP finished third in the DAC.

Chesterton knocks out boys soccer 2-0 BY THOMAS FRAME

reporter

State champions. That was the expectation going into this season for the Crown Point boys soccer team. “Everybody expected that, but we focused on doing well in our conference and taking it each championship at a time,” head coach Mike Bazin said. The boys were 10-4-4 this season, losing by only a point to Chesterton, Valparaiso and Culver Academy. “We had a good run. As the season went by, the team got closer outside of the game. We all could trust each other and play with confidence in one another,” junior Scott Garcia said. On Oct. 8, the team played Merrillville for their first round of sectionals. “We were really confident going into the postseason. We were all healthy and felt as though we

Why do YOU attend the games? out of 101 students polled

were still a threat in the state,” sophomore Brad Kurtz said. The Dogs beat the Pirates 1-0 to proceed to the next round against Lowell. Another victory was in store as the Dogs took the game 3-0 to be declared as sectional champions. The regional matchup was set. On Oct. 16, it was to be Crown Point vs. Chesterton. The boys were seeking redemption of their regular season loss to the Trojans on Sept. 10. “The game could have gone either way, but we went out with something to prove,” Bazin said. Despite their dominant effort, the game did not turn out the way they had hoped for as the Dogs fell short 2-0. “I thought we dominated them the whole first half, but the final score did not reflect how we played,” senior Erik Eksten said. The Dogs had to persevere after having a player ejected from

To Socialize To watch Both Neither

17% 12% 33% 38%

the game. “We had to go a man down, but anyone who watched the game saw we dominated up until our legs gave out due to us being short one guy,” Bazin said. Eksten had the sad realization that he had played his last high school game that Thursday night. “We were all bummed on how we finished, but I was proud of how everyone still fought and never gave up,” Eksten said. “This is just the first step on a journey. I know that there is more to come in the future, and I look forward to it”. Although Bazin believes the boys had an extremely successful season and solid defense all year, he has begun looking forward to the next season. “Adding to our offensive threats is going to be a big question mark next year. We will need to find a way to put the ball in the net,” Bazin said.

“That was one of the best moments I have had and by far that our team has had because 43 years is a long time, and this was one of our goals at the beginning of the season. To accomplish it was just awesome,” Kendall said. Unfortunately for the Dogs ,they fell to Culver Academies in semi-state 4-1 but although they lost, they used the game as a learning experience and as motivation to get even further next season. “This season was a great learning experience because our goal for next season is to get even farther than what we did this year,” Kendall said. The season was anything less than a disappointment and with their heads held high, next season couldn’t come any sooner for the Dogs. The confidence is there because they believe that they are here to stay. “We had a great season and none of the guys were all that disappointed after the loss to Culver,” Tsikouris said. “Munster or whoever we play better get used to sitting on the couch after regionals because Crown Point is here to stay.”

My moment of the month.... “...was on Oct. 11th when I won sectionals with my cross country team and then that same day I won sectionals with my soccer team.” -Kammi Kurtz

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arts & entertainment october 30, 2014

inreview “Bad Intentions-EP” by Niykee Heaton Rising star, Niykee Heaton, has released her first album. While “Bad Intentions” only has six songs, one can truly connect with Heaton. “Bad Intentions” offers a variety of different songs that appeal to multiple listeners. Being Heaton’s first album, she did an excellent job. The next album or single needs to be released soon.

FLICKS or TRICKS

Never fear. The Inklings staff will steer you to Halloween films to scare if you dare.

BY CASEY AKERS JILL KIDDER

reporters

“Black Widow” By Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora Iggy Azalea’s latest hit “Black Widow” proves Azalea has absolutely no musical ability and is conceded with annoying rifts from Rita Ora. “Black Widow” possesses a clear point, but speaks only of Azalea’s sensuality, littering the song with vulgarity. The only redeeming quality, if any, is the semi-catchy beat, but not catchy enough. Azalea’s “hit” is mediocre at best.

“Stolen Dance” By Milky Chance “Stolen Dance” definitely embodies a different sound from the usual pop sound played on the radio nowadays. A unique voice and interesting lyrics lead to a solid song that the listener cannot resist.

“Walking Dead” Finally after a six month wait, AMC’s most suspenseful and action packed TV series is back. The last episode of season four left us with a cliffhanger, with most of Rick’s group trapped in a train car, leaving fans to wonder what Terminus was. This season opener made it clear right off the bat, proving to be the most action packed, as well as gruesome, season opener throughout the series. Season five looks to be one of the better seasons of the series making every episode a reason to tune in the next week.

