Inklings sept 2013

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Crown Point High School 1500 S. Main St.

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Sept. 30, 2013 Vol. 78 Issue 1

Crown Point, IN 46307

inklings@cps.k12.in.us

Hardcore Parkour Participants get from point A to point B in the most creative possible ways Read more about parkour on page 9

g n i p m Ju ir g h t i n

Students, faculty adjust to numerous changes throughout the school

BY OLIVIA ELSTON TINA WINFREY

associate editors

Getting used to a new routine has always been true of the freshmen as they moved up from the middle schools; however, upperclassmen have had to do some transitioning of their own to a school day that is often unfamiliar to those of the past.

SAP

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CP 2.0

s, lled out of clas Students are ca ea in the build taken to an ar d for testing an ing designated e a urine samasked to provid that has been ple by a vendor hool district. hired by the sc Pettit Principal Chip

Drug testing

” CP 2.0

Block Schedule

One of the new changes implemented this year is CP 2.0. Under this program, freshmen are required to bring a computer device every day to perform their school work.

“We had 150 9th grade students pilot a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program in 2012-13,” principal Chip Pettit said. “We had planned to roll out a one-to-one initiative in 2013-14 if the pilot went reasonably well. It did go well, but that isn't to say that we aren't learning as we go.”

A variety of small issues comes along with the whole freshmen class now using CP 2.0.

“We have hiccups every day, and that’s one of the reasons why we didn't want to do a full scale roll out, with all 2,700 students at the same time,” Pettit said. “At times we have connectivity issues; at times we have student sign-on issues, link issues, all things that you deal with when you’re working in a wireless ene ross th As you travel ac vironment.” e literally Freshman principal Mark country there ar riations of Gianfermi has had a large thousands of va thought (the part in helping out with these schedules. We now) was e av h issues as well as assisting the e w le u sched lds. or w h freshmen with problems ot b of t the bes with the program itself. cipal “The freshmen are the Assistant Prin mott first class that is required Robert McDer to have a computer and I am the freshmen principal, therefore I inherited the initiative to start off (CP 2.0),” Gianfermi said.

“Under my umbrella, those students are being

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required to be the first ones to have this (program).”

This school year freshmen students have been doing a variety of classwork and homework through Brainhoney on their devices. Freshman Lauren Massow has negative opinions on the CP 2.0 program.

“I don’t really like CP 2.0,” freshman Lauren Massow said. “If my Wi-Fi goes out at home I can’t do my homework because it’s all on the computer.”

In contrast to Massow, freshman Haley Barmwell likes having her homework on Brainhoney.

“You get to redo your homework if you got it wrong, and you get more time to do it,” Barmwell said.

Even with some mixed responses, Pettit still believes CP 2.0 will benefit the school as a whole. He looks forward to seeing more results as the year progresses and even further into next school year.

DRUG TESTING Another of the changes implemented this year includes the random drug testing program affecting all students in extracurricular activities and student drivers. Drug testing also has a large impact on the athletic program.

“It gives the student athletes a reason to say no,” athletic director Bill Dorulla said. “For athletes (the consequences) are exactly what is written in the athletic code, so if they test positive what will happen is they will lose 25% of their season. Then they are put back into the pool for next month to get retested.”

Dorulla believes that this program will benefit the athletes, even though it is still early in the year.

See Changes on page 3

News

Feature

A&E

No night to dance away Informal homecoming dance cancelled

Marching to their own beat Royal Regiment pursues high goals this season

Frozen yogurt takeover Read on to see which froyo stop is the sweetest

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news september 30, 2013

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Homecoming dance cancelled, other activities still on

BY MAGGIE GELON

editor-in-chief

october

“Suit and Tie” may have been an appropriate anthem for last year’s Homecoming, but this year’s cancelled Homecoming dance is more to the tune of crickets chirping.

Principal Chip Pettit announced last week that the informal dance was to be cancelled due to a lack of student interest.

“I figured (it would get cancelled),” senior Griffin Rushton said.

While many like Rushton did not feel the cancellation was a surprise, the original news that the traditionally semi-formal dance was to be informal was more of a shock.

“I was angry. Homecoming’s a big deal in high school. Everyone’s all excited about it and amped, and when they made it informal everyone was just like ‘no,’ ‘no, why?’” senior Montana Haywood said.

Haywood was not the only student who asked ‘why?’ The primary answer to Haywood’s question was that the school was getting a lot of parent feedback concerning the behind-thescenes costs of three formal dances in a year. “(An informal Homecoming) wasn’t one of those things that was really on our radar initially, but it was one that was really driven by our community, specifically our parents who that said this would be a good idea,” Pettit said. “(Parents) cited examples of others schools similar to us that were doing (informal dances) and wanted to see some of that.”

Beyond financial reasons though, an informal dance was thought to be a low stress opportunity for students to enjoy themselves without the hassle of a formal dance.

“A lot of freshmen, sophomores opt not to participate in Homecoming because they don’t want to have to ask a date, they’re not driving yet, it’s hard to do the group date with mom packing everyone into the mini van, things like that,” Pettit said. “We wanted to make sure that students know that a lot of thought has gone into this, and it isn’t a kneejerk reaction; it’s just trying to provide appropriate experiences and opportunities for students.”

Haywood understands the administration’s thoughts, but feels it’s not the school’s responsibility to cater to parents in this instance. “(Parents) are responsible for their student, not the administration. (The school) is trying to make money, but they are also trying to show us a good time and then show the next class a good time too at Prom because that’s when it gets big. That’s when you go all out. What I have to say to the parents is why are you going out and spending $500 on a dress? You don’t have to,” Haywood said.

Despite administration’s best intentions, the student reactions to the change were less than accepting, especially considering the informal dance still came with a price tag. Without the oppurtunity to dress up, Freshman Natalie Shirer did not agree with the price.

“I didn’t want to pay $40 bucks to hang out in my jeans,” Shirer said.

Senior Hannah Hein agrees that the ticket price was a key reason she chose not to attend.

“I thought it was kind of unnecessary if the

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Spirit week Today Class Color Day Freshmen - Brown Sophomores - Blue Juniors - Purple Seniors - Tye-Dye

PHOTO BY AMY SCHUCH

Junior Mollie Bates takes measurements of the bulldog to use as a decoration for the junior class float for the Homecoming Parade. ticket price was $40, and (the school was) trying host the musical entertainment for the pregame to save (students) money,” Hein said. party.

Students involved in activities like cheer“We’re bringing music to (the pregame parleading, football and marching band had been ty). We’re going to set up (a stage) with a sound offered a discounted ticket as their schedules system, and there will be live music out there to conflicted with the highlighter themed dance add to the festivities,” Technical Communicathat was to begin at halftime. tions teacher Chris Gloff said. “We’ll have a “I’m in marching band. I don’t feel like go- DJ out there playing in between acts and after school, but the live music portion will pretty much be in between 3:15 and 4:45 p.m.”

In the end, the cancellation of the dance did not affect the other planned Homecoming Homecoming’s a big deal festivities. However, it will have effects on future dances both inside and outside of school. in high school. EveryProfits from Homecoming always contribute to one’s all excited about the budget for the next year’s prom. it and amped, and when “Prom tickets will most likely be between they made it informal ev$60-75 instead of $50,” Zega said. “The Homeeryone was just like ‘no,’ coming (dance revenue) pays for the bulk of (Prom). The Homecoming pays for the Grand ‘no, why?’”

March, and the Homecoming pays for the DJ senior and that kind of stuff. Homecoming pays for a Montana Haywood lot of the extras. I’m assuming the ticket prices will go up some.” ing to a highlighter party that would cost still Outside of school, some upperclassmen $25 dollars for marching band people, even have been trying to independently organize an though its $40 for everyone else. It just didn’t event that would substitute for the lack of a seem worth it,” Rushton said. formal dance.

While enough tickets were not sold to host “I feel like the senior Homecoming was a a profitable dance, the pre-game party will still good idea. I think what a lot of people thought be held after school on Friday in the junior at first was that it was a boycott of the informal parking lot.

Homecoming, but I saw it more just (in lieu “I think the pre-game party should be a lot of) the formal Homecoming seniors wanted to of fun still, and I hope people support that,” have. And now since there is no Homecoming, family consumer science teacher Ginny Zega this is the Homecoming. I think it was a good said. “The National Guard is bringing a big ob- idea; it’s just been interpreted wrong,” Rushton stacle course, a 50 ft one, with a water feature, said. and a wall; that’ll be fun. We have a dunk tank Pettit understands “how a junior or senior and different clubs doing different things.” would feel like they are getting the raw end of Entrance to the pre-game party is free, but the deal” but also says that was never the intent. students are encouraged to bring extra money “We would encourage students to particito participate in the activities including a bags pate in the Homecoming activities this year and tournament hosted by Best Buddies, a Stitch give it a try,” Pettit said. “I also would say that photo booth run by Excalibur, and face paint- we definitely intend to adjust as we go through ing offered by Spanish club. The technical com- it for a year and find out what works and how munications class, Crown City Records, will to improve the Homecoming week.”

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Wednesday Disney Day

Thursday Country Club Day

Friday Bulldog Spirit Wear

Pep Rally Held in the gymnasium at the end of the day

Pre-game party 2:30 - 5 p.m. in the junior parking lot

Homecoming Parade Begins at 5:30 at Taft Middle School

Football game 7 pm CP vs. Laporte

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homeroom class

Picture Retakes

Be prepared with pencils

Superhero Day

Where: CPHS in

When: Arrive at 7:30 a.m.

8 a.m. test begins

Tuesday

PSAT

Where: CPHS

The Homecoming game will start at 7 p.m. During halftime the court and queen will be announced.

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- at a glance -

SAT

Homecoming festivities

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Retakes will be at the high school auditorium all throughout the day.

