MHS Crier 3 7 14

munster high school Vol. 48 / Issue 9 / March 7, 2014 / Munster High School 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster IN 46321

crier INSIDE LOOK Saturday 30/11

39/33

Sunday

Up and coming School will administer the SAT at 7:45 a.m. tomorrow.

Boys’ Varsity Basketball plays tonight at Gary West at 7:00 p.m.

photo by Gabrielle Dore

Practice Problems Attending an ACT preparation class by Excel Edge, Alex Courtney, senior, works on practice problems. “It gets my brain ready

to go for the test becasue the proactive problems that we do are on the test. It gives us the edge that we need,” Alex said.

Students Stand the Test of Time

Juniors took the PSAT earlier this year, which determined if they have to take the Accuplacer test

Victoria Avina Associate Editor

Vrusha Patel Business Manager

In order to take the Accuplacer exam, Salvador Rivera, junior, had to skip first period for three days in a row.

Administration will use this test as an indicator on whether a student stands academically prepared for college. The School Town of Munster mandates 10 tests; however, 9 of the tests are mandated by the State Legislators, not the school district.

“We’re not assessing you to make you miserable,” Dr. Phyllis Gilworth, Director of Instructional Programs and Assessment, said. “We are assessing you to make sure you succeed.”

However, Salvador disagrees with using only one test as a determining factor on college readiness.

“I believe they should treat it like colleges and base it on Academic probation,” Salvador said.

The state requires juniors that scored lowered than a 46 on the PSAT, or did not take the PSAT to take the Accuplacer test, according to Mr. Robert Snyder, Assistant Principal-Guidence Director.

“I think students often know if they are competent in material covered in Algebra I and up to English 10, but there isn’t

an assessment that measures the second half of their high school experience,” Mr. Snyder said. “ The Accuplacer will allow students to see if they have mastered the content and skills that are taught between the ECA’s and enrolling in postsecondary institutions.”

While Indiana requires juniors to take the PSAT in the fall, many students were not aware of the additional high stakes added to the tests, or the National Merit Scholarship linked to the PSAT. “I don’t think my future should be decided on one test,” Salvador said.

Juniors who scored below the benchmark, less than 46 (20-45), on the PSAT in the areas of Critical Reading and Math.

Juniors who have not passed their End of Course Assessments in Algebra I or English 10 and juniors who did not participate in the PSAT earlier this year during all-school testing will take the Accuplacer.

“I don’t think that all of our students approached the PSAT with as much seriousness as they could have,” Mr. Synder said. “I think this will change to some degree for next year. Instead of automatically placing students in remediation, they have another chance to demonstrate proficiency. The test will also establish areas in need of improvement. These will then

be used to remediate specific skills. While both the ACT and SAT are universally accepted by most colleges, some students select one company and tend to focus their efforts toward that one test. Students should always apply themselves to whatever assessment they are taking, whether it’s Accuplacer, PSAT, PLAN, ACT, or the SAT. You never know what you are capable of accomplishing unless you truly challenge yourself. You never learn about your weaknesses unless you open yourself to that process.”

Salvador, may not graduate with a core 40 diploma due to fact that he may have to take remedial classes, as well as, take the required classes needed to take to graduate with a core 40.

Christina Cortez, junior, who does not do well with standardized tests, finds them unnecessary. She does not want to take remedial classes due to not doing well with standardized testing.

“I can see if you don’t pass any of the ECAs and you don’t pass this test (Accuplacer), maybe you need those extra classes,” Christina said. “But, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

continued to pg. 8

Student government Blood Drive Registration March 10-11

Rowing forward

Athlete rows competitively and prepares during all seasons

page 14

DECA, a small army Munster takes around 130 students to compete at DECA State Competition

page 2

Harsh Reality

Staff member reviews performances from Battle of the Bands

page 10

Multiple talents

Students discuss the struggles and benefits of playing in multiple sports page 15

Jitter for twitter

Addiction to phone, laptops increases with smartphones and school laptops

page 9

Perfecting Perfection

Pressures of perfroming well from peers, parents, and themselves

page 7

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NEWS Crier / March 7, 2014

Quick Notes New Clubs

Administration discusses new school clubs for next year The administration released the list of the new clubs that were approved along with the names of the ones not accepted.

The Health Occupations Club of America club (HOSA) and the Environmental club were approved for formation while the GSA and the Science Fiction Club were not approved, according to Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal.

“We have to check to see how much it (the club) would cost and whether or not it would benefit students,” Mr. Nolan said. “We don’t want to have two of the same clubs.”

Cafeteria

On April 1 students will no longer use the finger scanner to pay for lunch

Students can no longer use the finger scan to receive lunch starting April 1, according to Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal.

“The new technology for the lunch room doesn’t support the finger scans,” Mr. Nolan said. “It’s the same computer program (PowerSchool). It’s just an update.”

Students will need to use their lunch card or type in their eight digit number on a key pad, according to Mr. Nolan.

“We put off the update for a year now because we were using the finger scan technology,” Mr. Nolan said.

Academic SuperBowl

Academic SuperBowl competes in invitational Tuesday

Academic SuperBowl competed in a Lowell Invitational Tuesday which will prepare them for their future competitions, according to Walker Hedgepath, junior.

“We have familiarity with the questions that might be asked as a framework for studying in the future,” Walker said.

Munster has received first place in social studies, math, and fine arts events, according to Walker.

“Overall, Munster did very well,” Walker said. “We were the best school there.”

photo by Natalia Bilek

AN EYE FOR BUSINESS Completely focused on his practice test, Peter Panos, senior, reflects back on his first official year on the DECA team

and going to state. “It’s a lot of fun,” Peter said. “It’s a really good time, especially when you get to go to State with your friends and hang out.”

BUSINESS MATTERS

DECA travels to Indianapolis to compete in their annual state competition Max Baker News Editor On March 6-8, the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) team travels to State with almost 130 students participating in the competition.

DECA, a business and marketing club, members have one hour to complete a 100 question test based on of four events: finance, marketing, hospitality, or management.

“It’s hard,” Marymargaret Maloney, junior, said. “The questions are usually vocabulary terms, facts about your event, and situation based questions on marketing principles and the ethics of business regarding your event.”

While a 100 question test tends to make students nervous, DECA helps their members prepare for the eventual pressure with several hours of studying and preparations, according to Casey Terry, junior.

“We take a lot of practice test,” Casey said. “We also work with other DECA members to improve our skills and use a lot of online study guides.”

