Inklings sept 2015 by CPHS Inklings

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Crown Point High School @InklingsCPHS Sept. 25, 2015 Vol. 80 Issue 1

pardon our dust

National Honors Society hosts annual Color Run

S Read about the Color Run’s efforts on page 2

GROWING PAINS

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Students make their way to the cafeteria for lunch. The student enrollment has reached 2,841 students, and administration believes a decision will soon need to be made before enrollment exceeds physical space for upcoming years.

Total

number

of teachers Total

number

School feels effects of biggest class yet

111

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

The bell sounds and the once vacant hallways turn into rush hour traffic. Papers carelessly fall to the ground and shoulders bump into anything in their path. For some students, trying to navigate the crowded hallways has turned into a full contact endeavor just to get to classes on time. In August the largest freshmen class to walk the halls of CPHS arrived. The Class of 2019 currently has a total of 750 students. Predictions for the number of students in each grade level are made before each school year starts and depend upon many variables. Principal Chip Pettit says that 10 percent of the student enrollment is flexible every year. At a 2,800 student school, that means 280 students could leave or enroll every year. “The current enrollment has exceeded our projection. Here at CPHS, we’re up about 30-50 more students than what was in our projection,” Pettit said. “The majority of those additions are in the ninth grade. Most new students to the district that enroll at CPHS are ninth graders, but oddly this year, we’re also seeing an influx of twelfth grade students. We typically don’t see that.” This increase in students has many wondering how many more students the school will be able to accommodate with its current supply of resources. However, Pettit believes that the school is prepared for the duration of the 2015-2016 school year. He says the school can handle the 2,841 students that attend

750

of freshmen

# of Seniors 728

Total

Total number of

679 Juniors

670

Total number of

Sophomores

Feature

News Pulse Victory Bell The Pulse brings back the tradition of the past

page 2

Flashback Friday Alumni reflect on Homecoming rituals

CPHS because administration can order more materials. In terms of physical space, there are over 3,000 student lockers; meaning that the building itself is equipped to accommodate the students-for now. Although the building can currently handle the large number of students, administration worries about students’ reactions to the increase. An issue that comes into play is not necessarily the number itself, but when students start to feel as though they are a number. “The classrooms can only hold so many. You can only put so many desks in a classroom. As we look to personalize the learning experience, we know smaller is better. In a perfect world, we would have small class sizes, but the fiscal realities that we’re faced with don’t always make that possible,” Pettit said. Enrollment projections are used to fill staffing positions, and teachers are hired in the spring. As a result of this year’s projections being off, class sizes are impacted. However, Biology teacher Joseph Correa believes that having some larger classes is not necessarily a bad thing. “With larger class sizes, it’s harder for teachers to find a bond (between students,) but I think a good teacher is going to find a bond with a student no matter what. As for learning, I think it depends on the class,” Correa said. “If class sizes are too large there can be too much going on to get good discussion and such, but then the opposite can happen and a small class might not be able to get a discussion going at all,” Correa said.

See Size on page 3

A&E

page

Hot or Not “The Scorch Trials” goes down in flames

page

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news september 25, 2015

Ringing back an old tradition

intheknow Alumni director to visit Crown Point for filming

The Pulse reintroduces the Victory Bell to school BY ABBY SOBEK

reporter

Clang. Clang. Clang. The Pulse’s new victory bell is ringing back an old Crown Point High School tradition. Assistant Principal Russ Marcinek and student leadership organization, the Pulse, recently unveiled the bell at the Bulldog’s first home football game against Mishawaka as a way to show school pride for the football and basketball teams. “There are different groups within the Pulse, and one of those groups decided their primary focus would be school spirit. They come up with different ideas, and sponsor different events such as tailgates before football games,” Marcinek said. Marcinek says he was contacted by Principal Chip Pettit to bring out an old bell PHOTO BY LEXI LINBACK administrators found in storage for Crown Point’s Fourth of July Parade. When he first Pulse members, junior Hannah Bauner and senior Matthew Muller ring the Victory Bell. The bell saw the bell, Marcinek could tell how old is used to celebrate points scored at home football games. and tradition rich it was, and current school “When I showed the students the bell Marcinek said. board member Jerry Caravana was able to at our one of our first meetings, immediMary Roth, the athletic secretary, had provide some brief history for the bell. ately they came up with the idea of using it the honor of picking which students would “I first started working at the old high school in 1967, and they used the very same for the football games. We decided the bell ring the bell. The theme was Hawaiian night, Victory Bell for football and basketball. would sit on the track right in front of the and she picked out the top six students who However, the bell disappeared in 1971 dur- student section, and every time the Bulldogs showed the most creativity and spirit. ing a remodeling project when they added scored and won, selected students would be “I think the important thing about an addition onto the school and was kept in able to ring the bell in front of everyone,” Crown Point High School is that the comstorage. It stayed there for almost thirty years Marcinek said. The Pulse wheeled the bell out to the munity is very proud of our high school until I found it again,” Caravana said. which allows it to be rich in history and The bell, both Caravana and Marcinek track for the first time during the Crown tradition. I think it’s amazing that we are say, is extremely heavy and loud, and when Point vs. Mishawaka game on Aug. 31. able to use the Victory Bell in the exact way “We were so excited to ring the bell it was rediscovered, Marcinek was excited to they used it back at the old high school,” and see the students’ reactions, but unfortushow students of the Pulse and hear their nately, we were not able to ring it that day,” Marcinek said. ideas.

Cameras make their way through Crown Point this weekend as Crown Point High School Alumni Tre Manchester’s new action movie starts rolling. Manchester’s film “Things We’ve Seen” will close off East Clark Street for a shootout scene on Sept. 26 from 6 to 11:30 p.m. To have a chance at being an extra in the movie, people may proceed to the filming location prior to the start time. Stars such as Randy Ryan, who acted alongside Johnny Depp in “Public Enemy,” will be featured in the film.

Dawley, Venditti earn National Merit Scholar semifinalists status Seniors Paul Dawley and Kyle Venditti achieved National Merit semifinalist rank among thousands of students from the nation. The distinction is awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Dawley, Vendetti and the 16,000 semi -finalists will learn in February wheter they become finalists for the scholarships that are awarded. The orginial list of 34,000 students was shortened earlier this month to the current semi-finalists. For those that reach finalist ranking, a scholarship fund worth $32 million will be split among the winners. Winners of the scholarships will be announced in the spring of 2016.

Participants get colorful in fundraising for St. Jude House in Crown Point BY LEXI LINBACK reporter

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

October

3 Homecoming Dance

The semi-formal dance will take place 6:30 p.m in the fieldhouse.

Rainbows exploded across shirts and faces in color as runners flew by. Each fall, Crown Point’s National Honor Society hosts a color run at the school to raise money for St. Jude House. In past years, high school students have fund-raised for the cause by getting family and friends to sponsor them in the one mile run. Many of the sponsors go to watch their friends run and throw color. “My favorite part of the color run is watching the color hit the runners,” spectator sophomore Carrington Headdy said. A sponsorship log was used for the 2013 run but not last year. This year, the

7 Half Day for Inservice day

16 19 Fall Break Students have Fri., Oct. 16 and Mon., Oct. 19 off for Fall Break.

log was put back into effect so that participants could track who donated different amounts of money as well as motivate them to collect as many donations as possible. Amanda Campos, the National Honor Society Sponsor, hoped to see that by bringing the sponsorship logs back, participants raise more money. “The first year [the donation logs were used] we got about six-hundred dollars of donations,” she said, “We are hoping that if we get more people to do it, we will get more money for St. Jude.” The donation logs were a huge factor in the amount of profits the color run raised this year. “I think that this paper log is a great

23 End of 1st grading period

31 Halloween

idea,” junior Sam Syzndrowski said, “It allows the students and faculty to see just how much money this event raises.” This year, NHS invited elementary students to participate alongside the high school students. “It’s a great way for them to get involved with the bigger kids and just have positive influences,” Campos said. “I think it’s awesome that we are inviting the younger students to get involved with us,” Syzndrowski said, “It gives the high schoolers a sense of community.” The prize for all of the participants at the end of the run was Domino’s pizza. “The color run is a great thing because all of the money raised goes to St. Jude,” Car-

countdown until fall break

15 school days countdown until last day of school

154 school days

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news september 25, 2015

Standing around town

Johnson’s statues placed throughout Crown Point interest residents BY BECCA BURKE AUDREY GACSY advertising editors

Freshman Holly Peterson was on her ordinary commute to summer gym when she caught her first sight of the statues. “They looked so real I didn’t really think they were statues at first,” Peterson said. Peterson was not the only one who got a view this summer of a set of statues created by Seward Johnson, an artist who has created and loaned out realistic statues all over the world. The exhibit itself, organized by the city council and corresponding businesses, resides in the square and surrounding areas of Crown Point. “Some women of the city council, Carol Drasga and Laura Sauerman, had a huge part in getting the idea rolling and getting the ball moving because a lot of the businesses actually sponsored them and had a huge part in where they were placed,” said city worker Nathan Way, who aided in the assembly of the display. “All of us workers thought they were very interesting. They were unique to the city.” The placement of the statues was a team effort from the public works departments in Crown Point. “We actually played a small part in

the process. We had people from the trees department helping us. People at the sportsplex were even involved,” said Way. The 12 statues, after arriving in late June, stirred up mixed reactions from various people including students from CPHS. “I wasn’t really expecting them, but they were pretty cool,” said Junior Lauren Graves. ”I really like the statue of the (woman in a bikini) outside the doors of Carriage Court; all of it looks real-the magazine, her drink, her clothing, everything.” This particular statue, named “The Power of Suggestion,” weighs in at the heavier end of the 300-600lb range of the statutes. The statue is sponsored by Carriage Court Pizza to spark interest and bring in business. “It took six of us to put her up. We had to do it by hand. Because she had to be put in a fenced in area, we couldn’t get the dozer in there to pick her up, and [we had to] put her in there.” said Way. Seniors Kelly Merrill and Jordan Al-Nimri found themselves questioning whether or not they were seeing statues or actual people, mistaking some real people for the statues. “I saw a couple making out, and I didn’t realize they weren’t statues until

