Inklings sept 2014

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS Sept. 29, 2014 Vol. 79 Issue 1

Challenge Accepted

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Senior Alyssa Kvarta participates in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of grandfather Read more about the Ice Bucket Challenge on page 16

Schedule changes implemented

BY TINA WINFREY editor-in-chief

PHOTO BY AMY SCHUCH

The bulldog in front of the school, also known as “George the Bulldog” was recently vandalized with the graffiti “They made me do it” referring to the movie “Donnie Darko.” The school is working to replace the bulldog statue and finding the person responsible for the vandalism.

Students quick in blaming rival for vandalism

BY TINA WINFREY editor-in-chief

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n what is believed to be late Friday night on Sept. 12, the bulldog statue, also known as “George the Bulldog,” was vandalized. Earlier occurances regarding the game against Lake Central immediately lead many students to believe that a Lake Central student had committed the act.

“I think it’s completely understandable that we all jumped to blame Lake Central. Tensions were definitely high in that game,” senior Meghan Morasan said.

Principal Chip Pettit believes that while school rivalries and dressing up for football games can be harmless fun, there is a fine line that should not be crossed.

“Sometimes students get in the habit of doing something, and they really don’t think it through or think of the impact or messages that it might be sending,” Pettit said. “When you start to cross some of those social, ethnic, or racial boundaries, I believe that’s crossing the line.”

Sophomore Brenden Perez, a former Merrillville student, was angered by Crown Point students’ dress during the Merrillville game earlier this month.

“(Many) think the things they do to other schools like (dressing up for football games) are mean but meant to be taken as a joke,” Perez said.

Perez also believes that social media played a role in the flared up rivalry against Lake Central, especially when a picture of a Lake Central student burning a Crown Point t-shirt surfaced on Twitter.

“People from Crown Point were planning to (take part in actions that may offend Lake Central),” Perez said. “(Lake Central) was firing back. It was wrong from both schools.”

With this picture circulating across social media, Pettit believes it is important to be aware of what one is reading online.

“People in general need to be careful about the conclusions that they draw from what they see on social media,” Pettit said.

According to The Times, at this point in the investigation, with only a girl’s size small sweatshirt and a sledgehammer as evidence, authorities have no strong leads.

The footage from security cameras around the school does not display the See George on page 2

PHOTO BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

The statue, “George the Bulldog,” was beaten with a sledgehammer that was found at the scene of the crime.

Feature

News Grab your dancing shoes Homecoming dance back, now semiformal

page 2

Don’t stress out Check out guide to applying to college

Another year, a new set of changes.

This year’s changes fall into the setup of the school schedule, including the elimination of late start Wednesdays to allow for a longer resource period, a 10 minute delay in school start and end time and half days reinstated into the schedule.

“We’re always going to change based on how to best serve our students. We can do nothing and it can always just be the same, but that isn’t being proactive,” principal Chip Pettit said. “If there’s an area that we think we can address and it involves making a change then we will make a change.”

The reason for this year’s changes lies in the additional professional learning community time the administration felt should be added for teachers in the school.

In doing this, the administration opted to take out zero period on Tuesday through Thursday in exchange for extra time for teachers to meet in their PLC groups.

Biology teacher Kelley Nelson did not feel as if this change necessarily benefitted the students.

“I was really scrambling to help my kids, especially my honors kids without there being zero period every day,” Nelson said.

“There’s resource to compensate for that, but I don’t think that helps my kids as much. They need more daily help instead of once a week. It is too long to stretch it out.”

Upon hearing various opinions from the staff, parents, and students the administration decided to reinstate the zero period Tuesday through Thursday.

“We were trying to be responsive to teachers, parents and students. We were recognizing that there was a need that the change to the schedule unintentionally took away,” Pettit said.

Nelson believes this change from the beginning of the school year will benefit her students as See Changes on page 3

A&E

page 6

“Blue Top” not on top This 50s style diner fails to meet expectations

page 15

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news september 29, 2014

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intheknow

NAHS students volunteer at NICU reunion

Members of the National Art Honor Society including senior Gaby Richmond, juniors Alex Baloski and Hannah Earl, volunteered on Sept. 7 at St. Anthony Hospital’s NICU Reunion held for all babies born in 2013. They painted children’s faces and spread word about the society, which is a group of high achieving students interested in visual art.

“The group promotes leadership and college and career readiness for the visual arts by making a conscious effort to volunteer in the Crown Point community and throughout the high school,” NAHS sponsor Lyndsey Harris said.

PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY

Senior Zach Bratcher purchases tickets from child development teacher Ginny Zega for the semi-formal homecoming to be held Oct. 11.

Compromise key in Homecoming dance return

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

While only few tickets were sold for last year’s homecoming dance causing administration to cancel the event, CPHS is bringing the dance back under certain conditions.

Principal Chip Pettit and other administrators met with leaders of the senior class to discuss what they wanted out of homecoming.

“I understand why students want a formal dance and support that,” Pettit said. “With that in mind, we already have two other formal dances. Our major task is that we organize an event that keeps costs down.”

Student leaders and administrators were able to come together and agree upon changes that would make the homecoming dance less formal.

Assistant principal Russ Marcinek believes that the changes will cause students to see it is a more relaxed atmo-

sphere centered on having fun and not as much pageantry. Administrators want all students to feel as though they have an equal opportunity to show school spirit and attend the dance.

“I think that the big thing is that we want students to have fun and that all students from the high school feel welcomed,” Marcinek said. “The idea of this dance is more centered around fun and being with your friends.”

With the minor changes that have been made, the dance is expected to be more affordable for students and their families. Child Development teacher Ginny Zega believes that students will benefit financially due to less expectations.

“We are expecting no flowers, less expensive dresses and no limos. The ticket costs have also been lowered to $15,” Zega said.

Along with making the

George the Bulldog continued from p.1

october

person who vandalized the statue due to the fact that the lights surrounding the school are timed to go off at 12 a.m.

Perez is not necessarily interested in the story of who did it, but more of why this act of vandalism occurred.

“I just want to know why somebody did it. I think it’s wrong that they did it, but what provoked them to do it,” Perez said.

Pettit believes the impact of this

dance less expensive, administrators discussed only allowing students from CPHS to attend the dance. This would mean that students would be unable to invite a guest who has recently graduated or attends a different school. Senior Erica McDermott was one student who would have been impacted by this change.

“I felt as though I wouldn’t have as much fun as everyone else due to the fact that my boyfriend wouldn’t be allowed to go,” McDermott said.

Senior leaders and administrators collaborated with each other and came to a decision stating that only seniors would be allowed to request permission to bring a guest.

“I think it is better just for seniors because administrators won’t have to worry about a ton of people coming from different schools rather than just a couple here and there,” McDermott said.

incident is evident due to the sentimental value the bulldog held.

“It’s a picture spot for dances and graduation,” Pettit said. “It’s a way that former students remember their time here.”

Morasan believes that while the vandalism of the bulldog was a great loss, its effects were not all negative.

“I feel like this incident really brought our school closer,” Morasan said. “We all seemed to kind of rally together and prove that though (the vandal) may have broken

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Despite the changes, students can expect homecoming to be similar to those of the past.

“It’s not going to be very different from past years,” Marcinek said. “Since we didn’t have a dance last year, the fact that we are having a dance is quite a bit of a change. What we normally do for homecoming is practically the same (for this year).”

Zega hopes that the changes that have been made create a fun and stress-free environment for both students and faculty.

“I’m excited to see the dance back, and I hope it improves our school spirit,” Zega said.

McDermott agrees with the changes that have been made for the dance and events for the week of homecoming, and thinks that the whole experience will help bring our school together by celebrating it as a whole.

our bulldog, they didn’t break our bulldog spirit.”

For the time being,, a temporary donated bulldog has taken the former place of George. The school is looking to find a permanent replacement for the bulldog.

“We’re looking at working with some vendors that sell this type of item. We’ll want to look for something that is as tall, if not taller than the previous bulldog,” Pettit said.

The replacement bulldog is estimated to cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.

11 10

Local restaurant helps sponsor fundraiser for fallen officer Catch-22 is teaming up with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 168 to sponsor a fundraiser on Oct. 18 in memory of fallen Merrillville police officer Nickolaus Schultz. Schultz was killed in line of duty earlier this month. Part of the proceeds will go towards his memorial. To donate, a check can be made out to the Merrillville Police FOP Lodge 168 and earmarked for the Nickolaus Schultz Memorial Fund.

Due to the processional on Mon., Sept. 15. school was canceled for the day in Crown Point, Merrillville and Lowell.

With a pedestal standing 24 x 28 inches, the cost begins to rise with the size of the bulldog necessary to completely fill the empty space.

While Pettit believes this incident has been an upset to many, he realizes that this is something we can learn and move on from.

“Everyone wants to jump to conclusions who did this, the unfortunate thing is that someone did it. ,” Pettit said. “We’ll remove the graffiti and we’ll replace the bulldog and we’ll move on.”

11 10

SAT

Half Day

31 10 Fall Break

Where: CPHS

Fall recess will begin for

Students will have a half day of school on Wed.

Homecoming

Students are able to

Homecoming

Oct. 8.

game

better scores for college

dance

The football team will play

and scholarships.

The Homecoming dance will take

Chesterton at 7 p.m. at the

place at 6 p.m. in the high school’s

Homecoming football game.

field house.

students and staff on Halloween.