After the test, each DECA member, or members if their event qualifies as a group event, takes thirty minute to prepare a role play.

“During the role play, you’re handed a specific problem and have to act out a scenario while presenting your solution to the judges,” Casey said. “I’ve been a hotel desk

clerk and a travel agent during role plays,” While role playing, DECA members can only bring note cards into the room, according to Marymargaret.

“It’s difficult to come up with a solution, because of the time limit,” Marymargaret said. “Normally I just write down my main points on my note cards then come up with the rest of my role play on the spot.”

The combined score based on the two complete role plays and their final test scores make up their overall ranking in the state competition, according to Rathnam Venkat, senior.

“This is my fourth year going to State,” Rathnam said.

“It gets easier as you go on. You get more experience and a better understanding of business foundation.”

While DECA seems challenging, many members like Casey, believe that the club has helped improve their daily lives by giving them a valuable skill they can use.

“DECA prepares you for the business world,” Casey said. “It keeps you thinking on your feet and teaches you to be prepared for anything.”

In addition, Marymargaret also uses skills she has developed from DECA in her daily life.

“DECA helps me develop a lot of skills I can use later on, like organization and public speaking,” Marymargaret said. “It also benefits to have the prior resources in case your interested in going into a career in business like me.”

TEAMS traveled to single competition

TEAMS faced their only competition March 5, claiming first and second Vrusha Patel Business Manager

photo by Chris Anguiano

TEAMS STUDY Freshman Patric Wu (center) and Ajeyo De (left) work together to solve the complex math equation at hand. “TEAMS was a lot of fun,” Patrick said. “Since my team was new to this competition we did practice problems to get familiar with the material. It was a lot of studying and hard work using all the advanced math, but going was worth it.”

Students participated in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition last Wednesday. They placed first and second in Senior, Junior division and Sophomore, Freshmen division, for the general topic of restoration and improving urban infrastructure.

Natalia Kotz, senior, takes part in an individual team, which only consisted of girls. This year they had more time to prepare; however, they did not place as well as they would have liked due to several difficult questions and irregularities, such as only having five essays this year while in the previous years they had to write eight essays.

“Since the test was littered with Calculus and Trigonometry, it was much harder than last year for us,” Natalia said. “We were not very surprised at our placement.”

The all girls team stands out, unlike most teams participating in the competition. Although not the original intention when creating the group, Michelle Pietruska, senior,

stood as the unofficial captain of the individual team of seven from Munster.

“It’s exciting, that our school can showcase the diversity of our talents,” Michelle said.

Michelle hopes to major in engineering in college, and TEAMS allows her to have an insight into the field.

“I hope to gain experience and to see what kind of math engineers do on a daily basis,” Michelle said.

The field of engineer has an expected increase of 15 percent, according to Sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher.

“It was disappointing that there weren’t many teams there because we had more teams last year and I thought it was on the rise,” Mr. Koszut said.

The competition took place at Purdue University Calumet, there Purdue showcased the different fields of engineering. Although the there were two other teams at the competition, the Carroll prevented the team from raking in all trophies at the state level,according to Mr. Koszut.

“Because we were told the first place team won by a substantial amount we are hopeful that they will lead to a very good state and national ranking,” Mr. Koszut said.

speakout Crier / March 7, 2014

BACKTALK

3

What do you feel puts the most pressure on you and why?

editorial

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

Many have heard the famous Albert Einstein quote, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

The quote relates closely to standardized testing. Students are expected to take standardized tests as a representation of their current knowledge and a prediction of OUR TAKE their probable success in a college setting.

Standardized tests However, standardized do not accurately tests, and particularly the represent whether a SAT and ACT, which continstudent will succeed ue to be a strong indicator of in college whether or not a student is admitted to the college of his or her choice, do not accurately represent whether or not a student will succeed in college.

A new study, by William C. Hiss and Valerie W. Franks, looked at the GPAs and graduation rates of students who went to schools with standard-

ized tests as optional. The differences in GPA and graduation rates of students which did and did not submit test scores was minimal.

High school grades prove a much better indicator of success than standardized tests; the rigor of courses, workload, and effort put into classes show more of the skills necessary to succeed.

Standardized tests succeed in showing a student’s raw knowledge on a topic, if the student takes the test seriously.

However, the overall intellectual ability of a student cannot be determined by the score on one single test.

Students may have an off day, or miss breakfast, or just may not be particularly good test takers, which could affects the results.

The state and school should continue to use standardized tests as a means of measuring where the students stand, but should not use it to determine the probability of a student’s success on a college level.

Building a tolerance for alcohol Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor A 2013 Colorado law changed history forever when it allowed recreational use of marijuana. Similar history-changing laws legalizing same sex marriage recently passed in 18 states.

In an effort to maintain its competitive edge, Indiana has passed its own earth-shattering law. Citizens now have the right to act in an annoying manner while intoxicated, thanks to an Indiana Court of Appeals decision.

The court ruled last month in favor of erasing a part of Indiana’s intoxication law after a man named Rodregus Morgan who was arrested in 2012 filed an appeal. The reason for his arrest

was the fact that he was behaving in an annoying manner, according to the arresting officer. Morgan’s defense was that annoyingness is immeasurable.

While the sole purpose of this new law may seem to be encouraging an increase in undesirable behaviors related to drunkenness, it is actually Indiana’s well-disguised attempt at leading by example. This law promotes a message that is bigger than the negative behaviors it may support, a message that all citizens should follow: tolerance.

It is easy for students to avoid what they consider annoying, but this avoidance only causes tension. Psychologist Joe Palca stated in his book, “Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us,” “We define annoyances as being essen-

Crier Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321, phone 219-836-3200, Ext. 3443; Fax: 219-836-3202. Published by the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes, and extra-curricular involvement.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community.•Crier is a source of information, entertainment, advertising and opinion for the student body, faculty, administration and community •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the editorial page where opinion writing will be featured. All published material will stress accuracy, truthfulness, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence.

Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration.

tially trivial. They may be unpleasant, but they’re not harmful, in general.”

If annoyances truly are not harmful, why do students allow them to create so much tension? Simply tolerating annoyances would be enough to make school a less hostile place.

Morgan was also correct when he stated that annoyingness cannot be measured. Each person has his own annoying qualities and what one person considers annoying may not be annoying to others. If everybody learns to tolerate each other, it will create a friendlier school environment.

Therefore, we should all follow the example set by Indiana. If Indiana can permit annoying intoxication, we can all learn to be a little bit more tolerant.