PHOTO BY LEXI LINBACK

“Monet Our Visting Artist,” by Seward Johnson sits just outside the Crown Point square.

they moved,” said Merrill. While Merrill mistook actual people for Statues, Al-Nimri could see the opposite happening as well. “It’s interesting because you’d be at Cafe Fresco and you’d be drinking coffee, but suddenly you look over, and the man cleaning the window isn’t an actual man,” Al-Nimri said. Some have taken the statues out of context, believing that the statues were real people in need of assistance. “I’ve heard of a lot of people getting scared by them,” said Way, “There’s one of an old lady on the corner of North Street and Indiana Avenue. I’ve heard countless people say that they’ll drive by and think ‘oh man does she need help? She’s wearing a winter jacket and she’s walking by herself.’” The statues have stirred both positive and negative reactions. They will be leaving near the beginning of October, on their way to a new place to spark a new set of conversations.

PHOTO BY LEXI LINBACK

“Allow Me” can be found in front of Centier Bank and depicts a man holding an umbrella.

Size continued from p.1

Whole Foods has opened its first ever northwest Indiana location in Schererville after a long construction period delayed the opening until Sept. 23. The grocery store chain prides itself on providing a healtheir alternative.

‘‘

I think it is really good for them to do that. People are obese and they can make a difference.

Nick Christ freshman

Student reaction to events in our world

A 4000-square foot home in Southern Indiana is up for sale to the person with the best essay. The contest costs $199 to enter, and the person with the most persuasive essay, as judged by a panel from Hanover College, wins the house.

‘‘

It was a waste of money and time because the chances of winning are slim.

job to make it more relevant to students and see which activities students respond to better and make those activities better, then see which activities they don’t respond to well and change them,” he said. “I know the freshmen are with one teacher for resource period their freshman year, but I think having the same resource period teacher for all four years might benefit more. Maybe (having the same resource period teacher for) four years would be better.” Small changes make a large impact on the environment. “I firmly believe that we have a great school, but we’re getting bigger. We have to continue to look for ways to make our school feel smaller,” Pettit said.

Michaella Ahearn junior

In the 17-person race for the republican nomination for president, businessman Donald Trump has stolen the show. The New York real estate mogul has slowly rose in polls, and has sat at number one since late July.

‘‘

Donald Trump is prejudice who cares for white America, not all of America. Mitchell Holderby sophomore

World

news

State

Area

views on

able to spend tenth through twelfth grade together, my hope is that we’ll have helped to establish a relationship where the student feels that they have a ‘go to’ person for anything that they need at school. The Resource Period teacher doesn’t take the place of a guidance counselor but hopefully is able to establish a personal relationship with the student so (teachers) know what (students) need and can help them connect to the person that can help them the most,” Pettit said. Correa sees the resource period as a good attempt to unite students and teachers. “I think it’s better than nothing. Just like any other class, there’s always work to be done to make it better. I think it’s our

large is the class that is going to replace them? I would say we’re somewhere between 90 to 100 percent capacity. If the student enrollment were to get in the 3,000 to 3,200 range, we’ll have a decision to make, and my guess is that some type of addition will need to be built,” Pettit said. “With that said, you do whatever you can to avoid an addition or a building project because it costs money. It’s expensive, but we won’t be able to wait until the enrollment hits 3,200 because by then it will be too late.” Throughout this process, Pettit hopes the staff will unify to maintain a constant relationship with the students. “I believe that we have a chance to do this with our Resource Period. Once we complete a three year loop in which Resource Period teachers and students are

Nation

Students such as sophomore Kira Schuelka can feel the difference between the ratio of students to faculty. “I like the bigger school setting, but at times it can be overwhelming. I don’t ever really feel like I’m just a number because of the (interactions I have with teachers), but I can understand that if you’re more shy then you would feel overpowered by the number of students and the students themselves,” Schuelka said. For the moment, administration is focused on looking forward and believes that the school will soon be forced to make a decision on how to maximize space. “Currently our freshmen and seniors are the largest (class). We know the seniors will be leaving. The question becomes, how

Over one million people flooded the streets of Barcelona, as the masses cried for Catalan independence on Sept. 11. Many Catalonians have been trying to get independence from Spain since the early to mid 1900’s.

‘‘

Independence is a global problem, and should be taken seriously. Spain should hear Sophie Nonos them out. senior

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opinion september 25, 2015

speakup

Focus on what really matters

What do you think about Buzz?

BY CHRIS REKITZKE editor-at-large

There is filth in this world. A filth that is perpetuated by the actions of mainstream media mongols capitalizing on the stupidity of persons in limelight. For instance, Kanye West announcing his run for president in 2020 or Miley Cyrus’ antics at the VMAS, which seem to be ritual now. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kanye just as much as the next guy. Yeezus is a great artist, but to highlight his ridiculous actions as opposed to his expert lyricism is wrong. Reflect on that for a second, a man with no political education that makes music about being a college drop out desires to lead an entire nation. As a country, we do this too often, focusing entirely too much on stupid little things as opposed to real issues. We’re drawn to “funny” six second videos of a man getting hit in the crotch rather than the fact the Chinese own land on American soil due to how much debt the U.S. is in. Even from a neo-political standpoint, our nation is focused on Donald Trump. The New York businessman is in the headlines for his Presidential run. Why? It is not for the run in and of itself, nor is it for his plan to alleviate national debt, which there is none; but his ignorant, called “honest,” stance on several of America’s issues. Because his statements are so offensive and idiotic, people eat them up and they sell. They sell to viewers because of their utmost ridiculousness and humorous quality. Nevermind the fact he is running for president, it is the insensitive comments that get you air time. Moreover, nevermind that Bernie Sanders has openly talked on most of the nation’s most important issues, refused to slander any of his opponents, like Trump has, but has little to no big news coverage. Only the millennials seem to care, with sources few and far covering actual news. Sources like websites RT and Al Jazeera, to name a few. But even they are limited to a small indiscrepent section of the world wide web. Mass media needs to avert their attention to news of substance. We have to quit reporting on filth, on the Mileys and the Trumps. If we do not, we’ll be stuck in the same boat, a society full of uninformed individuals constantly on the brink of panic.

CARTOON BY ABBY SOBEK

Paige Sanborn freshman

“I like how the grading system is connected to our tests and quizzes.”

iew: As school population

grows, steps need to be taken to accommodate

We are growing. In our town, the layout has met several changes to ease this process. Subdivisions have been built to house, businesses popping up left and right to take advantage of the market, and road construction town wide to divert the massive influx. All of these in reaction to this rise of neighbors in our very own backyard. Moreover, this spells out the same thing for the school system, which too is growing. The very creation of this high school was in part caused by the growing student population. Now, about a decade later the same conditions are being observed once again. Hallways are cramped, busses filled, and some students find themselves without desks and chairs, and study halls with excesses of students are taking place in the cafeteria. At the rate the student population is growing, maximum capacity will be reached within the next couple years, which leads to worsened states of already existing problems. So, in order to prevent this from happening, affirmative action needs to be taken immediately. There are few options that pose as possible solutions. Building an entirely new school would be overly costly and unnecessary. Instead, the answer is here. Crown Point High School was built with the possibility of adding onto the building in mind. Potential schematics entail of constructing another wing where the tennis courts currently are and moving them to where the practice soccer fields are. This would add anywhere from twenty to thirty classrooms, depending on design of the building, to the already pre-existing. Not only lessening cramped classrooms but creating new jobs in the process. The potential breathing room is almost unimaginable. However, in order to accomplish this, steps need to be taken now before it is too late.

editorial

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Vol. 80 Issue 1 September 25, 2015 1500 S. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 219-663-4885 ex. 11349 fax 219-662-5663 inklings@cps.k12.in.us online: crownpoint.highschoolmedia.org

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

Kyle Hatton sophomore

“I do like how it saves where you were compared to how Brainhoney didn’t.”

Amber St. Germain junior

“Buzz is more difficult to work with (than Brainhoney), and you can’t access your grades as easily.”

Leo Zdanowicz senior

“I like having the ability to personalize my own background.”

online editor Sam Barloga sports editor Dylan Wallace assistant sports editors Tommy Frame Dominic Tomich advertising editors Becca Burke Audrey Gacsy chief photographer Jill Kidder staff Yousef Abdeldaiem Grace Cleland

Jeremy DeBold Jackie Ham Destiny Kogler Lexi Linback Matt McConnell Ally Rekitzke Abby Sobek Alexia Wojciechowski adviser Julie Elston

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opinion september 25, 2015

Should multiple attempts on online tests and Manners are necessary quizzes be allowed?