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news september 29, 2014

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New door opens to safety enhancements

BY VERDA MIRZA

editor-at-large

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

PHOTO BY MICAYLA WATROBA

Senior Yesi Garibay buzzes into the school and walks through the new door that was added to enhance safety.

Changes continued from p. 1 opposed to how it was before.

Senior Nick Isaacs is pleased with the administration’s idea to reinstate zero period throughout the rest of the week.

“I strongly disliked not having a zero period Tuesday through Thursday. I’m glad they brought it back because now I have more opportunities to resolve any issues I may have with material,” Isaacs said.

Pettit believes that by eliminating late start Wednesdays a more steady schedule is produced.

“Having one day a week when you start at a later time it isn’t good for the routine,” Pettit said. “We are all creatures of habit to some point and there are just a number of different logistical issues with having school start later on one day a week than all the others.”

Economics teacher and football coach Vincent Lewis enjoys the longer resource period that has resulted from eliminating late start Wednesday.

“It’s great to have the hour and 15

VIEWS on

NEWS

minutes where kids can go get extra help if they need it and it gives us the time to get to know the kids that are in our resource,” Lewis said.

While many students enjoyed the extra time on Wednesday mornings for sleeping in or a Starbucks fix, sophomore Brad Kurtz does not mind the change in time.

‘‘

We’re always going to change based on how to best serve our students. We can do nothing and it can always just be the same, but that isn’t being proactive.

principal Chip Pettit “I, along with most students, used the extra time on Wednesdays to sleep in about 20 to 30 minutes longer than I was able to on the regular days. It was nice,

Liberty Township resident Mike Durkin took part in The Ultimate Suck, a competition held in Cuba, Illinois. Before the event Durkin was 5’9”, when he finished Durkin was 5’7”. Medical students attending said Durkin’s spinal cord shrunk due to all the lifting Durkin took part in.

State Teens tobacco and alcohol use declining A survey conducted by Indiana University’s Indiana Prevention Resource Center found that the percentage of alcohol and tobacco use among Indiana teens is significantly smaller than previous state and national averages.

time out of each Wednesday, I think it is a good idea to save that time up for a couple half days throughout the year that us students can look forward to. It’ll be a nice break from normal school days,” Kurtz said. “I plan on using them to catch up on sleep and homework.”

In addition to these changes, the school day itself has also been bumped back 10 minutes, starting at 7:35 and ending at 2:37.

Many have not seen a change in their day to day routine due to this setback, but Isaacs has noticed some differences.

“The later dismissal time does create a time-crunch to get to football practices on time,” Isaacs said. “However, I do see the benefits of it as I have more time to get to school now and have more time to socialize or study in the morning.”

With all these changes, Lewis believes the way they will have the biggest success is just for the students to adjust to them.

“Everyone adjusts, everyone ends up working together and everything ends up working,” Lewis said.

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Nation Apple launches new iPhone 6, 6 plus

World Video shows beheading of kidnapped Frenchman

Apple released their iPhone on Fri., Sept. 19. The Apple iPhone 6 and 6 plus offer users a larger screen, a 4.47 inch iPhone 6 and a 5.5 inch iPhone 6 plus with an ultra thin design. The phone also includes IOS 8, which offers a variety of changes from IOS 7.

A newly surfaced video reveals the beheading of Frenchman Herve Gourdel in Algeria. Gourdel was reportedly being held hostage by ISIS in hopes of halting the French bombardment. Gourdel joins a growing list of Westerners killed in the ISIS crisis.

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I think it’s good. I think it’s way better, and back in the day every teen smoked.

It doesn’t sound possible. It’s weird that he shrunk 2 inches.

Samantha Thornberry senior

but it was not a devastating change that they eliminated (late start Wednesdays) this year,” Kurtz said. “It allowed me to be able to develop a schedule for all 5 days by waking up for school at the same time and leaving at the same time.”

In contrast to previous years, the school is now able to use this time away from school that would have been used for late start Wednesdays and put it towards a variety of half days placed throughout the year.

“We were able to take advantage of recent legislation to streamline our school day and still account for professional development time before school,” Pettit said.

“If you’re a high performing district and you’re attending school more than you did in any of the previous five years you can use that time for half days.”

According to Pettit, this extra 25 minutes we are in school on Wednesdays, due to the elimination of late start, is what we are using towards the time the school has half days.

“Instead of taking a small amount of

Student reaction to events in our world

Area Man shrinks two inches in fitness competition

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Changes occur daily to enhance various elements.

These changes can be seen with school security.

An extra front entrance door was built to lead visitors directly into the main office. The purpose of the front door is used as a Sally Port. A Sally Port is a controlled entryway where visitors, intruders or somebody that doesn’t have access to the school is forced to enter the main office before continuing on into the school. This new system helps secure the building better from unwanted visitors.

“When somebody would get buzzed in once they walked into the lobby, they could go anywhere in school.

This (new front entrance) helps us control who is coming into our building,” Director of Security for Crown Point Schools Milan Damjanovic said.

Furthermore, the new entryway is positioned right by the school security officers, Officer Damjanovic and Officer Ryan Olson.

“My office is up front and this makes us more accessible if somebody comes in and gets their problems taken care of right away,” Damjanovic said.

Crown Point High School was not the only school that went under this new security system. Many of the schools in the Crown Point district have also adopted this new entryway.

“Out of the ten schools eight of them have gone and had a major change in their front entrance. These eight schools include Solon Robinson Elementary School, Lake Street Elementary School, Timothy Ball Elementary School, Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, Jerry Ross Elementary School, Winfield Middle School and Taft Middle School,” Damjanovic said. “The other two, Eisenhower Elementary School and Wheeler Middle School, already have the concept.”

This new development in school security was brought to light when an assessment of school safety was done.

Other than the new entry creation, other new concepts of

enhancing school security will also be established.

“Some of the other things we are doing at our schools is we are getting alert badges. My ultimate goal is to have each one of our staff members to wear one of these,” Damjanovic said.

The badges will be used for emergency situations that might occur in schools. An example would be if somebody were to fall down and break their leg, or if a stranger is lurking around outside the school.

These badges will alert the police department, the school nurse and other school officials like Damjanovic and principal Chip Pettit on either their phones or computers, bringing law enforcements quicker to schools, especially the ones farther away.

Damjanovic mentions how this concept is a better method than having a buzzer underneath the desk because predicaments can occur anywhere and at any time.

Another beneficial aspect of the alert badges is it can give emergency location due to the Wi-Fi network at the schools.

“Say if we have a fight down in the E-wing, which is way down there and we (the officers) won’t know if we are standing here (at the main office), one of the teachers can press the emergency button. It will come up on the badge and say ‘disturbance’,” Damjanovic said.

With the new security methods, senior Kristen Cunanan sees the benefit of the changes.

“I feel safer in the school knowing that all of these new precautions and improvements are being taken to ensure the safety of the students. Having all of these new things, especially after the various school break-ins and shootings, does give me a sense of security,” Cunanan said.

This sense of security also comforts some other students as well.

“With all the tragic school shootings that have happened in the recent years, I think that it is a great idea to implement these new safety measures to keep us safe,” senior Brooke Kiran said.

Anna Biesen freshmen

Connor Mullen sophomore

I think it’s pretty cool, like the new designs and features. The size of the phone is pretty inconvenient.

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Johnny Supan junior

It’s a shame that we live in a world where this stuff can be posted and opened to anyone who wants to see it.

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opinion september 29, 2014

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speakup

Ray Rice video should not have been released

At what point do you think school rivalries cross the line?

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

Let’s be honest.

Seven months ago, on Feb. 15, little thought was given to the news that Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice had assaulted his then fiancé—now wife—Janay Palmer. There was little outrage.

No talk shows. No Sports Illustrated cover. Just a two-game suspension and a slap on the wrist from the NFL. But now, thanks to TMZ, there’s a video of the assault, and all of a sudden, the public has voiced its outrage. The ex-Raven has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL, and the issue is receiving the attention it deserves.

But all of this poses a serious question: What did we think domestic violence looked like?

The release of this video should put us to shame. That we have to have access to gut-wrenching footage of a woman being abused—that we’re engrossed in her most horrific moments as they go viral—makes us just as guilty as the man under scrutiny.

We tell ourselves that we’re watching the footage to realize the severity of the situation, that we’re educating ourselves, drawing attention to the issue. We think that the only way people would take notice of the horrors of domestic violence is by posting more images of a woman’s black eyes, broken nose, battered face.

But in reality, we’re doing the exact opposite. We watch from the comfort and safety of our homes, taking in every detail of the victim’s agony just to like, retweet and comment on it before carrying on with our daily lives. By publicizing their traumas, we are forcing abused women to relive their most vulnerable moments over and over and over again.

We’re asking questions like “Why did she marry him?” critiquing her decisions rather than recognizing the overall problem.

No one paid attention to the issue before TMZ released the footage, yet we think we truly care about Palmer and every victim of domestic violence.

We don’t.

If we wanted to truly care about finding a solution to domestic violence—if we wanted to regard victims as more than just another statistic, another link to share—we would bring ourselves to acknowledge their humanity.

We’d call attention to the issue without any videos.

We’d do much more than just watch.

CARTOON BY ARRIANA RAINWATER

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“ They go too far when other schools act and make fun us.

Also, when they take our shirts and burn them.”

iew: Rivalries are fun, if not taken too far

Rivalries are a typical part of all athletic competitions, professional or not. Just like it is normal for IU to clash with Purdue and for the Chicago Bears fans to hate the Green Bay Packers fans, it was normal to expect that we would have our own quarrels with opposing teams like Merrillville and Lake Central.