Letters to the Editor are welcomed, but should be limited to 250 words. All letters must be signed and should be given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Pub, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues.

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The Staff Editor-in-Chief Cassie Eberle Managing Editor Jordan Cockrum Associate Editor Victoria Avina Lifestyles Editor Meena Kandallu

“When two friends fight puts pressure on me because one friend wants you to stop talking to the other and you have to chose between them.”

“Getting good grades because that’s the thing I struggle with most compared to other activities I’m in.”

“Getting ready for junior year by picking classes is so stressful because you have to plan your future high school career. High school is just going by so fast.”

“School puts the most pressure on me because I have to keep up with my work and maintain good grades while playing sports.”

“Grades are definitely putting the most pressure on me this year.

Just trying to bring up my grades plus SATs and AP exams coming up.”

“College because I know I will have to go through a mountain of emails.

I’ve been putting it off and I will need to do it eventually.”

“My parents put pressure on me because they want me to do my best and succeed, but sometimes I can’t.”

“Family issues stress me out because my dad doesn’t know how to babysit right.”

Ashley McPartlan, freshman

Melissa Bermudez, sophomore

Shannon Mahoney, junior

Alyssa Wojcik, senior

Henry Wolf, freshman

Brodie Claesgens, sophomore

Josh Peters, junior

Mr. Dusan Vidovic, math teacher

Sports Editor William Hatczel News Editor Max Baker Social Media Director Alisa Muñoz Business Manager Vrusha Patel Head Photographer Gabrielle Dore Photographers Christopher Anguiano, Alex Baker, Natalia Bilek, Cesar Camacho, Chelsea Eickleberry, Casey Gouwens, Lauren Koultourides, Pam Muangmingsuk, Alisa Muñoz Cartoonist Julia Torres Adviser Sarah-Anne Lanman

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NEWS Crier / March 7, 2014

PULLING RANK Speech continues preparing for Districts at Plymoth High School this weekend as members also advance to State William Hatczel Sports Editor Speech team members prepare for Districts after several students advanced to the state competition.

“The team had an exceptional day with tournament champions in 10 of 12 entered categories,” Coach Jordan Mayer, Director of Speech and Debate said. “Out of 40 entries, 38 entries advanced. As we are in the state’s toughest Sectional, this is a major achievement.” feedback from different viewpoints.

In order to perform well in their events, “We do this so we can provide a wide arSpeech members organized their weeks of ray of opinions,” Coach Mayer said. “Since practice into two categories, according to the judging pool is composed of a range of Bridget Carraher, sophomore. people, we try to simulate this experience.

“We practiced evThey (the team) have to ery week, but one week Speaking history learn how to adapt to the where we have producmasses.”

Famous speeches have tion, which is where we Weeks of this kind of cut and polish our piece,” inspired speech members practicing proves imBridget said. “Anoth- “I Have a Dream” by portant when it comes er week we have is the time to perform. RepeatMartin Luther King technique week where ing her piece time after we perform our pieces in “Inaugural Address” time keeps Bridget from

by John F. Kennedy front of other members panicking. and coaches.”

“I do not get nervous “Infamy Speech” by Speech members like when I am basically reFranklin Roosevelt source: Vivian Reba, sophomore Bridget take advantage peating my speech,” of these special weeks in Bridget said. “I just think order to perfect their pieces while getting about how hard I worked and how much feedback from teammates and coaches. time I put into it.”

“It (feedback) helps if you are running a The team prepared all week for this new piece,” Bridget said. “The coaches are weekend’s District tournament at Plymreally specific and helpful in order to help outh High School. The team plans on sendyou get a perfect piece.” ing only a select amount members to the Coach Mayer likes to bring in a wide tournament to compete for the chance of range of adults from retired speech coach- advancing to Nationals over the summer. es, actors, alumni, and other faculty mem“We will be bringing roughly 20 stubers into practice so the team can receive dents to attempt to qualify for the National

photo by Alisa Muñoz

Tournament on June 16-20,” Coach Mayer said. “Students need to place in the top two of their respective event to advance.”

Despite the pressure of trying to advance to the national tournament, Coach Mayer believes that last weekend’s success at Sectionals serves as a confidence boost for the members competing at Districts.

“The students feel confident going into this weekend’s tournament,” Coach Mayer said.

The team used the same Speech tips practice regime used in NCFL finalist share tips on how to preparing for Sectionals. '”We held practices this give a public speech to an audience week with coaches and us- Put yourself in the situation, break mental wall ing peer coaching,” Coach Enunciate your words Mayer said.

Coach Mayer stresses Have passion about what you are saying to his team that the placements in competitions do Do not speed up during the important parts not matter as long as they of your speech source: Vivian Reba, sophomore try their best.

“We stress that expectations and goals should not be tied to placings in such a subjective activity,” Coach Mayer said. “We stress that expectations and goals should not be tied to placings in such a subjective activity.”

ON THE RIGHT TRACK In Director of Speech and Debate, Coach Jordan Mayer’s classroom, Madison O’Dea, junior, (right) and Alyssa DeJoan, freshman, (left) practice for the upcoming competition. “It takes a lot out of you,” Madison said. “We’re always trying to get better and improve. We’re doing well right now, which is all you can ask for.”

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NEWS Crier / March 7, 2014

DIVIDEDTO

5

CONQUER

Science Olympiad places first, second, third at their last invitational, prepares for state competition March 22 Victoria Avina Associate Editor Science Olympiad placed first, second and third at the New Albany High School Invitational in Ohio Feb. 22.

“It was kind of unexpected, because during the awards ceremony we didn’t expect to place second and third, because we weren’t doing that well,” Akhilesh Mishra, senior, said. “So, it was a really huge deal to see that we got first, second and third. “ The team has not competed there in the past, according to Taylor Merkel, junior.

“We really didn’t know what to expect seeing that it was our first time competing against a lot of the teams,” Taylor said.

“We knew that we were strong and we expected to do well, but we pretty much crushed everyone there so that was unexpected. “ The members did not predict to have all teams place high due to the individual scores, according to Akhilesh.

“Based on the awards we were getting, we didn’t get like all the first places or anything,” Akhilesh said. “We weren’t as amazing as I guess we figured we will be.

So, we didn’t think we would also place well as we did at Regionals the week before.”

Wanting to perform better at State than last year, Science Olympiad decided to compete with out of state teams, according to Taylor.

“As opposed to last year, when we were just trying to do well at State, this year were fighting to go to Nationals,” Taylor

said. “So, going to the invite at Ohio gives us the chance to compete against teams that we could see at Nationals.”