BY NATALIE BRIGHAM editor-in-chief

CARTOON BY ARRIANA RAINWATER CARTOON BY DESTINY KOGLER

Pro:

Con:

Retaking tests and quizzes allows more learning opportunities

Allowing tests and quizzes to be retaken can lead to laziness

BY JEREMY DeBOLD

BY CHRIS REKITZKE editor-at-large

reporter

The life of the average American teenager is a busy one composed of hours of studying and homework, leaving little time for slack and socializing. Always on the constant grind, it is easy to fall behind on school work. Thankfully, the internet has paved a way to new teaching possibilities with countless programs. The wonder of a program like Buzz is that it allows students to retake tests and quizzes effortlessly. This is beneficial to students’ educations and futures, allowing them more chances to live to their full potential. Allowing students to retake tests and quizzes allows them to be comfortable by knowing that they will have a chance to improve. Stress has a negative impact on students, especially when taking tests. It can affect their sleep patterns, eating habits and concentration. It equates to less than ideal grades. This could easily be relieved by allowing students a second chance on a test or quiz. A student could potentially take advantage of this system. This could easily be combatted by teachers monitoring the tests or adding time limits that would make it difficult for a student to look up questions, as many already do. Teachers also have the ability to randomize questions. Giving the students the chance to retake tests and quizzes means that they will be less worried about cramming in as much studying as possible. They will be less worried about memorizing the content on the page and spend more time learning the content they need to know. This way students are not only getting good grades, but they are also genuinely learning and benefitting from the class and can effectively apply it to the assessments. Finally, students are constantly worried about their future and how their grades will affect it. It is not uncommon for a student to do poorly on a test, but it can have serious consequences for the student and their grade. When they know that they can retake the test and potentially improve their grade, it encourages them to do better the second time. Because of this, retakes are a beneficial addition to education.

The technological involvement in education has grown immensely within the last decade. It creates opportunities for different kinds of assignments and teaching methods. While technology can do a lot of good, it can also do a lot of harm. For instance, our Buzz program, formerly Brainhoney, allows students to retake quizzes and tests multiple times. This practice is inherently wrong. In theory, allowing multiple chances on a quiz or a test can have a lot of benefits, however, it possesses several negative factors. Multiple chances and retakes perpetuate a lazy society, causing students to slack off and simply rely on the fact that no matter what they do, they get unlimited chances. Suddenly, tests and quizzes, utilized to assess what a student has learned, have turned into games of guess and check, or even worse, memorization, which translates to not learning but just regurgitating words and facts. Though there are ways to hide answers and prohibit cheating on a digital level, they are merely minor speedbumps for students. Teachers cannot stop the constant straying eyes of students especially when the instructor is outnumbered, in some cases 30:1. Like any good humans, they exploit this, waiting for the perfect moment to strike like savage beasts. Following their prey with a keen eye as it paths around the room in an almost rudimentary pattern. What about the students on the other side of the spectrum? The ones who do put forth the effort and remain morally true to themselves? Their competence and responsibility is forfeited and skewed by the actions of their classmates. It is unjust and can be easily solved by simply forcing students to own up to their actions and either study or take the fail. In conclusion, students should not be able to retake quizzes multiple times. Despite the good it may pose, re-submissions can potentially create a class of lazy, cheating and conniving individuals who are more obsessed with getting a decent grade than actually learning the material, altering test results and curves, turning bell curves into gongs.

11 Inklings staffers agree

9 Inklings staffers agree

Kirsten Mazzaro

senior

Justin Bishop

“Students should be able to retake tests and quizzes because maybe they were having a bad day or home problems, so they may not have done as well as they could have.”

Jennifer Easton

freshman

“It would be unfair to people who studied hardcore, and teachers could use the time for other things in the classroom and make it so students don’t even have to study.”

English teacher

“It is a good idea because it allows students to analyze their skills that need improvement, and it reinforces good study habits at the ninth grade level.”

Ed Topp

construction teacher

“I think over time the student does not bother to learn the material anymore and just takes the quiz, memorizes the correct answers and retakes the quiz, not bothering to learn the content.”

.81 of a second. The duration of the typical snapchat is 10 seconds, and posting a picture to social media can take less than a minute. Majority of teenagers in the school complete these two activities on a daily basis. In a world where quick activities are glorified, it seems that the simplest gestures are being forgotten. It takes approximately .81 of a second to say the words “Thank you,” yet many adults and students seem to have forgotten the importance of this action. It doesn’t stop there, either. Seeing another human being in an otherwise empty hallway seems to have come to mean that one of the two people should suddenly become so immersed in their phone or head that they are “oblivious” to the other person. No. The polite thing to do is to make some type of gesture to acknowledge their existence. It could be anything. Seriously, wave, smile, nod-- anything is better than nothing. It’s common courtesy to take that fraction of a second to recognize another person. This may be a radical thought, but being polite doesn’t hurt anyone’s image. The definition of “cool” seems to have morphed into being rude to anyone and everyone to impress other people. What’s the point? We, as a school, are becoming so juvenile that we’re willing to hurt others to make someone like us, and it’s disgusting. People are not impressed by someone’s ability to make others feel unimportant or unappreciated. Doing things like holding the door for someone shouldn’t make anyone think any less of anyone else. Being polite to others should be more important than an image anyways. If being rude is used as a method of gaining friends, it’s time to reevaluate. It should be universally understood that putting others down does not raise anyone up. Manners are vital for every aspect of life. There is no disadvantage to being polite to strangers, acquaintances, friends and family. Basic manners leave a positive lasting impression. We’re all one school. Did High School Musical teach us nothing? We’re all in this together. Let’s make it cool to be kind.

i on life

feature september 25, 2015

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experiencing a different perspective

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Sophomore Maddy Rohder gets her ankle tapped by trainer Kayla Gerst before the Dogs scocer game. Many students like Rohder come to Gerst for similar pregame precautions.

Sidelined

Injuries affect athletes beyond the game

BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI DYLAN WALLACE Editor-at-large Sports Editor

Sports are some of the most entertaining events around the world, whether it be watching or playing, but even the most thrilling moments can instantly turn into the most dangerous. Not all precautions set up can prevent sports injuries. High school athletes account for an estimated two million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year. This year senior Katrina Ornelas was one of them. Ornelas just recently suffered from a stage two tear of her MCL along with a slight fracture in her right elbow and bruised bone of her right knee in her game against Lowell. “It not only physically hurts but mentally as well. It sucks knowing your senior year you are missing at least half of your season,” Ornelas said. “I always want to help my team in any way possible, but it’s difficult to feel like I’m helping when I can’t even play.” When an athlete loses a role on the field, court or ice rink, they adapt and find a different way to support the rest of their team. “All I can really do is try and be positive and give them positive feedback. I’m just praying I’ll be in good enough shape to at least play in our post season,” Ornelas said.

By #

The

47%

of all reported sports concussions origniate from football

For Ornelas, being injured hasn’t changed her views about continuing to play at Marian University next fall, but it has created a distraction for her on the field and during school hours. “I seem to be distracted when it comes to school, and it’s hard to concentrate when all I can focus on is healing as fast as I can for soccer season down at Marian University,” Ornelas said. Injuries come in many forms. Physical and mental injuries can affect student athletes, whether it be in the mobility of getting around, focusing in class or dealing with sitting on the sidelines and not participating. “Being injured definitely puts a strain on the athlete physically and mentally,” Crown Point high school trainer Kayla Gerst said. “Sometimes if an injury is pretty severe, it can affect school and work. They can’t focus. They get a little depressed because they can’t actively participate on a team.” For senior Artie Equihua, who has had his share of injuries playing football, suffering a torn hip labrum last season and a couple of nagging injuries this season, it can be difficult to keep up on school work. “Some injuries make school work a little more difficult than others,” Equihua said. “Thankfully my injuries did not make it too difficult to catch back up on schoolwork. I think a big part of that is

as many catostrophic football injuries among high school athletes as college athletes

because of how flexible the teachers are.” Some players are passionate about their sport, and when injured, sitting

‘‘

If someone were to tell me 11 years ago, when I first started playing, that I would eventually get hip surgery due to an injury, I would’ve still decided to play just because I love it so much. Artie Equihua senior out is not an option to them. Players often resort to fighting through the injury without thinking about the consequences. This isn’t in an athlete’s best interest and can make the injury worse. “It varies on the injury, but say if someone were to push through a concussion, it’s not something that you should do. It’s something that isn’t recommended, and

High school athletes account for

2 million

injuries each year

21%

it’s not something you can push through. It just makes it worse,” Gerst said. There are, however, other injuries that passionate athletes are able to push through without being permanately damaged. “Now for a moderate ankle injury and the athlete wants to push through it, yeah, I’ll tape them up, and I’ll make sure they’ll be able to get out there and run. Then you deal with the consequences of them going out to play during their off days, and you try to get them better for the next game,” Gerst said. When a major injury is suffered, one must wonder if it will affect the athlete’s pursuit to continue to play that sport in the future. This speaks volumes to Equihua who has been stressed with dealing with his aforementioned injuries, but he continues to play football and wants to keep playing in the future, simply for the love of the game. Equihua believes that when going through an injury, it’s important not to give up when so much can be gained from the experience. “Despite of all the injuries I have had, I do not regret or plan on stopping to play football,” Equihua said. “Granted those injuries were probably the most stressful times in my life, I believe that overcoming obstacles like that makes you a stronger person.”