American Horror Story: Freak Show American Horror Story is back with its twisted storylines. This season is set in the smalltown of Jupiter, Florida where a freak show has recently made its home there. A two-headed woman, a scary killer clown and a creepy circus setting just adds to the mystery and horror of the twisty show.

ILLUSTRATION BY COLLIN RASIER

Scream worthy

Maybe next time...

Psycho (1960)

Grave Encounters (2012)

Norman Bates, a man diluted by his mother’s ideals, will go to any measure to protect her. He seems like a normal hotel owner, yet many suspicions are carried against the Bates Motel. With many mind twists, this is a must see Halloween movie.

A group of paranormal researchers find what they never thought existed: actual ghosts. Trapped by evil spirits, they have to find their way out. The predictability of the plot makes this film not that scary.

Carrie (1976)

Evil Dead (1981)

A quiet mediocre high school senior, Carrie, gets bullied all her life. She discovers her power of telekinesis and is willing to use her new supernatural powers against those who have wronged her, sending chills down one’s spine throughout the movie.

This slasher horror is just what one expects. Lots of jump scares and not much character development. “Evil Dead” involves more laughing than screams.

Halloween (1978)

The Strangers (2008)

An iconic serial killer, Michael Myers, can be easily identified with his slick white mask. Without hesitation, he slaughters multitudes that contradict his path. The masked figure along with the creepy music combine for a classic Halloween watch.

A young couple travel to their vacant vacation home setting up the most predictable horror movie with three strangers trying to kill them. The predictable plot leaves the viewer laughing, not scared. If looking for a scare this Halloween, pick anything but “The Strangers.”

Swift swaps country for pop in new album “1989” BY HANNAH BAUNER reporter

Released on Oct. 27, Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album, “1989” succeeds in fulfilling its title. Written to sound like late 1980s pop, the album brings a new element to Swift’s typical sound. While the change of genre was predictable because of her previous album “Red,” it didn’t disappoint. Her perfect transition from country to pop consists of fast songs, slow ballads and everything in between. The first single off “1989,” “Shake It Off,” represents Swift’s official transition from country to pop. With a beat that makes the listener want to boogie, this song will turn the dullest of the dull into outgoing dancers without a care in the world. The spunky bridge adds character and attitude to the carefree lyrics of the song. “Shake It Off” perfectly contrasts the slower songs such as “This Love” and “I Know

life social

A section devoted to social media

Places.” The hidden gem, “Style,” has a nice beat that isn’t too fast or too slow. The perfect tempo and melodic lyrics create the type of song that you don’t mind having stuck in your head. With lyrics of “You’ve got that James Dean daydream look in your eyes and I’ve got that red lip classic thing that you like,” this song first appears to be about style and fashion, but later lyrics of “When we go crashing down we come back every time ‘cause we never go out of style,” suggest the song is about a relationship that doesn’t end no matter how many ups and downs there are. Overall, “1989” couldn’t be better. Everything about it is beyond what anybody could’ve predicted and should be welcomed into the music world with open arms. “1989” puts Swift among some of the best female pop artists of this generation.

best tweets

best apps

I’m wearing a dress. on a monday. with heels. what. Senior Jillian Steiger

@jilliansteiger

This has to be what CPHS looked like in 2002 with all the seniors in their finest Abercrombie attire Sophomore Matthew Metlov

Heads Up!

@m_Metlov21

no money, no family, 16 and locked out of my house because my keys are on my dresser Sophomore Erin Demo

@Erin_Demo

if you’re going to listen to music loud enough for everyone to hear at least be polite & make it good music Sophomore Katie Ruess

@karuess

Group Me

Nothing to do at party? Grab your phone and play this game created by Ellen DeGeneres. From naming celebrities to singing to silly accents, guess the word on the card that’s on your head from your friends clue before the timer runs out Now there’s an app that can organize your many group chats. You now don’t need an iPhone to connect with friends and family members.

best follows @ShakespeareSong You’re favorite song lyric is now in Shakespearean archaic language. This is sure to cause a chuckle.

@History_Pics Take a glimpse into our world’s history through photos. The good and bad, the fun and sad moments of are all displayed through photos.