The team gained confidence from the invitational, according to Taylor.

“That’s the second or third time that we done that at an invite and it feels fantastic every time to know that we beat so many different teams from like across the country,” Taylor said.

With another competition under their belt, Taylor feels more strongly prepared for State March 22.

“Everybody is competing. Every body is gaining experience learning things that they need to work on,” Taylor said.

“They’re getting a chance to run their devices and it all just contributes to making the team even stronger.”

The team prepares for State by choosing the members that will compete.

“After New Albany, we had to make cuts and we realize that we have three teams up until now, but State only permits one team so that demands cuts,” Mr. Koszut said. “It was a hard thing to do because many that have done very well were cut and the reason is we can only have 15 that has to be a blend of the top performers that can cover all 23 events.”

Mr. Koszut believes the team will do well at State, but hopes they do not become over confident.

“Our kids are professional competitive Olympians and so on a morning of a competition, they don’t run around in circles confused,” Mr. Koszut said. “They know what to do and they go do it. From a coaching stand point, that means a lot.”

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

BUILDING POWER Working on Mission Possible, a small device in which several marbles and paper clips will be poured into it, causing an energy transfer that will

turn on a light, Akash Shah, senior, thinks back to all his past Science Olympiad events. “All the events are challenging, but that’s why I love them,” Akash said.

Gears of war: Robotics prepares for competitions

Robotic members look forward to improving their team’s mechanical engineering and building skills while competing in two in season competitions at Terre Haute and Purdue Layfette during the month of March Max Baker News Editor

photo by Pam Muangmingsuk

REMOTE VIEWING While working on the robot, Nicolas Eliopoulos, freshman, pilots the device from the storage area above the old pool.

Robotics will compete in Terre Haute , Ind. March 6-8 for the Crossroads Regional. They will then compete for a second time at Purdue Layfette on March 20-22 for the Boiler Maker Regionals.

“It took a lot of fundraising to get enough money to send us to two competitions,” Ms. Catherine Mazeikas, science teacher, said. “We asked a lot of businesses, like Five Guys, for donations.”

The Robotics team has little to no fears about entering their competition, according to Zach Keslin, junior.

“This is the second year we’ve gone to two competitions instead of just one,” Zach said. “It’s a lot more work and it’s pretty stressful, but it helps us in the long run.”

These two competitions will help the team work out all the rough edges, technical difficulties and various kinks their robot experienced during their first competition, according to Zach.

“It (the second competition) is great,” Zach said. “We get to try different approaches to the problems we face and try to solve unique challenges we experience along the way.”

Ms. Mazeikas agrees with Zach, hoping that after the first competition the team will perfect anything that went wrong and help the robot perform better.

“There’s always going to be something to fix no matter how sturdy it is,” Ms. Mazeikas said.

The Robotics team face several obstacles like malfunctioning or broken parts, human error, and a lack of experience, according to Alyssa Comer, junior.

“It’s hard at times,” Alyssa said. “We have a limited time period to build and practice with the robot. We also have to Robotic tactics help train and prepare The Robotics team created the underclassman on and designed a robot top of that. It gets really stressful at times.” which would perform three Since the Robotics different tasks in three years team has already left 2012: The robot was designed for the Crossroads to shoot basketballs into two and Regional, they know three point buckets have a concrete game plan for the robot, 2013: The team designed a robot which will not change that would launch frisbees across until the competition a field has passed and the team can fix any mis- 2014: The team created a robot that carries an exercise ball from takes, according to Alone end of the field to the other yssa.

Source: Alyssa Comer, junior “Once we’re done with our first, we’ll go back and experiment with the robot a little bit more,” Alyssa said. “We’ll tweak what needs to be tweaked and change whatever we need to change. After that, we can only hope it’s what we needed to do to win.”

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INFOCUS Crier / March 7, 2014

Art of learning

Meena Kandallu Lifestyles Editor Although most regard the PSAT as an indicator of knowledge in math, writing and reading comprehension, the PSAT can also reveal a lack of proficiency in another area— cursive writing.

“I remember actually having to write the cursive alphabet on the board so students would be able to fill out the section that required it,” Mrs. Michelle Duffy, English teacher said.

A 2011 Indiana Department of Education decision made cursive writing no longer required in Indiana schools. Senate Bill 113, which aims to make cursive a requirement in Indiana schools, passed the Indiana Senate in January. If it passes in the House, the teach-

After Indiana both dropped the teaching of cursive from the curriculum then reinstated it, students, faculty reflect on importance of cursive

ing of cursive writing will be mandated again.

“I was disappointed when I found that it was no longer required,” Mrs. Duffy said. “I’m glad that there is a push to make sure it instituted in the classroom.”

Sammi Koufus, senior, disagrees with the idea that the curriculum should require cursive teaching.

“Cursive was taken out of schools for a reason,” Sammi said. “I haven’t used it since elementary school and what is the point of learning something you don’t use?”

Mrs. Duffy, on the other hand, estimates that she uses cursive 90 percent of the time and considers it a useful skill.

“Everybody should have at least a minimum standard when it comes to cursive,” Mrs. Duffy said.

photo by Chelsea Eickleberry

LEARNING TO ADJUST During her six period English class, Mrs. Michelle Duffy prepares for presentations. “Sometimes, I would intentionally write in print because I know that my students will complain about not being able to read it,” Mrs. Duffy said. “However, I know my hand-writing is legible that I simply tell them to suck it up and adjust.”

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“Even though the majority of people don’t use cursive, you never want to put yourself in a situation where you are unable to read something just because it’s written in a different script.”

Chloe Zatorski, sophomore, also uses cursive on a regular basis but knows that it has its downsides.

“I try to get my notes done as fast as possible and cursive allows me to do that,” Chloe said. “But sometimes when I look back at what I have written, it’s not legible.”

Chloe believes that while cursive can prove useful, a requirement that forces students to learn it should not exist.

“If you don’t like to write in cursive, as long as you can write your name in cursive, there is no other time in life when you will ever need cursive,” Chloe said.

“I’m not really pro-cursive, I’m pro-speed.”

Sammi also considers speed an important factor when it comes to handwriting, but does not think that cursive is the only way to achieve this speed.

“Writing in script but connecting all of the letters is just as fast as cursive,” Sammi said. “There is no need to spend so much time teaching cursive.”

The prevalence of technology usage in today’s society Bill in process proves as another reason why Senate Bill 113, cursive is not needed, accordregarding cursive, ing to Sammi.