It wasn’t---and should never be---expected that these rivalries would turn into attempts to stereotype, ridicule and vandalize.

Rivalries can enhance the feeling of school spirit. There is nothing wrong with dressing up at athletic events to bring the student body together. A student section is not a student section without unity, and U.S.A. and neon-themed nights do no harm.

Showing up as “pimps and hoes,” however, is a different story.

Going to games dressed in a manner that can be interpreted as demeaning, whether by intention or not, is not only offensive but also ineffective in representing what student sections should stand for. We’re supposed to be showcasing school spirit. We’re doing everything but that---and worse.

Although fans may think that the sporting of such offensive attire is innocent fun, the reality of the situation is much more serious than that. Take, for example, members of the Bedford North Lawrence student section, who, according to the Indianapolis Star, wore gorilla outfits and safari gear to a basketball game last season against Lawrence North, a predominantly African American team. The students argued that the costumes were not racially motivated. Lawrence North thought otherwise, and the IHSAA is currently investigating the case.

When school rivalries result in trashing campus pools and shattering school property, it’s evident that we’ve taken things too far. It’s crucial that we catch ourselves---that we learn where to draw the line between school spirit and offensive ridicule---before the situation gets even worse.

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Crown Point High School, IN

Inklings is a student publication created by the newspaper and advanced journalism students and distributed monthly to students, faculty and staff of Crown Point High School. Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of CPHS faculty, staff or administration.

Letters-to-the-editor are welcomed provided they are signed and submitted one week prior to publication and do not contain personal attacks. Inklings reserves the right to edit for space, clarity and legal and ethical concerns.

Advertising is subject to applicable rates available by contacting Inklings.

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

Alexis Rivera sophomore “When it costs money to fix things that were vandalized, or whenever anyone gets hurt or affected.”

George Cobb freshmen “Damaging school property and making signs that say we suck, and when the other team’s students come to our section and trash talk. ”

Cody Chambers senior “It crosses the line when we blame our rival Lake Central for damaging property.”

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

Mazzy Ensweiler freshman

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

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

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

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opinion september 29, 2014

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Should Homecoming proposals be extravagant?

5

Our nation’s heroes deserve more respect

BY NADIA GIEDEMANN

associate editor

CARTOON BY COLLIN RAISER

Pro:

Con:

Extravagant proposals show effort and thoughtfulness

Simple proposals are more intimate and personal

BY VERDA MIRZA

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM

What girl wouldn’t want to be the center of attention, especially when it comes to the homecoming, turnabout or prom season? It is kind of in a girl’s nature to feel like she is the one in the crowd the guy singles out to spend one extraordinary day together.

Insecurities plague most teenage girls, but having a guy create a special and elaborate proposal to a dance can make a girl’s day. Something sweet and elaborate shows that he cares for the girl and sees her as a trophy to present to the whole school. It is these moments that a girl will remember for the rest of her life. She will remember how a guy made her feel like a princess with a big banner saying “HOMECOMING?” Guys are not quite receptive to being big romantics, but they take one day to show a girl that she is special. Also, when guys plot this big, elaborate way to ask a girl out, it shows how he cares about her and has taken effort into asking her out rather than just slipping a little note in math class saying ‘homecoming?” and that note be left at the desk only to be found by another stranger thinking it is for them, crushing them.

Yes, with a low key of asking her out to homecoming is cheap, but it also makes that guy seem cheap and kind of lazy. The fact that he probably just thought about asking her out last night doesn’t have the same thoughtful ring to it as if he were to construct an elaborate proposition that he has been thinking about for weeks.

To make a girl feel special, one has to show that she is special.

Nowadays, words are not enough to show how much the girl truly matters. A guy has to construct an ostentatious homecoming or prom proposal to create a magical and precious moment for the girl. Do not go all out like kidnapping the girl because that is borderline creepy, but keep it to the level of filling her room with a ton of balloons.

High school is about making memories and one of these memories includes how that cute guy asked you to a dance. A girl wants to remember how someone took their time to make her feel special than all other girls with an intricate proposal.

Whether it be fall, winter or spring it is nearly impossible to not see an extravagant way to ask a girl or guy to a dance while scrolling through one’s Twitter feed. Handmade signs and cheap flowers are cute ways to ask friends, girlfriends or boyfriends to a dance, but some people take the expression “go big or go home” quite literally and buy expensive jewelry or costly shoes just to have a date.

Most freshmen and sophomores do not have jobs. Just saving enough money for a ticket and a dress or a shirt and tie can prove to be a challenge. The same goes for some juniors and seniors. Very few students have the money to spend on a $20 pizza let alone $500 for a puppy just to ask their girlfriend or boyfriend to an already pricey dance.

Even if a student could pull off an extravagant proposal, there is always the chance that the person being asked will say yes only because they do not want to hurt the other person’s feelings.

Students already have a lot on their plate with homework, sports and clubs; planning an extravagant proposal to a dance takes time that not many students have.

If one does find the time to work out all the details, many plans have the potential to go wrong. For example, a boy recently made national news for kidnapping his homecoming date at 4 a.m. Being thrown into a trunk blindfolded with hands tied is not romantic or cute. It’s just too much.

Most people do like to feel special, but some genuinely do not enjoy attention. If they cannot even stand in front of a class of 20 people and read a speech, how can they be put on the spot in front of strangers? Even if the person asking plans on asking enjoys attention, there are other more affordable options like buying them flowers or candy.

The simple question of, “Would you want to go to the dance with me?” has been labeled as out-of-date and old-school by most students.

However, this is much easier and takes stress off of both sides. Just asking someone is more personal. The two people are agreeing to go together because they want to, not because they are bribed to.

14 Inklings staffers agree

16 Inklings staffers agree

editor-at-large

Heidi Polizotto

assistant editor

German teacher

Emily Dawley

“I prefer a simple asking because I don’t like making someone asking me to homecoming a big deal. It should be a more personal thing.”

“I’d prefer something more thoughtful.

It’s nice to know that someone put some thought and effort into asking.”

Tommy Pawlowski

senior

sophomore

“People should be elaborate because with homecoming becoming semi-formal, people need to step up their game.”

Amy Berchem

French teacher

“I think a simple proposal is better because you should wait with the elaborate one for when you get married.”

Earlier this month, U.S. Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Sherwood Baker wished to enter his daughter’s high school in Detroit, Michigan. All he wanted to do was help her fix her schedule and meet with her counselor. He was not permitted in the building by a security guard and was asked to leave because of his uniform, saying that he could possibly offend some students. Later the superintendent of the school corporation apologized to the family for the miscommunication.

The one thing that doesn’t seem right is that one might feel offended by an Army officer in his uniform. Men and women in the armed services risk their lives every day to fight for our nation and our freedom. One who risks their own life and serves our country should earn the right to wear his or her uniform in public. Some may not agree with war and may argue that violence is not the answer. You don’t have to agree with what is happening on the other side of the planet, but you should respect those who help protect your freedom.

Our country tries to show respect for these people as much as possible. Whether troops are remembered during a moment of silence or recognized for years of service at sporting events, there is still an effort to show some sort of appreciation towards them.

Although this may seem like enough, there is so much more one can do to show their support or respect for those in uniforms.

Little signs of respect can easily show someone that you are thankful for them and what they are doing for the country. Shaking one’s hand and saying “thank you” is a harmless way of showing your respect for that person.

One should actually think about what a moment of silence is for rather than staring off blankly into space.

No service man or woman should ever be turned away because they are in their uniform.

They are brave enough to fight for the country. Service men and women deserve every ounce of respect given to them. They should not be treated as though they are below anyone. I hope that these people will get the amount of recognition and thanks they deserve, because – who knows? –this may not have been able to be written without these people fighting for this country.

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Counselors and students provide tips for applying to college editor-in-chief reporter

Harsh, stressful but improving.

The college application process has been described as many things, but it is a common consensus among students that it is no easy feat.

Application essays, standardized tests and looming deadlines are all elements of the process that have resulted in stress for seniors like Cara Karamocoski.

“Because I want to do early admissions, I am trying to get the application essays done as soon as possible and honestly, that is the most stressful part,” Karamocoski said.

New technology such as the Common Application has been developed to help ease similar stresses. This online application device is used for undergraduate admissions by over 500 different colleges and universities. By filling out the Common Application, students can apply to colleges more efficiently while giving universities access to more than just a student’s grades and test scores.

“The Common Application covers things like personal data, educational data, test scores, family information, academic honors, extracurricular activities, work experience, a personal essay and criminal history,” guidance counselor Brenda Wolski said. “That means colleges must take into consideration these things and evaluate ap-

plications on more than just GPA and test scores.”

However, because not all universities accept the Common Application, students must still research the materials required by a college for admission.

Regardless of the common belief, this aspect of the college application process does not necessarily start the fall of senior year. According to Wolski, freshmen, sophomores and juniors alike are encouraged to challenge themselves academically and look into colleges early to avoid being overwhelmed at the start of their senior year.

‘‘

I would encourage people when applying to college to try and get everything done as soon as possible. You want your senior year as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Cara Karamocoski senior “First of all, enjoy high school,” Wolski said. “However, getting off on the right track is very important but, unfortunately, many underclassmen do not understand how important this is. Work hard in school, and don’t be afraid of an academic

College admissions: What really matters?