8,000 50%

of brain injuries caused children are treated in emergency rooms each day from a premature return of all traumatic brain injuries among to activity after suffering for sports-related injuries American children come from sports intial injury result in and recreational activities death statistics provided by stanfordchildrens.org, stopsportsinjuries.org and swataorg

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feature september 25, 2015

Nine new staff members enter the halls of CPHS

New faculty give students an insight of who they are outside of the school environment

Dominique Bowman

Kelly Chevalier

Dave Hoffman

Angie Keaveney

Bowman is the new Student Independent class teacher and earned her degrees in physchology and communication from UYC and Governor’s State. She graduated from IUN and earned her teaching certificate. When not at school, Bowman enjoys baking, photography and watching old movies.

Chevalier attended IU to receive her Biology degree and later went on to Indiana Wesleyan to get her teaching license. She currently teaches biology. If she was not a teacher she would want to be a professional paddle boarder because she enjoys being active.

Purdue graduate and new CPHS AP human geography teacher, Hoffman taught government, economics and geography and history of the world for four years at Whiting High School. In his free time he loves to golf. As a high school student, Hoffman paint balled competitvely.

Graduating from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Keaveney joined the CPHS staff as a new Spanish teacher. Keaveney has her Bachelors in Spanish and math. Outside of school she enjoys cheering on her three children at their sporting events.

Carisa Oman

Tracey Seibert

Chris Seibert

CPHS new nurse, Carisa Oman, received her nursing license from Ivy Tech. Oman has always loved healthcare and taking care of people. If she wasn’t a nurse she would be a teacher. Oman hates cooking but is told is really good at it. Outside of school she loves spending time with her family.

Valparaiso University graduate, Chris Seibert, is the new health, P.E. A.D. and life saving teacher. He also earned his masters in educational administration from Purdue Calumet. Seibert has always loved sports, and if he weren’t a teacher he would be a sports announcer.

Coastal Carolina University graduate, Tracey Seibert, joined staff as a new math teacher. She played softball throughout her college years and earned her Bachelors in elementary education from Indiana University in Bloomington.

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Kristi Pawlus Before becoming a special education teacher, Pawlus taught for a year at Merrillville High School. Pawlus was inspired to help kids that struggle. In her free time, she enjoys reading and shopping. If Pawlus was not a teacher, she would want to be a wedding planner.

Kristen Szafasz Geography and History of the World teacher, Szafasz has always loved social studies and the variety it allows you to teach. She enjoys fashion and trying new restaurant and loves to travel. She has been to Paris, Barcelona, Geneva, Switzerland, Belize, Haiti and the Islands around South America.

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feature september 25, 2015

Crash course to college 2.0 Good to Go

Dual credit students who go to Purdue or Indiana must finish with a 2.0 GPA in the class or they begin college on academic probation

Dual Credit Equivalent first year

Where do you want to go?

college course

AP Equivalent third year college course

While public in-state schools are required to take dual credits, out-of-state or private schools are not required to take the credits, and therefore AP courses may be the better choice for students who choose to go to schools outside of Indiana.

www.teamhondaon30.com Various advanced courses provide benefits for post-secondary goals BY SAM BARLOGA online editor

Every year many students are left with the same question: What is the differences between Advanced Placement and dual credit courses? Which one allows for the best learning experience and which one looks best on college transcripts? “Even if you’re not an English major, you’re always going to have some writing to do in other classes and Advanced Composition is going to help make that transition (easier),” dual credit Advanced Composition teacher Lisa Landgrebe said. “Sure, you’re always going to have to analyze readings or go into a text, but wouldn’t be in the same way as you would in AP.” Senior Felicia Wacasey says that the fact that DC courses don’t rely just off an end of a year test makes them the option for her. “Dual Credit is where you take class, and you are guaranteed the credits (if you pass),” Wacasey said. “In AP you have to go

through the testing and see if you qualify.” However, AP teacher Vince Lewis has a different view. “The opportunities that students have are so much more than other schools around the state and around the country, and they are both good (Dual Credit and AP courses). They both serve a purpose,” Lewis said. Lewis goes a step further with his opinion, saying that dual credit teachers are guilty of often only preparing for assessments. “You could also argue that dual credit courses are taught for the test as well, because the tests are given to them by professors,” Lewis said. “It might not be taught to the test, but it’s taught to somebody else’s perspective who doesn’t even know the student.” Assistant principal Robert McDermott says that the choice revolves around the student’s postsecondary goals.

‘‘

The opportunities that students have are so much more than other schools around the state and around the country, and they are both good (Dual Credit and AP courses). teacher Vince Lewis “If you know, for example, you are going to go to University of Southern California, it behooves the student and the parent to contact them and say ‘My post-secondary school is USC, do you accept these dual credits from these courses.’ If not, do they accept AP passing scores, and if so what scores would you need?’” McDermott said. Furthermore, the Higher Learning

Commission announced that teachers who oversee DC courses must have a master’s degree by the fall of 2017. Junior Delaney Benich believes that the dual credit courses are not that different than her other high school classes. “My dual credit classes do not seem like college classes, they just feel like a high school class with a special name,” Benich said. McDermott says AP is set up to be the tougher course and that provides students with the level of rigor they would see in college. “The AP course is designed by the College Board to be the most rigorous course that high schools offer. A lot of times they equate them out to the rigor in a college course. I think you ask almost anybody who is in college that took an AP course in high school, and they will tell you that an AP course is typically more rigorous than a first year college course,” McDermott said.

Michael Bauner mbauner@hondaon30.com 4613 East U.S. 30 Merrillville, IN 46410 www.teamhondaon30.com

219-947-3900 800-653-0065 Fax 219-947-0912

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feature september 25, 2015

Our Homecoming Heritage

Did you know? Senior Homecoming King candidate Artie Equihua’s parents, Anne and Art, were Homecoming Queen and Mr. Football, respectively in 1984. A bonfire for all students was once a Homecoming tradition. The first annual balloon race was held in 1975.

Themes

1970s

Mon., Sept. 28

Twin day

The Class of 1975 Lettermen’s club and Girls Varsity club release balloons as a contest to see whose balloon would travel the farthest. The results were announced in November of that year.

Tues., Sept. 29 INKLINGS FILE PHOTOS

USA Day Wed., Sept. 30

Hippie Day

1982

Students smash a car covered with words of things they disliked about school such as classes and exams.

1983

The Class of ‘83 marches in the parade with their Homecoming float. Their parade lasted longer than todays.

1996

Students make memories on the dance floor in 1996. Students had to wear socks instead of shoes on the floor.

2005

Then-student Vince Lewis plays in the football game. He is now an economics teacher here at CPHS.

Traditions evolve in celebration of annual event BY LAUREN MASSOW copy editor

A school wide bonfire, decorative parade floats and huge hype for Homecoming festivities seem to be a thing of the past. Teachers, who are also Crown Point High School graduates, recollected memories of the anticipation for Homecoming as students at CPHS, and how their time compares to now. Math teacher Keith Iddings, who graduated in 1981, tells the difference between Homecoming events. “They had the Homecoming parade, which back then started where Colonel Wheeler Middle School is now, and went up around the square, and then finished in the back of the school,” Iddings said. “That was kind of cool, because it went around the square. They got more of the community involved than now; it’s not really incorporated in the downtown area as much as it used to be.” Currently, the Homecoming parade starts at Taft Middle School, runs down Main Street and ends back at CPHS. Iddings also mentions that instead of dressing up in extravagant outfits and renting limou-

sines, students spent Homecoming in a simple matter. “The dance was less formal than it is now. Girls would wear dresses that they were likely to already have, and guys would just wear nice pants and a shirt with maybe a tie. The dance itself was nowhere near as big expenses wise as it is today,” Iddings said. Guidance counselor Kim Wilkinson also discussed the differences in attire at the Homecoming dance when she attended in the 1990s. “There was a big difference in dresses. When I went to Homecoming, everyone basically had a long dress, and it was strapless. It was either pink, blue or white,” Wilkinson said. “It was nothing real fancy. No midriff showing, no back showing and no short dresses.” Nowadays, girls are not allowed to wear formal dresses to the dance, and boys are discouraged fom wearing their suit jackets, because of the informal ruling. Economics teacher Vince Lewis, a 2006 graduate, remembers when the hallways were completely decorated and how they prepared for the Homecoming festivities. “The mom’s club of the football team always put up a bunch of spirit stuff around the school

for each individual class; (dressing up in themes) was something we did but not that many people participated in,” Lewis said. Today, the hallways are elaborately decorated. Each grade level has the same theme for spirit week, excluding the seniors who’s theme is a secret each day. Students of all grades actively participate in dressing up in these themes around school. Iddings thinks that Homecoming today is not as big of an event as it was years ago. “The majority of it was the same as it is now where you’ve got it centered around the football game, but there were fewer distractions than there are now,” Iddings said. “I think that kids have a lot more options of ways to spend their time than they used to.” Junior Caleb Scibbe agrees, stating that Homecoming isn’t as big as it was in the past. “I definitely wouldn’t say that (Homecoming) is as big as it was back then. Now we just see it as a football game and a dance that’s really not that interesting because it is not formal,” Scibbe said. “Even the parade isn’t as long as it used to be. I think they should try to liven things up a bit.”

Thurs., Oct.1

1980’s Day Fri., Oct. 2

Bulldog Pride Day

Activities Fri., Oct. 2 Theme: Bulldog Pride Day Homecoming Parade 5 p.m. starting at Taft, finishing at CPHS. Varsity Football game vs. LaPorte 7p.m. Homecoming court recognized and queen announced at halftime.