Key Club Party

Scores could qualify students to be National Merit Scholars

Key club will host their annual Halloween party in the CPHS caferteria starting 6 p.m. Party is open to elementary and high school kids.

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news september 30, 2013

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Former Spanish teacher named dean of students

BY KATIE SHERMAN

editor-at-large

After teaching Spanish for nine and a half years, administrator Sabrina Ramirez took on the new role as dean of students this school year.

“I received this position after interviewing with both the administrative team and the superintendent,” Ramirez said. “I went through the interviewing process over a couple of weeks and then was offered this position.”

Ramirez has always believed that her career as a teacher would be promoted to a higher position in the future.

“I have always thought and planned in my career to be an administrator, and I would like to see myself in this role as dean of students for quite a long time,” Ramirez said. “This is where I would really like to see my career continue.”

Because she has years of experience in the classroom, Ramirez

feels as though this experience has influenced her tremendously as an administrator.

“I think that my teaching career helped because I have been actively involved with the school, so I have a strong interest in the success of the students, faculty and the administrative team,” Ramirez said. “My dedication to being a teacher is helping me be a dedicated administrator.”

With the new role, however, come differences as well. Ramirez admits the day structure will take some getting used to.

“In being a teacher, your day is a little bit more structured because you have control over what is going on in your classroom. There is a lot of creativity in planning lessons and activities and structuring group work while making sure students are being held accountable for the content,” Ramirez said. “In administration, the days go by more quickly because you are doing a lot more different things and you really

Changes continued from p. 1 “We’re the last ones to have this, and (other Duneland conference schools) have indicated that this is very beneficial,” Dorulla said.

In addition to athletes, students participating in after school activities and student drivers are included in the pool of students who could be drug tested. Student drivers risk the chance of losing their parking pass if they test positive.

“If a student driver was in the pool and tested positive for drug use, they would lose their parking pass until they can complete a negative drug test,” assistant principal Russ Marcinek said. “They would retest and if they passed that test they would get their parking pass back.”

The school performs the random drug test twice a month with the dates and students the vendor selects.

“Students are called out of class, taken to an area in the building designated for testing (Wellness Room) and asked to provide a urine sample by a vendor that has been hired by the school district. The student then returns to class.”Pettit said.

Pettit says that the administration decided to implement the drug testing program after surveying students, parents and faculty, reviewing CPHS survey data on drug and alcohol use compared to state averages, and examining policies at conference and ‘league’ schools.

“The fact that most of our conference and ‘league’ schools already had similar policies helped us move in this direction. Before implementing this program, we took a good look at the national, regional and local landscape to determine if this would be beneficial for CPHS,” Pettit said. “I think our administrative team, our teachers and our parents really supported this and caused us to move

views on news

The amount of vacant space in Northwest Indiana factories, warehouses and industrial parks is at the lowest level in over two decades. The vacancy rate decreasing has been attributed to improvements in the local economy, and construction of new office buildings has also increased.

Ashlee Wilson sophomore

PHOTO BY AMY SCHUCH

Ramirez interacts with students before school on the first day of school. Ramirez, formerly a Spanish teacher, is now dean of students.

that students feel is an authentic person who wants to help them; despite the fact that I know they will face some struggles and tribulation I want them to know that I am here to be supportive and I really do have their best interest at heart even though they might not

forward.”

Along with other students, senior Collin Smith has gone through the first run of the random drug testing for September.

“I was sitting in class one day and Mr. Marcinek came in asking for me and he told me to pack up my bags,” Smith said. “When we got in the hall he laughed and said I wasn’t in trouble and told me I got picked for the very first drug test.”

Smith said it ran smooth for the first run. The students had as much time as needed and had water bottles for the selected kids if they wanted one. Smith thinks it will help the school so students who do drugs will not get the same privileges as those who do not.

Block Schedule A change impacting all students this year is the new block schedule that replaced the traditional seven period schedule.

“As you travel across the country there are literally thousands of variations of schedules,” assistant principal Robert McDermott said. “We thought (the schedule we have now) was the best of both worlds. It still allows our students to see their teachers four out of five days instead of other schedules that may only meet two or three days.”

The new modified block schedule produced mixed responses from students. Sophomore Chloe Mikus is in favor of the block schedule.

“I like it better than the traditional schedule,” Mikus said. “Even though classes are long and it gets boring sometimes, I feel like you cover more and you’re not as rushed in class.”

Since Mikus plays soccer, she sees the new schedule as less time consuming and allows her more time for homework.

realize it at the time,” Ramirez said. “I really want them to graduate and move on to be successful professionals and citizens of either Crown Point or of course wherever they decide to move. I want them to feel that they have been prepared properly.”

With extra time in class, student sophomore Katie Pawlowski tends to get bored and lose interest.

“It’s not really good when you have a really long period of time, and you kind of lose your attention,” Pawlowski said.

While Pettit believes it is too early to make determination on the new modified block schedule, the administration and faculty will evaluate the positives and negatives at the end of the semester and year to look at any necessary adjustments.

SAP SAP (Student Assistance Period), or resource period, is a new feature on the Wednesday schedule. The period is devoted to soft skill teaching, information on college and career readiness and for students to get assistance from teachers.

Pettit says the faculty and administration did not want to lose instructional minutes (weekly), but also wanted to add a Resource period to focus on college & career readiness. The current schedule allows for both.

“For example, we have met with seniors twice already on graduation specific topics in the auditorium during Resource period,” Pettit said.

SAP provides a study hall for students who could not schedule one but for students with a study hall it can become tedious.

“I go from a study hall straight to resource; it’s a lot of nothing for a while,” Pawlowski said.

Overall, administrators such as McDermott think resource period will benefit students.

“This is the ability for students within the school day that may have some restrictions why they can’t attend zero period to have the ability to get some assistance,” McDermott said.

Student reaction to events in our world

Area NWI industrial vacancy rate decreases

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realize how multi-facet the job is.

One minute you could be sitting in a meeting, and the next minute you could be getting called out, so I believe the biggest difference is that there are things in administration that maybe teachers are not aware of.”

Despite having increased tasks and a bigger role, Ramirez is enjoying being the new dean of students.

“I have found that being an administrator has been very challenging and rewarding; the whole administrative team, support staff and faculty has been very helpful and supportive,” Ramirez said. “I have found it to be a very interesting experience that I am really enjoying and that it has given me an opportunity to have an impact on the school in a different way than when I was in the classroom.”

Ramirez hopes that as dean of students she can reach out to students and help them on the right track after high school.

“I hope to be somebody

It’s good because more people can have jobs to make money, support their families and live better lives.

State Indiana incomes average behind national median Indiana incomes continue to perform behind national levels, trailing the national median by 9 percent, according to the National Census Bureau. The Indiana Community Action association figured that the decline in incomes is the fourth largest in the country.

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Daven Lilovich junior

Indianapolis is not one of the biggest cities in America. I would not expect it to have a whole lot of income.

Nation Shooting at Washington World Syria discloses chemical D.C. Navy Yard weapons information Sept. 16, Navy Yard computer tech Aaron Alexis opened fire at the Washington, D.C. naval base, killing 12 and injuring 8 before being gunned down in a police shootout that afternoon. The nature of Alexis’ mental state, along with many other factors of the case are still being discussed.

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Lexie Vasos senior

It’s depressing that we can’t protect our soldiers on our own land. How can we be expected to protect other people?

Syrian officials have handed over information about their chemical arsenal, meeting the first deadline of a disarmament agreement that averted the threat of American air strikes. The civil war-stricken Syrian government was accused by some of using chemical weapons in a domestic attack in which thousands died.

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Leah Bruce sophomore

It is a good thing because we could die as innocent people. It is good that America did not have to step in.

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opinion september 30, 2013

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speakup

CPHS deserves an A, but the state doesn’t

How has the modified schedule experience been so far?

BY DYLAN TAYLOR

editor-in-chief

“A” grades represent excellence—near perfection, hard work and rigorous academic achievement. With some of the highest graduation rates, net standardized test scores and AP test pass rates of any school in Indiana, Crown Point High School students and faculty deserve every bit of the “A+” that looms above the building’s entrance.

Naturally, it would seem, CPHS proudly sports an “A” school grade, the premier academic ranking (and funding bracket) available from the Statehouse. As prestigious and admirable as this sounds, recent events have unfortunately displayed that our grade may mean less that it would otherwise seem.

The grading system, intended to incentivize schools to do as well as they can academically, was conceived by Tony Bennett, the former Indiana State Superintendent. Highly unpopular among many public school officials for his pro-privatization reforms, the Republican superintendent was voted out of office with more votes than the new governor was voted in with. After a stint as an education official in Florida, Bennett was discredited after it was uncovered that he authorized the unethical altering of a school grade for a donor private school.

In other words, Bennett, the architect of this grading system, gave an “A” to a school that deserved a much lower grade, a move that many would attribute to petty bribery.

Needless to say, his policies have since come under even more scrutiny since, and high schools in Ft. Wayne and South Bend have even gone as far as refusing to recognize the grade that they received from the state.

Currently, Governor Pence and State Superintendent Glenda Ritz are enlisting a team to develop a replacement to this system due to its bad publicity.

Does our school deserve an “A” for student accomplishments, great teachers and helpful administrators? Absolutely. There are few that would disagree that Crown Point High School is academically stellar. It is a shame that our own “A” grade, an emblem of a flawed and compromised system, doesn’t reflect that. CPHS students, administrators and teachers alike should recognize our school as the excellent establishment that it is, but touting a high mark from an outdated and contested system doesn’t do our real accomplishments justice.

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Cartoon By ELLIE BURRELL

iew:

“I like it because it feels like the day is shorter because there are fewer classes to go to.”