Admissions test scores

29.4%

considerable weight

limited weight

moderate weight

no weight

Extracurricular activities

Tip: Retake the ACT and SAT until the score reflects the best of your abilities. 7.0%

59.3%

challenge.”

CPHS offers students a variety of programs and tools to start the application process off early. Among the programs offered, Naviance specifically offers students a multitude of resources. However, despite its availability, sophomore Ben Depta believes the program has not been utilized by many.

“I used to think it was as simple as sending a letter, and now I realize that there are essays and recommendation letters. There are just so many different things that you have to do before applying,” Depta said.

“The high school provides us with enough resources to find the college of our choice and start the application process early to make it easier. People aren’t choosing to use it, and I feel like that’s not the best decision.”

Karamocoski recommends underclassmen to take advantage of such resources and get a head start when applying to college, preparing for standardized tests and keeping up with good grades to ensure a stress-free senior year.

“Maintain a good GPA to open up more opportunities,” Karamocoski said.

“Study for your standardized tests regardless of how overwhelming it may seem, too.

In general, I would encourage people when applying to college to try and get everything done as soon as possible. You want your senior year as relaxing and stress free as possible.”

Tip: Leadership positions are highly considered. Make a noticable impact in a club.

4.3%

9.2%

22.7%

33.0% 35.2%

*statistics from the National Association for College Admission’s 2011 State of College Admission Report

#

BY the

College spotlight

150+

majors at Indiana University Bloomington Purdue University ranklings

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM CHRIS REKITZKE

4 3 9 7 th

by Wall Street Journal in preparing students for the workplace

rd by U.S. News & World

Report in landscape architecture program

th by U.S. News & World

th

Report in engineering program

by SmartMoney magazine in long-term monetary value of education

undergraduates who have served in the military at IUPUI

902

7

percent of students major in liberal arts and sciences at Ball State percent of students major in social service professions at IU

*statistics from respective college pamphlets

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Bernacky awarded American Legion Division 1 Teacher of the Year

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BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

In his wildest dreams, Don Bernacky never imagined himself as a teacher.

He never enjoyed school. As a young child in elementary school, Bernacky could barely get around. He was sick, and, because of his cerebral palsy, Bernacky’s attendance badly suffered, keeping him from advancing to fifth grade.

He had a terrible stutter, one that often times left him misunderstood.

“If someone had told me ‘We’re going to have you talk for a living,’ I would’ve laughed,” Bernacky said. “It was just something that would’ve been so out of reach.”

The reality was not as far as Bernacky originally imagined it to be. Today, Bernacky is a social studies teacher at Crown Point High School.

And an award winning one, at that.

Bernacky was named the District 1 and Indiana High School Educator of the Year at The American Legion, Department of Indiana 96th Annual State Convention, in Indianapolis this past July.

A committee of judges then examined each binder submitted by various teachers from around the congressional district, calling Bernacky to notify him that his binder had won him the award.

“I was stunned, humbled and had just so many emotions when they announced it,” Bernacky said. “There were so many different dedicated and amazing teachers at that American Legion convention, and I was humbled to have won it from amongst them.”

Bernacky believes his personal experiences and struggles have helped get him where he is today.

After failing the fourth grade, Bernacky was misplaced, assigned to a special education class by his school’s teachers.

“Back then, teachers just assumed that I was mentally challenged,” Bernacky said. “They penciled in an IQ score they thought I was around without ever testing me.”

That did not stop him from excelling. From the moment he was deemed challenged, Bernacky started reading on his own, studying novels by Jules Verne and Mark Twain.

“People saw me reading those books and thought, ‘You’re not supposed to be able to read that,’” Bernacky said. “A teacher finally realized they had me in the wrong spot, but by then I had become disenchanted with school.

It was the place where I went to feel bad about myself, and it stayed that way almost all the way through high school.”

After spending some time working in manual labor, Bernacky realized how hard it was for him. He began to put more time into his schoolwork, enough to work his way up to a partial scholarship.

His cerebral palsy, however, was getting worse. Bernacky recalls passing out from the pain, unable to function from the severity of the side effects.

Thanks to finances provided by members of Indiana rehabilitation, Bernacky was eventually able to undergo two and a half years of surgery on his legs, a procedure Bernacky is thankful for till this day.

“It was like the world suddenly had added color to it,” Bernacky said. “All of the pain was gone. I went from a C-D student to straight A’s. I realized: this was the world

PHOTO BY MICAYLA WATROBA

Social studies teacher Don Bernacky lectures a group of students taking his Dual Credit U.S. History class. Bernacky was awarded the Division 1 and Indiana High School Educator of the Year this past July in Indianapolis.

with focus.”

After graduating high school, Bernacky spent time tutoring history in college. History was his passion, and he was glad to provide any help that was needed within the subject.

‘‘

I was stunned, humbled and had just so many emotions when they announced it. There were so many different dedicated and amazing teachers at that American Legion convention, and I was humbled to have won it from amongst them. social studies teacher Don Bernacky A student within a study group he tutored specifically appreciated Bernacky’s help, claiming that he picked up on matters much quicker when Bernacky explained them.

That was when it hit him.

“When he said that, it just hit me like, ‘Oh no. Son of a gun. I’m a teacher,’” Bernacky said. “That’s the last thing I wanted to hear.”

Bernacky’s realization that he was meant to teach history came easily for him. Actually being hired was not as easy.

“I didn’t participate in anything much in high school, so I didn’t realize that, if I wanted to be a history teacher, I should really be a coach too,” Bernacky said. “No one even gave me a sniff, a second look to hire me as a history

teacher.”

No one in the United States, at least.

After being notified of teaching openings in South Korea and being interviewed at the NBC towers in Chicago, Bernacky and his wife were hired to teach in a school district overseas, an experience Bernacky never could have imagined.

“It was nothing like I ever expected. It was fantastic,” Bernacky said. “I never knew what it was like to be an adult, to live on my own, until I was living in a different economy.”

Bernacky and his wife had significantly boosted their school’s test scores. Because of a failing economy, however, Bernacky passed on the opportunity to sign a contract extension and prepared to return to the United States.

Before leaving, Bernacky videotaped himself teaching at his school, highlighting his philosophy and then mailing the tapes to various districts in the United States. Members of the Crown Point Community Schools Corporation came across the videos, and before Bernacky knew it, he had a teaching job at Crown Point High School.

Since then, sponsored the school’s ultimate Frisbee club, chess club and, most notably, the Stray Dogs improv club.

Nothing came easily for Bernacky. His trials and tribulations have brought him where he currently stands.

Yet, after years of teaching in Crown Point, Bernacky knows one thing for sure: anyone could have been named High School Educator of the Year, with or without any of his struggles.

“As I’ve gone through here and become a teacher at Crown Point, the one thing I’ve come to realize is that you can open a huge percentage of this school’s doors, easily take my trophy, replace the name and have just as strong as a candidate,” Bernacky said. “I feel really lucky that I was the door they opened and that I was able to win it.”

check out the full story at crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION ALAA ABDELDAIEM

Cafeteria provides more options to keep students eating healthy

BY LAUREN MASSOW

reporter

That breakfast is the most important meal of the day is a commonly heard saying. Foods teacher Julia Collins agrees that breakfast is a key component to a successful day.

“If you don’t eat breakfast, you can’t concentrate on other things such as school work,” Collins said. “Your stomach is sending messages to your brain, and all you can think about is being hungry, especially during lunch time.”

Health studies have shown that eating breakfast each day, even a small one, gives the body the nutrients and energy that it needs. If one goes too long without eating breakfast on a regular basis, the body begins to break down muscle for energy. Skipping breakfast can also lead one to overeat before the next meal because they become so hungry.

“I eat breakfast because if I do not,

‘‘

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It is only about 50 calories, which is lower than most coffees from places such as Starbucks and McDonalds,” cafeteria manager Michele Kral said.

Collins believes there are several reasons why students skip breakfast. Most wake up around 5 a.m. to get ready for school and a lot of people cannot handle eating food that early in the morning. Other times, teenagers are rushing out of the door to catch their bus or drive to school.

For some, it is not easy to sit down and eat.

Collins still believes there are ways to eat breakfast on the go.

“Our busy lifestyles are a huge factor in why kids don’t eat breakfast. There’s no time and lack of convenience,” Collins said.

“I understand the reality of that is nearly impossible in today’s world, we’re an on the go society. If you could grab a yogurt and a breakfast bar on the go, that would be fabulous. A yogurt and a breakfast bar in today’s world would work great.”

The school cafeteria offers breakfast I would feel hungry all day,” sophomore every morning from 7-7:35a.m. and now Donny Colvin said.

Not only does eating breakfast make iced coffee for students not having enough one feel less hungry, it also impacts school time to make some at home.

“I think the performance.

Energy coffee in the cafprovided from breakfast eteria is a good allows students to fully strategy because participate in school work and extracurricular activiIf you don’t eat breakfast, a lot of people ties. you can’t concentrate on go to different coffee places and “When I eat, I feel like other things such as school then become late I take tests better and can work. for school,” said focus easier in school,” Julia Collins Colvin. senior Allison Ashbrooks Even said. foods teacher though the cofCollins says that your fee here is a lot breakfast should not inhealthier than clude fast food or “junk breakfast items” such as Pop Tarts. A most, one should not drink more than 16 healthy breakfast consists of a good blend ounces a day or on an empty stomach. of proteins, carbohydrates, whole grains “(The coffee) is made with one percent and fruits. A bowl of oatmeal, a banana, milk and coffee syrup that is actually sugar a glass of milk and a piece of toast are all free. It is less than five calories an ounce, considered healthy breakfast options. and you are only getting about ten ounces.