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arts & entertainment october 30, 2014

Wearing white after Labor Day is okay

“Gotham” disappoints Batman fans BY CHRIS REKITZKE

reporter

First came the 1966 “Batman” television show, then came the first ever “Batman” movie in the summer of 1989, and, after 20 years, several movies and cartoons later, comes “Gotham.” Television and film in recent years has experienced a boom in the comic genre, specifically that of the “Batman.” The most recent television show in proximity is the newly launched Fox series “Gotham.” “Gotham” portrays Batman’s home city, taking a closer examination at the “Dark Knight’s” supporting cast of characters before his upbringing, specifically James Gordon. The plot of “Gotham,” for the most part, garnered much interest. However, the first three minutes are enough to appall fans with the subpar murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, dissatisfying bat-fans not only because of the murder--although it was poorly shot--but because Bruce Wayne, who’s played by David Mazouz, drops to his knees and screams rather childishly. Child or not, Batman screams like a man or not at all. Also, Ben McKenzie, who plays James Gordon, exhibits stale

acting. McKenzie along with most of the cast of “Gotham,” is devoid of all emotion, and on the off chance emotion is elicited, it is obnoxious and entirely oversold with no healthy median in sight. With an awful script comes terrible episodes with boring and predictable plotlines. Episodes succeeding the pilot have strayed far from Gotham’s initial concept: a telling of Gotham City preBatman and a close examination at future police commissioner, James Gordon. However, what the show has accomplished is several generic crime scene investigation plots with menial twists that attempt to make reference to the Batman comics. These references or “Easter eggs,” as fans of the show have been referring to them as, are misleading above all. The “Easter eggs” are a long, unrelenting list of key locations, characters and events drawn from the Batman comics, specifically the several inaccurate references to the malevolent and iconic villain, the Joker. “Gotham” is a show with a lot of potential, but strays too far from the point immediately and is ultimately mediocre in comparison to other debuting television series.

“The Best of Me” worst in theaters BY MARIA LEONTARAS

reporter

The latest Nicholas Sparks book-to-movie adaptation is exactly what one would expect: a cheesy romance film that is a hit with middle--aged women. The average melodrama-lover would adore this film while others may not be so forgiving. The predictable plot, mediocre casting and expected emotional pulls will leave some wanting more out of “The Best of Me.” Dawson Cole (James Marsden) and Amanda Collier (Michelle Monaghan) rekindle their unforgotten love over the death of their beloved friend Tuck (Gerald McRaney). Throughout the film, we discover the twists and turns

Peacoats

that made up their relationship as high schoolers from strategically-placed flashbacks. Young Dawson (Luke Bracey) is a reserved brainiac from the wrong side of town who loves to read and look at the stars while young Amanda (Liana Liberato) is a spunky rich girl with big dreams for her future. The story of their blooming love as teenagers compliments their romance as adults. The story is a basic Nicholas Sparks monstrosity. A middle-aged woman realizes she is in love with a middle--aged man, but there is something preventing them from being together. The couple reunites, makes amends and their relationship is destroyed. Alas, “The Best of Me” needs to be original in some sort

of way, a.k.a. the teenage couple of Amanda and Dawson, which also happens to be one of the only redeeming factors of the film. While the flashbacks throughout the movie are enjoyable, the casting for past character is a little rough. Bracey is an amazing actor and does a spectacular job of portraying the role of young Dawson, but he looks nothing like Marsden, the present Dawson. The two differ so much in appearance that it is distracting. Liberato and Monaghan are much better casted with each other, which makes the poorly--casted Dawsons more tolerable. Overall, this is the stereotypical Nicholas Sparks movie, star-crossed lovers and all. The basic story line, ineffective casting and

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typical sentimental situation lead to the mess that is “The Best of Me.”

the word “bae” The vocabulary of individuals changes from year to year. The newest word one seems to be hearing a lot of is “bae.” A “bae” used to be a word referring to sounds a sheep makes. Today if someone uses the word, they are referring to a significant other. Hearing someone say “I love bae” or “Thanks, bae” has to be one of the most annoying things. Just refer to a significant other by their name. “Bae” is overly used and is starting to become obnoxious. People are people. Not sheep sounds.

