Inklings Sept.2011

INKLINGS September 30, 2011 - Volume 76 Issue 1 - Crown Point High School - 1500 S. Main Street - inklings@cps.k12.in.us

This Issue: News

Looking back

Remembering

9/11

Citizens reflect on the changes to America a decade after the 9/11 attacks Page 3

Feature Hyping It Up Much goes on behind the scenes to prepare for Homecoming Page 9

Arts

Italian Treat Ciao Bella is sure to tantalize your taste buds Page 11

Sports

Reaching Goal Girls soccer continues success despite setback Page 14

Opinion

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Thanks to you, citizens of Crown Point, students can enjoy a year without a loss of teachers or other valuable resources.

Page 4

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Like us on

Facebook!

Photo By Donnella Casillas

Above: Parishioners watch as Crown Point servicemen raise the American flag at the First United Methodist Church memorial. Below: Sophomore Alex Kutemeier reads ten-year-old newspapers that reflected the devastation of Sept. 11, 2001.

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e were only seven, some of us even younger. We don’t really remember, yet we’ve been reminded. We didn’t really understand, but now we’re understanding. The terrorist attacks that shook our world that day will forever be ingrained in our memories, even if we didn’t fully comprehend it at the time.

Although we were only old enough to remember bits and pieces of Sept. 11 2001, there is no doubt that it has changed the world we live in. Many of these changes we haven’t noticed, but they have truly transformed our lives.

One obvious example of such changes is the concept of security; more specifically airport security.

Anyone who has traveled since 9/11 knows how meticulous airport security is. Before 9/11, however, airport security wasn’t nearly as scrutinizing, though most of us remember little from those days. Although heightened security is sometimes a hassle, it is a price we are willing to pay for our safety.

Another change is the perception of the religion that was held responsible for the terrorist attacks: Islam. As a Muslim American, this

really hit home. Some jumped to conclusions, but others sought out to learn more about Islam and realized that the religion does not promote such terrorism and those responsible were not acting by the true ideals of Islam.

Yes, there have been many changes in ourselves and in our nation during the last decade as we have grown; it is our hope that positive change will continue. I am hopeful that the tragic events that took place on that day when we were young will result in the overall coming together of our nation. Let us use the lessons of the past to help the future. In looking back, let us reflect upon how to become more tolerant, educated, and united.

By Haajar Shaaban, editor-in-chief

Full coverage on page 3

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2 Referendum affects current school year

By Ashley Downing web editor

After two years of planning and campaigning, the referendum asking for a tax increase to supplement the school’s general fund passed in May. Therefore, the Crown Point Community School Corporation is able to maintain the high level of education that it established prior to cuts in state funding.

“When asking to raise the taxes, we took the community into consideration and didn’t ask for any more money than what we needed to be able to maintain what we already had,” Superintendent Dr. Teresa Eineman said.

Crown Point Schools had been running on a lean budget.

The corporation was ranked 322 of 349 for state-funding, indicating that it was one of the lowest funded schools in Indiana.

“We had been a highachieving corporation running on a low-budget, but after being told we would have to make major cuts, we made a decision as leaders that we could not and would not compromise getting as close to perfection as possible,” Eineman said. “All of the little details matter. When they work well together, they make perfection. If we had cut our budget any more, this perfection would not be possible.”

The money from the referendum helped maintain extra-curriculars and protect the schools from having to reduce teaching positions.

Eineman added that no programs would be added, and that no programs or teachers would be cut.

“I have been a Superintendent of schools for 19 years, and the darkest day of my entire career was handing out the Reduction in Force letters to teachers,” Eineman said. “May 3 was my happiest day when the community said yes to our schools.”

Eineman said that repayment for the referendum would come from the success of the children within the community.

“CP would not have benefitted by losing teachers” senior Stephanie Kunovski said.”It’s fortunate we didn’t have to.”

octoberfacts •The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite on Oct. 4, 1957.

•October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness month.

•Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb on Oct.21, 1897.

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9.30.2011 Inklings

Marching band wins big at invitational

By Mary-Katherine Lemon news editor

The Royal Regiment marching band brought home multiple gold ratings at their first invitational on CPHS Astro Turf.

The band won gold ratings in music achievement, visual achievement, and auxiliary achievement.

Six other area bands participated in the invitational, including Kankakee Valley High School, Merrillville High School, Calumet High School, Rensselaer Central High School, Michigan City High School, and Tipton High School.

The band performed a battle scene from “Cirque du Soleil: KÀ” “We really liked the sound of (‘Cirque du Soleil: KÀ’),” drum

Photo By Mary- Katherine Lemon

Senior Casey Mihal leads the Royal Regiment’s drumline in a cadence after the band’s performance at last Saturday’s invitational.

major and senior Michael Vass said.

Royal Regiment is under the direction of music teacher Johann Sletto, Kevin McBride, guidance

counselor Peg Shaffer, and Kelly Carpenter.

“Everything (went) according to plan,” Sletto said.

Sletto said the hardest part

Senior wins video contest Senior Zach Langbartels awarded iPad for “Are You Ready?”

By Mona Nour staff reporter

Senior Zach Langbartels is ready. After being given the “Are You Ready?” challenge of creating a video prompt that explains, in three minutes or less, how he has been preparing for college, Langbartels turned to his experience in video making.

The “Are You Ready?” challenge was created by Principal Dr. Eric Ban in order to launch the school year and to get students to start thinking of their future careers.

Langbartels’ video included his rigorous AP schedule and college visits in preparation for college.

Langbartels stood out among the other contestants in the contest because of the unique effect he had placed on his video.

“He was really creative with his video because he had a split screen and he was talking to himself,”Ban said.

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Homecoming Dance 6:30-10:30 p.m.

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Parent Education Night “Navigating the College Adm. Process” -LGI6 p.m.

Langbartels knew how to make his video worth an iPad because of his video-making experience, which comes from several school video projects, including a “Great Gatsby” scene reenactment for Honors English 10, a trailer for the play “A Street Car Named Desire” for AP English Literature and Composition, a music video for the novel “Ella Minnow Pea” for AP English Language and his favorite: a 16 minute montage for AP European History.

“The AP Euro video was the most fun to make because I was acting out all six characters as they ate an entire plate of Principal Dr. Eric Ban presents senior Zach Langbartels with an iPad 2. Langbartels won the iPad in the school-sponsored “Are You Ready?” video contest.

Photo by Ashley Downing

food,” Langbartels said.

Langbartels’ video projects not only have a presence in the classroom but also on YouTube.

“Mostly, I upload my school projects,” he said.

His videos aren’t always academic, however.

“Occasionally, I’ll upload something like a video of me eating a chicken bouillon cube,” he said.

The drawing was held from the top ten most creative videos that met all of the requirements.

Because there were only a handful of entries, anyone who had entered the competition had a chance to be chosen to win the iPad. Langbartels’ confidence within his videomaking capabilities made him almost sure that he was qualified to be within the top ten contestants.

“To be honest, I did not see a lot of competition,” he said. “I still reacted like I didn’t know because there was still some suspense.”

octobercalendar 26 12 7 Purdue Univ.

Glee Club Concert -Auditorium7:30 p.m.

Winter Sports Parent Meeting -Auditorium6 p.m.

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Student Club Group Photo Day -AuditoriumAll day

Key Club Halloween Party -Cafeteria6-8 p.m.

28-31 Fall Vacation No School

was “getting judges from one place to another.”

Judges giving on-site, instant clinics was a unique part of the CPHS invitational. Input from judges is usually recorded onto a CD for marching bands to review weeks after their performances.

The drum majors for Royal Regiment are seniors Michael Vass and Madison Walker and junior Kathryn Szymanski.

Seniors Cassie Anderson and Donnella Casillas are color guard captains. Color guard won an auxiliary achievement award, their first of this season.

“We’re a lot stronger on our own field,” low brass section leader senior Richard Wood said.

in the know Students earn finalist status in essay contest Three juniors are semi-finalists in the 2011 “Anthem” Essay contest. As sophomores in Honors English, they chose one of three given prompts and wrote an essay between 600-1200 words on “Anthem,” Ayn Rand’s dystopian fiction novella. Samantha Konicki, Nick Kujawski and Amanda Pavot were honored by The Ayn Rand Institute for their outstanding work on the essay. The Institute announced winners in July and offers a cash prize to winners of the contest.

Athletic director Dorulla honored Athletic Director Bill Dorulla was named the 2011-12 Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA) District 1 Athletic Director of the Year. This award makes him eligible for Indiana State Athletic Director of the Year at the IIAAA State Athletic Director’s Conference in Indianapolis in March 2012. Dorulla has been at Crown Point High School for nine years.

Senior named National Merit semifinalist Senior Megan Wadkins has qualified as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist due to her high scores on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT). Wadkins is one of 16,000 semifinalists for the scholarship. Wadkins plans on pursuing a degree in either English, history, or Classics at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill.

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Crown Point residents remember Sept. 11

By Garret Hogan / RaeAnna Morgan senior editor / copy editor

PHOTO BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

Sophomore Lexi Kennon is silent while participating in the Sept. 11 ten year anniversary memorial service at First United Methodist Church in Crown Point. Many CPHS students attended the church’s memorial event.