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Twelve new teachers welcomed to faculty

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new teachers added to the Science Department

teachers graduated from Purdue University

Ali Bickel

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German

Reed now conducts the Advanced Symphony Orchestra.

He loves working with students to create music, and if he was not a teacher he would be a professional musician.

Kevin Paetsch

2

A former Crown Point gymnast and a Purdue graduate, Rawls currently teaches geometry and algebra II. Outside of school she spends most of her time with her husband and kids.

Heidi Marek

A graduate from Ball State, Harney now teaches chemistry and transitional chemistry. Harney taught at Lake Central for seven years and hopes to show students how chemistry is not that bad.

one teacher enjoys cooking in her free time

Pearson, the new Biology and Physics teacher, got her associates degree from Joliet Junior College and her bachelors degree from Saint Xavier University. If she was not a teacher, Pearson would be a psychiatrist.

Erin Rawls

The new spanish teacher, Jennifer Magallanes, graduated from La Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia, South America. Outside of school she enjoys traveling and going to concerts.

Stephanie Harnew

a new English teacher enjoys playing tennis

Mindy Pearson

Jennifer Magallens

Depta received his bachelor’s degree at St. Joseph College and masters at Indiana University Northwest. He currently teaches biology. If he was not a teacher, Depta says he would be a salesman.

Paetsch teaches physics and chemistry and is a Ball State graduate. He developed an interest in teaching science when he was in high school and now cannot imagine teaching anything else.

miles

from Chicago to one teacher’s college location in the South American country of Columbia

Tom Reed

Bickel, a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, now teaches English 9R and 9H. She previously taught at St. Mary’s. She was inspired to teach by teachers she had.

Mike Depta

2,704

the language spoken by one new teacher

Lauren Sandor The new guidance counselor, Lauren Sandor, transferred from Lake Central. Sandor got her master’s degree from Purdue Calumet and her Bachelors from Ball state. She is happy to help anyone.

Valapariso University graduate, Heidi Marek is the new German one and English lab teacher.

She enjoys studying the Indian culture, riding her bike and cooking.

Colette Shurch

Alex Tsikouris

Former bulldog, Colette Shurch is coming back to CPHS as a new nurse. She graduated from Purdue Calumet and in her free time she loves to fish.

English teacher Alex Tsikouris graduated from Bethel College but went to Purdue freshmen year. He is extremely adventerous and loves to travel, play tennis and stay active.

Former Bulldogs

are back as new staff members

1

teacher plays the trumpet in his free time

3

new teachers added to the English Department

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2

new teachers that have previously worked at Lake Central

Delivery

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Sandwiches Wings 220 S Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 663-5550 11am - 9pm Monday - Sunday

Chili

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PHOTO BY MICAYLA WATROBA

Seniors Taylor Sabato and Lori Radiceska record measurements from a crime scene set up for biomedical students to prepare them for experiences they may encounter in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. “I like how we are getting very in depth and learning exactly what someone at a real crime scene would do,” Radiceska said.

Crime scene used as new approach for biomed

BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI

reporter

Walking into C235 on the first day of school gave some students an overwhelming feeling as they scanned the room. In the back, a crime scene was laid out with yellow caution tape and two whiteboards were on the wall labeled “evidence” and “objectives.” Now it was straight to work for the new biomed class. The class is built around the death of Anna Garcia, a fictional character who’s murder students will be investigating all year.

“As soon as I walked into class I was extremely interested and excited. The crime scene caught my attention right away,” senior Lori Radiceska said.

One of the benefits of this class is that it does not focus entirely on the medical aspect but explores other subjects in the curriculum as well. This overlapping of subjects helps students become well-rounded in their education.

“The class is affiliated

with an organization called Project Lead The Way which promotes STEM learning,” Principles of Biomedical teacher Ashley Plumley said, “STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and is designed for students who are preparing to choose a career in one of those four categories.”

Some students take the class for the real life situations it simulates. The tests they run are practiced in various hospitals and give them experience to fall back on.

“The students run tests that actual doctors run in labs with childhood medical reports,” Plumley said.

Since the beginning of the school year, the students have only run tests looking for any traces of drugs or early symptoms of a disease.

Since their purpose is focused on inspecting the death of Garcia, these tests are necessary.

“We test blood samples to find out whether the suspects’ blood matches the blood found at the crime scene,” Radiceska said.

Other students are eager to take the class because of the advantage it will give them in college. This hands on experience helps students to be better qualified for positions in their desired field.

Junior Sam Herkey is intrigued on what knowledge the class will bring her in her career.

“I either want to be an athletic trainer or a physical therapist. The anatomy I will learn in my second year will help me a lot in college,” Herkey said.

The ability of the students to cover a whole year’s worth of information with just one crime scene has given students a deeper understanding of the medical field. Going into the rest of the year, Radiceska looks forward to what truly happens in the medical field by what this class has offered her.

“This class helps me get a real insight to what actually goes on and not just a broad overview. I’m looking forward to going even more in depth than we already have,” Radiceska said.

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sports september 29, 2014

We have been practicing really hard, so we are looking forward to going far in the post season.

- Senior Luke Polus

‘‘

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PHOTO BY TINA WINFREY Four tennis players, Nick Cantley, Adam Novelli, Matt Frazier and Ben Kochert have been battling it out this year for a single sectional spot. “We will find out who gets the open doubles spot right before sectional play,” Cantley said.

Four best friends compete for single sectional opening

BY ALEXIS BERDINE

sports editor

Four friends. One spot. As Bulldog tennis approaches postseason, competition for the only open varsity position rises.

Juniors Nick Cantley, Adam Novelli, Matt Frazier and Ben Kochert continue to battle for a chance at competing in sectionals.

“We will find out who gets the open doubles spot right before sectional play. We have been rotating at our matches, so everyone has been given an opportunity to prove themselves to our coaches,” Cantley said.

Through trial and error, head coach Chris Korzeniewski hopes to pick the best-suited doubles teams for postseason.

“Right now we have three different combinations. It is just a matter of figuring out which combination will be the most successful during the postseason. We are always looking for the best players in each position. No position is secure,” Korzeniewski said.

Not only have the boys been balancing their regular season with the pressure of competing for a single sectional spot, the quartet has maintained a mutual bond.

“We are really good friends. We aren’t rivals at all. We know that we are competing, so if someone other than me gets the

spot for postseason, it is not that big of a deal. It is neck-andneck when it comes to balancing friendship and tennis. We love what we do so maybe the tennis comes first, but our friendships are right behind it,” Novelli said.

The pressure of jockeying for position has challenged and improved the team as a whole.

‘‘

We have one senior this year, so we have seen a lot more juniors step up. Our juniors have been wanting to take ownership for the team and lead.

Chris Korzeniewski head coach “Nick, Adam, Matt and Ben are friends off the court, but serious when competing. Their competition helps the team; it is good because it keeps everyone trying harder every day. It is nice

to challenge each other,” junior Anthony Kendall said.

Cantley, Novelli, Frazier and Kochert continue to use each other to improve, even after the season concludes.

“In the offseason we still practice with each other. We will find time to meet up and play,” Novelli said.

The team has only one senior. Unlike any other year, the team has two captains. Juniors Lance Noerenberg and Kendall took this leadership role.

“We have one senior this year, our juniors have been wanting to take ownership for the team and lead. We have two capains this year, which has never happened before. When deciding on captains, there was a lengthy list that assiant coach Alex Tsikouris and myself created. The list consisted of about fifteen things that referenced character and leadership skills,” Korzeniewski said.

This new team lineup has not affected this season’s outcome, however.

The Dogs went 5-0, winning every match this week. After defeating Kankakee Valley, Michigan City, Wheeler and Hobart the Bulldogs are undefeated in their DAC. The Dogs look forward to competing against Munster in their upcoming sectional match.

“We lost to Munster in our final match last year. This year is about beating them and moving on to state,” Novelli said.

Coaching, chemistry, camaraderie, define boys tennis team

my view

BY JACKIE VAN DER WEY

sports editor

Determined. Competitive. Intimate.

When describing the boys tennis team, these are the three words that come to mind.

After participating in practice with the boys, I learned being on the tennis team was no easy task.

With physically intensive training, the practice was grueling. Freshman Mitchell Dzurovcici completed

528 motivating push-ups throughout the practice.

This ongoing push does not include the pre-practice warm up of club 21- which, I might add, is quite challenging, and the physical intensity of actually playing the game itself.

Despite all the physical challenges being on the team entails and the competition of maintaining a spot or earning one,

the team manages to keep lighthearted mentality.

The friendly competition at practice pushes them to meet their maximum potential.

Head coach Chris Korzenieski gives credit to new assistant coach Alex Tsikouris for the increase of positive team chemistry.

A new teacher at the school and a veteran of the Crown Point tennis team, Tsik-

ouris provides firsthand knowledge to the boys and works to better the team as a whole.

The young coach has immense faith in his team believing that from the number one to the last guy on junior varsity, each and every boy works as hard as the next.

Although they have heated competition, the boys are not rivals but

rather a family. The camaraderie I witnessed while at the practice was impressive.

“I love being a part of this team. They’re like a family or a bunch of little brothers,” team manager Sam Hayes said.

Between the coaching staff, team chemistry and the intensive work ethic of the players, I’d say that a successful postseason is inevitable.