“People don’t really send goes to the House formal letters or write essays Proposed by any more,” Sammi said. “Ev- Jean Leisings erybody uses email and types Passed Senate on their essays, so cursive isn’t Jan. 23, 2014 very useful.”

Although word processing Vote software may encourage stu- 36-13 dents to avoid hand-writing source: IN.gov in favor of typing, cursive still has its place in society, according to Mrs. Duffy.

“I understand that some people think its obsolete, but cursive is a defining characteristic of a person,” Mrs. Duffy said. “I think it’s important that you have a signature and that you have the ability to set yourself apart from others.

Other than cursive expressing individuality, Mrs. Duffy adds that cursive also acts as an art form.

“I’ve always thought that cursive is kind of like art,” Mrs. Duffy said. “Even the sloppiest handwriting, when you look at it, is still a form of expression.”

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INFOCUS Crier / March 7, 2014

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Students discuss how they cope with the array of stress they encounter daily

T

he crowd looked on anxiously. The

University of Missouri recruiters scrutinized his every move. With all eyes on him, Alex Del Rio, senior, stepped up to the plate to bat...and struck out.

“I definitely had a lot of pressure on me,” Alex said.

“Any time I knew a school was coming to see me, I’d try to make the least amount of mistakes because one bad game or one great game could change everything.“ Despite his initial slipup at the beginning of the game, Alex performed well for the rest of the game and later received acceptance to play baseball at the University of Missouri.

“The first thing I felt when I found out I was accepted was probably relief,” Alex said. “The whole recruiting process was nerve-wracking and caused a lot of stress.”

Alex began playing baseball at the age of eight and as he improved, he began to notice an increase in expectations, which ultimately led to more pressure.

“When you first start out, nobody really expects much from you,” Alex said, “but once you start playing well, everybody expects more out of you and you expect more out of yourself.”

Although Alex has put a large amount of energy into baseball throughout high school, he also un-

derstands the importance of doing well academically. However, he has sometimes been faced with conflicts regarding baseball and homework.

“I’ve always known I have to do well in school, because that’s also important to colleges,” Alex said. “There would be plenty of times where I’d have to write a paper the same weekend that I’d have a game three hours away and I’ve just had to balance everything as best as I can.”

Students like Alex who feel the need to perform well in school and sports may experience an especially large amount of pressure, according to Mr. Fatouros, guidance counselor.

“This is a top school,”Mr. Fatouros said.

graphic illustration by Chelsea Eickleberry

“Classes here aren’t necessarily easy, and with student athletes, there is the pressure to compete and the pressure to do well at school.”

Mr. Kalwasinski believes that while students should keep their futures in mind, they should not allow worries about college to cause a undue stress.

“Everyone is always looking for the next thing,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “When they’re in high school, they want to do well for college. When they’re in college, they want to work toward getting a good job. Where does it end?”

Junior Catherine Tavitas’s typical weekday schedule involves waking up at 6:50 a.m., arriving at school 25 minutes later, attending dance team practice or ACT tutoring after school. She

then works on homework before attending another dance class and also a DECA practice on some days. When she finally arrives home afterwards, she works on homework until 2:30 a.m. before falling asleep, exhausted.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure on

me with grades and time management,” Catherine said. “This is the most pressure I’ve ever felt school-wise, so I’m kind of excited for the school year to end.”

Students often take on too much and put unnecessary pressure on themselves, according to Mr. Kalwasinski, psychology teacher.

“Something’s got to give,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “You can’t do it all.

You can’t be involved in everything.”

Although Catherine believes that she puts a lot of pressure on herself, she also experiences external forms of pressure.

“Most of the pressure is from myself because I chose to take to take hard classes and I know I need to do well in them,” Catherine said. “But my family does put pressure on me too because a lot of family members have gone to Notre Dame and they want me to do well too.”

While she struggles with juggling homework and extracurricular activities, Catherine feels that the

resulting pressure is necessary for success.

“With all of the different clubs and dance team tied in with homework, it’ s a lot,” Catherine said. “But if I didn’t have this pressure, I wouldn’t be motivated.”

In order to make time to finish all of her homework, Catherine often takes time out of other things in her life.

“I sort of have to sacrifice sleep,” Catherine said. ”I have to turn off my phone a lot and I just sort of have to shut everything down and focus.”

Many high school students like Catherine who put themselves under a lot of pressure will be unable to handle it in the long run, according to Mr. Kalwasinski.

“Maybe you can handle the pressure, but it may not show now, but something is suffering,” Mr. Kalwasinski said.

“When they get to college, how many students can keep it up?”

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8

INFOCUS Crier / March 7, 2014

continued from page 1

K-12 testing

Munster students take various standardized tests throughout the years mClass

No cost Grades K-2 To test students’ literacy skills Taken 3 times a year

Acuity (3-10) No cost Grades 3-10 To predict performance on ISTEP, ECAs Summer school required for students who do not pass Taken three times a year

ISTEP+ , IRead3 No cost Summer school required for students who do not pass (IREAD3) Taken once a year

LAS Lings (ELL) No cost Students who first language is not English have to take this test Students must test until they score a five in two consecutive years

Explore, PLAN Paid by student fees Explore predicts college readiness for eighth graders and helps determines if a student is on the right track for high school Plan predicts college readiness for ninth graders and helps prepare for the ACT

‘Students stand the test of time’ In addition, Christina notices that although she does “I took it at Purdue Calumet I did worse, and I feel like not usually do well on standardized tests, she still receives that was because of situational learning. Also there’s a an above average grade in all her classes. bunch of things that can affect how you’re going to take “I had a B all year in English and I failed a test any specific day,” Quinton said. the ECA,” Christina said. “So, I don’t think Future changes “I think it would be a lot better instead of trying to standardize tests, you try to it’s a good measure. I mean I pass the class The College Board will make changes to the SAT give more options to students to differand it’s not like I barely passed it.” entiate between what kind of test they While Christina does not think the re The changes will occur by can take because there are more than one medial classes can benefit her if she does 2016 way for someone to learn. There’s visual not do well on the Accuplacer, Mr. Sny The new changes will try to der believes that students should always eliminate simply filling in bubbles learners, there’s audio learners, there’s tactile learner. It really depends on what attempt to keep practicing on certain aca The test will no longer have kind of learner you are on how you are demic weaknesses. sections in which students select going to do on a test because there’s a “No student wants to pay for remedial a vocabulary word; however, lot of people you don’t do well with like classes at the postsecondary level,” Mr. students would need to know spatial reasoning, but there very visual Snyder said. “These would be courses how to use the words in context learners and that can screw them up on students would be required to take and Calculators will not be a test.” to complete, but they do not factor into allowed in all math portions Although the Accuplacer test prepares their degree or certification tracks. There The essay will now be students to score better on college ready is always a benefit to learning about your optional standardize tests, Quinton does not find weaknesses: It provides us as individuals Preparation for the test will with the opportunity to grow.” now be in conjunction with Khan the ACT and SAT an accurate predictor of a student’s intelligence.