PHOTO BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

The Times newspaper’s Sept. 12, 2001 issue is displayed in the banquet hall of First United Methodist Church at the Sept.

11 ten year anniversary memorial service.

“Good will always defeat evil. As you leave here today, remember the freedoms that are out there,” Mayor David Uran said at the closing of the Sept.

11 memorial service at the First United Methodist Church as doves flew above his head.

Ten years have passed since terrorist group AlQaeda flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These attacks have influenced many facets of American life ever since. For example, the government has drastically changed airport security, terrorism is now a fear when boarding a plane, and the deficit has nearly tripled, increasing from $9.8 billion in 2001 to $15 trillion today.

As the mayor’s quote shows, the Sept. 11 attacks were tragic and have not been forgotten. Consequently, many high school students still have strong feelings about the attacks a decade later. “(My uncle) was a firefighter but he died on Sept. 11. He was a first responder to the attacks and he went to the second floor to help people escape, but unfortunately he did not come back out,” senior Brittany Chamberlain said.

Students are not the only ones who can recall the tragedy. Art teacher Karen Cox recalls what happened the morning of the attacks.

“That morning, I was teaching at Taft Middle School when I got a call from my daughter, Lindsay.

She was at school in Chicago and needed me to pick her up from the train after she had been evacuated from the city,” she said. “At first I was scared. having my daughter in the city and being threatened by the attack, it brought a more personal light to what was happening.”

Lindsay Cox, also an art teacher, who was in Chicago at the time of the attacks, described her experience.

“I was in the Academy of Art in downtown Chicago that morning. My professor got a call from her son who was in New York at the time, and he told her what was going on. Immediately, the school began an evacuation. Most people were pushed onto

the South Shore train without having to pay for train fare,” Cox said. “It was crowded and there were no seats left. When we got to Indiana, we were let off at the first stop, even if you didn’t live in Indiana. All they were worried about was getting everyone out of the city as fast as possible.”

In honor of those who lost their lives, the First United Methodist Church held a memorial service on the anniversary. A stone in the front of the church was dedicated to all those who died in the attacks and to the first responders to the scene. The banquet hall displayed a collection of newspaper articles written in the aftermath, and flags and banners in remembrance.

“For the memorial, I helped in the kitchen and took down the flags and put the programs together,” sophomore Alex Kutemeier said.

Higher members of the church also gave insight to the Sept. 11 attacks. Pastor Mark Wilkins, along with a team of his parishioners, worked on the project for ten months.

“My brother was in the Pentagon, and one of our parishioner’s daughters was in the World Trade Center at the time of the attacks. ... There is, and will always be, a common outpour of emotion on this day,” Wilkins said.

During the ceremony, Uran spoke to the crowd. “(At that time) I was a police officer for ... Crown Point. The most important thing on my mind at the time was my family. It’s a day we will never forget.”

As the ceremony came to a close, six white doves flew above the American flag as parishioners were reminded to “Remember, Reflect, and Renew,” the slogan of the day.

“Remember the people we should really be thanking: the police officers, firefighters, and countless number of other heroes that were lost on this day. The scenes we run away from in fright they run towards to help,” Uran said. “It warms my heart to see you all here today. Sept. 11 is a day to remember forever in our hearts, as Americans.”

CPHS students participate in Lupus Walk, help raise $77K

By Shannon Rostin / Hannah Colby staff reporters

“The Lupus Walk made me feel good about myself, because I was supporting a disease that I have,” sophomore Brittany Joseph said.

Since its beginning, the event has rapidly grown. This year, over 1,000 people attended the lupus walk event on September 10 at the fairgrounds in Crown Point.

“Since there were a lot of people at the walk, it showed that people supported those who are affected,” sophomore Sophie

Reiners said.

Approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the blood and can severely damage your organs. Lupus affects everyone differently. It can range from mild to life threatening and there is not a cure for this disease.

Over $77,000 was fund raised this year; however, donations are still being accepted.

Money is raised to supply education materials to newly diagnosed patients. This money will also help increase the number

of educational programs available to lupus patients throughout the state.

One teen affected by lupus is junior Zoie Matthews. She was diagnosed with lupus on Feb. 11, 2009; only five months later, she lost her mother to lupus. Zoie takes six medications each day to manage her disease.

“When I first got diagnosed it affected me in every way, from simple tasks like making dinner to walking up the stairs, but now it’s a lot better,” Matthews said.

She walks for herself and her mom.

This year, her team raised over $14,000 and had about 60 people walk.

“We definitely increased our attendance this year,” Lupus Foundation of America director Susan Colby said.

Supporting people affected by lupus, the CPHS Key Club walked the three mile course this year.

“After the walk, I felt like I wanted to do more to help Lupus patients. I want them to know they have supporters and people who care,” Key Club member Taylor Gamblin said.

Views on news Student reaction to events in our world Area Portage woman found dead Amanda Bach, a 19 year-old Portage woman, was found shot to death along railroad tracks in Union Township on Sept. 17, a day after her car was found abandoned in the parking lot of a convenience store. A former boyfriend has been charged although he maintains his innocence.

State

Gun laws may loosen up

Indiana lawmakers want to loosen regulations on gun ownership, making it possible for people to bring firearms into public buildings. The less-restrictive gun legislation being proposed would be a follow-up to previous gun legislation that allowed individuals to carry a firearm without a license.

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Megan Dean senior

President Obama signed the law that repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” which prohibited military commanders from asking about someone’s sexual orientation and forced those in the military to keep their orientation under wraps or face punishment or expulsion.

The law had been in place since 1993

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Guns should not be outlawed because some people use guns for self-defense. Not all areas are safe, and not everyone knows selfdefense techniques.

I feel a little freaked out and surprised something like that [Amanda Bach’s murder] could happen so close to home.

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Nation Don’t Ask/Tell repealed

Jorie Horn

sophomore

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Angel Barraza

Lady GaGa (described) how I feel...

She (said) that gay people could only join the military if they acted straight, and that’s just not fair.

junior

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World Unrest in the Middle East Beginning in December 2010, the Middle East and North Africa have experienced widespread unrest, most notably in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Syria. These civil uprisings have been characterized by the use of social media to organize and spread information about the protests.

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What the rebels are doing is worth the fight.

Dictators are just going to take everything from the people.

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Elliot Woodward

freshman

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Inklings

Teens and the politics of possibility

By Dylan Taylor opinion editor It is quite easy to believe the stereotype that high school students aren’t interested in much other than shopping and relationships. From “Mean Girls” to “The Breakfast Club”, TV shows, books, movies and other media outlets have made the shallow portrayal of teen culture into a multi-milliondollar industry. Although consumer culture and young love are undeniably of great importance to many teens, the notion that the deepest a student can get is during a conversation involving Jersey Shore or their boyfriend/ girlfriend is blatantly false.

In reality, students often have strongly held, wellresearched political opinions, sometimes even carried in unison with their brandname shirts and affinities for MTV. For all the Lil Wayne paraphernalia that colors the hallways, it isn’t unlikely to find a shirt advertising a political candidate, a political party or an ideology of some sort. Last year’s referendum alone was enough to prove that “shallow teenagers” actually do care about their community and political situation.

This political advocacy that is carried in the hearts and minds of many students must not disappear. Our teen generation needs to be prepared to fill the shoes of the one before them, and being informed about world matters is absolutely integral to that.

Just because most students don’t vote or pay taxes doesn’t mean that they are incapable of participating in politics, and it certainly doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t participate. The more informed students are now, the more informed they will be when they can vote and run for office. Teens need to be involved in politics, and their elders should encourage them to be as up-to-date and involved as possible.

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CARTOON BY ELLIE BURRELL

Community shows its priority

iew: and deserves praise for support of school tax referendum

Thanks, Crown Point

Worry, concern and fear are a few emotions experienced during the 2010– 2011 school year. Teachers were in danger of losing their jobs and students worried that some teachers, classes, and activities were not going to survive any more budget cuts, which could drastically alter the face of their education.

These fears were not unfounded, though; schools had to face this reality.

The loss of $300 million that was cut from state funding in December 2009 had Indiana schools feeling the slice. Districts throughout the state asked their communities for help by attempting to pass tax referendums that would help gain funding, but only three of seven passed in the spring. Fortunately, Crown Point was one of those three. That is why we wanted to thank the citizens of Crown Point for supporting the tax referendum and our community’s public schools.

We understand that this was not an easy choice. The passing of the referendum means that taxpayers have to pay an extra 21 cents on each $100 of assessed home value. But Crown Point voters realized that although not an easy choice, it was the best choice.

Compare our situation to that of Franklin Township whose referendum was defeated. It is facing the closing of three schools, cutting eighty-one teaching jobs, and limiting transportation.

Crown Point voters understood this situation and potential consequences as “Vote yes!” yard signs began popping up all over the community as election time neared. The support was gratifying to those volunteers -- adults and students alike -- who worked to spread the word about this important decision.