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Girls golf takes second in sectionals

BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI

reporter

PHOTO BY ALEX STACK Sophomore Lexy Oppenhuis goes up to spike ball onto the opponent’s side of the court, looking for the kill. Although the team faced a loss to

Lake Central last week, they hope to rebound against Chesterton tomorrow and Valpo on Thurs.

UP IN THE AIR

Young team boasts winning record, aims for success heading to playoffs

BY DOMINIC TOMICH

reporter

After coming close to a near-late comeback victory, the loss almost seemed surreal.

Thurs. night’s four-set loss to Lake Central came as a shock to members of the Lady Dogs’ volleyball team. Although the outcome was not as they had hoped, senior Taylor Sabato is still proud of what her team was able to accomplish.

“The team fought hard. We didn’t have our greatest game, but it was fun to go out there and leave it all on the court,” Sabato said. “At the end of the fourth game, no one was hesitating. We were all aggressive. Lake Central is a big rival, and if we have to lose to someone, I’m glad it was to a great team like them.”

With the team’s tough loss, senior leader Alyssa Kvarta hopes to hold the

team together in the following weeks.

“I’m hoping that our team will be able to come together in these next tough DAC matches and show how much we have improved throughout the season.

I’m also hoping we gain some of the things from this loss and implicate those into the following matches,” Kvarta said.

Despite the loss, the Lady Dogs are off to another quick start. With Oct. approaching, the girls are 13-5 with hopes to top the DAC in back-to-back seasons.

The team was able to pull through with a win Tues. evening at LaPorte after coming up short earlier this year.

“They were both close matches, and with better defense and better team leadership, we were able to win our second time facing them,” head coach Alison Duncan said.

With such a young and inexperienced group of girls, the team plans on making

smart and correct plays to limit mistakes.

“Consistency is what we need work on because our team is so young,” Sabato said.

Despite the young group, postseason expectations remain high.

“There is only one team we haven’t beat in our conference, and we are hoping our progression is better than theirs,” Duncan said.

It is not only the coaches with high expectations; all players feel confident heading into Oct. as well.

Kvarta is eager to improve in the time leading up to sectionals. The senior is currently committed to play at East Tennessee State and believes the team can excel past last year’s end result.

“The team’s plan is to improve from last year and win many DAC conference games before winning sectionals and regionals,” Kvarta said.

Boys finish in top ten at New Prairie Invite

BY THOMAS FRAME

reporter

It was only his third race back. After struggling with an ankle injury for most of the season, junior Ryan Kepshire felt confident heading into the meet at New Prairie on Sept. 20.

His confidence proved vital to his performance.

“My confidence was up, and my performance was decent. I took the first mile out too fast, but overall, I did a good job,” Kepshire said.

Despite the pressure of racing against demanding competition, Kepshire and the Bulldogs were still able to finish 6th overall.

“It was a good meet for us to see how we measure up against some of the top teams in the state,” head coach Keith Iddings said.

Among the 34 total teams at the invitational, the top teams included Munster,

Lake Central and Portage. All teams had runners finish in the top ten. Top runners for the Dogs included Kepshire, who finished 12th, and juniors Dylan Wallace, who finished 24th, and Matt Mosak, who finished 16th.

The New Prairie course is not only famous for its annual meet, but will also be hosting the boys semi-state meet this year.

“The New Prairie course is the same course where semi-state is held, so it gives us feedback on how well we are running on a course we need to do well at to qualify for the state meet,” Iddings said.

Results from the New Prairie Invite have proved to be promising, as the top six from semi-state advance to the state final on Nov. 1.

The latest Top 25 poll on Indiana Runner gave the Bulldogs an honorable mention, but not a spot on the list. The boys plan to use this momentum in the following weeks as they travel to Valparaiso for the DAC championships on Oct. 4.

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Senior Jacob Langbehn, juniors Ryan Kepshire and Dylan Wallace run a prerace warm up at the Lake Central invite. The team placed fourth.

It is often said that teammates are like family, but for sisters senior Alyssa and sophmore Emily Harvey, the statement is much more than a simile. Throughout their two seasons together, the sisters’ goal of advancing to the state finals has never changed.

“It’s all about concentration,” Emily said, “You have to focus on the course and not worry about the girl you’re playing.”

This kind of concentration is encouraged by the rest of the team. The girls motivate one another to play their hardest.

“I always want to play to the best of my ability for my teammates,” Alyssa said, “We count on each other, and I believe this team has what it takes to get to state. We need to focus on not giving up.”

After beating Lake Central and Chesterton (both teams are ranked top ten in state) at the conference meet, the girls have gained confidence going into sectionals.

“We put a lot of effort out at sectionals, and even though we came up short by five, we are learning from our mistakes and improving on them for regionals,” Alyssa said.

To get better results, head coach Jon Haas has been working on dialing the mistakes back.

“We try to get better every week,” Haas said, “Whether its sectionals, regionals or just a regular match, our goal is fewer strokes than the week before.”

Girls cross country places ninth at New Prairie, looks to improve

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

At the New Prairie Invitational, 164 girls and 23 teams stepped up to the line, awaiting the signal to explode out of the starting box and begin the race.

The girls cross country team entered New Carlisle on Sept. 20 not looking to win, but an indication of what they need to do to qualify for state.

“I, as well as the girls, were eager to see where we were going to place, so we can have an idea on what we have to do to work our way up into that top six at semi-state,” head coach Adam Piaskowy said.

As a team, the girls finished in ninth place with three runners finishing in the top 40. Senior Kammi Kurtz, who not only runs cross country but also plays soccer, placed 32nd with a time of 20:34.

“It’s tough switching back and forth between soccer and cross,” Kurtz said. “This was only my third meet of the season and every time I get the opportunity to race I always try to make the most of it.”

Kurtz did just that, finishing first for the Lady Dogs, placing ahead of freshman Hannah Wylie and senior Jill Zimmerman. Wylie and Zimmerman have consistently been the top two runners for CP throughout the season.

“I haven’t really been having the best season,” Zimmerman said. “Kammi and Hannah have done a great job picking up the slack, but I plan on getting back into my normal self as we work to get better as a team.”

The Lady Dogs now know what they have to do: move down three places as a team in a matter of five weeks.

“It’s very clear on what we’re trying to accomplish and what we have to do to accomplish it,” Piaskowy said. “We have to move some of the girls down and try to get them up there with our top three. With the workouts I have planned, by the end of the season, we will have the ability to qualify for state.”

Culver results were not available at press time.

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sports september 29, 2014

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SETTING GOALS

on the ball

WITH D-WALL

Boys, girls aim for sectional titles

PHOTO BYJILLIAN KIDDER

Looking to assist, sophomore Scott Garcia races to the ball.

The boys hold a share of the DAC title with their win over Merrillville.

BY ELI UDCHITZ

reporter

Twenty-seven games. It was one of the longest winning streaks in Crown Point history to be held by the boys soccer team. That streak came to an end on Sept. 10 in a 1-0 loss to one of their DAC rivals, Chesterton.

“Everybody loses. No streak lasts forever,” head coach Mike Bazin said. “I told the guys after the game that they probably had one of the best streaks in Crown Point’s history, so they shouldn’t be ashamed of anything.”

The boys responded well after their streak was snapped by defeating Penn 1-0. The Dogs are 4-34 overall and have a conference record of 3-2-1. Their goals for and against ratio is 10:7, scoring three more goals than they have allowed.

“It’s been difficult for our offense to put the ball in the net and really get into a consistent groove,” junior Michael Tanchevski said.

The Dogs lost a lot of seniors last year that helped them capture the state championship. Senior defensive captain Erik Eksten makes it his responsibility to stay positive around the team and make them better.

“I think we knew coming into the season that we were going to be losing all of our scoring with all of the seniors being gone,” Eksten said. “I think the biggest thing I have to do as a senior captain is keep my head up and keep playing the way I have so that I

BY DYLAN WALLACE

reporter

Professional sports set poor example Your typical sports nut wakes up to the crisp breeze of a cool September morning and turns on SportsCenter, hoping to catch up on their favorite sports. Unfortunately, for the sports fans, the recent negative press the NFL has been drawing seems to be blocking the newsfeed this month.

The NFL has suffered some of its worst moments in the past few weeks of September. Every time you turn on SportsCenter, all one hears about is Adrian Peterson abusing his child or about Ray Rice and Greg Hardy with their domestic violence incidents, all of which have reflected poorly on the NFL’s decision-making skills. After a few weeks, one can’t help but wonder when everybody will stop focusing on these things and finally return their attention back to football itself.

Who’s to blame for all this?

Not SportsCenter, but the man in charge, the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell. The hypocrisy, the lies---they make it easy to say: Rodger Goodell should be fired.

In an interview with CBS, he said he only used law enforcement for gathering information about Ray Rice’s case, as they are the “most credible.” If that’s the case, then where did Goodell get the New England Patriots practice tape during the Spygate investigation in 2008? What about the alleged tape where New Orleans Saints defensive end Anthony Hargrove asked for money in the Bountygate investigation in 2012?

Don’t get me wrong, Goodell did indeed say he had his doubts about Rice’s story, but if he doubted it, why didn’t he go after the tape to see if it was true?

Goodell has made more of an effort into punishing minor offenses in his own sport, such as celebrating too excessively or wearing the wrong colored shoelaces, than cases for domestic violence.

His lack of an immediate reaction has created a large amount of controversy.