Sat., Oct. 3 Homecoming dance in the fieldhouse. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Theme is Make a Splash King announced at the dance.

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44 EXPERIENCE feature september 25, 2015

ENDEAVORS TO

BY JILL KIDDER ALLY REKITZKE

chief photographer reporter

To make one’s 2015-2016 school year more meaningful, try to complete this bucket list before June.

ENCOURAGE EXPLORE A Prefootball game tailgate

H O M E C O M I N G

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Do a late night ice cream run with friends

John Dillinger’s jail cell

cheer at least one game of every sport a poetry reading for Windfall

B u y a h o t an open mic d o g f r o m night at the Sip the “Hot Ride on the D o g G u y ” bike trail

Strike a pose with a statue

Dance ‘til you sweat at Student Council Dance Marathon

ENTERTAIN

When 16, donate blood at the blood drive

Perform in the Talent Show

BE AN EXTRA IN “THE THINGS WE’VE SEEN” attend an orchestra/ band/choir concert

R I N G the

join Pulse Victory Bell a club have a quote in the newspaper aide Eat outside at the Sandbar a for a Participate in and Grill in Cedar Lake yoga teacher Spirit Week club Try the Sh o p at the meet- COMPETE IN THE STUDENT different antiq ue s to re s ing TEACHER OLYMPICS donuts at o n the sq u are Make a friend in a different grade Chemshaw Join the student sec13 Donutz d o a tion at an away game & Comics t he me r un

A Stray Dog’s Improv show

EVOLVE

Foodstock READ TO KIDS IN THE LIBRARY

WATCH THE SPRING MUSICAL & F A L L P L A Y

donate peanut butter stand UP Shave donate to the Krampen for your someone Compost head for St. Volunteer at an Baldricks animal shelter

Work at the fire station on St. Patrick’s Day plant a tree Tutor another student

Make a Hallow- Contribute to een card with the Key Club Meal on Wheels jean drive

Donate old clothes to the Salvation Army

Re d u c e , Reuse, Recycle

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

General Manager

219-947-3325 Fax 219-942-2530

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

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in the

huddle Gelon commits to play ball at Indiana BY DOMINIC TOMICH

assistant sports editor

An immense portion of senior Grant Gelon’s life has consisted of putting a 29.5 inch basketball through an 18 inch rim hung 10 feet in the air. All the hard work and dedication put into this goal of his has finally led to a dream come true. A full ride scholarship including room, board, tuition and a spot on Indiana University's men's basketball roster. An unofficial visit on Aug. 12 led to an offer from men’s head basketball Coach, Tom Crean, and an almost instantaneous commitment of Gelon to Indiana University. Committing the day of his visit, Gelon knew he was receiving something beyond his imagination. After hearing Crean’s proposal there was no hesitation involved with Gelon’s decision. “Earning the scholarship is the pinnacle of my basketball career. Everything I have ever put into getting better at basketball paid off in that moment,” Gelon said. This wasn’t Gelon’s first offer to go to play basketball at the collegiate level. Over the summer Gelon was offered a scholarship from Western Michigan University. After this offer, he never thought he would get one from a school such as IU. “When I first got the offer from WMU it was an amazing feeling and was also a big weight off of my shoulders. At that point in time I didn’t think I’d go somewhere as big as Indiana,” Gelon said. “There was no doubt in my mind I had the potential to get a school of that caliber, and getting that first offer out of the way, the rest of the summer I could just play ball. Everything worked out perfectly.” Full ride Big Ten athletic scholarships aren't exactly easy to come by, let alone for men’s basketball. Gelon’s basketball scholarship makes him the first region player to play at Indiana since Matt Nover, who attended Chesterton High School and played for IU in the early 1990’s.

sports september 25, 2015

Our goals this year is to avenge our loss to Culver last year and beat them, as well as win state.

- senior Zach Perez

BIG

‘‘

TIME

BIG TEN PHOTO PROVIDED BY SANDY GELON

Senior Grant Gelon stands next to Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean after committing to IU earlier this summer

PHOTO BY JACK SNEDDEN

Senior Grant Gelon shoots versus Laffeyette Jefferson last season. The varsity standout will be taking his talents to Bloomington after he graduates in June.

shooting in front of numerous college “Going into my visit I already had been coaches. Gelon started off his last AAU in contact with the IU staff since early July. season playing for Indiana GAME. His I had a hunch they might give me the offer high octane shooting attracted the attenwhen I went down for the visit,” Gelon said. tion of the Indiana Elite, one of the top “I even told my parents before we got there AAU programs in the state and country. that I wanted to commit if they offered. It’s Playing for the Indiana Elite gave just too big of an opportunity for me to him opportunities he did not have bepass up. It’s the highest level of college bas- fore. One summer highlight included ketball, and that’s what I wanted for myself Gelon draining three shots from behind because I want to become the best basketball the arc at a Las Vegas AAU tournament player I can be and IU will get me there.” which was televised on an ESPN network. “Kendrick Kristof and Indiana Elite got This summer’s AAU season gave Gelon a chance to showcase his lights out me in front of high level schools, eventually getting me the opportunity of playing in

front of Coach Crean,” Gelon said. After committing, Gelon hasn't lost his focus. Gelon has always been determined when it comes to getting better and has prided himself on his work ethic. “The drive and motivation has always been there since I was little,” Gelon said. “After committing, I have been focusing on different areas of work, such as lifting and gaining weight. My motivation has been through the roof, I’m just trying to prepare myself to be ready to play at IU and to go against Big Ten competition.” Although Gelon is looking forward to attending IU next fall, his first priority is still improving on the Bulldogs 19-9 record last winter. The Bulldogs won the Merrillville Sectional, but lost in the regional championship to South Bend Riley in a thriller. Gelon along with his teammates are hungry for vengeance. “I want to reach the regional championship game again, and this time, come out on top,” Gelon said. “If the tournament plays out like it did last year, I would love to get revenge and beat South Bend Riley.”

Girls soccer focuses offensively going into postseason BY MATT MCCONNELL reporter

The lady Dogs took the field Sept. 15 in Valparaiso for a conference matchup with the Vikings. Despite fighting hard, the ladies fell short to the Vikings 2-1 when a late penalty kick was awarded to the Vikings to secure the victory. “There are just things we need to clean up,” head coach Chris Mikrut said. With the Dogs proceeding into the postseason with a 6-6 record, the team has hopeful expectations for another sectional win. “It’s going to be a difficult sectional for us, and we’ve won the sectional four years in a row,” Mikrut said. “So winning a fifth one would be awesome, but a little bit difficult because of the style of play we are going against.” The team has their own style as well. The team has a focus on offensive tactics and being able to put more points on the board. “We are using the same formation that we used last year. This year we have

a younger group of players,” Mikrut said. “I think we are going to have to think about being a little bit more offensive here in the last couple weeks as we enter playoffs and try to find a system that allows us to put a little more pressure on goal.” With a young team, a few kinks may need to be worked out. With the offensive strategies being the center of attention, the team is compromising what they can do to resolve these problems. “We have been struggling getting the ball in the back of the net, we are putting up a fight in every game, we just struggle scoring right now and that’s one of the biggest issues obviously as you get in the playoffs,” Mikrut said. With a youthful group, the veterans act as role models to the new players. “My goal is to continue to help our team grow, especially the younger players who are learning from me and the upperclassmen,” sophomore Emily Bogordos said. However, the sectional for the girls will not be a walk in the park. With the focus of

offense and scoring, the ladies must adapt to the tough DAC competition where, although going 4-2 in the regular season, need to get used to the physicality of the teams. “The teams that are in our sectional are kind of physical and not really possession type teams and that provides a problem in itself,” Mikrut said. “I just think there has to be more of a will to put the ball in the back of the net and that may mean giving up your body a little bit in the box for headers and attacking the ball and just getting the fundamentals and finishing.” Although a lot of improvement needs to be done, the lady Dogs are hopeful as they enter postseason play. “As a team we strive to reach greatness in sectionals, regionals, semi-state and state,” senior Jenna McCarroll said. The lady Dogs have three more games to close out the regualr season. Only one of those games is DAC competition which is Michigan City on Sept. 29. Their playoff push will begin with round one of sectionals taking place on Oct. 8.

Upcoming schedule @Michigan City

Sept. 29

Munster

Oct. 1

Sectionals rd.1

Oct. 8

*Sectional finals

Oct. 10

*Regionals rd.1

Oct. 14

*Regional finals

Oct. 17

*Semi-state

Oct. 24

*State finals Oct. 31 *if necessary

sports september 25, 2015

Girls Cross Country looks to grow in youth BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM reporter

As they came into the season with a new head coach and the loss of graduated seniors, the girls cross country team struggled to find runners to replace their huge presence. “Those were some big shoes that the girls had to fill,” head coach Lindsay Moskalick said. “We have a new freshman that has come in, though, and the upperclassmen are really stepping up in a big way.” Sophomore runner Hannah Wylie repeated as Crown Point’s Invitational champion, but came in third at last weekend’s New Prairie invite with a time of 19:13. “[Wylie] so far has been a solid number one runner for us,” Moskalick says. “She’s someone that we definitely look up to as coaches and as a team.” Despite her early season success, Wylie believes there is room for improvement for not only herself but the team as a whole. “I think we did pretty well. There are a few places we need to improve, but we have been working hard in training and I think it’s starting to show in the races,” Wylie said. With the regular season coming to a close, the team has high hopes of making it deep into the postseason as a team. “I think, based off of how they did last year, missing the state meet by just one position, obviously the goals are a little bit different in that they truly want to make it as a team and not as individuals to the state meet,” said Moskalick. The team will compete in the DAC Championships on Oct. 3 at Chesterton.