Even good ideas fall flat if all factors aren’t considered

Homecoming is a celebration and embodiment of school spirit and community. So when parents complained that the price tag that comes with formal dances may keep their kid from participating, what was the administration to say? “Tough luck, maybe next year?”

No, the administration made the dance informal in an attempt to dramatically cut costs of all the pageantry that came along with what was supposed to be a semi-formal dance in the first place. Inclusion and opportunity are pillars that few can disagree with. Tacking a $40 price tag to them in the name of “savings” is, however, another story.

Hosting an informal Homecoming dance is not a bad idea at all—in theory. The event could be all-inclusive and worry-free, and students could have the opportunity to feel comfortable attending without a date. Besides, lighthearted sock hops after athletic events are a long-running tradition throughout the history of the American high school experience, and a bit of dancing after a night of cathartic football fun is something few would likely reject.

But when that dancing takes the form of an event that conflicts with the timing of the actual game, the schedules of athletes and an SAT the next morning, it only makes sense that it failed to sell its necessary ticket quota.

We are never going to have a Homecoming dance that satisfies 100 percent of the parents, students and administrators of Crown Point High School. Informal or not, Homecoming is ultimately about school spirit, and people should try to be open-minded to any changes made for the greater good. That being said, in the face of an expensive, arguably counterintuitive change, it only makes sense why the student body reacted as they did. One would hope that next year, student opinion will be entered into the equation when planning Homecoming, be it informal or otherwise.

editorial

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Vol. 78 Issue 1 Sept. 30, 2013

editors-in-chief Maggie Gelon Dylan Taylor editor-at-large L I N G S Crown Point High School, IN Katie Sherman associate editors Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced Olivia Elston journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS Tina Winfrey faculty, staff or administration. managing editors Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitVerda Mirza ted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings Shannon Rostin reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns. copy editor Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings.

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

1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us

Skyler Sheck freshman

Alex Ruiz sophomore “I really don’t like block scheduling. It’s difficult because I’m not used to different classes everyday.”

Julia Sansone junior “I like the schedule because there is less stress knowing you don’t go to all of your classes on block days.”

Dale Wentz senior “I don’t like the block schedule because I feel like I don’t learn as much due to not having all my classes every day of the week.”

sports editors Alaa Abdeldaiem Kara Biernat a&e editor Emily Best advertising editor Yazzmyne Lopez advertising asst.

Becca Burke online editor Paige Buelow photo editor Amy Schuch chief photographer Brittany Pedersen

photographers Evi Lovin Jack Snedden staff Lexi Berdine Kate Franklin Nadia Giedemann Maisa Nour Collin Raiser Eli Udchitz Jackie VanDerWay Dylan Wallace adviser Julie Elston

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opinion september 30, 2013

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Mr. Football or Homecoming King?

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California’s Queen choice demonstrates inclusiveness

BY ELLIE BURRELL

graphics editor

Cartoon By COLLIN RAISER

Pro:

Con:

Mr. Football is a tradition that is not meant to be changed

Title of Homecoming King would make all senior boys equally eligible

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

BY SHANNON ROSTIN

reporter

managing editor

Over the years at CPHS, the student body has gotten to vote for Homecoming Queen and Mr. Football. People argue that having a Mr. Football is unfair and feel it should be changed to Homecoming King, yet others disagree.

Homecoming is a celebration to show support for the Bulldogs, and the event itself is centered on the football game. Because of this, it would make sense that our king or Mr. Football would be one of the football players. Why shouldn’t the players working hard to give the school something to celebrate be the ones available to the title?

The players decide which senior players would make the best choices for our school to choose from. Some may think it is a popularity contest, but since the team decides who is a candidate, students would be less biased toward certain players and their positions on the team. Not all the of the players are the same, which creates a variety of different personalities prevalent to the school.

If every senior boy were able to win the crown, it would take much more time to determine who would be in the running. Having the players decide who is in the running allows for a smoother voting process.

Mr. Football has been a tradition at CPHS that many students are proud to uphold. Students should not care who is in the running because, in the end, everyone needs to support the school. Due to the fact that people find it unfair that the role is only for the players, some make the argument that it should be available to every senior boy.

Since Homecoming isn’t the only occasion that calls for a king or queen, the senior boys do get the equal chance to be a king. One example is prom, because there isn’t a specific sport or club that gets to be king. Any senior boy has the opportunity to win and earn the memorable title of Prom King.

It makes sense that some students would rather have this title open to more than just the football players, but traditions should not be changed and the school should keep Mr. Football.

The crowning of Mr. Football is a popular feature of the Homecoming hype. But celebrating a “Mr. Football” limits the candidates to only those on the football team, and these players are selected by the coaches and other players. There is no question that Homecoming should be centered on football and the spirit of the school, which football is a large part of. However, if the title were to be something along the lines of an all-inclusive Homecoming King, it would include all senior boys in the running.

Our school, as well as the traditional views surrounding Homecoming, have evolved and changed over the years. Clinging to the tradition that the Homecoming King is required to be on the football team may be one of the subjects to change as well. Regardless of what sport they participate in, if they even choose to participate in a sport, all senior boys should be able to earn this title. This would give students a larger variety of candidates to vote for, and create an opportunity for someone to get this title that otherwise wouldn’t. If the only thing standing between any senior and a Homecoming crown is his not playing under the friday night lights, our school should loosen the title as to not exclude a large population of the senior student body.

That isn’t to say that a football player doesn’t deserve the title; but who is to say someone outside of the team doesnt’t? The change would likely increase student involvement, and perhaps even add more excitement to selecting Homecoming King. The way it is chosen now only involves students’ opinions after the candidates are selected, but more students may feel inclined to vote, or care, if they are able to nominate, just as they are with Homecoming Queen. The queen position has no qualificaitons other than being a senior girl. This has brought our school a variety of Homecoming Queen personalities, all equally deserving and nominated by their peers. All senior boys should be equally elligible, in the true spirit of bringing our student body together to celebrate school pride, and the way to create this is to open the title to Homecoming King.

8 Inklings staffers agree

19 Inklings staffers agree

Melissa Beach

science teacher

Austin Osinski

“It should be Homecoming King because everyone should have the right to win. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors are allowed to win, so seniors should be able to.”

“It has been Mr. Football for years, even when I was in high school. It should stay a tradition.”

Justin Gilmack

senior

junior

“It should be Mr. Football, I think you should stay to tradition because tradition brings back history.”

Vince Lewis

social studies teacher

“It should be open to the whole grade, because, even though a lot of the guys on the football team are great guys, everyone should be involved.”

Everyone has at one point been the subject of ridicule, but when that ridicule is institutionalized and made to harm, few students can rise above hatred and achieve their dreams.

One such student, California teenager Cassidy Lynn Campbell, was crowned Homecoming Queen of her high school. For Campbell, the title of Queen is not just a marker of popularity but recognition of her gender identity. Campbell is a transgender student and is perfectly deserving of her new crown.

Unlike their peers, trans* (transgender, bigender, agender and many other gender identities) students must deal with the stresses of growing up along with body dysphoria, emotional strain and other added “bonuses.”

Transgender students usually have two choices; change nothing visible about them and live “blended” or “stealth” in society, or stand up and take the punches while living a life with which they identify.

For Pennsylvania teen Kasey Caron, the dream of running for his school’s Homecoming King is up in the air as his school administration and others argue that he can’t run due to being a transgender student.

As you can see, the reoccurring theme is that trans* students are discriminated against participating in activities that are perfectly normal for cisgender (anyone who does not identify as trans*) students.

Without the smallest amount of recognition, trans* people are reduced to figments of cis imagination. They are ignored and denied basic rights such as healthcare options, jobs and peace of mind.

What Campbell and Caron are doing should not be sensationalized as radical trans* activism. They should be enthusiastically accepted like any other student and congratulated for fighting to beat the odds.

By accepting transgender students in homecoming activities, school administrations recognize that, lo and behold, trans* students are part of the student body, too.

Trans* needs are complex.

Unisex bathrooms and locker rooms, name recognition in class and on official documents and other necessities will come with time. For now, we celebrate with Campbell and fight with Caron for the good of everyone.

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PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Members of the Crown Point Royal Regiment Marching Band line up preparing to play before their halftime performance at the first home football game. They perform at every home game througout the marching season, in addtion to performing in many invitationals and marching festivals.

managing editor

It’s halftime at the first home football game of the season. After a summer of band camp and practices, the Crown Point High School Royal Regiment prepares to take the field and perform their drill. Energy and nerves build as they line up , and the drum majors take their places. The marching band begins to perform. They play the school’s anthem for a cheering crowd, adding spirit to the game.

This is the typical routine for a member of the marching band.

“I think providing the atmosphere and the spirit to our home stands and supporting our football team is very important,” band teacher Johann Sletto said.

The marching band consists of 119 band students who join on a voluntary basis. With the number of student participation, the Royal Regiment marching band is among the largest in the area.

They perform for many school and community events, such as the Fourth of July parade, and travel to invitationals every Saturday through the beginning of October. Beyond this, the marching band participates in a two week band camp before the school year starts, where, according to Sletto, they practice for about eight hours a day.

Their marching season is underway before the school year begins.

“I tell the kids that once our school year starts, our season is really half way over. During the school year we practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 until 8. We march home games on Fridays and then we have an invitational that we travel to every Saturday after Labor Day through the beginning of October,” Sletto said.

Though marching band strives to make their performances seem effortless, the work that goes into the final product is far from without effort.

“I think people would be surprised to know the amount of work and effort and how hard it is,” senior Casey Melcher said.

“You’re trying to play one beat while marching another beat, while the rest of the band is playing a different beat and trying to keep it all straight,” Melcher said.