The approval of the referendum was like a sigh of relief to the entire corporation. For so long, the weight of the referendum hovered over our school as did thoughts about what would happen if it did not pass. Now a new school year has started. Thanks to you, citizens of Crown Point, students can enjoy a year without a loss of teachers or other valuable resources. We are grateful for your support and activism towards keeping and continuing to build a strong public school system, and we appreciate your awareness of the importance of education.

We do not take for granted such community support, and the value its citizens see in us. Other communities and school corporations cannot say the same.

editorial

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 expressed in Inklings do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS faculty, staff, or administration.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates, available from Inklings advertising department.

Inklings welcomes letters-to-theeditor, provided they are signed and submitted to E109 or via email one week prior to date of publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space and clarity as well as to make decisions on which letters will be printed.

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

Contact Inklings by emailing inklings@cps.k12.in.us or by phoning 219-663-4885.

Haajar Shaaban editor-in-chief Alyssa Blahunka creative director Garret Hogan senior editor Kelsey Lennon managing editor Abby Elston RaeAnna Morgan copy editors Mary-Katherine Lemon news editor Katrina Zdanowicz Melanie Zdanowicz feature editors Olivia Graham entertainment editor Dylan Taylor opinion editor Samuel Beishuizen Alex McLean sports editors Alexa Grady sports assistants Kayla Martisek design editor Ashley Downing web editor Samantha Wright advertising editor Donnella Casillas chief photographer Abigail Eineman Aleks Kajmakoski Trisha Semplinski photographers Kara Biernat Rachael Bokota Ellie Burrell Hannah Colby Maggie Gelon Molly Grace Yazzmyne Lopez Danielle McCuan Mona Nour Brittany Pedersen Shannon Rostin Katie Sherman staff Julie Elston adviser

speakup Do you think that 9/11 has had an effect on the country?

Tim Foster freshman “Yes, 9/11 has caused our government to raise security levels and start a war. We’ve lost a lot of people from both 9/11 and the war.”

Allie Reno sophomore

Dustin Schurg junior

“Yes, the images that we have seen will always be ingrained in our minds.”

“Yes, because lots of people were killed or severely scarred on that day. It will stay in people’s hearts and minds forever.”

Katie McLaren senior “Definitely. Security’s tighter, and citizens are more worried about terrorist attacks on our soil since 9/11 happened.”

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Reality TV mimics real life parents

By Yazzmyne Lopez staff reporter

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Cartoon by ellie burrell

ssue: Classroom Facebook friends?

Throughout the country, legislation has been discussed that would prohibit students from befriending teachers on Facebook.

Should these laws pass or are they an overreaction?

Student /teacher relationships should stay in classroom and not on the internet.

Facebook is an acceptable form of communication, not a catalyst for other uses.

By Abby Elston copy editor

By Mary-Kathrine Lemon news editor

The new Dayton, Ohio ban on teachers becoming friends with students on Facebook is valid. Facebook is a social network and not a professional environment; the student-teacher relationship is broken when a student sees a teacher’s social life. A teacher and a student are often not necessarily friends outside of Facebook; therefore, they should not be friends on Facebook.

A student should have a level of respect towards his teacher, whether he likes him or not. A teacher is a professional and should be treated as such with respect to a student. This sort of relationship cannot be possible in an environment like Facebook. Facebook is a laid-back social network originally intended for students to interact with one another. Though its limits on people accepted have expanded, this does not mean that the casual nature of Facebook has disappeared as well.

Moreover, students rarely log on to Facebook to catch up on homework assignments or blog about their latest class project. This is what some arguers of the ban believe; students and teachers could interact via Facebook for classroom purposes. When students log on to Facebook, they do not ever log on with the intent of doing anything productive; they log on, in fact, to do just the opposite. It is a homework distractor, not a homework encourager.

17 Inklings staffers agree John Lambersie English teacher “A Facebook friend makes us seem like we’re your buddy off the street, and we’re not your buddy. It keeps us legally protected because kids post stuff we don’t want to see. Teachers are mentors, and there should be some sort of boundary.”

Josh Schuljak junior “It’s more of a personal relation with a student (on Facebook) that shouldn’t really be there. I guess if it’s a past teacher it’s okay, but if it’s a current teacher it’s kind of weird.”

Proposed laws and policies banning teachers from exclusively communicating with students online are ridiculous and unnecessary. These policies, such as those in Missouri and Dayton, Ohio schools, are misguided, knee-jerk reactions to the spread of social networking.

Lawmakers must realize that social networking is not the problem. The problem is adults -- not just educators -- who use social networking to initiate inappropriate contact with minors. According to the Pew Research Center, one in 25 minors were solicited online by predators who wanted to initiate real-life sexual relationships.

Surely these predators cannot all be teachers.

If lawmakers believe that social networking will lead educators and other school staff members into “temptation,” perhaps their time and effort would be better spent providing school districts with adequate funding to thoroughly background check prospective school employees. A teacher who simply needs to create a Facebook account in order to have inappropriate contact with a student should not be a teacher in the first place.

One student being sexually harassed online is too many. However, creating laws that unfairly target people in a certain profession is not the correct solution.

14 Inklings staffers agree Lisa Langrebe English teacher “I will accept a (current) student’s friend request with the agreement that if there is anything bad on (the student’s Facebook page), I have to report it. It’s never been a problem. People hold teachers to some other standard. Why should I be excluded because I’m a teacher?”

Miranda Kelleher sophomore “I don’t think they should pass the law.

People shouldn’t put things on Facebook that they shouldn’t have (online). Teachers are here to help. (Teachers) can help kids (through Facebook) if they ask for help.”

The reality television show “Dance Moms” has become a growing phenomenon that reveals just how “extreme” parenting can get when introduced to the television spotlight.

The show highlights mothers conning their daughters to continue dancing by spoiling them to ridiculous extents. The parents’ behaviors are so extreme that it is questionable whether the show is scripted. Yet such behavior isn’t hard to imagine.

One may have actually witnessed it outside of a TV setting.

A number of parents are too involved in their children’s lives. Helping a child with their academics or household situations is understandable, but parenting becomes unhelpful, intrusive and “extreme” when a parent involves themselves in their child’s dating, teacher and social relationships. Overlyintrusive parenting accomplishes little, for teenagers should be learning about personal responsibility.

Even worse than overlyintrusive parents, are ones that live their ambitions through their children. Beyond the obsessions in “Dance Moms,” some parents push their children to participate in sports and other activities that they were never able to do themselves. This ego-tripping of the parent doesn’t accomplish much other than exploiting the child. They aren’t participating in an activity because they love it, they are participating because they have to.

Although TV shows like “Dance Moms” can be entertaining, these behaviors aren’t as humorous off a screen.

The phenomenon of intense parenting is a legitimate issue within culture, and parents need to realize at some point that their egoistic attempts at “helping” their children aren’t helping anything, or anyone, at all.

Are you going to the Homecoming dance?

Are you going to the Homecoming Dance?

97 69 Yes No

Out of 166 students polled.

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PHOTO BY ABIGAIL EINEMAN

CPHS cheerleaders encourage the freshman football team at a game in August.

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9.30.2011 Inklings

on

A page capturing the essence of student life

Moving in

PHOTO BY DONNELLA CASILLAS

New students reflect on feelings about moving to CPHS

By Maggie Gelon / Rachael Bokota staff reporters

Life as a teenager can be hard enough. It’s a time of change and new experiences. A steady routine and familiar faces are often taken for granted, but not for students who have to leave it all behind.

“I lived with my mom my whole life in New Jersey, but now I came to live with my dad,” junior Ashley Cedeno said.

Moving was a big change for Cedeno, having been home schooled for nearly her whole life. The only time Cedeno had ever experienced public school was when she went to public school for five months her freshman year because her mother had surgery and didn’t want her to fall behind.

“Home schooling is a good experience because you get to see other people, but it’s not everyday socialization like public school,” Cedeno said.

However, being home schooled didn’t intimidate Cedeno when she moved to Crown Point. She prides herself in being different, and wasn’t nervous about being accepted at a large public school.

“I definitely wasn’t nervous about fitting in. I felt fine, I mean, people are nice here. They mostly keep to themselves,” Cedeno said.

There are ways the school tries to be welcoming to new students.

“Not this year, but in years past the school has hosted a red carpet day where all new students come and meet other people and figure out where they can sit at lunch, which can be the scariest part of moving for some students,” Counselor Brenda Wolski said.

Welcoming students can help ease the transition, but for some the change isn’t as smooth as Cedeno’s.

“It all depends on the individual. Some will be scared to death, and some will really take advantage of the large school,” Wolski said.

Sophomore Tristan Greeley moved from Canada recently and originally had a tough time transitioning.

“I was scared, being Canadian I didn’t know if I would fit in. In Canada my high school would have had about 150 students, and here there’s like 2600, which was scary too,”

fastfacts

This year our student population increased by 163 students

Facts from guidance secretary Deb Zellers and the Indiana Census Bureau.

Greeley said.

The sheer size of a school can overwhelm an incoming student, but sometimes size is a welcome change. Sophomore Joe Samyn transferred to Crown Point from Andrean High School, a small private school in Merrillville.

“Crown Point is huge, there’s much more to do here, like clubs and stuff, than at Andrean,” Samyn said. “I’m a social person, so coming here I knew meeting new people wasn’t going to be a problem.”