Volleyball ready for round two of DAC play BY KATIE PAWLOWSKI editor-at-large

Game, set, match. The Dogs dominated Laporte sweeping the slicers in three quick sets, but in their first round of DAC matches, the Dogs (14-3) fell short to the Lake Central Indians (14-3) and Valparaiso Vikings (19-0). “I think a great thing about our team is that we choose to take a loss as a lesson on where we need to improve,” sophomore Morgan Chacon said. “We go back to practicing after a big match ready to work harder and prepare for the next one. In the second round of DAC we plan on putting everything we’ve improved and worked on into our games.” With only one senior, four juniors and five sophomores, the Dogs have been pegged as a younger team in the DAC. This, however, isn’t a weakness but an advantage to junior Jessica Yukich. “We use being a younger team to our advantage simply by not letting that stand in our way. Other players step up to lead, and that helps us to be better-rounded,” Yukich said. “Being a young team also helps us going forward because we will keep a lot of really talented players for multiple seasons.” One of the Dogs’ biggest obstacles,going into the second half of the season, is minimizing the amount of errors made per match. The goal to reduce errors starts in the practices. “We have our routines in practice. Everything is time based, and everything is goal based. If they don’t meet the time or the goal, we have to start over. It’s training them not to make those errors on a regular basis,” head coach Allison Duncan said. Looking at the rest of the season and the second round of DAC matches, Chacon is confident in the future success of the team. “I think we’ve performed really well so far this season but can accomplish more,” Chacon said. “It’s only halfway through the season, and we can see the improvement. We all have big goals for ourselves and our team.”

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Dogs look for consistency heading into postseason

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

The Crown Point boys soccer team gets into their pregame huddle before their game against conference rivals Valparaiso.

Boys soccer blanks Vikings in 1-0 victory BY TOMMY FRAME

assistant sports editor

One and done. That is what the Bulldogs were as senior Christian Desiderio knocked in the lone goal for the Dogs’ 1-0 victory over the Vikings of Valparaiso. “We definitely got away with a win, which is good especially against a conference team,” head coach Mike Bazin said. “I have high expectations for our players, so we could have played much better soccer.” The Dogs’ defense has been constant this year as this was the fifth shutout of the season. “We have had a solid defense throughout the year so far,” Bazin said. “We have a lot of experience with several seniors in the back line and a senior in goal.” Senior goalkeeper Connor Keavany is

a four year starter that shows leadership by communicating with the defense and the team as a whole. “We have had some guys adjust on defense and, they have played at an exceptional level, making my job easier,” Keavany said. “I have a leadership responsibility on the field. I make sure that the team is fixing their mistakes on the field and are getting better. I also slow or speed up the play depending on the circumstances in the game.” The team has had its ups and downs this season but is hoping to find a consistency with their play. “I cannot say that there is a team in the state that can beat us when we are playing our game,” junior Brad Kurtz said. “We just have to find that consistency that we have been lacking all season.” Offense has been a concern for the Dogs’ throughout their 2015 campaign

and seasons prior. “That has been our Achilles heel for the past two years,” Bazin said. “Putting points on the scoreboard and finishing opportunities is something to work on.” The recent offensive struggles isn’t anything to dawn on as the Dogs’ are only looking forward to the postseason trying to make the best changes they can to play to their full ability. “Right now we are looking towards postseason. Every thing going forward is preparation for that; filling positions and seeing who fits best for the rest of the season,” Bazin said. “If we play our best soccer there is not a team in the state that can beat us, but we just have not put a full game together yet.” The boys will try to assemble that full game when they host Michigan City next Wed. Sept. 30.

Boys tennis puts away regular season with only one loss BY DYLAN WALLACE sports editor

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Junior Tommy Pawlowski returns a shot in his doubles match against Merrillville where the Dogs defeated the Pirates with a score of 5-0.

Off the heels of last year’s semi-state appearance and a regional title victory over Munster for the first time in 43 years, the boys tennis team is nearing that time again except this time, semi-state isn’t good enough. “Our goal is always to beat Munster,” coach Alex Tsikouris said. “We always have great matches with one another and this year a big goal is to beat them again, and obviously to try and get past that semi-state mark.” The Dogs have had a great deal of success this season, this past week they clinched the conference with a 5-0 win against Lake Central. It has been win after win for the Dogs except for one loss early on in the season to Penn 2-3, but they were without one of their top singles player Lance Noerenberg, who if playing, Tsikouris thinks they could have easily won. “Our one loss definitely has an asterisk next to it because one of our best players was missing and if he was there what was a 2-3 loss could have easily been a 5-0 win,”

Tsikouris said. As the end of the regular season approaches senior Anthony Kendall would like to finish the season without another loss, including the postseason. “We want to go to state and finish the season out undefeated in our remaining matches,” Kendall said. The Dogs have a variety of goals with the season coming to its ending points including the aforementioned regional and state wins, but junior Tommy Pawlowski wants to avenge last years’ semi-state loss to Culver. “Our primary goal is to beat Munster to secure regionals,” Pawlowski said. “Then our main focus will be on beating Culver after losing to them last year, we want to avenge that loss.” Pawlowski believes that in order to achieve these goals they need to keep up the intensity at practice. “We have to stay intense in practice,” Pawlowski said. “We know that every other team out there is planning on beating us; no one is coming unprepared and every team is there to win.”

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sports september 25, 2015

on the ball

WITH D-WALL

BY DYLAN WALLACE sports editor

Professional leagues lack power

Junior Grayson Lynk awaits a snap on the Dogs senior night against Mishawaka. The Dogs fell to the Cavemen 21-0.

Injustice is defined as a lack of fairness. It was an injustice when an outside judge not involved with the NFL erased Tom Brady’s four game suspension for his refusal to be cooperative with the case over the deflate gate controversy. But the real injustice is the NFL’s lack of power in their own league. While the NFL, and more specifically Roger Goodell’s recent struggle, may be the most well-known and profound example of lacked power, the NBA and NHL have experienced brief periods in which the player’s union supersedes the control of the league’s governing body. All three have been faced with lockouts, whether it be the NFL and NBA in 2011, or the NHL in 2012. The players have shown they have much more power than they should by holding out in their respective leagues. And always, the winner of all these holdouts: the players. It’s said that rules are meant to be broken, obviously with a consequence, but why have them instated if the punishment can be reduced in the player’s favor even though they’re the ones breaking the rule? Each rule has its own particular punishment based on the severity of the situation. Each league has its own commissioner and court that decides punishments; it’s time to put the foot down. I’m tired of seeing players appeal for their wrong doing and actually receive a reduction of suspension. Examples like, most recently, Le’veon Bell who was originally suspended four games for substance abuse but appealed and shortened it to only two games. The crime didn’t change; the evidence didn’t change, so why change the suspension? The NFL, NBA, NHL, etc. need to instate justice to their players or else before they know it the players will get a say in every decision made within the league.

extra

points

PHOTO BY LEXI LINBACK

Football picks up season’s first victory at Portage BY SAM BARLOGA online editor

It certainly took a while. After a string of dismal performances throughout their first four outings of 2015, the Bulldogs looked like they had something to prove when they traveled to Portage last Friday. Crown Point scored only 14 points all season when they made the trip to take on the Indians. By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs’ offensive explosion had allowed the Dogs to match their season point total. Junior Zach Stewart recovered a Portage fumble on the first play that which lead to senior quarterback Artie Equihua finding pay dirt on a one yard sneak. Senior running back Jesse Martin said the quick start was vital to his team’s 35-17 win. “It really boosted our confidence for the rest of the game,” Martin said. “But we knew that 14 points were not going to do it tonight. We just kept going and put 35 on the board.” The Dogs were not finished. Five minutes

later, Crown Point found themselves back in the end zone. Equihua found senior wide receiver Trent Schenboern to extend the Bulldogs lead to 14-0. A little more than three minutes into the second quarter, the Dogs found another touchdown. Martin polished off a long Crown Point drive, scoring from 14 yards away to move the Bulldogs’ lead to 21-0. Crown Point fumbled on the Portage oneyard line just before halftime, but showed resiliency to punch it into the end zone on the first drive of the second half, which extended the Crown Point lead to 29-0. “We fumbled the football there and we should have punched it in, so obviously we were down with that type of play,” head coach Kevin Enright said. “Ultimately, I was proud of them taking the second half kickoff and marching down the field.” A late comeback attempt by Portage was unsuccessful, as the Indians were only able to cut the Crown Point lead to as small as 18. Equihua said the win was just what they

Girls golf falls short to LC in sectionals, prepares for regionals BY MARIA LEONTARAS

arts & entertainment editor

The weather may have delayed the tournament, but it didn’t stop the girls golf teams from battling for the sectional title. The demanding course at Palmira Golf Club was even more difficult to play on due to the rainstorm before the tournament, but Crown Point played through the conditions to pull a close second with an overall score of 342, less than ten points shy of the victorious Lake Central’s score of 335. “Palmira is already a very tough course, but when you add the wind and the pin placements that day, it was an incredibly tough course. We had several players battling back however and that made a huge difference,” senior Tiffany Curtis said. Despite the conditions of the course and the pressure of performing in a competitive environment, junior Taylor Mrzlock thrives. “I play better under pressure.