In addition to their dedication, marching band involves a level of physical activity in order to perform their drills.

“It’s a physical thing. We have a technique; we’re not just walking and playing. There is a physical aspect of it, and playing and marching together is a difficult thing,” senior drum major Katie

Dillon said.

Dillon has been in marching band since her sophomore year and is now in the position of drum major.

“I’m essentially the student leader. My main role is to conduct.

I stand on my podium at the 50 yard line and I conduct the show for them so they can watch me and know when to play,” Dillon said.

Between the in-class and weekly practices, performances and invitationals, tmarching band spend a large amount of their time together.

“Marching band sees each other more than they see their families at times, and so there is of course a certain amount of drama that comes with that;I mean you have 120 teenagers in the same spot, so it can be kind of difficult. But I also think that some people have said that they feel safe here, it’s a place to come that they know they’re accepted and that’s good,” Sletto said.

According to Sletto, the spirit of marching band would be family.

“Honestly, I don’t make any assumptions about this, but I know that they’re not there for the musical involvement, or the appreciation of accomplishing something that is really difficult. I know that the number one reason why they’re there is because it’s a social activity,” Sletto said.

Some members’ friendships that are formed through marching band further the experience of being a member.

“There’s something about it that unites us all and makes us be a group of friends, even if we might not hang out outside of school.

At band we’re all just a group of friends,” Dillon said.

According to Dillon this adds to the spirit marching band has.

“It’s an upbeat, uplifting spirit. We’re together so often, we have our rough patches, but after our performances, no matter how well we performed, everybody is patting each other on the back and telling everyone how good everybody was and being supportive,” Dillon said.

The support the marching band feels has a consideriable impact on they way they perform.

“When you’re marching a show, (the best part is) that last note after you just marched a really good show, especially at invitationals, when the crowd is applauding, and even now at football games, they actually watch now. But, after a show when people are saying good job and getting the judges scores is the best part,” Melcher said.

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CPHS welcomes 15 to teaching staff An avid Bears fan, a former resident of Scotland, a soon-to-be bride, and a would-be author are among those joining the faculty. Find out about all of the new teachers and their varied backgrounds, schooling and interests here.

Allison Adank

St. Joseph’s College graduate Adank teaches English 9R and 10H. Adank chose her profession because she loves books and watching students grow into better readers, writers and critical thinkers. Adank was on a magazine cover at the age of two, and outside of school she rides and shows horses at a highly competitive level.

Connie Ramirez

When Ramirez teaches Spanish 2 and 3, she lives off of the philosophy “The more the better.” Ramirez loves teaching because she enjoys sharing Latino cultural heritage and believes there is so much to learn. She graduated from Purdue and Saint Xavier. At home she lives off her record player, laptop and sewing machine for entertainment because she does not own a television.

Rebecca Magee

Magee, an IU Bloomington graduate, teaches AP psychology. Magee has lived in Mexico, Ireland and Scotland. At home she loves baking and spending time with her two- year -old daughter. Magee previously taught at Lake Central.

Adam Szewciw

Amanda Moore

Julia Collins

Collins, now teaching foods and hospitality, graduated from Purdue University. Collins became a teacher because she loves working with kids, cooking and sharing her knowledge about food. Outside of school she loves playing with her daughter and exercising. She also enjoys going to Ireland to visit her husband’s family.

Moore attended Beloit College and chose education as a career because she enjoys being around kids and wanted to make a difference. She now teaches algebra and geometry. Moore loves sports and is currently training for a marathon. Moore also coaches the eighth grade girls’ basketball team at Wheeler.

Danielle Neill

Colleen Fano

After graduating from Purdue University Calumet, Fano teaches English 10 and senior composition and literature. Fano enjoys when she finds a book or writing assignment that a student, who typically hates English, enjoys. She can name all 50 states in alphabetical order, and she loves spending time with family and friends.

Ashley Kline

After completing her internship at CPHS, Kline is now a freshman guidance counselor. During an internship in Ireland, Kline had the chance to live with people from all around the world and travel throughout Europe. She loves softball and traveling and is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Keith Ladd

Keith Ladd graduated from Indiana State University and teaches German 1 and 3.

Ladd lived in Germany for eleven years and fell in love with the language, culture, and people. He also used to live in Boston. He sponsors German Club and Eastern European Club.

Danielle Neill teaches math and attended Manchester University. Neill went to Brazil her sophomore year in college (on a study abroad program). In her spare time she enjoys watching hockey.

Susan Taylor

English and read 180 teacher Taylor attended Ball State. Taylor’s original goal was to become an author, but her dad advised her to get a teaching degree just in case she did not succeed as an author. Taylor loves to scuba dive and has been to every state except for Idaho and Alaska. Outside of school she swims and helps coach a summer swim league.

Kevin Thomas

Collette Nicolini

Nicolini previously taught in Chicago, where she also graduated from Saint Xavier University. Nicolini teaches English 9H and English 9R and feels that having strong communication skills are important for success in any career choice. Outside of school Nicolini runs, writes and hikes. She also loves animals and has two dogs and a rabbit.

Ashley Plumley

Physics teacher Szewciw attended Purdue University. Szewciw was inspired to teach by his high school English teacher and decided to teach science because he believed it was not communicated well. He loves reading, movies, watching dance and every sport except baseball.

Graduated from Purdue Calumet, Thomas now teaches world history, economy, and government. Thomas enjoys teaching because he likes to help people reach their goals and do well in his class. Outside of school he is a die-hard NFL Bears fan. For any of the students that feel like this name is familiar, it is because he is related to both of the Thomas brothers at Taft Middle School.

Bronwyn Trusty

Eckerd College graduate Plumley now teaches biology and chemistry. Plumley was a student of science teacher Bryan Trippeer, who inspired her to follow her dream of becoming a marine biologist. While previously working as a marine biologist for the company Ecological Associates, one morning she came across a two thousand pound leatherback turtle.

Former Boilermaker, Trusty, teaches senior composition and literature, English 9 and English 9H. Trusty decided to teach English because she struggled with it in middle school, but an English teacher turned the subject around for her in high school. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and her fiancée and is currently planning for a wedding in November.

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Distaste without a face Anonymous input online can have dark side

BY DYLAN TAYLOR

editor-in-chief

On the internet, anonymous comments can range from neutral statements to vile personal attacks. Some sites that allow anonymous comments, such as the social media outlet ask. fm, have even faced media criticism surrounding harsh comments made on the site.

Since making an ask.fm account this year, junior Bay Kurtz has received a wide variety of anonymous comments.

“For the most part, the questions I receive are harmless. Many of them are the questions I expected to see (when making the account), and I appreciate that side of it,” Kurtz said.

“The other part of the story, though, consists of some pretty harsh words. Not too many of (the comments received on the site) are questions, but more people showing their disgust for whatever reason.”

The negative comments, Kurtz said, typically consist of hurtful statements.

“Usually, (the negative commenters) are saying things that they wouldn’t say in person and now that there is this anonymous site they can really express their feelings in full length,” Kurtz said. “I definitely believe the anonymity on the site increases the chances of receiving nasty comments. There is quite a bit of hate that goes on in this world, and based on some comments I’ve received and seen on other people’s accounts, (ask.fm) really brings out the dark side of some. Not that I am personally distraught by what is said to me, because I can handle the insecure trash talkers, but to see that these ‘haters’ are actually taking their time to try and hurt others mentally and emotionally is messed up.”

Junior Kylie Walker has witnessed similar negative comments from anonymous sources on ask.fm.

“I can’t believe the sorts of things that I see people post online,” Walker said.

Problems with anonymous online input are not, however, exclusive to ask.fm or even social media. The Northwest Indiana Times has put a moratorium on all commenting on its website due largely to overwhelmingly negative anonymous comments.

‘‘

...based on some comments I’ve received and seen on other people’s accounts, (ask.fm) really brings out the dark side of some.

Bay Kurtz

senior

photo Illustration by Ellie Burrell

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“(The Times website) got all kinds of comments, and they ran the gamut from insightful, interesting and informative to vile personal attacks that were racist, that were obscene, that were all kinds of things,” Times assistant managing editor Robert Blaskiewicz said. “We were getting so many problem comments that would have to be removed from the site that it was taking up our staff time, and was degrading the conversation taking place. We decided to put a moratorium on comments, which is where we’re at right now. We currently do not have online comments on our stories, but we do allow comments on our Facebook page.”

Blaskiewicz, who chiefly oversees the digital presence of the Times, is working with the paper to try to develop a new system for comments that does not provide an anonymous option.

“The only requirement that we had for commenters was a valid email. Sometimes people would use their actual name, but for the most part used pseudonyms to comment.

Occasionally if someone went way over the line we would ban their account, they would just use another email to re-register and jump in again,” Blaskiewicz said. “Because of this, we are currently considering several options, and any future commenting system would probably include people having to comment with their real names. Our aim is to eliminate anonymous comments.”

Blaskiewicz, like Kurtz, attributes negative behavior online to the lack of social inhibition brought about by anonymity.

“I think that when it comes to being anonymous, you’re not talking to real people, and you’re not talking face to face, so you can say all kinds of vile things and not really be held accountable for it. It all comes down to a lack of accountability,” Blaskiewicz said.

Kurtz believes that simply thinking before posting could decrease the negative impact of online input.

“If we all used social media in positive ways, these different apps could be so much more effective and the overall morale of our society would be alot more positive and encouraging,” Kurtz said.

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photos by Evi Lovin

Junior Tyler Motta, pictured above and in the middle right photos, practices his free running skills by doing a backflip off a wall and over an electrical box. Junior Miles Angerman, pictured in the top right and botttom right photos, practices his parkour skills around the square by jumping over a railing and holding onto the platform of a radiator.