The Accuplacer test will not only deAcademy for free Source: CNN “In my personal opinion, I believe in termine if students need to take remedial multiple intelligences,” Quinton said. classes, but also stands as a predictor on “I don’t believe that just because you scored well on a how they will perform on the ACT and SAT. While the test can help a student prepare for college- test, you’re smart. It doesn’t work like that. You can have ready standardized test, Quinton Pedrick, senior, does different areas of expertise that lead to an overall intelligence, but just because you score well on a test doesn’t not think the test shows academic reliability.

Terra Nova/In-View Total cost $24,449.20 Used to place students in high ability programs Grades 2,3,4 and 8

PSAT (10,11) State pays for sophomores, but juniors pay if they want to take it Practice test for SAT Determines National Merit Scholars Determines whether students will take Accuplacer test

ECAs English 10 Algebra I Biology test not required for graduation, but taken during freshman year Used to test achievement in a subject source: Mrs. Phylis Gilworth, Director of curriculum and Instruction

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school. She likes that it allows her to meet a variety of students. “I meet different kids that I normally don’t have in class and it’s a chance to teach test taking strategies that are not limited by math background.”

INFOCUS Crier /March 7, 2014

FACE TO FACE

OR FACETIME?

9

With the use of technology on the rise, students, teachers discuss the lasting effects that social media can have on society William Hatczel Sports Editor Sitting down on his bed after school to start his homework, Yiorgo Karnezis, sophomore, attempted to remain focused while the urge to check his phone clouded his mind.

“I spend too much time all the time (on Twitter),” Yiorgo said. “I feel like I tweet and retweet too much. TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME Before the bell rings, a senior girl takes a quick glance at her messages with her friend. She admits I procrastinate when I do homework.”

Mobile users are 79 percent more likely to check to using her cell phone in school often. However, she only checks their accounts several times a day while 400 million tweets are sent daily, according to socialmediatoday.

“I try to read a section in a certain subject and then com. Yiorgo believes that society will continue to I will check my phone,” Lily said. “When I successworsen due to its heavy reliance on technology, espe- fully get through my homework, then it is not a probcially social media. lem.”

“As technology rises, I honestly feel like sociStevan Djuric, junior, believes that he must learn ety gets worse and worse,” Yiorgo said. “ I feel like while in school. Therefore he does not let his phone technology makes us less social, we sit on social me- distract him in class. dia and hide behind a screen saying our opinions “In school, I am there to learn,” Stevan said. “ If I and what we feel instead of saying it to someone’s have extra time at home then I will go on it (phone). face.”

If I do not understand the work in school, then I will Mobile users can credit their temptations for want- not understand it at home.” ing to check their phone and Maddie Sharmat, senior, play apps to pleasure centers thinks that students who care “As technology rises, I honestly feel like about their grades make sure in the brain, according to Mr. society gets worse and worse. I feel like they stay focused on the task at Matthew Kalwasinski, Psytechnology makes us less social, we sit on hand and not social media. chology teacher. social media and hide behind a screen “Any kind of dependence “I know the opportunities saying our opinions and what we feel are out there,” Maddie said. does work on a pleasure ceninstead of saying it to someone’s face.” ter,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “It “But the students who care most likely affects the frontal about their grades will not go -Yiorgo Karnezis, sophomore lobe of the brain which conon them (social media sites).

Although Mr. Kalwasinski trols personality and judgwarns students to get off distracting websites while ment.”

Lily Hasler, junior, also finds herself sucked into taking notes in class, he admits that he only needs to the Twitter world along with apps, and believes remind a few kids.

“I do have to remind students to stay on their some people can get addicted to their phones.

“I like to go on Snapchat, Instagram, and play Can- notes,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “Of those kids, it is a dy Crush a lot,” Lily said. “If you have an addictive small percentage.”

While major addictions pose a threat to internet personality, then you are going to be addicted to your phone. The problem is then that you will forget users, Mr. Kalwasinski sees them as a distraction even with adults. human contact.”

“It (phones and internet) distracts them from evLily has implemented a strategy that allows her to check her phone along with completing her home- erything,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “I take my son to the zoo or a dinosaur show and I see parents on their work, and she finds this strategy helpful.

“

photo by Alisa Muñoz

or sends texts before and after class. “I believe using cell phones during school while a teacher is giving a lesson can be distracting,” the senior said.

phone . They are not even watching their kids.”

One of the biggest reasons why people find teenagers on their phone constantly comes from the lack of discipline and bad example from parents, according to Mr. Kalwasinski.

“A lot of parents do see it as a problem,” Mr. Kalwasinski said. “My wife and I have a phone, but we are not on it at the dinner table. My son will have a phone, but I will have to model it by keeping the phone down and teaching him.”

When Steven eats with his family, he finds himself using his cell phone instead of talking along with his cousins at the dinner table.

“When I am with my family, the teenagers are most likely on their phones at the dinner table,” Stevan said. “We are playing on apps or on Twitter.”

Lily finds herself in the same situation around her friends sometimes. Other times, Lily and her friends attempt to communicate with each other by putting their phones down.

“We put our phones in the middle and talk to each other in person,” Lily said. “When it gets quiet then we take our phones and check Twitter.”

Yiorgo cannot understand why some people would rather stay inside on some days and immerse themselves into social media when they can go outside and enjoy the summer.

“They would rather stay inside on a beautiful summer day and play Xbox or with their iPad rather than enjoy the sun, go swimming, or just do something productive,” Yiorgo said. “Yes, I feel like technology makes us less social. We sit on social media and hide behind a screen saying our opinions and what we feel instead of saying it to someone’s face.”