Who’s the best team in college football? out of 93 students polled

That’s how I played at sectionals. I didn’t think about it being sectionals. I just played to play,” Mrzlock said. The top three teams from the sectional tournament automatically advanced to Saturday’s Lafayette regional. Crown Point is preparing for the regional in hopes of advancing to the state finals. “We are practicing a lot on our putting and short game. We have out a solid hole-by-hole plan together for our regional match,” coach Jon Haas said. “The girls have all worked very hard since the end of last season. I’m confident they are ready to play.” Over the course of the season the Dogs have displayed a consistency all around. Meaning when they play, they don’t rely on one or two girls to shoot a great score, but the entire team to perform at the level they have all season. “Our entire team is good enough to advance. As long as we keep our heads on straight, we will do well at regionals,” Curtis said.

Ohio St.

TCU

needed. “I think this game is what we needed,” Equihua said. “It could not of come at a more perfect time. This is great motivation for our guys, great motivation for all of us.” Even though things went well versus Portage, Crown Point struggled to find points for long stretches of the young season. After leading Lowell 7-0 in the first quarter of the first week, the Dogs’ gave up 103 unanswered points before scoring in the fourth quarter of the 21-7 loss to Lake Central on Sept. 11. Crown Point will look to turn their first win into a longer streak when they host the 4-1 Vikings later tonight. After finishing 8-2 a season ago, Enright is just glad to get in the win column and end the five game losing streak that dates back to last season. “When you deal with the adversity that we have dealt with so far, getting that first win is a good starting point, and something to build from,” Enright said.

High expectations drives boys cross country into October BY YOUSEF ABDELDAIEM reporter

As the gun went off, the boys cross country team shot out of the box at the New Prairie Invite which just so happens to be the semi-state course. With their top runners returning from last year, the Dogs look to improve from their 16 place finish at state last sesaon as the expectations are higher than ever. “The goals are the same but the expectations are higher,” head coach Keith Iddings said. “The goal has always been to improve upon the previous year, to get to the state meet, but this year the guys have more confidence that not only will we qualify for the state meet but we have a chance to possibly get on the podium.” Last weekend, the team came in third overall, finishing behind Lowell and Valpo at the invite. Senior Ryan Kepshire dropped out of the race due to a re aggravation of his ankle during the race. The ankle has kept Kepshire out two weeks now, but despite not racing

he is staying positive. “I just have to keep being positive and push through the pain,” Kepshire said. “Overall, though, our team performed well. It wasn’t our greatest performance, but we were not at full strength.” Kepshire has high expectations for himself and the team going into the postseason. “Our team is much better than last year. We got new teammates, harder workouts and more focus. I am really looking forward to it,” Kepshire said. Along with Kepshire is senior Alec Gerlach who has the same attitude and believes that this is their year. “I think that the team has a lot of potential this year compared to last year,” Gerlach said. “Valpo is pretty tough but I just think that if we keep doing the training we’ve been doing, we should come out on top of them at the state meet.” The team will compete in the DAC Championships on Oct. 3. at Chesterton.

Mich St.

My moment of the month ...

Ole Miss

“... was in our game against LC when I contributed with a goal in the final minutes giving us the win in overtime.”

42 7

Senior Michael Tanchevski

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arts & entertainment september 25, 2015

inreview

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“Wildest Dreams” music video By Taylor Swift

QUOTE OF THE MONTH I think hope is a dangerous thing. - Brenda “The Scorch Trials”

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Swift’s latest video was worth the wait. She never fails to surprise her fans, and this video was another worldwide phenomenon. It was a clever decision to utilize wild animals in the “Wildest Dreams” video. The video featured Hollywood’s latest heart-throb, Scott Eastwood, who never fails to impress.

“Fear the Walking Dead” Shambling to the small screen this month is “Fear the Walking Dead.” The show portrays a different perspective of the “walker” apocalypse as it happened. While taking heat from news sources and viewers, the show possesses a talented cast and writing that stands on its own when compared to its predecessor.

“Badlands”

by Halsey

Halsey’s debut album is anything but bad. Whether one wants to have a dance party or sit back and relax, “Badlands” has a song for every occasion. With slow, rhythmic beats and a unique voice, Halsey leaves listeners captivated and eagerly waiting for new tunes.

“Drag Me Down” One Direction

“Scorch Trials” has potential but fails BY ALEXIA WOJCIECHOWSKI reporter

Imagine being lifted from a grassy glade and suddenly dropped into a sandy, scorched barren. In the newest installment of the Maze Runner series, audiences will be transported into a futuristic, dystopia. The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials is directed by Wes Ball. The movie came out this past weekend, Sept. 18 and headed the box office. After arriving to what the immunes believe is a safe place, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) figures out they have not escaped WICKED’s, World In Catastrophe: Killzone Experiment

Department, control. The group’s combat abilities are tested as they are faced with possible death at every turn. During the movie, it is easy to feel an array of emotions as Thomas, and Aris (Jacob Lofland) break the crew of immunes out of WICKED’s control. O’Brien does an excellent job portraying the heart and soul Thomas as he leads his friends. As they leave, they discover the world has been infected by a solar flare that has caused a widespread pandemic. The film includes a somewhat thrilling addition, “cranks,” which are the franchise’s take on zombies. After many curious encoun-

ters, the group begins the long trek to the mountains across the Scorch where they believe a safe haven lies. Along the way, the teens are left with difficult decisions concerning their survival. Although the movie centers around Thomas, Minho (Ki Hong Lee) provides an appreciable performance like many of the cast, but still lets the main focus be on O’Brien. In The Maze Runner it can be seen that the movie spends a lot of the time focussing on the setting. In this sequel, a new approach has been taken one that focuses more on developing characters. The end of the film will

“Thanks Again” lights up local music scene in debut BY MARIA LEONTARAS

arts & entertainment editor

Fans anticipated what One Direction would do next now that Zayn has left. What did they do? They took their music to the next level. The beat is nothing like they have done before. Fans also get to see all the members show off their different vocal talents with different high notes that were usually hit by former member Zayn. One Direction has proved they only need four to carry on.

“Rodeo” By Travi$ $cott Travi$ $cott’s new album “Rodeo” is blowing up the charts. The thousands that have purchased the album agreed it may be one of the best albums of 2015. In my opinion, this album was so good that Bob Dylan rolled over in his grave.

leave viewers emotional, but overall lacks suspense. The movie is able to supply action throughout, but at times is drawn out. The movie does not fully captivate the viewers. Although Ball took many freedoms in manipulating the story, he kept the overall story line consistent and somewhat entertaining. Overall, this film is meant to be dramatic but fails to achieve its purpose to keep the attention of the viewers. The film’s strength lies in action but loses credibility in its overly drawn out plot line. If one favors dystopian teen thrillers, give the Maze Runner: Scorch Trials a chance.

Top Track “St. Joseph” Track #7

life social

A section devoted to social media

Crown Point-native band, Thanks Again, pleases music lovers with their debut album “Sonder.” The contemporary folk album dazzles with heartfelt lyrics and age-defying tunes that can make anyone want to get up and dance. Sonder is defined as the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own (The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows), and this message is portrayed throughout the story telling sounds of the album. Every song depicts a distinct moment in one’s life, whether it is heartbreak and longing as heard in “Cigarettes & Empty Stomachs” or the prospect of new love in “Pour.” One of the more buoyant tracks on the album “Richmond, VA” expertly encompasses a bluegrass sound without overwhelming the

best tweets

All these people on snapchat and instagram have like awesome relationships and I’m just sitting here eating Doritos. sophomore Casey Pierce

@STOCKTONATOR

This senior hoodie will probably be what I’ll be wearing for the next 8 and a half months. senior Sydnee Lyden

best app

best follow

@CAPierce5

I think I’m going to burn “Homecoming?” on the lawn of whoever I ask to the dance. junior Nick Stockton

listener with the classic aspects of the genre such as an onslaught of string instruments. The peppy feel of the track successfully ties the album together with its various harmonies and strategic use of the strings. The upbeat sound of “Richmond, VA” is directly followed by the hauntingly beautiful “St. Joseph.” The heartfelt lyrics and melancholy melody never fail to provoke sadness from the listener, which only skilled musicians can accomplish so flawlessly. Thanks Again was eager to finally release their music to the world. Front man Roman Ruiz said, “We are so unbelievably thrilled to have finally been able to finish this album. It had been a long time coming; I’d say around two years in total. It was a lot of hard work and very late nights in the studio. We are all very proud of what we’ve created.”

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@lokistagram Add life to your Instagram feed with daily posts Loki the Corgi. See Loki dressed up in various costumes that will guarantee amusement.