Goodell should go before things get worse.

extra

points

Quick Stats

10:7

goals for and against ratio for the boys soccer team

the Lady bulldogs have outscored opponents

29-15

can lead by example for the rest of the team.”

With only three weeks remaining until the postseason, the defending champions will be taking on Michigan City Oct. 1, leaving them with two weeks of preparation before sectionals on Oct. 8 where they will face off against Merrillville in the first round.

The Lady Dogs stand at a similiar position. They currently hold a 6-5 record overall and a 2-3 conference record. The girls are being patient with their season taking things one game at a time.

“There has been a lot of adjusting to do this season, so it’s been different, but it’s working,” senior Lauren O’Keefe said. “We just need to keep taking things one step at a time and keep looking to improve as we approach the sectional part of the season.”

The Lady Dogs have outscored their opponents 29-15, averaging about 2.6 goals per game and allowing 1.4 goals a game.

They have yet to lose a game by more than two points.

“We’ve had some impressive wins. Some have been blowouts, others have been close,” junior Chloe Mikus said. “The losses have been tough to swallow, losing them all by two or less, but we have recovered well from each one and came back strong in the next game.”

The Lady Dogs will play Michigan City tomorrow to close out conference play.

Bulldogs confident after win against Portage, look ahead to LaPorte

BY SAM BARLOGA

reporter

When Portage quarterback Nathan Cherry found the endzone mid-way through the first quarter and gave the Indians an early 7-0 lead, it appeared as if the Bulldogs would lose their second straight. Time of possession was onesided, and the Dogs could not seem to stop the run.

That all changed during the second half, as the early touchdown would prove to be the point the Indians would score.

Head coach Kevin Enright thought the defense did well by not allowing Portage on the scoreboard after their 7-0 first quarter lead.

“I thought our defense did really well,” Enright said. “Our team defensive goals were pretty much met on Friday night. When you can accomplish those goals you have a great chance of winning and it helps you overall.”

Senior team captain Nawaaf Elayyan also said that the defense played well against the Indians.

Have high school rivalries gone too far? out of 90 students polled

“We were just tuned in that game. We all worked together, executed our assignments and trusted one another, which is a key aspect to success on the defensive side of the ball,” Elayyan said.

The read option has been the go-to play this season for the Dogs, with first year starter Artie Equihua, junior, totaling 123 yards on the ground against Portage. With playmakers like Equihua at quarterback and junior Jesse Martin at running back, coach Enright knows the zone read brings the best out of his offense.

“The read option is a big part of our offensive scheme. It’s not everything that we do, but it is something we truly focus on this year because our talent dictates that. We have guys that can run the football, and we try to put our guys in the best position to be successful,” Enright said.

After stopping Portage to just 100 yards rushing, the Bulldogs are turning their attention to the run-heavy LaPorte Slicers.

The Dogs are putting a focus on senior runningback Charles Salary for LaPorte for the Oct. 3 duel between the Dogs and the Slicers. Head coach Kevin Enright knows that the upperclassmen will be vital to Friday’s game plan.

“Salary is a dynamic back, a very tough kid that comes from a football family. He is definitely a concern, and he is their go-to guy,” Enright said.

Salary has currently rushed for over 200 yards in all five games this season for the Slicers.

Enright also knows that Crown Point must get their defenders to the ball in order to stop the All-DAC back.

“We are going to have to play extremely well on defense and get all eleven red helmets to the football (to stop Salary),” Enright said.

The Bulldogs will finish the regular season against the Michigan City Wolves on Oct. 17.

The game against the Valparaiso Vikings was not available at press time.

My moment of the month....

58% say yes

“...was scoring a 56-yard touchdown against Lowell and seeing the crowd go wild.”

42% say no

-Troy Grady 0%

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arts & entertainment september 29, 2014

inreview “The Red Band Society”

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BY MARIA LEONTARAS reporter

“The Ellen Degeneres Show”

“Riptide”

By Vance Joy Vance Joy has released his first single, “Riptide,” and it is a definite success.

With interesting lyrics and the ukulele, it is almost impossible to not have “Riptide” stuck in one’s head.

This song has such a unique sound which makes it easy to love.

“All About That Bass”

by Meghan Trainor “All About That Bass” is a catchy, yet overplayed song. This hit may give one the urge to hit something or someone, specifically Meghan Trainor. The pop tune, while having an upside of encouraging people to love themselves, gets old fast. It would be best if that bass was not so conceited.

“Anaconda” Music Video While “Anaconda” has a catchy tune that people can dance to, the music video is highly raunchy. The video was butt cheek after butt cheek, and was just annoying to watch. Being completely pointless, it should be questioned as to why it was even made.

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The Maze Runner has fans dashing to theaters

Fox’s new show, “The Red Band Society” portrays the live’s of teens who must live in a hospital due to their health. Expecting the show to be similar to another sad version of “The Fault in Our Stars,” one would be surprised to find it is far from that.

While the show has some sad elements, it is very lighthearted and entertaining. The next episode needs to air sooner.

Ellen Degeneres is back for a brand new season of “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

This hilarious, feel-good program has been on for 12 consecutive seasons on NBC. From comical skits such as “Classic Joke Wednesday” and “Bad Paid For Photos” to tear-jerking segments of good deeds, watching “The Ellen Degeneres Show” is the perfect way to unwind from the school day.

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* movie times for AMC Showplace Shererville 16

Run time: 113 min Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter

Post-apocalyptic movies are all the rage among teens in this day and age, and the latest adaptation of this theme is exceptional. “The Maze Runner” is a young adult thriller that keeps one guessing until the end.

Dylan O’Brien plays the hero of the film, Thomas, who is thrown into a strange land without any solid memories. This mysterious meadow is inhabited only by boys with a makeshift government run by Alby (Aml Ameen) followed closely by levelheaded Newt (Thomas Sangster) and agitator Gally (Will Poulter).

Thomas is an immediate outsider by being the latest monthly newbie in the glade.

Chuck (Blake Cooper), Thomas’s companion, then explains the essentials of the glade: do your job, survive and don’t run out into the moving labyrinth that surrounds the land. He also warns of the Grievers, deadly, monstrous creatures that lurk throughout the maze at night.

The daunting walls can only be passed by the most athletic of the group: the runners. They leave when the walls open, run around and come back minutes before they close in hopes of finding a way out. No one questions this system until Thomas arrives. He pushes the boundaries to find answers of his own regarding the Glade and tensions arise.

This book-turned-movie may disappoint fans of James Dashner’s novel. While all the twists

and turns of the story are still present, many details have been changed or forgotten altogether.

Teresa (Kaya Rose Scodelario), the only girl to ever appear on the Glade, has little to no part in the plot of the film. Thomas and Teresa have an indescribable connection to one another. In both the book and the movie this relationship is questioned, but not as extensively in the film as the novel. The most notable change is Thomas’s and Teresa’s mind link which is not mentioned at all in the movie, and their relationship is not stressed in the film as it was in the book.

There are also many plot holes revolving around the mapping of the maze and how they utilized the recordings of the changes for the better. The film does not go into much detail of the rivalry between Gally and Thomas or the many responsibilities around the glade. The lack of detail found in the novel can only reinforce the classic saying that the book is better than the movie.

Although the film has major differences from the novel, director Wes Ball makes up for the lack of detail in his debut film with an outstanding cast and his incredible ability to make one constantly anxious for the characters. The constant suspense of the unknown fortify the feelings of fear for the characters.

The unknown actors who star in the film do an outstanding job of making each role seem realistic.

The fast pace and constant action of “The Maze Runner” are enough to keep anyone entertained on an afternoon.

Maroon 5 delivers with fifth studio album “V”

BY OLIVIA ELSTON editor-at-large

The biggest problem with CDs are the fact that usually all the songs sound so similar that it’s hard to tell them apart. It makes sense though; if you buy a CD, all you get is the same singer/band sound the whole way through. The moral of the story: it gets boring by the time you reach the fifth song on the album. So automatically, that’s what was expected going in listening to “V,” Maroon 5’s fifth studio album. But it totally went the opposite of those expectations.

The album starts off with their summer single, “Maps,” which does not pay justice to preview the album. Yes, “Maps” is a catchy song, but its repetitive chorus can get on one’s nerves if heard enough times. Thankfully, the rest of the album is not the same. Of course there are exceptions with a song or two, but, overall, “V” impresses. Maroon 5 varies their sound throughout the CD switching from songs with heavy synthesizer beats to pure instrumental beats. Songs like “Animal,” “New Love” and

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A section devoted to social media

“In Your Pocket” have contagious upbeat pulses that would be heavily favored for a party while songs like “Unkiss Me,” “My Heart Is Open” and “It Was Always You” have the soft, classical instruments to give them the more emotional feel that pull at one’s heart.

Where the background music thrives, the lyrics take a hit; the lyrics are weak, something that takes away from the album which is something that not even Adam Levine’s voice can cover up. Repeating the same words over and over does not give the song a bigger impact, it just makes them sound childish.

But there is one song that definitely hits the nail on the head for lyrics and is this album’s hidden gem: “Lost Stars.” “Lost Stars” has a beautiful sound with no synthesizer, just straight up instruments. The lyrics actually have a deeper meaning than the rest of the songs and does not just repeat the same word or phrase over and over again. If there was only one song to listen to off this album, it would be “Lost Stars” but luckily enough for Maroon 5, there are multiple other songs that would definitely be worth a listen.

best tweets

best apps

It’s okay all dogs go to heaven Sophomore Nicky Waran

@waran798

Still looking for a HC date.You free @ZacEfron on the 11?