BY TINA WINFREY

editor-in-chief

The feeling of scoring a great deal, which can only be followed by a period of word vomit in which you tell every single person you’ve ever known that you managed to snag a $70 pair of jeans for only $20. ONLY $20. You can call me the bargain queen. Then you proceed to go home and dance around your room in your bargain “only $20 but they were originally $70” jeans while trying on every single item in your closet that may sort of match. But after a few hours or so, the realization sets in. The jeans you bought were as cheap as they were because they are white and for some reason everyone thinks it’s a fashion faux pas to be caught dead wearing white after Labor Day. If you can buy white after Labor Day, then you can wear it too. Origins of this fashion “rule” are not exactly known but are believed to come from women of the 1880s attempting to distinguish their wealth and popularity from those who they believed to be a part of the lower class. Ouch. Times have changed, and wealth and popularity are no longer displayed by the color choices one makes but by the label on their clothes. With designers like Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen tagging their designs at prices that make you want to ask Bill Gates for a generous donation of about, uh, $6,000 for a dress, there is no reason to ban white after certain periods in the year. If this is just a theory to the rule, then why are we stuck following a set of guidelines that who knows who could’ve created? For Pete’s sake, I could easily say everyone should stop wearing purple after Columbus Day and it would have the same effect. My apologies if your favorite color is purple. While mixing black, brown and dark grey may be a few of the most unforgivable fashion rules, go ahead and grab your white jeans, white tops and white socks for all I care and wear them, but please style them in a way that won’t have us totally questioning whether you’re stuck in summer or not. So wear what you want, in good taste, and wear it now. You’re welcome.

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people october 30, 2014

TAKE

Junior

Blake Bonin Time Travel If I was able to do anything I wanted, I would go back in time to watch Michael Jordan play in a game and beat the Knicks. PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Aide John Abbate assists junior Jordyn Clinton with her work. Abbate, a Class of 2004 Crown Point graduate, suffered from a tumor that was attached to his brain stem and cerebellum while attending Indiana University in 2007. Abbate now assists Craig Lorek in room C225.

Abbate conquers unlikely odds BY SAM BARLOGA

reporter

For aide John Abbate, life is a precious thing. When Abbate graduated from Crown Point High School in 2004, he was just a normal teenager. He ran track and played football. After going to the University of Southern Indiana for a year, Abbate transferred to Indiana University, where his life would change forever. “Starting in October and November of my junior year at IU, I’d be dizzy more than often. I’d get headaches often and I thought I’d be fine. I thought it would work out, thought I was just stressed out and was doing too much,” Abbate said. Soon after the headaches started, Abbate went to his doc-

Q What was the scariest moment of your life?

tor who told him they were just sinus headaches. But after a few months with the unrelenting headaches, Abbate fell and cracked his head open, leaving doctors with a startling discovery. “I was coming back from the library on a late February night in 2007 and I slipped, fell and hit the back of my head and they found a tumor about the size of a walnut attached to my brainstem and cerebellum,” Abbate said. Abbate was not fully aware of the risks to remove the tumor. The surgery would end up saving his life but leaving him mostly confined to a wheelchair. “I was unaware that I would be disabled from the surgery. But, the nurse surgeon at IU and the head doctor at Northwestern both told me that if I was their

kid they would have had the tumor removed within a week because, if I didn’t have the surgery, there was a large chance that I would have gone into a coma and died,” Abbate said. After receiving the life-saving surgery, Abbate took time away from his college studies and ended up becoming depressed. “For a while after the surgery I was depressed, really depressed. It took me a while to get through the five stages of grief because of how lonely I felt,” Abbate said. Abbate has made sure to keep his head up and discover new things to do. Even with his disability, he participates in sled hockey and kayaking. Abbate believes that people need to see disabled people doing every day things so disabled people can be

“When I got

“When I almost

Cameron Watson

Sidney Crider

Junior

Senior

thrown into a dance circle”

died in a car accident”

“I was in the shower when the power went out” Logan Sherer Junior

considered normal. “Teens or people in general need to see disabled people out doing normal, everyday things because we are basically normal people,” Abbate said. A few years later, Abbate finished up his degree at Indiana University Northwest, graduating with a degree in general studies with a focus on physiology in 2011. After graduating, Abbate got into education, helping out Craig Lorek in the special education department. Abbate says helping out in the classroom makes him want to pursue a full time career in something similar. “I really enjoy what I am doing and it made me realize, even more, that I want to go back to school for a masters in special education or some type of counseling,” Abbate said.

“When my dad

needed another heart transplant” Skylar Delgado Sophomore

Natural Athlete My favorite thing to do is play basketball because I like the nonstop action, and I have played it my whole life.

Secret Singer One thing about myself that a lot of people may not know is that I can actually sing.

Money Bags I wish I could have an infinite amount of money because then I could buy whatever I wanted.

Heights too High I’m afraid of heights because seeing people fall from high places freaks me out.

“I was walking to a redbox and a man asked me to get into his car” Hunter Trent Freshman

“I was not

mentally prepared for fright fest” Alyssa Click Junior