Aside from school based changes, students who move have to cope with a lot of other factors. When Greeley moved from Canada she had to deal with lacking the comforts of home.

“I lived in a hotel for like a month and a half before we moved into our new house. When I lived in a hotel there wasn’t much to do and not many people around my age to meet,” Greeley said.

Moving doesn’t just affect functions in a school environment; it also affects the home life of a student. When Greeley moved to America she moved with her mother and stepfather, and had to leave her father and the rest of her family behind.

“Having to leave a parent behind was a challenge,” Greeley said.

Some ways to ease the transition include meeting new people and keeping in contact with old friends.

“I couldn’t talk to my friends on my cell phone because we needed a special plan, but Facebook helped me keep in contact,” Greeley said.

Students may feel more at home if they know where everything is and if they feel more comfortable with their teachers.

“To help students feel more comfortable, we make sure one of our student aids shows them around and we send an e-mail to the student’s teachers,” Wolski said.

Although moving can be stressful, there are bright sides to entering a new environment. Without realizing it, students who move can develop life skills such as being adaptable and open to help.

“Coping with change after switching schools is much simpler now, and making a big deal about it isn’t worth it,” Samyn said.

Every year an average of 150-200 students move to CPHS

Every year approximately

83.6 percent of

students move away from CPHS

Indiana residents live in the same house as they did one year ago

50-75

The Indiana population increased

6.6 percent

from 2000 to 2010

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E X N CHA G I E R N O

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GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY DOWNING

From China to Germany, students share similarities and differences

By Abby Elston / Olivia Graham copy editor / entertainment editor

In a town like Crown Point, knowing people from kindergarten until graduation is very common. One is usually guaranteed to see old friends or people from common classes when in the hallway.

However, for a select few, none of this holds true.

Juniors Jia Chen and Anne Sophie Ostmeyer are exchange students.

Chen is from China, and Ostmeyer is from Germany. Putting all anxiety about studying abroad behind them, they entered the school not knowing anyone.

“You just need to take more time to adapt. The teachers and students are pretty friendly, so it is still okay,” Chen said.

Although

Chen senses a friendly atmosphere, major differences still exist between American schooling systems and schooling systems in China, Chen’s home country.

“You choose the classes you want to study here, and you don’t have to move.

In China, we go back home only on weekends. Our schools are like boarding schools. You don’t move and you have the same classmates for three years,” Chen said. “Here there is more freedom; you are forced to work harder in China.”

As is for almost every country, German school systems differ from those of America and even in China.

“Our school system is more difficult and more different. In Germany, you can graduate after nine, ten and twelve years of schooling,” Ostmeyer said. “Only after you finish twelve years to a university is it a higher level of education. After ten years of schooling, it is a medium level of difficulty, and after nine years it is an easier level.”

Along with the need to work hard, students like Chen in China are also expected to follow a stricter set of rules than in America.

“Students

in China need to wear a uniform and obey to stricter school rules. There is more freedom here. It is more relaxed than in China,” Chen said.

Education is important to Ostmeyer as well as learning new, foreign things, such as the English language.

“At first, I wanted to learn the language (English) fluently. English is a really important language; a lot of people speak it,” Ostmeyer said. “It would be a new experience with new friends. It would be good for the job I get. It is important that you speak a second language. I don’t want to do anything specific, but I really would like to go to a university.”

To be able to study here, besides having the ability to speak English, Chen had to sign up for an exchange program in her hometown, Shen-Zhen, near Hong Kong.

The program enables her to study here for about a month.

“There’s an exchange student program at my school. I always wanted to come study at a different school and experience different things,” Chen said. “I’ve been dreaming for three to four years, since

junior high, that I could study abroad, like in America or some European countries.”

To further her education and experiences, Ostmeyer came to America by means of an exchange program. America has made a deep impression upon Ostmeyer so far.

“I get a good impression; after one year I will be able to say (for sure),” Ostmeyer said.

As is true with any foreign place, the transition to the exotic location may cause anxiety.

However, Ostmeyer finds a friendly atmosphere here.

“There is a little bit more of ‘Where do you come from?’ I really like it because it is good to hear,” Ostmeyer said.

What is the biggest difference between your life here and your home life?

R KE Y TU

OVAKIA SL

School is really different, like the classes and schedule. The schedule is different because we can’t select classes. We study with all ages and don’t switch classes. We study in one class with the same people. I miss Turkish food the most because it’s homemade. There’s not so much fast food (in Turkey). The hardest thing to adjust to is the distance – it’s so far away.

”

Justus Heitfeld

Bea Brandsteterova

junior

“

Y

Nur Simin Girgin

RMA N E G

junior

junior

“

Here, there is no public transportation; people drive everywhere. In Slovakia, we walk or use public transportation, so that’s a very big change.

The hardest thing to adjust to here is talking to people because everyone is new, and I’m unsure of my English. This school is so much bigger. At my old school, we can’t choose classes. Every day is a different class.

”

“

School is the biggest change. It is a lot different. There are 7 periods and no lunch hour.

You can buy something (to eat), but we don’t have big lunch breaks. We only have two 20-minute breaks. Also, you cannot choose the subjects you take. Some required subjects were math, physics, art, music and business.

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9.30.2011 Inklings

New staff brings variety of talents, interests, experiences From rock-climbers to “Trekkies,” the new staff members have diverse experiences to bring to the high school.

They teach a wide variety of subjects and one counsels students in the guidance office. Read on to become familiar with the new additions.

•Information compiled by Inklings Staff•

What do you teach?

I teach English 9R and English 10R What is something students would want to know about you?

I love to rock climb. It is my absolute favorite activity.

Riley Brewer Where did you go to college?

Valparaiso University. Go Crusaders!

What do you teach?

I teach English 10R and Senior Literature and Composition.

What is something students would be surprised to know about you?

I was a ballroom dancer at IU Nicole Shelpman and competed in 21 competitions.

Where did you go to college?

Indiana University in Bloomington.

What do you teach?

I am the RTI Interventionist for Read 180.

What is something students would want to know about you?

I completed my first half-mile maraKelly Swisher thon last May. Where did you go to college?

Loras College in Dubuque, IA. What do you teach?

I teach English 9 and Excalibur.

What is something students would be surprised to know about you?

My best friends and I started a monthly book club four years ago Lisa Keene that is still going strong. Two people Skype in from California and Thailand because they moved and love it so much they didn’t want to miss it.

Where did you go to college?

Ball State University and I am currently working toward my master’s degree in education from Calumet College of St. Joseph.

What do you teach?

I teach English 12B and 9R. What is something students would be surprised to know about you?

I went to college on a cheerleading scholarship. I was actually Danielle Frankovich supposed to attend Hawaii Pacific University, but switched to Ball State last minute.

Where did you go to college?

Ball State University.

What do you teach?

I teach English 10, Voc. Science.

What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy playing ice hockey, watching movies, going to concerts and just about anything James Twardy related to music or sports.

Where did you go to college?

Benedictine University my first year of college and transferred to Purdue the following year.

What do you teach?

I teach World History.

What is something students would want to know about you?

I am a licensed semi-truck driver.

Nicholas Ciochina Where did you go to college?

Butler University in Indianapolis.

What do you teach?

I teach English World Literature and Speech/Com114.

Have you always wanted to do this? Yes it is…at least, since college!

When I was in grade school, I Jennifer Bianchi wanted to be a vet. However, when I was receiving my Master’s Degree, I discovered the wonderful world of teaching. Since that experience, I was determined to teach!

English was not my favorite subject in high school, and that’s why I wanted to teach it. My goal every day is to make it more enjoyable and interesting so that students stay engaged and have fun.

Where did you go to college?

Purdue University and Calumet College of Saint Joe.

What do you teach?

I teach English Lab. What is something students would want to know about?

I have ran four half-mile marathons. I do not even like to run!

Emily Adams Where did you go to college?

IU and then Ball State for my masters.

What do you teach?

I teach Geometry and Algebra II. Have you always wanted to do this?

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher; however, math was not always my favorite subject Amanda Campos although I was good at it.

Where did you go to college?

Purdue University.

What do you teach?

I teach AP Microeconomics and World History.

What is something students would want to know about you?

I am a bit of a sci-fi geek. I know pretty Brian Bobay much everything there is to know about Star Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5 and Farscape.

Where did you go to college?

Purdue University in West Lafayette. Boiler Up! What do you teach?

I am a Guidance Counselor.

What is something students would want to know about you?

Mr. Marcinek is my husband (we’ve been married for 16 years), Mrs. Ami Marcinek Elston is my sister-in-law and Mr. Elston is my brother-in-law.

Where did you go to college?

IPFW (Indiana-Purdue at Fort Wayne) for my undergrad and then University of the Southwest (based in New Mexico) for my graduate studies.

What do you teach?

I teach Senior Literature/Composition and English 10R. What is something students would want to know about you?

I now live in Bears’ country, Shannon Weber which is unfortunate because I am a huge Packers fan!

Where did you go to college?

Indiana University-Bloomington.

What do you teach?

I teach vocational math in the special education department.