Juniors test limits through parkour, free running by evi lovin

photographer

It is not every day a group of people are seen doing backflips off walls and leaping from roofs. For some, defying gravity is more than a thrill; it is an important element of parkour and free running, considered by many to be both sports and lifestyles.

Parkour comes from a French word meaning “the sport of traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing or leaping rapidly and efficiently.”

Junior Miles Angerman has been practicing parkour for four years after having been inspired by the TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” According to the self-proclaimed traceur (parkourist), the ability to do these tricks can catch a few eyes, but there is more to it than just stunts.

“Parkour is a philosophy. It is about self-improvement and pushing your horizons,” Angerman said.

The term “free running” was originally created as an English translation for the word parkour, but has transformed into

something all its own.

“Free running is the most creative and effective way of getting from one place to another,” Motta said. “The most frequent reaction I get when I free run in public is ‘I wish I could do that!’ or ‘How do you do that without hurting yourself?’ I get that every single time.”

Free running maintains most of the aspects of parkour but mixes in acrobatics and gymnastics. Motta has been free running for two years, but he discovered his interest in the sport as a child climbing around from one obstacle to another. Motta free runs with his cousins and a group of friends including juniors John Freyek, Tim Foster and Kyle Ducharme. “[Free running and parkour] are unorthodox things to find people doing around here, but it does happen,” Freyek said.

Motta free runs to find his limits, and Freyek does it as a way to express himself.

“You can’t think before you do a trick.

You just do it and train yourself to believe you won’t get hurt,” Freyek said.

Freyek and Motta do not believe in having a plan before performing a stunt, but Angerman believes that his thoughts have a strong impact on his performance.

“Sometimes I think ‘How am I going to do this without hurting myself?’ and sometimes I second guess myself, but that never stops me from [completing a stunt],” Angerman said.

People who free run or do parkour often wear tennis shoes and loose, baggy clothing so as to not constrict their flexibility.

“I usually wear sweatpants and a t-shirt.

You can’t go too baggy because you do not want to trip up,” Freyek said.

“Tripping up” is inevitable, Freyek said, but it helps free runners to better their skills in the end.

“I go to the gym to fall,” Freyek said.

Ducharme said the worst he has injured himself through parkour was during a front flip.

“I over extended my left knee, and I couldn’t [free run] for a week,” Ducharme said.

Despite the inevitable injuries, the free runners and traceurs collectively believe they must continue on.

“Free running isn’t easy, you have to commit. I’ve had my share of slams but you have to pick yourself back up immediately and try again, or you’ll be too scared to try it another day,” Motta said.

Motta prefers to practice his free running tricks in various gyms, while Angerman prefers to practice on the streets and in real life situations. Either way, practice is essential in order to improve Motta’s physical skills and the same should go for all others because it takes so much effort, Motta believes.

Motta said that free running can be hard because it takes a lot of effort and energy, and many of the free runners and traceurs agree that they see things differently than normal people.

“When I see [a building] I can already see two different ways I could get on top of it, but anyone else would think it’s just a building,” Motta said.

ink 10 Inked students share meaning behind works of art feature september 30, 2013

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copy editor

High school students are bringing the ink to school in different ways than usual.

Tattooing has become an expressive art that has caught the eye of many young people. Some have even gotten their parents’ consent to get a tattoo before they turn 18, the terms of a law that Indiana has in place to protect minors.

“I wanted my tattoo since I was 13, but my parents made me wait ‘til my seventeenth birthday,” junior Jordan Smith said.

As Smith grew up, she watched family members get tattooed a lot. Her dad has a three-leaved clover, among a few others, which was the inspiration behind her latest tattoo.

“Everyone in my family has to get the clover because it’s tradition,” Smith said. “I absolutely love it.”

Smith also has three birds on the back of her shoulder, representing her two sisters and herself. The meaning behind a tattoo is essential to the Smith family.

“My family is supportive of me getting a tattoo before I’m 18 as long as it has a purpose. Otherwise they would not have given me permission,” Smith said. “I would never get a tattoo without a special meaning to me because you have to live with it for the rest of your life.”

Other inked teens have had a different experience when asking their parents for consent.

“At first my mom did not want me to get a tattoo. She didn’t think they were attractive,” senior Paige Hawn said.

“But after I got my first one, she really loved it. Now she lets me get them because she understands it’s a way of me expressing myself.”

After Hawn’s mom appreciated her first tattoo, she made plans to get her second.

“I have Marilyn Monroe’s face on my thigh because I love her. She’s my idol and I love the way she was outspoken and didn’t care what other people thought,” Hawn said. “I wanted it to be edgy, so half of Marilyn’s face is a skull with the words ‘If you’re going to be two-faced at least make one of them pretty’.”

The message Hawn wanted her tattoo to tell is a reminder to her of the mentality she needs to have daily.

“I try to live my life by not caring what others think.

I know that everyone will care a little bit, but people judge too much,” Hawn said. “It’s not right to go through life like that.”

Past experiences in her life have shown that not

Photos By Evi Lovin Paige Hawn and Jordan Smith (top left) have tattoos that hold deep meanings specific to their lives. Hawn (bottom left and right photo) creatively designed her Marilyn MonroeThese girls are among hundreds of other teens with ink.

everyone approves of tattoos. This; however, has not put a damper on her love for them.

“I’ve had people ask, ‘What are you going to do when people don’t want you to photograph them because of all your tattoos?’ and I honestly don’t think that’s right,” Hawn said. “You should judge me on how my photographs are, not the way I look.”

Hawn has been asking for a tattoo for her birthday since she was 16 and plans to get another one this upcoming March for her 18th birthday. Similarly to Smith, Hawn’s tattoo will be based on something very important to her.

“I want to be a photographer because it is my passion

and dream. I love vintage cameras, so I am getting a Leica camera which is gold and leather,” Hawn said. “It’ll have vines wrapped around it with a picture of a blush rose that I took in a frame next to the camera. The saying ‘My escape from reality’ will be tangled in the vines because it truly is my passion and escape.”

Getting ink has been said to be addicting. The temporary discomfort is just a small price to pay according to tattooed teens.

“Getting a tattoo feels like getting cut with glass when you’re sunburnt,” Smith said. “It hurts, but I definitely still want to get more. Once you get one you can’t stop.”

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We need to stay positive and develop the momentum we need to take us far into the post-season.”

- Senior Tristan Peterson

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Curtis, Harvey lead Lady Dogs golf

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

sports editor

I

t was a shaky performance at the state finals, but not entirely unexpected. Tiffany Curtis was only a freshman after all, and despite her strong playing abilities, the pressure and attention was a bit overwhelming.

Now a sophomore, Curtis recognizes the benefits from her freshman experiences.

“It’s funny looking back at it now because I thought state would be the biggest tournament I ever play in,” Curtis said. “I got overwhelmed with the pressure and attention I was getting from people. I did not play well, but it opened my eyes to flaws in my mental game and a new level of playing potential. It definitely motivated me to ensure I would not be overwhelmed like that again.”

Curtis never envisioned herself playing golf let alone advancing to the state finals last year. At the age of three, Curtis took trips to the driving range with her father, hating every second of it. It was seven years later that she realized her attraction towards the sport.

“I hated golf,” Curtis said. “I absolutely could not stand it. When I was ten, though, I realized that when I was not golfing I missed it. I learned to love golf slowly.”

As her love for the sport grew stronger over time, so did her execution. Curtis placed third in the Hall of Fame tournament this year, an indication of her ability to compete with some of the top competitors in the state.

She came out second at the Pat Forde invite at LaPorte, and two weeks ago, she became the third consecutive sectional champion from Crown Point, joining Lucia Bracco and teammate junior Alyssa Harvey.

“I think it is a great accomplishment for our school to have a sectional champion for the last three years,” Harvey said. “Tiffany is a great player and it excites me when she plays well. I’m proud of her and proud of our team for working hard and accomplishing what we have.”

Harvey’s background is no different than Curtis’s. Golf was introduced to her at the age of three, and by ten, Harvey too was playing at a competitive level. She was crowned a sectional champion her freshman year, and thanks to her improved mentality, Harvey has transformed into a solid all-around performer since then.

“I have gotten a lot stronger mentally since my freshman year,” Harvey said. “When I started to play badly, I got frustrated easily.

Now, I feel like I have more patience when something goes wrong and can get over it easier. I just think to myself, ‘I can only change the future.’”

Together, Curtis and Harvey helped the team qualify for regionals with scores of 77 and 85. Despite advancing, the team still lacks the key to making the trip to state finals—consistency.

“We have to play really consistently,” head coach Jon Haas said. “We had one hole specifically where we took six penalty strokes on.

That cannot happen moving forward. In order to advance in a tournament like this, we have to eliminate all of our mistakes and play really smart golf.”

At press time, the team looked to qualify for state with strong performances at regionals, and by achieving such consistency, Haas believed the feat was not improbable.

“It is not our first time playing the strong teams at regionals because of the way our schedule was set up,” Haas said. “If all four of our players play their absolute best, I think we are very capable of advancing.”

As the girls prepared for the weekend’s tournament, Harvey expressesed her appreciation to stand where she and her team are today.

“I never pictured myself to be where we are today,” Harvey said. “We have definitely worked for it, but it is just a blessing to actually be here.”

PHOTOS BY EVI LOVIN

Sophomore Tiffany Curtis (left) and junior Alyssa Harvey (above) compete at the Pat Forde Invite at LaPorte. Harvey and Curtis are two of the last three consecutive sectional winners from Crown Point.

Boys cross strong, girls struggle entering DAC championship

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

Hoping to bounce back from the loss of their top runners, the boys and girls cross country teams strive to make up ground by allowing the younger runners to step up in their place.

“Our seniors were talented and hard to replace, however it opens opportunities for the younger guys to step up,” head coach Keith Iddings said.