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arts & entertainment september 25, 2015

“Honeymoon” is over for Del Rey BY JACKIE HAM reporter

After dominating the Billboard charts in 2014, Lana Del Rey’s newest album is highly anticipated by her die hard fans. After selling over one million copies of her first album, she wasted no time to start producing her latest project. Del Rey announced her third album, “Honeymoon,” in January of this year and began to release multiple singles that soon rose to the desired number one spot on the iTunes charts keeping the limelight focused on her. “Honeymoon” was fully released to the public on Sept. 18. “Honeymoon” is another lethargic album with substandard songs. Del Rey said that “Honeymoon” was going to be different from her last album, “Ultraviolence,” but she keeps the same slow swaying beats and apathetic feeling. The title track “Honeymoon” creates an eerie atmosphere that would feature in a scary movie when the killer is about to strike. The whole album is full of haunting, moody emotions that neglect to command the listener’s attention. “High by the Beach” was her first single released from the album

Top Track “High By the Beach” Track #5

and the best musically. It brings actual electronic beats that work together with her entrancing voice. The most talked about song, “Freak,” has taken over the Twitter scene. Fans of Del Rey tweet the rebellious lyrics about non-

conformity that draw her fans in and captivate them. The tempos of her music remain stalemate song after song, but people continue to rave over her and this track. The slow harmonies drive the song into an uncomfortable ballad that leaves one begging to

take it off the auxiliary cord. Her album turns into a tortured, lost romance with her songs “Terrance Loves You” and “The Blackest Day.” The lyrics and glum beats fight against each other to moderately convey a love that was lost and cannot be replaced. Track number 10 on “Honeymoon,” “Salvatore,” is by far the worst song on the whole album. The chorus is brimming with laughable, childish lyrics that mask the deeper meaning of the song. With lyrics like “La-dada-da-da soft ice cream” present within a song, it may persuade the audience to look at the artist as unprofessional. Maybe the true essence behind Lana Del Rey is misunderstood. One may not get what she is all about with her tiresome sound and painfully bad lyrics. The confusion of her useless moaning that replaces important musical lyrics may baffle the ordinary human. Del Rey will still be the victor in the end. This will probably be another number one album that sells numerous vinyl records to flower-child teens, and, of course, her fans with undying love towards her. If you were not already a fan of Del Rey, keep your $12.99.

“An Ember in the Ashes” sparks readers’ interest BY TIFFANY CURTIS feature editor

A debut novel is important for an author. It sets the tone for the rest of their career. That being said, based on Sabaa Tahir’s debut novel, “An Ember in the Ashes,” Tahir’s career is set to be on an upward spiral with no hints of stopping. “An Ember in the Ashes” has all the makings of a great book. Set in an empire based on the Holy Roman Empire, it is told in dual perspective of both Laia and Elias. Laia is a Scholar, an oppressed class of citizens who have to live with earning little wages and fearing for their lives under the Marshalls who conquered them. Most of all they have to fear the Masks, the Marshalls’ way of keeping both law and order in the Empire. Elias is set to become one of these Masks. But, after a surprise night time raid, both Elias’ and Laia’s lives are changed irrevocably. This story is not a love story. It’s a story

of revolution, family, rebellion and blood. It doesn’t glamorize the effects of physical and emotional abuse or the way oppressed people are treated. This novel presents the audience with the bloody results of an abusive regime and forces readers to question whether or not they would have the courage to defy the order in which they are governed. The way Tahir spins the web of the story, intertwining Elias’ and Laia’s lives, is one of the most interesting aspects of the book. The love in this novel is not just between two people, but between four, and it also reflects one of the subjects Tahir lays the foundations of the entire story on: loyalty. Both Elias and Laia have different lives with different loyalties to different groups. Because Elias and Laia are so far apart on the totem pole of societal positions, their relationship is tested by the loyalty they feel towards their designated classes. It’s a beautiful sentiment to reflect the complexity of loyalty and love. What shines the brightest in the novel is Tahir’s building of Laia’s and Elias’ world.

Although it is based on the Holy Roman Empire, the empire the novel is set in is so corrupt and brutal that it feels on the verge of collapsing with every turn of the page. Every raid, every battle, every fight between the Scholars and the Masks keeps readers on the edge of their seat waiting for it all to come to a boiling point. It reminds the reader almost of the Hunger Games books, and the, spoiler alert, destruction of Panem and its governing body. The many classes of people Tahir creates adds to the chaos and corruptness of the world as the Scholars start fighting back and rebelling under the strict hand of the Masks. Overall, this book soars not only because of the harsh truth it shines on the lives of oppressed people or the love quadrangle, but because it is relatable to people even if their world is vastly different from the people in the novel. Most of the people in this world have questioned their place and their rights over other people’s, and that is the foundation this book is set on.

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students talking over teachers It’s annoying trying to focus on an assignment and being unable to concentrate on anything but other students’ conversations, but it’s even worse when students are talking while the teacher is instructing. It’s distracting to other students, and it’s disrespectful. Talking in class takes away from a student’s ability to hear and comprehend the teacher. Class time is for learning- not talking about what you’re doing over the weekend or after school.

Live this year to the fullest

BY MAISA NOUR editor-at-large

There is no more time to waste. A year flies faster than you can say graduation. So why spend it with the wrong people? In my past four years at Crown Point High School, I’ve come to notice a trend: friends are your life line. I am guilty of this, too. From looking for friends in classes to scanning the lunch room for a place to sit, I always attached myself to someone else wherever I went. As my senior year is kicking off, I have decided that my biggest resolution this year is to get rid of the people that only bring negativity with them. The friends you spend your time with affect you in every way imaginable whether you notice it or not. Especially if you have shared years of friendship. As they change, you change with them. But the reality of life is that everyone changes. You have to decide whether it’s a change for the worse or the better. Letting go of childhood friends can be one of the most painful things a person can do. As you let go of the person that helped create all your childhood memories, you can start feeling the reality of growing up and begin to resist. There is no running from it. Every hour, every minute, every second you are growing older. You will come to realize that you don’t have time to waste on drama, and especially if it isn’t your own. I have heard the saying “Your friends problems are your problems.” I have come to the conclusion a little too late that, sadly, this saying is anything but true. I used to carry my best friend’s problems on my shoulders hoping it would help. It didn’t. After a few years of taking in the problems of others with the negativity brought along with it, I began to become the person they were. I began to feel the same pain. I began to feel the same guilt which I am here to tell you is wrong. When people say your high school years are the best years of your life, they’re lying to you, and they shouldn’t be. One wrong friend can change everything, but one right friend can too. Join me in making this year, and many years to come, the best of years. Laugh with the people you love, learn about who you are as a person and let go of the negativity.

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people september 25, 2015

TAKE

senior Mike Krapf Beating brands My clothing line would be called “Mike” (pronounced like Nike). Even though Nike makes cool clothing, I think I could do better.

4,180 miles from home

Don’t make me eat

PHOTO BY JILL KIDDER

Foreign exchange student Ana Pazos stands outside of CPHS holding her nation’s flag, Pazos will be attending CPHS for the remainder of the year.

BY HANNAH BAUNER opinion editor

Expecting to find a land like she had only seen in movies, Ana Pazos boarded a plane to travel 4,180 miles from her home in Madrid, Spain to come to Crown Point, Indiana. Pazos, a foreign exchange student, had some preconceptions about the United States before she arrived. “American life is like it is in films, but not like it is in films. The big houses, food, and high school are like they are in the films. The high school was like “American high school” from films but now it’s so weird. The changing of classes is so weird,” said Pazos. “The first day I didn’t understand anything. Now I’m soso but at the beginning it was horrible.” Once arriving in America, one of the first differences Pazos noticed is the way the school is structured. “In Spain you stay in one room and the

teachers change classrooms. You stay with the same people all day. We don’t have lockers either,” Pazos said. Pazos is not the first in her family to participate in a foreign exchange program. However, she is the first in her family to come to Indiana. “My cousins and my brother have done this before,” Pazos said. “[My brother] went to Maine and really liked it.” One major lifestyle difference between high schoolers in Spain and the United States is the focus on sports. In Spain, the main sport is soccer, while the focus in America is football. “American football is different. People here love the sports. They like them so much and go [to the games] every Friday. They do dress up, like last time we did Hawaiian. It’s great, it’s cool,” Pazos said. As expected from a teenager leaving home

Sushi because it tastes bland and doesn’t feel like real food. The seaweed grosses me out.

Leading man

Pazos goes from Madrid to Midwest in exchange program for an entire school year, Pazos is starting to feel homesick. “At the beginning I was happy, but now I’m starting to want to go back. I want to stay because I like it. It’s a new experience, but it’s so hard. It’s one year without your family, without your friends, without your house, without your things. It’s hard to realize that I’m going to be here for a year. Sometimes I really miss my family and friends.” Pazos said. Although she misses Spain, Pazos is still enjoying her time in America. She visited Chicago over the summer with her host family. “Chicago is so beautiful. The skyscrapers are really beautiful. It’s so exotic.” Pazos said. In her short time here, Pazos is impressed with America so far. “I like America so much, and I think it is a very nice place,” Pazos said. “Everybody is so nice and friendly.”

I would want Adam Sandler to play me in a movie because he can make any situation funny, even if it is not.

Fiscal future Financial manager because I have planned to get a degree in finance since my childhood.

Paying respects I want Aaron Rodgers at my funeral because when he shows up he will realize I’ve accomplished more in my life than he has.

If you could live

anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?

“I want to go to Italy “The Philppines because I was born because of the good really like cities and it there and I have famfood and it would is still really close to ily there.” my parents.” be cool to ride in a gondola.” Elizabeth Michelangelo

“Chicago because I

“I would have to say Iceland because my family is from there.”

“Canada because I want to see the Northern Lights.”

“New Zealand because it’s full of places where you can hike and adventure.”

Rodriguez

San Juan

Grace Moles

Ethan Scott

Kayla Daleska

Noah Cornett

Sophomore

Senior

Junior

Sophomore

Freshman

Junior