What is something students would be surprised to know about you?

Students would be surprised that I Kristi Quigley almost failed 4th grade, and I have never liked school ever since.

Where did you go to college?

University of Indianapolis.

What do you teach?

I teach Chemistry and Physics.

What is something students would want to know about you?

I have been on the show “ER” a couple of times.

Tony Brooks Where did you go to college?

Concordia Universities.

What do you teach?

I teach Double Block Algebra 1 and Geometry.

What is something students would be surprised to know about you?

I once did a high ropes course in Susan Mender the mountains in Colorado and it ended with a zip line from one mountain across the valley to another mountain.

Where did you go to college?

Northern Illinois University and then transferred and graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

crown College of Cosmetology Inc. 192 W Joliet St Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 663-9444

Half price haircuts

For any CPHS student!

Good through October!

F Homecoming

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9.30.2011 Inklings

thefans

The sight of hundreds of fans may pump up the team, but the experience of being in the crowd can be just as exciting.

Sophomore Kara Breuckman has experienced football games from both the field and the student section. Last year, she showed her spirit by dressing up as George the Bulldog, the school’s mascot.

This year, she plans on cheering on her brother, senior Drew Breuckman, from the stands.

“Having a senior brother on the team makes me even more excited to go to the game,” Breuckman said.

“Superfans” are also looking forward to the game, preparing themselves for some enthusiasm.

“I love being able to dress up,” sophomore Justin Garrison said. “No one really judges because everyone is crazy.”

Hype

Student groups, from athletics to Student Council, are preparing for the final home game of the year. Take a look into the many aspects of Homecoming.

By Katrina Zdanowicz / Melanie Zdanowicz co-feature editors Photos by Donnella Casillas / Abby Eineman

theteam

thecourt

Allie Kontor

Matt Mudd

“I couldn’t believe I won. I never knew people knew me that much,” junior Homecoming princess Allie Kontor said.

Junior Matt Mudd feels the same way.

“The best part is my friends congratulating me. It’s a good feeling,” he said.

Kontor said she has had so much to prepare for. Between hair, nails and finding two dresses, she said getting ready for the dance and game is stressful but also exciting.

Mudd is feeling the same pressure.

“I’m trying to do everything bigger and better because it’s a bigger deal now. And I have to make sure I’m not late,” he said.

thecouncil Zach Plesac

Chip Pettit

Tyler Wells

Football coach Chip Pettit worked with his boys all summer to prep them for the challenges he knew laid ahead, and he plans to make sure Homecoming provides the win they have been training for during the season.

“I think that the team has been practicing well and competing well in games. Effort is not a problem,” Pettit said.

Coach Pettit is not the only one who has high hopes for the Homecoming game. The boys on the football team are looking forward to slicing up LaPorte as well.

“You have to win that game. (Homecoming) is the game that everyone goes to,” junior Zach Plesac said.

The pressure may be more intense than other games, but senior Tyler Wells said it should not be a problem.

“I’m always playing in front of a bunch of people. Every game is just as serious as the next and the hype definitely gets me ready,” he said.

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The sophomore class Student Council has a job to do before the rest of the student body even steps foot in the field house. The theme this year is “Rockin’ through the Ages,” and they are decorating accordingly.

“There’s definitely a lot to do, but it hasn’t been stressful because we’re having fun. I love the theme we chose,” sophomore Madi McGuckin said.

Art teacher and Class of 2014 sponsor Lindsay Cox has been behind the sophomores, helping to make sure the job gets done.

“Sometimes those decorations take seven hours to put together. I don’t think anyone really understands how much work it is until they’re a part of it,” Cox said.

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H 10 Healthy foods not to be replaced by vitamins ealth

9.30.2011 Inklings

Modern food doesn’t supply enough vitamins to benefit student’s bodies

By Olivia Graham entertainment editor

Exploring the aisles of any drugstore, shopping for multivitamins can be overwhelming. With prices ranging from $3 to over $100 a bottle, a newcomer to the recent trend of using multivitamins may be left baffled. Students who may have no spendable income may wonder if buying multivitamins is even worth it.

“I take multivitamins because it helps me not to get sick as often,” sophomore Emily Tassi said. “I don’t think they are a scam, however I don’t believe you should take a large variety at one time.”

Vitamin sales have exploded since they appeared on store shelves in 1934. Today there are hundreds of dietary supplements available, such as B12 or Calcium.

While receiving vitamins used to be simple and part of everyday eating, modern food simply doesn’t include some vital vitamins.

“Vitamins are to supplement what is difficult to sort out of food these days,” Manager of General Nutrition Centers in Merrillville David Martin said. “Sadly, food is not as nutritious as it used to be 50 years ago.”

Nonetheless, eating multivitamins instead of eating healthy will have a reverse effect on one’s body.

Pediatrician Nancy Pudlo of St. John warns that multivitamins should not be used in excess to supplement for unhealthy eating.

“Too high of a percentage of multivitamins in your diet can cause damage if you overdose,” Pudlo said.

Although half of all adult Americans take a multivitamin daily according to di-

HEAL H & WELLNESS

FACTS

eticians, one may wonder if taking supplements is actually beneficial to one’s wellbeing.

“I don’t take multivitamins because I really don’t worry about my health at 17,” senior Rob Risteski said. “I barely eat healthy to begin with. Multivitamins aren’t natural anyways. They should only be used when needed, not because someone is lazy about eating healthy.”

Most of the vitamins that the body uses are obtained from the food it consumes.

With the absence of healthy food from a majority of diets, people may rarely receive all the necessary vitamins.

“

may seem complex and loaded with ingredients to the untrained eye. Martin stresses that all of the vitamins included are important. For many vitamins to help the body function properly, another vitamin must be present.

“Every single vitamin is needed for chemical reactions,” Martin said.

Despite the numerous health benefits from investing in multivitamins, taking more than recommended is not advised.

“There are additives in vitamins that can cause problems, like allergic reactions, in some people,” Barton said.

Multivitamins, although helpful in maintaining optimal health, should never be used as a substitute for proper eating and exercise. Multivitamins essentially become useless if they are taken alone.

“Multivitamins are meant to boost in areas you might be lacking. You still need to eat healthy,” Pudlo said.

Vitamins can be dangerous if taken without proper knowledge.

”

pharmacist Jeff Barton

Sophomore Nick Morin gets a majority of vitamins through different types of food but also supplements his diet with multivitamins.

“I eat a whole bunch of foods so I can get all the other vitamins I need,” Morin said.

Dieticians warn that multivitamins and other dietary supplements should not take the place of healthy eating and exercise.

“Healthy eating is important because taking multivitamins alone doesn’t give broad enough minerals,” Pharmacist Jeff Barton at Custom Dosing Pharmacy in Crown Point said.

The nutritional facts of a multivitamin

Calcium is found in milk, cheese and yogurt. About four and a half cups is recommended for daily intake. It is essential in muscle function.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal products and is not present in plant foods. It is needed for the formation of red blood cells.

Iron is needed in the body’s transport of oxygen. It maintains the body’s cell health. Iron is found in red meats, fish, poultry and beans. facts obtained from the office of dietary supplements

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Ciao Bella proves to be new local hotspot Authentic but pricey Italian restaurant opens on 41 in Schererville

Abduction 4 stars

Packed with action from start to finish, this movie will have a viewer on the edge of the seat the entire time. The story line isn’t as strong as it could be, but it’s made up for by the amount of action and the characters. If you’re a Taylor Lautner fan this is a must see. This proves hes more than just a werewolf.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close 4 stars

One of the more wellwritten novels of this century, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a heartbreaking, humorous love story fueled by the intensity of loss and curiosity.

Foer challenges the reader to view the bombings of New York and Dresden in an extremely personal, occasionally uncomfortable way.

Strange Mercy 4 Stars St. Vincent has been mixing saccharine art-pop with dark, often violent lyrics. Her latest release is her best outing yet, infusing her sweet-and-sour sound with noisy guitar workouts and existential lyrics about aging and sexuality.

Photos by Aleks Kajmakoski

(Above) The Ciao Bella restaurant provides Authenitic Italian cuisine opens in Schererville. (Below) Sarah DeMars read the menu at Ciao Bella as she prepares to order.

By Molly Grace staff reporter

Listen up, boys: There is a place you can take that special girl for a date and impress her with your highly refined restaurant-choosing skills. Ciao Bella Ristorante in Schererville (1514 US-41) is this place and has “special occasion go-to” written all over it (with the average dish ranging from $10-$20, it’s not a place to hit up as religiously as Buffalo Wild Wings or Subway).

Walking into Ciao Bella may not be the same as walking into an authentic Italian restaurant straight off the streets of Italy, but I can’t imagine the experience being much different. The Italian authenticity of Ciao Bella is outstanding. Low lighting sets the mood; the friendly, attentive-but-not-too-attentive staff seats you at a table which they quickly furnish with a loaf of warm, sliced bread. Paired with that bread is a bowl of parmesan, a bowl of mixed spices and herbs, such as oregano, and a bottle of olive oil for your dipping pleasure.

This is not necessarily a good thing for them to offer— with bread this good, how is one to be expected to save room for dinner?