While beating teams ranked well above them, the boys confidence level is ready to compete in postseason. They are 6-1 in the conference, only coming up short to the Valparaiso Vikings.

Two of the ‘Dogs returning runners who have stepped

up are junior Jacob Langbehn and sophomore Ryan Kepshire.

“I’ve stepped up by training harder than I ever did before, and Kepshire has aided me every step of the way,” Langbehn said.

In addition to the underclassmen, senior Tyler Gray has joined the Bulldogs this year from Merrillville and has made his mark by holding the number one spot for the team. Gray has led the ‘Dogs with a personal record of 16:14 for the season.

“I think that the team is doing great,” Gray said. “I’m excited to see what the postseason holds.”

Senior Kayla McGurk is returning as a top runner.

The girls started off the season strong, finishing second in

the Crown Point Invitational. McGurk led the team with a third overall finish, running a time of 21:03.

“Our team looked strong after the invite,” McGurk said. “As long as we stay determined, we can make noise in the postseason.”

The team has struggled, falling to conference rivals, leaving them at a 2-5 record. Beating Michigan City 44-18 and Merrillville 50-15, the girls are taking that momentum as they enter post-season.

“The key is for girls to run their best in postseason,” head coach Adam Piaskowy said. “They have to run quality workouts, stay well rested, and prepare mentally.”

Both teams will compete in the DAC Championships at LaPorte on Oct. 5.

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Throwing up a serve, junior Taylor Sabato helps the Bulldogs defeat Valparaiso at home.

Sectionals begin Oct. 22 at home.

PHOTO BY AMY SCHUCH

Junior Morgan Kral attempts to recover a fumble to avoid a Bulldog turnover. The Bulldogs have struggled to execute consistently, losing back to back to both Merrillville and Lake Central. The team hopes to bounce back in time for postseason.

BY ELI UDCHITZ

GETTING IN THE ZONE

reporter

Dogs look to gain ground with offensive momentum

BY KARA BIERNAT

sports editor

Teams often stress the importance of disregarding the scoreboard and regular season record come the arrival of postseason. But with an 0-3 record in the DAC, it’s hard to do so in the Bulldog’s case.

The team started off the season with victories over Lowell and Mishawaka, but the Dogs have failed to outscore their last three opponents in the DAC. The team was outscored 68-16 in their last three games. The boys are hoping to look past the struggle as they approach postseason.

“We knew it was going to be a tough rivalry game. Unfortunately, we got the short end by hurting ourselves,” head coach Kevin Enright said after a tough 14-13 loss to

the Merrillville Pirates.

“We’re ultimately disappointed by the loss. We need to do better, focus more, and fight adversity,” Enright said.

Senior quarterback Jake Jatis went 13-of-31 for 143 yards, with two crucial interceptions against Merrillville.

Jatis is confident that they will be able to recover from this slump and push out some wins come postseason.

“We need to pay more attention to detail during our last practices and fix mental errors, and hopefully we will be able to win,” Jatis said.

However, this angered determination and dedication was not enough to hold out the Lake Central Indians. The Dogs lost their spark early in the game with a score of 14-0 at halftime, and could not

seem to recover, getting shut out 23-0.

The next week the team traveled to Portage to face the Indians. Portage managed to rally all night by putting 31 points on the scoreboard, while the Bulldogs only managed 3.

Senior and center for the Dogs, Roc Hopman, believes they will get out of this slump by focusing on what’s ahead.

“We’re putting the past away and focusing on the playoffs,” Hopman said.

At press time, the team was hosting Valparaiso and the results of the game were unavailable. The LaPorte Slicers will travel here on Friday

Lady Dogs strive to higher DAC ranking

for the Bulldogs Homecoming game.

SCOREBOARD W Lowell Mishawaka W L Merrillville Lake Central L Portage L

16-12 30-7 14-13 23-0 31-3

Trailing 2-0 after the first two sets against Andrean, the Bulldogs regrouped, and with junior Alyssa Kvarata contributing with assists, the girls were able to overcome and close the game with a win.

Kvarta, who has recently committed to playing at East Tennessee State, currently leads the DAC in assists at an average of 7.8 per game. With her eyes set further than the next practice or next game, Kvarta decided to attend East Tennessee State due to their views on her as a player.

“East Tennessee State saw my true talent and picked me for being me,” Kvarta said. “It was not just based on how tall I am.”

The Lady Dogs rank fourth in conference after key victories, including a strong performance against DAC rival Lake Central and the comeback win against Andrean in nonconference play.

Despite the tough schedule, head coach Alison Duncan believes it brings certain advantages to the team as they prepare for postseason play.

“We’re working hard to be competitive at an extremely high level, and our schedule reflects a lot of tough competiton,” said Duncan.

The team hopes to knock off some of the lower tier teams in the DAC to conclude their regular season, giving them momentum heading into sectionals on Oct. 22.

“As sectionals come closer I feel that we are really going to kick into gear and work our hardest to achieve our goal of winning that sectional title.” said Kvarta.

Girls soccer adjusts to new roster, loss of seniors

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

reporter

After losing seven seniors over the offseason, including Times players of the year Sarah Rivich and Rachel Marczewski, the girls soccer team entered the season with the need to readjust. Not only were the seniors key players on the team, but they were family members as well.

“Our team has always been close for all of us,” senior Jenna

Arnold said. “We’ve always been like a family.”

Head coach Chris Mikrut agrees that the girls are becoming a family working together to achieve greatness.

“The one nice thing is watching this team come together,” said Mikrut. “It’s nice watching the individual players come together as a team.”

Without Rivich and Marczewski, Mikrut believes the team must take over their vacant roles.

“I think there was too much watching Rivich and Marczewski and not enough playing last year,” Coach Mikrut said. “Now these kids have to step up and fill their spots.”

Although they lost some key players, Arnold is guiding the Bulldogs, stepping up as a leader on the team.

“Jenna has been starting since her freshman year,” Mikrut said.

“She has always been an inspiration to other kids on the field just

because of her hard play.”

The girls have responded well to the changes thus far, placing second in the conference with a record of 4-1. Despite their high rank, losing to Chesterton earlier this month opened the team’s eyes to the weaknesses they still had to overcome.

“Being behind in the beginning was an eye opener to a lot of players,” Arnold said. “I believe we were a better team than Chesterton, but I think it shows the

girls how much more we have to try during the playoffs.”

As postseason is set to start next week, Arnold hopes the team can prepare themselves while working towards the immediate future.

“I think we need to take it one game at a time. You never know what’s going to happen,” Arnold said. “Scores have been varying all around the scoreboard.

We just have to prepare ourselves mentally.”

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KARA’s COLUMN

UNDEFEATED As newspaper goes to press, both teams maintain perfect records

BY KARA BIERNAT

sports editor

Professional sports set poor example These days, one’s interest in a sports team has become more of a faith than a favorite team. Therefore, kids around the world spend so much time idolizing their favorite athletes.

Just by turning on SportsCenter, we can figure what every athlete is up to and the reasoning behind it.

Although it’s great to hear that Peyton Manning is back on track by passing 462 yards at his season opener, not all news attracts the positive atmosphere that parents would want their child seeing.

Athletes that children look up to are all okay until someone like Johnny Manziel takes the field, or autograph table. Manziel, quarterback for Texas A&M, was penalized for charging for his autographs.

Although this seemed outlandish, the NCAA suspending him for half of a game is quite miniscule. As one of college football’s most valuable players, “Johnny Football” took quite the beating after the scandal.

What do fans think? We feel obligated to give him the benefit of the doubt because he’s a role model. Is this who we want kids looking up to?

As if that’s not bad enough, Alex Rodriguez’s illlegal performance enhancing drug charge landed him a possible 211-game suspension. This may seem deceiving, but these athletes are supposed to set good examples for fans their fans, but still decide to take part in illegal activity. Young children are going to want to participate in these activities because their role models are.

This is what’s wrong with athletics at the collegiate and professional level. Children look up to these athletes acting like this. It’s sad to see kids walking around with athletes’ names on their backs who have chose to abide the rules of the NCAA or Major League Sports.

These athletes aren’t only affecting themselves and their teammates; they are setting a poor example for people that look up to them throughout the world, and that is a shame.

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PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

PHOTO BY EVI LOVIN

Sophomore Anthony Kendall prepares for sectionals at practice. The team looks to advance to regionals after falling short the past two seasons.

Looking to assist, sophomore Scott Garcia races to the ball. The boys hold a share of the DAC title with their win over Merrillville.

Tennis clinches first DAC championship

Boys soccer eyes conference title

BY JACKIE VANDERWEY

BY ALEXIS BERDINE

reporter

reporter

With a team composed of mostly returning players, the boys’ tennis team started off the season with no shortage of experience. As the regular season comes to a close, such an advantage has paid off.

The Bulldogs remain undefeated and clinched their first DAC title in school history. Due to strong performances from both doubles teams and all three singles, senior Dominic Peretin believes the team is in good condition to continue their victorious streak.

“We’re right where we want to be,” Peretin said. “Being unbeaten, there’s really not much more I can ask out of the team.”

With the experience of the team, head coach Chris Korzeniewski believes that the Bulldogs have an advantage heading into postseason play.

“The team motto is ‘why not us’,” Korzeniewski said. “We have a lot of talent and depth in the team. State is our ultimate goal.”

Though the team currently stands where they want to be, the Bulldogs are preparing for the likelihood of facing Munster in regionals.

After falling in the regional finals for the last two seasons, the boys hope that the third time is the charm.

“We’ve been talking about state all season,” said senior Boris Pavlovski. “That’s what we’re preparing for so we’ll go full throttle into regionals ready to win.”

Veterans are not the only contributors to the team this season.