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10

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Crier /March 7, 2014

REVIEW

STAGE

Fighting to win Battle of the Bands, three bands and seven talent acts exhibited their talent last Friday in front of audience, judges Max Baker News Editor

Chief Diamond Phillips Seniors Payton Preboy, Harry Goldenberg, Brandon Amaloo, Mikey McGrath and Spencer Boerman

Austin Melder, ‘13, Seniors Nic Blackstone, Tyler Wood and Levi Sasek

Fernando’s DayDreamer act was a breath of fresh air to the audience, who had since been brought up on only singers. His act ignited the age old question: are some people born without bones? The senior effortlessly slid up and down the aisle and across the stage as if someone had sewn him together from parts of Thriller-era Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Elvis and every clichéd dancer in every Spanish tango movie ever made.

Fernando bowled across the stage with a smile and a fedora, looking like a Justin Timberlake clone. His unique stage presence and impressive dancing, combined with possibly illegal way he moved his hips and limbs, made him the clear winner of the talent portion of Battle.

SINGING HER HEART OUT (top) Belting out lyrics, singer Payton Preboy, vocalist of the winning band, Chief Diamond Phillips, wears a confident expression. PLAYING A BIG PART (middle) focusing on his music, sophomore Zach Brum, guitarist of The Trademarked, concentrates on his guitar. THROWING HIS HAND IN THE AIR (bottom right) With eyes shut, senior Levi Sasek, vocalist of The Censored, finishes a song. DREAMING OF DANCING (bottom left) Capturing the crowd’s attention, Fernando Jimenez, senior, dances DayDreamer, the winning talent act. photo by Chris Anguiano

photo by Alex Baker

The Censored

As the first band to perform at Battle, The Censored did a remarkable job. Their performance completely enticed the crowd to the point where an audience member and Nic Blackstone, senior, had an actual conversation about a microphone. The Censored featured two vocalists which not only kept the audience’s interest, but also added a different aesthetic to the performance. As musicians, The Censored excelled, but as performers, some lacked personality.

Nic Blackstone drew the audience’s eyes straight to him with his strangely hypnotic hair. However, he spent most of the set looking like the blond love child of the two chicks from “The Ring” and “The Grudge,” respectively. Austin Melder’s superb drum beats, vocals, and small guitar playing made him another high point in this band, along with some much needed comic relief.

The bassist, Tyler Wood, senior, impressed with his bass playing, but he seemed to have glued himself to the stage, preventing any movement. He also apparently acquired some facial nerve damage , making his Kristen Stewart impersonation spot on. The final performer, senior Levi Sasek’s vocal abilities could not keep up with the other members of The Censored.

Their schizophrenic choice of hard rock, blues, and country songs made their set somewhat lackluster.

Fernando Jimenez, senior

The Trademarked

The Censored

DayDreamer

photo by Natalia Bilek

As the winning band, it was clear why from their surprisingly entertaining performance.

Payton Preboy, senior, walked out on the stage looking like an extra from “Duck Dynasty” and made her presence somewhat known before the music overpowered her vocals. Payton herself shied away from the crowd, choosing to stay close to their drummer rather then take center stage.

Instead, seniors Brandon Amaloo and Harry Goldenberg battled it out for that spot. Both brought enough energy to put the Energizer Bunny to shame.

Brandon completely worked the stage with his bass, keyboard, and guitar, his coconut head bouncing as he did. Harry chose to act as the emcee for the band, introducing the members and making light jabs at their drummer, Mike McGrath, who responded with an admirable wit that won the respect of the audience. Guitarist Spencer Boerman injured himself early on in the set, preventing any notable stage presence or musical ability. The songs blended together into a déjà vu that lasted nine minutes.

these Rob Zombie rejects.

Flynn LeMonnier, senior, wove his gravel and wine vocals into something that morphed from Rob Zombie to a sedated Marilyn Manson. While his transforming vocals impressed the audience, Flynn spewed chunks of gross word vomit into his mic.

As a performer he battled against their bassist, Patrick Losinieki, junior, for the stage. Patrick had great energy, but no idea what to do with it. Eventually, he swan dived off the stage, catwalking up the aisle. Drummer Gerardo Corral did a great job in the music aspect, but due to his fixed position, faded into the background. Luis Corral’s guitar skills were admiral, but his position of sandwiched-between-Flynn-and-Patrick forced him into the background. Guitarist Zach Brum, fluctuated in stage presence due to technical difficulties. Their bold choice of original and mainstream songs failed to overshadow the audience’s uncomfortablity with the style of music.

Chief Diamond Phillips

TAKING

THE

The Trademarked The Trademarked delivered on sheer volume.

Their entire set, shrouded in toxic fog and red stage lights, created an atmosphere that vaguely resembled a blender. It was loud, scary, and slightly thrilling for anyone who did not prefer the dirty sound of

photo by Natalia Bilek

Flynn LeMonnier, senior, Zach Brum, sophomore, Gerardo Corral, WWMS 8th grader and juniors Patrick Losiniecki and Luis Corral

LIFESTYLES Crier / March 7, 2014

PLEDGING A NEW ALLEGIANCE

11

Ray-Mahmoud Ojel, junior, experiences large changes after moving from Syria in pursuit of education Vrusha Patel Business Manager Over six million Syrians have been displaced into neighboring countries, such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey due to the civil war. Last year the United States allowed 70,000 refugees into the country while providing aid to the

Danger zones With civil war occurring, Syrian map shows most dangerous, safest cities

l m ON

ml

SYRIA

LEB AN

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

TURKEY

H IRAQ JORDAN

l(top)

Aleppo: largest city in Syria; also possibly the most dangerous city

l(middle) Homs: One of Syria’s most dangerous cities

H

Damascus: Capital of Syria; major battle site of the Civil War

m(top)

Latakia: Former home of Ray; Major Mediterranean coastal city; relatively safe city

m(bottom) Marmarita: Home of many

of Jessica’s family members; mostly unaffected by the war source: www.cbsnews.org

neighboring countries to help refugees and citizens of those countries, according to the State Department.

Jessica Layous, junior, does not see the bright future for Syria that she believed it once had.

“It worries me that Syria was on the brink of modernism and have it totally transformed to a terror, breaks my heart,” Jessica said. “The state of terror came from outside nations and groups.”

Jessica believes that the United States should not get involved militarily, but that the United States should allow refugees into the country.

“Initially, it was secular, peaceful protests, these outside nations provided money and fighters for the rebels to fight, and it bred chaos,” Jessica said.

Currently, Jessica has family living in Syria. Her uncle applied for visas in multiple countries; however, the United States denied his visa. Jessica visited Syria in 2009. From her visit in 2009, she remembers the beauty and long lasting history that Syria holds.

“It makes me angry that people will see Syria as a battleground and not the rich history that it has,” Jessica said.