If bread alone isn’t enough to stave off hunger while waiting for the main course, order the minestrone soup. It has a lot of hearty veggies and a tasty broth. The best part? It’s only $5 per bowl.

The Italian fare at Ciao Bella is different from that of the typical American-Italian restaurant in a very delicious way. The food almost

seems to be of a higher, more succulent caliber than your average Olive Garden or Pizza Hut. If you’re more of a traditionalist, order the lasagna— it’s made with homemade pasta sheets and smothered in a Bolognese sauce that is as pleasing to the taste buds as it is to the nose.

Seafood lovers will get a kick out of the “linguini al frutti di mare,” a dish that sounds beautiful in the Italian language but translates simply to “linguine with seafood.” There is, however, nothing simple about this delicious dish. This linguini starts with a large helping of pasta noodles tossed in a light tomato sauce.

The chef then throws in some shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels and calamari.

And for the price you pay ($18), you get some surprisingly high-quality seafood.

Those who have simpler taste buds should try the restaurant’s “famous” thin crust pizza. Tasting this pizza was a pleasant surprise.

As mentioned before, the food here is different from the standard Italian restaurant. This was most prominent ly visible in their pizza.

It had a perfectly cooked crust and a nice, sweet sauce.

Most satisfying of all was the

fact that it was not a greasy pizza; it wasn’t the type that was destined to give the consumer a bad case of the post-meal burps.

The atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine is worth the price you pay at Ciao Bella, be it for a first date, a fancy birthday dinner or a girls night out. There’s a bit of a drive involved in getting there, and it can be a little pricey, but ultimately visiting Ciao Bella beyond worth it.

The circle of life in the third dimension Recently released in 3D, “The Lion King” tops the box office proving to be worth price

By Mona Nour staff reporter

A $23 million debut proved that The Lion King has not lost its roar since its first unveiling 17 years ago. It was so compelling seeing the classic story of Simba, the main character, come to life before my eyes. Every single scene and emotion was amplified to a nail-biting, feet-stomping, tear-jerking degree. The classic scene with Simba being raised to the sky made him more huggable than ever… some people around me actually started reaching their arms out to hold him. The wildebeest stampede scene had me anticipating 300 kicks to the face and going eye-to-eye with Scar was something I thought I’d never get to experience. If you did not enjoy the roller coaster of emotions in the original movie, going to see it in 3D is not recom-

Charming Charlie 4 Stars Charming Charlie is a new store at the Southlake Westfield Shopping Mall in Merrillville. The colororganized store is a great place to find jewelry, purses, and belts at a low price. Anyone looking for that perfect piece to top off their outfit willl be sure to find somthing here.

mended. Emotions are amplified by 3D; Lion King seems almost more tangible feeling in this new dimension.

Although some movies’ 3D effect does not seem very “alive,” The Lion King 3D was successful in portraying each once-2D character as an animal that was breathing, walking and talking. At some parts of the movie. I felt the need to take off my 3D glasses because everything felt dangerously close, especially in the action scenes. Even the rain looked like it was pouring right into the theatre.

The original The Lion King is one of my alltime favorites and seeing it in 3D brought my childhood imagination to life. Whether you’d love to see Simba come into a third dimension or just what it looks like to have a huge stampede running at you, The Lion King 3D meets every standard.

a few of our

Abuse the Snooze? Clocky is an innovative new alarm clock that rolls off its place of perch onto the ground and around the room when activated by a slap of the snooze button.

This is meant to ensure that the owner wakes up at the time they planned to.

Rookie

Rookie is a new online publication targeted at teenage girls. Through its witty, mature, and frank approach to writing, Rookie breaks the boundaries of “teen girl publication.”

Rookie does not condescend to its readers. It doesn’t bore them with endless stories about girls celebrities they can read about in any tabloid. Rookie updates three times a day (“After School Special,” “Dinner Time,” and “Sweet Dreams”).

studentpick

Skelanimals

Clocky

favoritethings

Skelanimals are a unique collection of black, chibi-style stuffed animals with a dark edge. Each Skelanimal comes with its own story and personality profile. They are available at a variety of stores including Hot Topic.

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9.30.2011 Inklings

To watch or not to watch

Google+ rivals Facebook

By Kayla Martisek design editor

Ads and previews shout that new TV shows are those we won’t want to miss, but they don’t all hit the mark. Here’s a quick guide for tuning in or turning off.

-Reviewed by Dani McCuan

Ringer

Tuesdays 8 p.m.

Bridget Kelly (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is a recovering alcoholic who has recently witnessed a murder and is fleeing from the mob. She decides to seek refuge with her estranged, identical twin sister, Siobahn, who mysteriously disappears during a boat trip.

In order to cover up Siobahn’s death and further protect herself, Bridget takes on her departed sister’s identity and discovers that Siobhan’s seemingly perfect life has fatal secrets.

This show is ideal for those who enjoy programs with suspense and fans of Gellar who are eager to see her play a much different role than usual.

Rating Good

Thursdays 8 p.m.

Terra Nova

Mondays 8 p.m.

Person of Interest

“Revenge” is presented in the format of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel, “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

The series follows young Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp), a brand new resident in the Hampton suburbs.

Emily returns to correct past errors in the only way that she knows how: with vengeance.

This television show was based around a novel, yet it manages to have its own unique plotline.

“Revenge” is an ideal program for those who enjoyed The “Count of Monte Cristo” and appreciate strong female characters.

After the death of her mother Amelia, Cassie Blake (Britt Robertson) moves from her California home to a small town.

As she is getting adjusted to her new life, Cassie discovers an ancient secret regarding the truth of her bloodline: she belongs to a family of witches. But it isn’t until Cassie uncovers an old book that the biggest secret of all is revealed. Although there aren’t any other shows on the air containing witches as a focal point, it has been done, redone and overdone in the past.

People who have enjoyed teen drama “Pretty Little Liars” may find “The Secret Circle” enjoyable.

“Terra Nova” is a program that will satisfy the cravings of sci-fi lovers. The year is 2149, a time where all life on earth is threatened with extinction. In an attempt to preserve the human race, scientists develop a time machine. Over a period of time, a colony called Terra Nova is successfully established on primitive Earth. However, the settlers are unaware that the peaceful colony is surrounded by carnivorous dinosaurs. Although the presence of dinosaurs is a cliché in my opinion, I find that their role in the series will drive the plot along and give it more of a thematic element.

“Person of Interest” will definitely fulfill a thrill seeker’s criteria. Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson), a cryptic billionaire, has manufactured a new kind of computer program that will identify people who are going to be connected to crimes in the near future. However, it is unable to predict whether the person will be a victim, perpetrator, or witness, or analyze when and where the crime will take place. Since he is unable to stop the crimes from happening on his own, Finch hires CIA agent John Reese (Jim Caviezel) to lend him a helping hand. “Lost” fans will enjoy “Person of Interest.”

Rating Good

Rating Bad

Revenge

The Secret Circle

Wednesdays 9 p.m.

In your face

Rating O.K.

Thursdays 8 p.m.

Rating O.K.

The social network giant known as Facebook might experience some shrinking in the near future.

A new social media website has recently been introduced. Google+, Google’s attempt at a website comparable to Facebook, is currently only on a trial basis but it proves to have the capacity for greatness.

Google+ has features that Facebook simply does not. A feature called Circles, for instance, allows its users to create groups of friends that can be named accordingly. That means that posts can be sent to specific people only. For example, one may not want everyone to know about a party he is having. If he sends the invite to his Circle of close friends only, there is no risk of unwanted guests.

Google+ has a stream similar to Facebook’s news feed. Updates from people in one’s Circles appear here. The viewer can choose to see the streams of specific Circles. One may not want to know about his family’s posts, so he can view just his close friends’ Circle or his acquaintances’ Circle.

This feature also applies to pictures.

Another advantage of Google+ is the availability of group chat. a feature that Facebook does not allow.

One can also invite more friends to the chat when they become online. A feature called Hangout is similar. Hangout allows multiple friends to video chat, similar to Oovoo or Skype.

Although Facebook has been the go-to website for social communication for years, Google+ certainly has the tools to match it. With new privacy features and interesting ways to communicate with friends, Google’s new social media site could rival directly with Facebook, and win.

What is your most recent facebook status?

Faith Wells freshman

Austin Brodrick sophomore

I had a great time at the football game.

Angry because I just jumped into the lake with my phone!

Rebecca Kazdoy junior

Pat Limbaugh senior

Pretty comfy Pajama Day today!

Just asked my date to homecoming.

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ports

9.30.2011 Inklings

Boys soccer triumphs past injuries Team boasts a winning record despite often changing line-ups

By Alex McLean sports editor

niors, has been leading the team.

“The seniors provide the team with leadership and help set the tone for the season,” Rosenbaum said. “(Naumoski) has a lot of influence over the athletes. Our junior class will need to step up a lot next year.”

Last Sunday, the ‘Dogs hosted Andrean. Senior Vasko Nadjeski headed in the first goal, but the 59’ers bounced back. After taking a 2-1 halftime lead, Andrean never looked back, winning the game 5-1.