Freshman Bryce Bonin has only one personal loss as the team’s number one singles, and Korzeniewski believes his addition has been beneficial.

“Bryce has humbly joined the group with welcome arms,” Korzeniewski said. “The team knew how much his skills could bring. He has contributed by bringing playful humor with confidence of knowing his great skills complement what was already established.”

With postseason play starting this Wednesday at home, the team has their eyes on the ultimate prize. Korzeniewski is preparing his team for more than just another sectional championship.

“The postseason’s biggest challenge is the unknown,” Korzeniewski said. “We have achieved many sectional wins. However, it has been 42 years since the last regional advancement. We as a team are embracing the opportunity that even the IHSAA has ranked our team in the top 20 in the state. We will have to bring a mindset that our best tennis performance is yet to come.”

16% 30%

out of 97 students questioned

B. Brett Favre

20%

C. Tom Brady D. Joe Montana

34%

Games to watch

A. Drew Brees

Correct Answer: C

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Peyton Manning recently broke the record for most touchdowns over the course of three games previously held by whom?

Scoring goals. Check. Talented players. Check. Strong captains.

Check. Undefeated record. Check. The Bulldogs seem to have it all, but their exterior can be deceiving.

Despite having an undefeated record, mental preparation and team cohesiveness are still early season struggles that the team is working through to maintain their recent success.

In order to reach their full potential, junior Garret Small believes the team must bring their mental skills up to the same enhanced level as their technical skills.

“Interiorly, the goal is to keep our heads cool and build a cohesive team,” Small said. “If we can accomplish that, there is no team that can stop us.”

Their 11-10 victory against Valparaiso did just that. Defeating a massive competitor has given the boys mental confidence and allowed them to progress into the season with an unblemished record.

“Valpo was the biggest game for sure,” head coach Mike Bazin said. “Being on our home field was definitely an advantage.”

The team has several veterans returning to lead the way, including senior captain and All-Area performer Carmelo Morales. Morales’s field presence and leadership have him in the running for player of the year.

“Carmelo may seem quiet and reserved in school but he is a completely different person at soccer,” Bazin said. “He leads and plays very passionately and is someone you want to have in the captain role.”

Sophomore goalie Connor Kevni has also contributed to the team’s success, proving that he is not only an important asset to the team but that he can play successfully at the competitive caliber of those older than him.

“Connor being an underclassmen is not a problem,” Senior Nate Brower said. “He is extremely skilled and plays beyond his years.”

With their depth in talent and mentality falling into place, Bazin believes the team is in good standings to claim the DAC title.

“We have not missed a step since last year,” Bazin said. “Our talent has not dropped. Our goal is to still win conference. We slipped up mentally at DAC last year, but we are focused on redeeming ourselves this year.”

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arts & entertainment september 30, 2013

inreview “Berzerk”

by Eminem Eminem is back. His new single “Berzerk” has made its statement.

Sitting at number ten on iTunes, the new single reverts back to his original style as he shows the depth of his talent. Serving as a preview of his new album releasing November 5, “Berzerk” sets the standard high for the rest of the tracks.

The anticipation continues to grow awaiting the whole album.

IOS 7 The new IOS 7 update is generating a buzz amongst Apple product users everywhere. With sleek new apps, and a circular lock screen, IOS 7 offers a futuristic appeal. The update also introduced iTunes Radio, providing users with a constant outlet to listen the hottest music hitting the iTunes charts.

Survivor Blood vs. Water Survivor is back for its 27th season with a twist as thick as blood. Former contestants have returned with an additional family member to compete. The pairs will be both pitted for and against each other, and come time for family to vote family out, will anyone be able to do it?

“Lolly”

By Maejor Ali “Lolly” sounds like a Kidz Bop song with sex lingo thrown in.

It is the type of song that listeners would adore jamming to the beat of, but could easily be disturbed by the lyrics.

Featured Justin Bieber may be trying to hold on to both his teeny bopper fans and his older listeners, but in this case, the mix was a train wreck.

Wrecking Ball Music Video Although Miley Cyrus’s song “Wrecking Ball” is catchy and musically respectable, her music video for the song is a whole different story. The message her nudity in the video is supposed to convey is her vulnerability, but there are other ways to get the message out without being a nudist.

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Fro-yo shops take over local taste buds

BY KATIE SHERMAN AMY SCHUCH

editor-at-large photo editor

From a simple vanilla to the most extravagant mixtures of different flavors and toppings that can range as far as your imagination, tempt your taste buds with these local frozen yogurt establishments for all lovers of sweet treats.

Frozen yogurt has taken on a modern, sleek image, placed in town, and titled Orange Leaf. Walking in to a wall full of flavor selections including snikerdoodle, wedding cake and red velvet may be an overwhelming, but nevertheless, a delightful feeling. The next step, adding toppings, is a wonderful experience with all of the different varieties from chocolates and candies, to fruits and nuts. Add more blasts of flavor with chocolate and caramel drizzles, hot fudge and whipped cream. Paying is not a hassle when every ounce is only 45 cents.

Cafe Fresco keeps the classy and at-home feel of the square alive with a clean, simple and classic setup. The choice of seating includes tables, a bar and outside seats where fresh flowers are kept. The cafe offers four different flavors of yogurt at a time, changing them every day. With flavors including simple vanilla and cheesecake, there is something for everybody. Although flavors change, the toppings bar is consistently stocked with the same chocolate treats and fruits, providing variety. Serving yourself can be hard with so many options, but the low price of 49 cents an ounce is hard to beat.

Junior Kyle Thompson eats a spoonful of his Orange Leaf frozen yogurt creation. The Crown Point area is home to a large variety of these shops.

Located in Winfield, Berry Red is the perfect, convenient fro-yo stop for those who live in the area but arguably worth the drive for those who do not. Berry Red boasts over 90 rotating self-serve frozen yogurt flavors and many flavored ice choices as well. Pink Lemonade is a delicious flavor that recently made its debut at the shop. The dairy-free sorbet offers a tasty choice for those with dietary restrictions. Berry Red promotes Christian values and is committed to providing a healthy, delicious, family-friendly treat that all can enjoy.

Red Mango is rated number one by Zagat restaurant reviews. It offers not just fro-yo but fresh fruit smoothies, frozen coffee chillers and artisan hot chocolate. Get creative with the variety of flavors from classic vanilla to cinnamon apple pie to tangomonium. There are many delicious toppings to choose from including healthy options such as fresh fruit and granola to yummy candy pieces. Be sure to try their popping boba, a ball like treat with flavored juice inside. Red Mango’s frozen yogurt is only 49 cents an ounce. The closest one is located in Highland.

PHOTO BY AMY SCHUCH

Clare writes outstanding book series for teens

BY EMILY BEST

a&e editor

Shadowhunters: also known as Nephilim, are a secretive race of humans born with angelic blood; their mandate is to protect humans.

Throughout the series of The Mortal Instruments, readers follow the lives of a group of shadowhunters and other unworldly things (some that are not so good) and the challenges that they face. These books take the reader on a journey to another world and have a magical feel to them.

The Mortal Instruments, a book series written by Cassandra Clare, follows the lives of Clary Fray, and her love interest Jace Wayland. Other major characters include Simon, Clary’s best friend, and Alec and Isabelle, Jace’s “siblings” (not blood related). The series has 5 books so far; the 6th and last book of the series comes out next May entitled City of Heavenly Fire.

life social

A section devoted to social media

These books fall under the “young-adult fiction and fantasy” genre because not everyone in the story is human and other features of the story are fictional. The “make-believe” aspect of the series is tastefully done and does not make the books seem childish, but rather adds to the “magical” feel of the books.

Originally, the series was supposed to be a trilogy and only include the first three books: City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. Fans had a positive reaction to the series and the fan base grew to outrageous proportions. Thankfully, Clare then made the very intelligent decision to keep writing and expand the series to six books.

Just as a warning, these books will mess with your emotions. Readers laugh, readers cry and there will be times readers will want to scream and throw the book at the wall; this is completely normal. In the books, People die, hearts are broken, people are betrayed by the ones they love; it really is heartwrenching to

best tweets

best apps

My day just got better knowing 1- BOSCO STICKS FOR LUNCH 2- it’s Friday, and I don’t have to see any of you tomorrow :-) Sophomore Celine Certa

@celinecerta

homecoming cp student section should make a banner for jake west from laporte on homecoming, he didnt go to cp but he was a kid just like us

Senior Tylor Worley

8tracks

@tworley716

apparently @KanyeWest is VERY VERY ANGRY with me....

Jimmy Kimmel

@jimmykimmel

September is almost over. I guess someone should wake up that guy now.

Senior Taylor James

@tayjay678

read. The most heartwrenching scene in the entire series occurs at the end of the first book, City of Bones. The main characters, Jace and Clary, receive some unfortunate news. This unfortunate news is so devastating not only to the characters, but to the readers as well. Readers will probably either cry, scream or curse Clare for ending the book the way she did. It’s an emotional series to say the least.

May 2014 is the release date for the last installment of the series, City of Heavenly Fire. It has been almost two years since the last book was released, making City of Heavenly Fire the most awaited book of the series. As the book series comes to a close, the movie adaptations of the books have just begun. Last August, City of Bones, was released in theatres and received good feedback from the fan base, but not so well feedback from critics. The second film, City of Ashes, began filming earlier this year, but was recently canceled due to the lack of money City of Bones brought in.

Weather Kitty

This free app is like an upgraded Pandora Radio. It gives listeners the choice of song, artist, genre and even mood to find music they would enjoy. This app takes music to a whole new level.

Tired of looking at a boring forecast with symbols telling you how the weather is going to be? Download Weather Kitty. Substitute boring for adorable kittens whose expressions convey the weather.

best follows @CP_super_fans Looking for next week’s superfan theme? This Twitter page tells you what theme when and is open to superfan suggestions.