Junior Abbey Wellman

Squaready

@abbeywellman98

Mom: It’s the happiest 5K on the planet.

Me; Until you start running...

Caroline Niepokoj

@cmn319

#BadPageantTalents stepping on legos without cursing Sophomore Jessica Barclay

@edjesswick

Timehop

Tired of having to cut people out of Instagram pictures because the square is so small? Look no further than this free app. One can shrink photos to fit everyone in the frame.

Instead of browsing through facebook for your “throwback Thursdays” or “Flashback Fridays” use this app to keep you updated on past anniversaries.

Top Tracks “Lost Stars” Track #14

“Animals” Track #2

best follows @NecklessAnimals Having a rough day? This account will surely have one laughing with hilariously photoshopped pictures of animals without necks.

@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 29, 2014

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Popularity no excuse for disrespect

BY TINA WINFREY

editor-in-chief

PHOTO BY BECCA BURKE

Blue Top is located in Highland and is co-owned by John Golfis and Dennis Minuik. The drive-in is open for business daily with varying times.

Blue Top fails to meet expectations

BY BECCA BURKE

For 50s enthusiasts, Muscle Car Maniacs and burger joint lovers alike, Blue Top Drive In offers a unique blend of modern sass with old school class that allows diners to have the option to view hot rods on display while eating from either the comfort of their own car or from the seating offered within Blue Top itself.

The experience in general is pretty decent as the menu features a couple nice pieces from Rueben sandwiches to malts and shakes. However, the novelty of the Blue Top was completely overshadowed by both the long drive out to Highland and the ridiculously priced cuisine. After ordering a simple meal for four featuring nothing other than four sandwiches,

two sides and four drinks, the price came out to a staggering $50.

Even if the price had come out lower, local eateries such as Schoops, Steak and Shake and Crown Town Grill can do a much better job with both food quality and variety. This, accompanied with the gas money and the long drive, turned out to be a complete bummer.

Blue Top is well known for featuring the vehicles that drive car enthusiasts wild, and if there were not car shows on the square every Thurs. from May through Sept., it would be a great chance to view the hotrods.

However, there is a much greater variety of cars offered on Crown Point’s very own town square. Regardless, if one is willing to make the drive, spend the gas money and score less food for their buck, more power to them. They just won’t find me among their ranks.

super bacon cheesburger breaded mushrooms homemade rootbeer

“The Cruiser” burger

Take a bite of this

assistant editor

GaGa album has fans smiling from “Cheek to Cheek”

BY HANNAH BAUNER

reporter

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga excel in two completely different genres of music, but that didn’t stop them from creating a beautiful jazz album. “Cheek to Cheek,” released on Sept. 23, features brilliant vocals from both Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga displayed in duets, solos and covers.

The title track, “Cheek to Cheek,” showcases both Bennett’s and Gaga’s voices. Bass and piano elegantly compliment the vocals and add to the smooth feel of the album. It is the perfect song to represent the album with its upbeat tempo and fun-loving mood.

Although 88 years old, Bennett still sounds as youthful as ever. In his cover of

Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady,” he sings with so much emotion and honesty as though he had written the song himself.

Quiet piano showcases Bennett’s skills, and reminds us why he has continued releasing music for decades.

“Lush Life,” Gaga’s second solo on the album, brings a slower jazz element to “Cheek to Cheek.” It allows you to listen to just how stunning her voice really is. The different style in Gaga’s vocals is superb, to the point where it is better than her typical sound. “Lush Life” and “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” let you fall in love with Gaga as a vocalist instead of a performer.

Gaga has steered away from her usual techno-pop sound for this album. While listening to “Cheek to Cheek,” her popular

songs such as “Applause” and “Poker Face” are forgotten and replaced with jazz instruments. If a fan of typical Lady Gaga, this album might not be for you, but it is definitely worth a try.

However unexpected the pairing, Bennett and Gaga work well together. Gaga’s surprising new sound and Bennett’s classic voice combine to form a fantastic jazz sound different from anything else on the charts.

The only complaint on this album is that it hadn’t come out sooner for us to enjoy even longer. Tying together a popular artist from modern times and an artist who has been loved since the 50s has proven to be a success.

People old and young will want to go out together and dance cheek to cheek.

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Brainhoney’s midnight shutdown Locking students out from doing homework? Not cool. Students cramming to finish assignments should not be punished just because their schedule doesn’t suit Brainhoney. With sports, clubs and jobs many students find time for their homework late at night or early in the morning. Homework is for outside of class, so why does it matter what time of day one does it as long as it gets done? At least some are trying to do our homework.

It started out as a simple question.

Within 20 minutes, it blew out of proportion and turned into an all-out cage match between various members of the senior class.

Instead of coming to a decision on the debate between PJs or America flag bandanas, insults were hurled in the way too common “I’m going to say something really rude but make it seem like I’m being really nice” manner.

Kill them with kindness, they said.

Now, I’m not completely oblivious to the fact that the senior class holding hands and singing Kumbaya is not a likely scenario, but is a little classmate respect too much to ask for?

Perhaps Drake should’ve written a song called “YOSO” because you’re only a senior once, so why waste it on internet arguments? Shouldn’t we be cherishing the moments we have together and trying to get to know the 600+ kids in our grade?

All too often this year the topic of popularity has come up, and I can honestly say at this point, who cares.

Yes, we are all different people from all different social classes who are all in different clubs, sports and other activities but we are all just that. People.

I understand in life some of these people are going to be more “popular” than others, but each person should be respectful enough to take the liberty to not look down on those who may be in their eyes, less “popular.”

Popularity isn’t a key to the kingdom, and lately it’s been used to justify wrong and make decisions for others without first hearing their say.

Seniors, we’ve been waiting four long years for this moment; why ruin it by arguing over themes for the week’s football game? Years down the road you won’t be looking back thinking “dang I wish I could’ve worn my footie pajamas to the football game,” you’re going to be thinking “dang I wish I would’ve been nicer to people so they don’t think I’m a total Regina George.”

Do you really want people to remember you that way?

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Brooklyn Yoder Traditional Trips I go to Kentucky every summer with my friends and family because it’s kind of our tradition. It’s always really fun.

On Edge PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

As a dedication to her grandfather, who passed away from ALS in 2002, Kvarta takes the ice bucket challenge. “It’s an awesome feeling to know that people were working to raise awareness about the disease my grandpa had to suffer through,” Kvarta said.

Kvarta honors a greater challenge

BY ALAA ABDELDAIEM

editor-in-chief

The worst thing that Alyssa Kvarta’s family thought the doctor would tell her grandfather that October of 2002 was that he had suffered a stroke. His speech was slurred, and her grandmother knew that that was a common symptom of a stroke. The diagnosis would not have been surprising. Strokes run in Kvarta’s family.

But after a variety of different tests, Kvarta’s grandfather was referred to a neurologist, and it was there that the doctor delivered the news.

Kvarta’s grandfather had ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“I was young at the time, so I didn’t realize what was going on, didn’t think anything of it,” Kvar-

Q

What is the best part about fall?

ta said. “I realize now just how awful what he had to go through was.”

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, the motor neurons traveling from the brain and spinal cord eventually reaching the muscles throughout the body. Degeneration of the motor neurons often leads to total paralysis and, almost certainly, death.

Kvarta watched as her grandfather’s symptoms worsened. His slurred speech became more difficult to understand and, eventually, her grandfather was forced to use a typing board to communicate. He could not speak, could not swallow. Soon after, he could not move or eat at all.

Her grandfather was given 15 months to live. He died less than

“Pumpkin Spice lattes”

a year later.

“He was a fighter,” Kvarta said. “He wanted to spend as much time with my family and me as he could, to fight and be as healthy as possible.”

Looking back, Kvarta realizes how little the public knew about the disease. She herself had been unfamiliar with the condition, unable to recognize exactly what it was that her grandfather had suffered from.

Until this summer, when Kvarta first witnessed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge go viral.

An attempt by Boston College’s Pete Frates to raise awareness on the disease, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge involves people filling a bucket with ice and water, dumping it over their heads and posting it on social media. The phenomenon has raised $100 mil-

“The nice weather”

Peyton Yelich

Scott Psingston

Freshman

Sophomore

“The colors of the leaves” Elizabeth Rager Junior

lion according to the ALS foundation.

“It’s an awesome feeling to know that people were working to raise awareness about the disease my grandpa had to suffer through,” Kvarta said.

Kvarta and her family members took the challenge in honor of her grandfather.

After seeing her grandfather struggle with the disease, Kvarta hopes that a collective effort to find a cure prevents others from suffering how her grandfather did.

“I hope that people continue to take the time to look up the whole reason behind the challenge,” Kvarta. “It’s awful to see someone you love struggle with it. No one should have to suffer through ALS, so I hope we can continue to come together and find a cure for this disease.”

“The sweatshirt weather” Nolan Furgye Sophomore

The craziest thing I have ever done was when I jumped off of a cliff in Kentucky over the summer.

Problem Solver My biggest dream is to become a therapist because I love to help people with their problems.

Dead or Alive My biggest fear is to be buried alive. I feel like it would be a really scary experience to go through.

Under The Sea I would turn into a mermaid because then I would be able to breathe under water.

“Getting back to school”

“There is no swimming”

Kelsey Russell

Colin Caudillo

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