“We lost our focus during the game,” Rosenbaum said. “We got a good start, but as the game wore on, we started making a bunch of small, foolish mistakes that ended up costing us big.”

This was only one of four losses on the season, but junior Martin Mitreski thinks the team has more in them.

“I know we could do better. We had higher expectations for ourselves pre-season. The first loss to Lake Central really woke us up,” Mitreski said.

In his last year with the team, Naumoski has high hopes that his team will be one of the last standing.

“I want to win state,” Naumoski said. “We have a team with spread out talent. If we can learn to gel together better, we can definitely do it.”

After changing and adjusting the roster frequently to accommodate frequent injuries, the boys soccer team is prepared to begin sectional play at Merrillville this Thursday.

“If we want to succeed in the postseason, we need to set the tempo of the game rather than letting our opponent dictate how we are going to play,” head coach JR Rosenbaum said.

Crown Point scored big wins against sectional opponents Merrillville and Lowell, with scores of 7-2 and 10-1, respectively.

“We may have wins over all the teams in sectional, but the post-season is a different game,” Rosenbaum said.

“Teams tend to play differently when they know each game could be their last.”

Injuries have plagued the team all year. Junior Nico Garcia-Vicente suffered a mid-season knee injury that put him on the bench for the remainder of the year. “(Injuries) have really brought us down. We have had to deal with a lot of players missing games. Their replacements have done a good job, but it has been tough,” senior Dan Naumoski said.

Naumoski, the team captain, has been playing varsity the past three years. He, along with the other se-

Zervos

Martin

2011Schedule Aug. 15 Aug. 17 Aug. 22 Aug. 24 Aug. 27 Aug. 29 Aug. 31 Sept. 2 Sept. 7 Sept. 10 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 28

9-4-2

vs. Lowell at Lake Central vs. Boone Grove vs. Portage at Highland at Munster at LaPorte at Evansville Memorial at Chesterton at Concord at Penn vs. Valparaiso at Merrillville vs. Andrean vs. Michigan City

WIN LOSE WIN WIN WIN LOSE WIN TIE LOSE WIN TIE WIN WIN LOSE WIN

DanNaumoski Grade: Senior Height: 5’11” Weight: 150 lbs.

Position: Right Defenceman; Captain Goals: 4 Assists: 7 Turning point of the year: The second game of the year, against Lake Central, the loss was a wake up call to the team.

Kurtz

Morales

Trifunovic

Sneiderwine Davis

Bayer

Mitreski

Fuerstenberg

Naumoski The Bulldogs run a 4-3-3 line up, as shown above. Injuries have plagued the team, prompting second-string players to start regularly. The ‘Dogs wrapped up their season with a record of 8-4-2. Senior Dan Naumoski (right) has led the team as captain. He has been playing varsity since his sophomore season and is the starting right defender.

FootballHome 9.30.2011 7:00 p.m.

Crown Point (3-3) vs.

LaPorte (2-4)

CrossCountryAway 10.1.2011 10:00 a.m.

DAC Meet at Lake Central Girls Cross Country (5-5-3) Boys Cross Country (5-5-3)

GirlsSoccerAway 10.1.2011 10:00 a.m.

South Bend St. Joe (2-0-0) vs.

Crown Point (11-3)

VolleyballAway 10.4.2011 9:00 a.m.

Portage (8-13-1) vs.

Crown Point (9-7)

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL EINEMAN pHOTO BY aBIGAIL eINEMAN

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9.30.2011 Inklings

Girls soccer team maintains momentum Close knit team uses chemistry throughout the regular season

inbrief Girls golf wraps up regular season Girls golf had their 2011 season come to an end after coming in fifth place and failing to qualify for state at the LaPorte regional. The season was highlighted by a sectional victory led by Junior Lucia Brocco who shot an 85 and freshman Alyssa Harvey who shot an 84.

Volleyball prepares for post-season

Photo By Abigail Eineman Junior Sarah Rivich finds some open space as midfield as she starts an offensive attack against Chesterton in a win. The Lady Bulldogs went into halftime tied at 2. Rivich wasted no time in the second half, scoring less than four minutes in. Freshman Lauren O’Keefe put in the last goal of the game with 13:29 left on the clock, giving the ‘Dogs a 4-2 win. The home win was Chesterton’s first loss in the DAC.

By A. Grady and S. Beishuizen asst. sports editor/sports editor

Regular season records often go forgotten.

Few people could tell you the Japanese Women’s National Soccer team’s record from last season, but many could tell you that they were able to fight and capture the World Cup trophy.

This year’s ‘Dogs soccer squad started the year off on a blistering pace, winning their opening seven games. Four of those seven wins were shutout victories. Head Coach Chris Mikrut stresses the closeness of the team.

“This is the closest team I have ever coached,” Mikrut said. “The girls get along so well.”

Senior Abi Small credited the closeness of the team to their frequent offseason bonding.

She believes the closeness of the girls makes the team more successful as a whole out on the field.

“Our strongest asset is our connection,” Small said. “I think that (the connection) helps

us a lot by giving us further determination to win. When you play for a team, you play better.”

The ‘Dogs bonds stayed strong even after junior Rachel Marcewski found herself injured and out for the season with a leg injury. The ‘Dogs showed their unity by recognizing the fallen Lady ‘Dog. “Instead of saying ‘Dogs’ in the huddle, they said Rachel,” Marczewski said. “They have really helped me pull through this.”

The ‘Dogs hit a road bump after winning their first seven games when they went on a three game losing skid.

One loss came at the hands of Valparaiso.

The Vikings put in the only goal of the game off of a corner kick in the second half. The Lady ‘Dogs had an opportunity in the last minute, but Small’s shot barely missed, bouncing off the crossbar.

After the brief struggle, the Lady Bulldogs never looked back. They quickly found themselves back at the pace they started the season with, winning the next four games while only

allowing two goals.

The ‘Dogs will look to carry the momentum of their regular season success into sectionals. An early loss will lead to a forgotten season where winning the first seven games will become numbers in the record book. Senior Kelsey Shoemaker believes that this year will be one to remember.

“I feel that the team this year is special,” Shoemaker said. “We all contribute and give everything we have.”

The ‘Dogs have their eyes set on a successful post-season. Senior Marlea Nelson believes they can go far.

“Our team goal is to take things game by game, day by day,” Nelson said. “We can work hard and achieve a DAC championship, sectional championship, and regional championship, and maybe even get to semi-state.”

Post-season begins Oct. 6 with the first sectional game of the year. The ‘Dogs will look to make an impact during these games, and take home a championship. Doing so would only further legitimize their early success.

Just p a s t halfway through their season, volleyball boasts a 9-7 overall record and is 5-4 in the DAC. This record coming after starting out the year slowly at 3-6. They have been on a tear as of late having won six of their last seven games including shut out wins against Lowell, Portage and Lake Central. The Lady ‘Dogs look to ride their recent regular season momentum into the post-season when they head into the LaPorte sectional that is slated for Oct. 18.

Sophomore Hannah Hites pictured above.

Photo By Abigail Eineman

Cross country runs into post-season

After completing the regular season, the ‘Dogs are looking to make a return trip to state

By Sam Beshuizen sports editor

If experience counts for anything, the ‘Dogs cross country team is in good shape thanks to assistant coach Lafey Armentrout.

If you are looking for him, he is not difficult to find. Armentrout has entered another year coaching at Crown Point High School and always seems to be around the school.

Students took notice earlier this season when Armentrout took a two week leave of absence, but he has returned as ready as ever to help coach the ’Dogs.

“If you want to get old you have to be with old people,” Armentrout said. “If you want to stay young you stay with young people. So I stay with the young people, and I enjoy it.”

This year marks the 15th year anniversary that Armentrout has been here at the high school, and he does not seem motivated to leave.

“I want to be here,” Armentrout said. “If they are happy (with me here), then I am happy.”

Armentrout coaching alongside with head coach Keith Iddings have worked with the team eager to make another run at state. The ‘Dogs were tested earlier this month at the New Praire meet, the largest single day high school sporting event in the U.S. “We found some things that we need to improve (at the meet),” Iddings said. “You just need to ask yourself, ‘did you

learn anything?’ and if you have, it has been a good day.”

“Guys need to learn to pace better and find their strengths and weaknesses,” Iddings said. “I think our team is better than last year, but other teams have gotten better too. We have no guarantee to go back to state, we have to go out and earn it.”

“

We can definitely get back to semistate, and if we keep it up we can definitely make a run throughout sectionals.

Megan Dean senior

”

The ‘Dogs will get a chance to prove themselves as state contenders tomorrow at the DAC meet where Iddings is aiming for the top.

“Finishing third or higher would be a success,” Iddings said.

The Lady ‘Dogs cross country team has also experienced another successful as they eye a return to the state meet.

The New Prairie invite acted as a tough test for the girls as they got to see how they measured up against some of

the best teams in the area. The ‘Dogs placed tied for eighth place overall with Chesterton. The only local schools to beat the ladies were winner Valparaiso, LaPorte, and Andrean.

The success has given the girls confidence that they can compete with the other schools.

“We are going to end up doing pretty good,” senior Megan Dean said. “Between most of our meets and our invitationals we have beaten most of the other teams in our conference, which gives us confidence. We just have to stay focused.”