@ABCFpll Pretty Little Liars, a show on ABC Family, has turned out to be a hit.

With a new episode in October, follow this page for the latest updates.

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arts & entertainment september 30, 2013

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Encore Performance

Crown Theater reopens after renovations

BY TINA WINFREY KATE FRANKLIN

associate editor reporter

The popping of popcorn can be heard amidst the sounds of a movie playing through the the theater’s double doors.

After being closed for renovations for around seven months, the Crown Theater, located on the square, has reopened its doors and is ready for business.

During the renovations, the staff did a variety of jobs.

“One amazing thing we did is clean the screen with just some Joy soap and water. It was just unbelievable the dirt that came off that thing,” manager Mick Comerford said. “After we did that we could tell how much better the picture was.”

In addition to a cleaner screen, the sound system at the Crown Theater has also been fixed.

“When (the new owners) took over about six years ago there was only one speaker working, and it was behind the screen,” Comerford said. “They bought 12 new speakers, and to help the sound out we put curtains on the wall because the concrete walls were muffling the sound.”

Before the renovations, many

people would complain about not being able to hear the movie clearly.

“I had some people come in and ask me if the sound was any better,” Comerford said. “The biggest thing we did besides buying new speakers was turn down the background music and the background sound from the movies and turn up the volume (of the dialogue) a bit. When we did that we saw a huge difference.”

According to Comerford, not one person has complained about the sound system since the reopening.

Spilled candy and pop was also cleaned up when the owners stripped the floor and repainted it during the renovations. They also added new seats with cup holders.

“You don’t have to worry about sticking to the floor anymore,” Comerford said. “Even though there’s actually people that come in saying ‘man I miss sticking to the floor!’.”

Even with the new renovations, movie prices of the Crown Theater are still much cheaper than those of neighboring theaters like AMC Showplace Hobart 12.

“We’ve been tweaking the prices here and there, trying to keep it cheap for the customers but also so we can still make mon-

ey to stay open,” said Comerford.

“We raised our popcorn $1, but we also just added 50 cent popcorn (option). We have to be the only theater in the world with 50 cent popcorn.”

The admission as of now is still $5, but Comerford says they are talking about raising the price to $6.

Since the reopening of the theater Comerford has seen business pick back up. He hopes that the new renovations will bring more people to the theater.

“Most people like it for the sake of the old theater and the history behind it,” Comerford said.

Comerford looks forward to forgoing more improve-

ments in the future.

“Sure there will be changes, there will always be changes,” Comerford said. “It is still just an ongoing progress.”

BY MAGGIE GELON

editor-in-chief

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Insidious continues to haunt audience

BY VERDA MIRZA

managing editor

Director James Wan has done it again.

Wan is well reputated in the horror movie genre. His success multiplied with the summer movie hit “The Conjuring”. Further adding to this success rate, Wan releases his new movie, a sequel to “Insidious”, “Insidious: Chapter 2”.

“Insidious: Chapter 2” is a continuation of where the first movie ended, the discovery of the murdered medium Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) by Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne). Josh Lambert (Patrick Wilson) is accused of murdering Rainier, but there was no sufficient proof to tie Josh to the death of Rainier.

As the movie continues, Renai and Dalton (Ty Simpkins), Josh’s wife and son, are still disturbed by spiritual occurrences. Josh is

oblivious to all because he wants some normalcy back into his family’s life. However, as the story progresses Josh soon realizes he is more connected to the haunting spirits than he originally thought, stuck unable to run away from the past.

The intriguing plot develops many distinctive characteristics of the movie.

The direction Wan took with this movie is unique from other horror movies. Even though there were effective scary scenes throughout the movie, Wan still found a way to insert, like he did with the first “Insidious” movie, some comical scenes. His method of mixing humor with horror set this movie apart from others. Viewers did not know whether they should be peeing from laughing or screaming in terror.

The formidable characters will have the

favorite things

hairs standing up on viewer’s necks and screams will be heard echoing throughout the movie theater. The movie gives a great feeling of anxious excitement.

“Insidious: Chapter 2” is a prodigious film to watch and obtain the ecstasy of dynamic delight. The movie has a distinctive mixture of old time horror movies and modern horror movies.

Wan and cowriter Leigh Whannell had great expectations to meet with the success of both “The Conjuring” and “Insidious”. They did meet these expectations tremendously making “Insidious: Chapter 2” in the top charts.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, “Insidious: Chapter 2” is a great movie to be mesmerized and captivated by the suspenseful scenes.

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Minds should broaden along with image of Miss America

we’re so over drama at the football games Whether it is arguing over seniority privileges or throwing bottles at each other, there always seems to be drama at home football games. Not only does this shed a bad light on our school, but it takes the attention away from the game itself. Underclassmen need to learn to stand behind the upperclassmen and respect the seniority rules of the student section. To reduce the risk of injury, everyone needs to stop throwing inanimate objects around the student section.

From fake eyelashes to true talent, pageantry will forever be a hot button topic. While many pageantry arguments surrounding self-confidence, economics and values may have room for debate, the latest buzz in pageantry surrounding the color of the newly crowned Miss America’s skin does not.

Nina Davuluri made history this month when she was crowned the first Miss America of Indian decent. Davuluri’s platform was “Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency.” Davuluri celebrated her heritage, performing a Bollywood fusion dance as her talent. Decorated in academic honors and committed to community service, Davuluri was well deserving of the crown and the $50,000 academic scholarship that came with it.

While the new Miss America celebrated her win and many others celebrated how far the competition has come, dark realms of the twitter-sphere posted “So miss america is a terrorist” and “If you’re #MissAmerica you should have to be American.”

Never mind Davuluri graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Brain Behavior and Cognitive Science. Never mind she is on her way to medical school.

Never mind she’s a relatable example to many girls in regards to self-image as Davuluri struggled with and ultimately overcame bulimia. Never mind she was born in New York and raised in Oklahoma and Michigan. Never mind she’ll spend the next year serving as the ambassador for the children’s charity group Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The Miss America pageant has evolved into a noteworthy organization that donated over $45 million dollars in scholarships just last year to promising, young American women. If traits like intelligence, confidence and a will to serve others do not fit under the list of ideals that constitute as “American,” then instead of criticizing an accomplished Indian Miss America we need to criticize the supposed ideals.

And if the twitter-sphere absolutely has to criticize pageants to stay relevant then maybe they should stick to “Toddlers and Tiaras.”

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Malorie Henderlong Varsity Pride I was able to make varsity on the CPHS soccer team, my freshman year, and I am currently still competing in soccer.

Lonestar Girl PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Poised and calm, junior Mihailo Bradash inspects his bees for pests. “The bees are naturally calm. I have actually scooped up honey bees without a suit and none of them would sting me,” Bradash said.

Bradash busy bee-ing a keeper

BY KATIE SHERMAN

editor-at-large

The connotation that comes with a swarm of bees can seem terrifying and unnaproachable because of their harmful sting.

Despite the common notions, junior Mihailo Bradash is not one to conform to these common conceptions because he is a beekeeper. Bradash often enjoys tending to the bees he has kept since the summer of his sophomore year.

“A few years back when I went to the fair during the summer, I was in the agricultural building when I came across the beekeepers,” Bradash said.

“That really sparked my interest in beekeeping.”

After seeing the beekeepers,

Q What is your goal for the year ?

he wrote a letter to the NWI Beekeepers Association expressing his interest in taking beekeeping classes.

Bradash took five classes throughout the spring and was given three pounds of bees to handle himself.

“For general care, I suit up.

I light a tool called a smoker filled with burlap,” Bradash said.

The smoker filled with burlap calms the bees’ pheromones and helps to control where they go. Pheromones are chemical substances animals release to influence the same members of that specific species.

Bradash makes it a point to keep up with his bees every day.

“I inspect the [bees’] frames

for good broad growth or honey production. I also make sure to check for pests.”

When Bradash cannot tend to his bees his father checks up on them for him.

According to Bradash, throughout the process the bees are calm and harmless.

“The bees are naturally calm. You can actually scoop up honey bees without a suit and none of them would sting you. I have done that before,” Bradash said. “What people commonly mistake for bees are hornets and wasps and those will go after you and sting you. If bees become a little agitated, you can use a smoker, too.”

Bradash plans on putting his efforts in beekeeping to gain

some personal benefits.

“I plan on starting to sell the honey in the next year because this is my first year beekeeping,” Bradash said. “Right now, I am letting the colonies become stronger over the winter.

Then next year (when they do not have to work as hard to prepare everything), that is when I will subtract some honey and start selling the extra for profit.”

Even without the tangible benefits so far, Bradash is grateful for the opportunity to watch over the bees.

“Being a beekeeper is rewarding. I enjoy watching my hard work and care come into effect,” Bradash said. “It’s an amazing experience having something to care for.”

I used to live in Texas when I was younger, and I still visit Texas to this day whenever my family and I get a chance.

Catching Waves I love to wake board and I taught myself at a young age. Whenever I visit Texas I like to wake board.

Different Dialect I pronounce words weird like “milk” sounds like “melk.” I say “pillow” like “pellow,” and “poem” like “pome.”

Talents & Tastebuds I like to bake cake, pudding and fruity desserts, and I like to dip my popcorn in nacho cheese.

“Get As and Bs”

“Make the basketball team”

“To make Bella Voce”

“Graduate with a full honors diploma”

“Do well in math”

“Make it to senior year”

“To get a 4 on an AP test”

Will Mohamhed

Kayla Taylor

Alexandria Young

Boris Pavlovski

Andrew Morales

Kylie Mckee

Rebekah Embry

junior

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senior

freshman

junior

senior