The ‘Dogs finished 16th overall at last weekend’s Culver Invitational. Senior Lauren McCarroll led the way for the ‘Dogs finishing with a time of 19:27. The ‘Dogs will look to lean on McCarroll throughout the rest of the year as they make a run at state. Dean is confident that they will be able to do well in the post-season.

“We can definitely get back to semi-state, and if we keep it up we can definitely make a run throughout sectionals,” Dean said. “I think we can get back to state again.”

For now, the ‘Dogs have their eyes on the DAC meet tomorrow. Like the guys team, the girls squad is looking to do well.

“We have a shot at winning,” Dean said. “If not, a top three at the very least.”

Success at the DAC meet could lead to confidence and momentum heading into the post-season as both the boys and girls cross country teams look to make return trips to state.

S

a second with

Sam

Football starts strong; struggles in DAC Football aims to improve record for second consecutive season, 1-3 record in the DAC Alex McLean sports editor

their first DAC win at Portage. Hopman found the back of the end zone three times en route to a big 42-0 win.

“We do a great job of not turning the ball over,” head coach Chip Pettit. “It all starts at our offensive line. They do a good job of keeping us out of trouble.”

The 24 seniors on the team were honored senior night against Merrillville.

A slow start had the ‘Dogs looking at 14-7 deficit at half time. Senior Tyler Kral scooped up a fumble and ran it in 13 yards for the score. This was not enough in the end, and the Pirates slipped past the Bulldogs, 21-20.

“We can not blame one play (for the loss).

There were a bunch of little things we could have done better. Merrillville just got one more play than us,” Pettit said.

With three games left in the season, the team is confident in their ability to continue in the postseason.

“Our goal is to play in November. We can do it, we need to keep up the hard work. We can do it.” senior Tyler Wells said.

The Bulldogs have been turning the team around. After two consecutive three win seasons in 2008 and 2009, the ‘Dogs have already matched that mark. After six games the team is looking at a 3-3 record. “(Going 6-3 last year) got us motivated,” senior captain Joe Hopman said.

“We need to keep improving on a daily basis if we want to do better this year.”

Hopman threw 15-36 with 191 yards last week in the 21-14 loss to Valparaiso. Valpo struck quickly, gaining a 21-0 second quarter lead. Hopman’s 19 yard touchdown strike to junior Zach Plesac put the ‘Dogs on the board for the first time in the game.

However, the Vikings lead turned out to be insurmountable. With 1:11 left in the game, Hopman threw the pick that would seal the game.

“We did not convert when we needed to. We had three trips to the red zone in the fourth quarter and did not execute once,” Hopman said.

Crown Point earned

Sam Beishuizen sports editor

The double round robin DAC schedule has acted as a plague on region basketball for years by bogging down the players, coaches and competitiveness of the games. Thankfully, the heads of the DAC schools may have finally come up with a cure by putting an end to the dismal scheduling format starting with the 20132014 season.

Good intentions were there. The format does allow for a home and away seasonal series, but there are simply not enough games in the regular season to support this format. The DAC portion of the schedules took up two thirds of the regular season, and after including sectional match-ups, teams found themselves facing off upwards of three times a year.

This format was not fair to the DAC teams. It only forced the weaker teams to be blown out by conference power houses in boring games and did not allow for the stronger teams to show off their talents on a statewide level.

With the single round robin format, teams will have eight open spots to schedule more competitive games.

Weaker and stronger teams will be able to schedule similarly skilled opponents which will lead to more competitive games. Having top ranked DAC teams play other top ranked teams from around the state will lead to new rivalries and better prepare teams to make a run at a state championship.

Finally ridding the region of the double round robin schedule will only create more entertaining games for fans, better competition and more exposure for players. The new format will finally give the region reason to talk about basketball again. Because everywhere else it is just basketball, but this is Indiana.

Kara Biernat staff reporter

Photo By Larry Titak Senior Jon Maginot returns a volley in a recent home match. Maginot plays for the number one doubles team.

Phillies 38 13%

85 30%

Yankees Brewers

67 23% 32 12% 0

20

40 Out of 285 students polled

60

Boys tennis finished their season with nothing to complain about. After ending the season at 12-3, there is nowhere to look but ahead. With the regular season over and postseason quickly approaching, the boys are preparing themselves for the upcoming matches that lay ahead.

One of the keys to the ‘Dogs success has been the doubles team of senior Paul Kendall and junior Patrick Mudd. This season was their first year as doubles partners, but their newly developed communication skills made up for it. The boys are not only close on the courts, but their off-the-courts relationship has contributed a lot

to their success as well.

Their success was fueled not only by practicing daily during the season, and extra work in the off-season.

“It took a lot of work to get to where we are. It was a lot of extra practicing in the off season, extra lessons and tournaments,” Paul Kendall said.

Mudd and Kendall won the Culver Invite, Highland Doubles, and went undefeated in DAC. They went undefeated all season until their last match against Munster when they fell short with a final of 0-6, 2-6. Ending their season 14-1 displayed how their positive attitudes affected every one of their matches.

“Confidence and a great attitude is what won us some matches that we

weren’t expected to win,” Mudd said.

Nerves never held back the new partners during preparation for their matches. Kendall has a unique way of preparing.

“I like to find some sort of quiet place. It gives me time to reflect and think about my upcoming match, I just get in the zone and go from there,” Kendall said.

However, they were only a piece of the team’s overall success. The team has also maintained level heads and a good attitude.

“The whole team has maintained a positive season and a good team atmosphere,” Kendall said.

The ‘Dogs will look to maintain their positive attitude throughout the postseason.

inside The World Series

63 22%

Other

Photo By Abigail Eineman Senior Brett Bayer kicks the ball off against Merrillville after an aerial touchdown from senior captain Joe Hopman to senior Tyler Wells. The Bulldogs gained the lead 20-14, but the Pirates rallied 80 yards in under four minutes to take the win, 21-20.

Boys tennis completes winning season

Who will win The World Series?

Tigers

15

ports

9.30.2011 Inklings

80

100

The Major League Baseball Post-Season has arrived. After the roller coaster season that was 2011, old faces and new faces alike will be playing extra baseball this year.

The Yankees will make a 15th consecutive appearance in the post-season while the Brewers have won their first division since 1982. The Tigers have comfortably won the AL central while the Phillies have ran away with the NL east and boast the best record in baseball.

Alex says “When a young team like the Rays gets rolling they can be hard to stop.

They went 15-9 in September and are rolling in on a huge 5 game win streak.”

Sam says “The Phillies have basically built a staff out of aces. Halladay, Lee, and Hamels will be impossible to beat.”

P

16

eople

9.30.2011 Inklings

TakeFive

Sophomore

Annie Swanson

Soars

Freshman

Brennan Chaussey

At age 16, most kids dream of getting their drivers license. But sophomore Annie Swanson has set her sights a little bit higher.

Like A Boss I wish I could be a CEO because my father runs his own business, and I want to do that, too.

Chem Wiz My favorite class is Chemistry because it is the most interesting.

By Kelsey Lennon managing editor

Sporty

“At 17 I can legally get my pilot’s license, but I will probably get mine at 18,” Swanson said.

At age 15, Swanson has already logged ten hours flying a plane but needs a total of 40 to complete her training. Ironically though, she has never driven a car. She said her fascination with flying began during a family trip.

“We took a trip to Arizona to visit some family and I had never flown before. I thought it was so amazing,” she said.

When she got back home to Indiana, she began taking classes at the “Eagle Aircraft” in Valparaiso and started what is called “ground school.”

“In ground school, they put you in a classroom and give you a handbook.

I had to learn everything possible there

and then they test you over the material before you even get close to the plane,” Swanson said. “Then the instructor takes you in the plane and reviews the controls.

That’s to like refresh your memory and teach you new things of course.”

Next came actually flying the plane, which Swanson did at age 12 . “Student pilots rent planes at ‘Eagle Aircraft’ and pay an instructor for an hour to half an hour lesson where students learn what the controls do in the air,” Swanson said.

“The first time I flew a plane was scary but exciting. I was scared to be in control by myself, but once I got up in the air it became a lot more fun. Then it was just amazing,” Swanson said.

I like playing sports because it is good physical activity, and I have a lot of fun with it.

Photo By Ashley Downing

She said one thing she was shocked to learn about planes was how gentle she had to be while controlling one.

“A lot of the boys in my class would jerk the controls hard and they taught us that will make the plane go crazy.

The plane basically flies itself, that’s how they’re built,” she said.

Swanson wants to continue her fascination with airplanes as she grows up and plans on being an aeronautic engineer.

“I want to build planes and redesign them. The main idea is to make planes more efficient.”

Pet Peeve Something that annoys me is people chewing gum loudly.

FYI Something that most people don’t know about me is I have taken higher-grade classes for 6 years.

The hardest part of the first month of school is...

Khuram Shahzad junior Michael Vass senior

...tr ying to find all of your classes.

Hannah Shane freshman

...having to balance sports and homework.

...getting accustomed to waking up early again.

Photos by Trisha Semplinski

...having to do homework again.

Bailey Jurasevich sophomore