Although not affected by the conflict, Ray-Mahmoud Ojel, junior, moved to the United States from Latakia, Syria and hopes to build a future in America.

“I didn’t come here because of the war. I came here for education,” Ray said.

Ray had plans of moving to the United States for college; however, the war pushed his family to migrate sooner.

“It’s (moving) the biggest challenge of my life,” Ray said. “ I used to speak Arabic all the time in Syria but here I speak English, but the way of life is different.”

photo by Alisa Muñoz

GIVING IT A SHOT Taking a photo during his photography class’s first film photo shoot, RayMahmoud Ojel, junior, practices in hopes of making photography a career. “If I got the opportunity to have photography as a job, I would like to go around the world and take photos,” Ray said.

Although Ray faces major climate and cultural change in the United States, he did not experience what his friends in Syria experienced when moving to Latakia. Many of Ray’s current friends moved to Latakia, a major port city of Syria and the birthplace of the current President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, due to its lack of conflict.

While, Latakia stands physically unaffected by war, other cities lay in ruins.

“They were sad of course because they left their homes, but they were pretty happy that they managed to get to the city that’s the safest,” Ray said.

“They were hoping the war would end so they can get back home sooner.”

The city had a greater number of off duty soldiers guarding a military hospital located near Ray’s home in Syria.

“They increased the soldiers around it (the hospital), for protecting it, because there are casualties, and wounded soldiers. It’s the only hospital for soldiers and it’s for free,” Ray said.

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Traveling to Damascus from Latakia, would take about five hours before the war started. However, the travel time increased due to military checkpoints at every town, increasing the travel time to nine hours, according to Ray. “They check your ID, they put it on a laptop because the wanted people were known,” Ray said. “If you are not wanted, you would continue to travel.”

Even though there are no travel restrictions, traveling would be at one’s risk, according to Ray. In many cases people used guns, registered or unregistered, to protect themselves from non-military personnel. In addition to an increase in unregistered guns, corruption increased as well.

“There is absolutely no one that did not accept bribes,” Ray said.

Although Latakia is safe, Ray worries for the safety of his father who returned to Syria to maintain his business.

“It’s war. You can’t predict anything,” Ray said.

12

LIFESTYLES Crier / March 7, 2014

HEARING BUT NOT LISTENING Student, student teacher do not allow hearing impairment to negatively impact them, take away opportunities Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

Walking into her first day of Kindergarten, Jessica Almasy, junior, stood still, expressionless while the rest of the class began introductions.

This served as the first indicator that something was wrong.

“I was just blank,” Jessica said. “I never said hi to anybody. The school told my parents ‘you need to get your child checked because there’s something wrong with her.’”

Jessica then took a hearing test, and doctors determined that she had a hearing impairment.

After finding out that she needed hearing aids, Jessica promptly received them within the same month.

For the first six years of her life, Jessica could not hear. Getting hearing aids was the first time she could hear her mother’s voice, the sound of running water, and the zipping of a coat, among other things.

“The first sound I really heard was zipping up my coat,” Jessica said. “When I came home, that was the first time I heard water running. It was the first time I could actually hear.”

However, Jessica still found herself afraid to return to her kindergarten class after getting her new hearing aids.

“I was still afraid to go into kindergarten,” Jessica said. “A lot of people don’t like people who are different.”

Hearing aids gave Jessica the ability to listen to music, which in turn introduced her to her favorite Anime character, Black Rock Shooter.

“If I didn’t get these (hearing aids), I probably wouldn’t have the huge giant collection on her (Black Rock Shooter),” Jessica said. “My aids have a big impact on my life.”

However, Jessica’s hearing aids did more than just introduce her to her favorite Anime character; they enabled her to interact with people in a way she would not have the ability to without them.

“If I didn’t get them I probably wouldn’t be acting like this,” Jessica said. “I probably wouldn’t be speaking to you, and you wouldn’t understand me.”

At the age of three, Mr. Adam Manno, social studies student teacher, received the diagnosis of a hearing impairment.

Similar to Jessica, the problem arose when his parents noticed he often did not respond to them, and promptly called a doctor.

“The doctor said take a coffee can with nuts and bolts and shake it to see if I turned around,” Mr. Manno said.

However, because Mr. Manno had trouble with high sounds rather than low sounds like those produced by the coffee can, it did not show itself that he could not hear. He still turned around. However, further testing uncovered the hearing impairment.

After his diagnosis, he never let his hearing impairment stop him.

“It really hasn’t stopped me,” Mr. Manno said. “I had good support both at home and at school.”

His support system aided Mr. Manno in his goal of becoming a teacher.

“I’ve always wanted to become a teacher ever since I was a kid,” Mr. Manno said. “Teaching runs in our family.”

Mr. Manno maintains a very open attitude regarding his hearing aids and he encourages students to come to him with any questions they may have about them.

“You can see I have a hearing aid and I’m not going to pretend I don’t have it because I don’t want to talk about it,” Mr. Manno said.

The biggest misconception Mr. Manno sees in students is the assumption that all who possess hearing impairments also possess a knowledge of sign language.

“Just because someone has hearing aids doesn’t mean they know sign language,” Mr. Manno said.

“Don’t assume something about someone because of the way they look or the way they sound.”

Mr. Manno does not think of his hearing impairment as a burden, but rather as just a part of him.

“For some people, having a hearing impairment is looked down upon,” Mr. Manno said. “I have always embraced it.”

photos by Natalia Bilek, Alisa Muñoz

TUNING OUT (top) Paying attention in class, Jessica Almasy, junior, has found away to eliminate distractions or annoyances. “I actually like being hard of hearing because if things are annoying or unnecessary, I can just turn these things (hearing aids) off and pay attention to what is really important.” CARRYING ON TRADITION (bottom) Lecturing to his US History class about civil rights, Mr. Adam Manno, social studies student teacher, remembers dreaming of teaching since kindergarten. “Teachers kind of run in my family,” Mr. Manno said. “I love being a teacher and I could never imagine myself doing anything else.”

Hearing history Figures throughout history overcame deafness or severe hearing loss to achieve accomplishments, have now become well-known n Contracted a disease at age of 19 months which caused her to go deaf and blind n First deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree n One of the most notable people who learned braille

Helen Keller 1880 – 1968

Thomas Edison 1847-1931

n Lost almost all hearing at the age of 12

n Began losing his hearing at the age of 26

n Held 1,093 US patents and invented the phonograph, the motion picture camera and the electric light bulb

n Composed 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets

n Treated hearing loss as an asset because it allowed him to concentrate on his work

n Continued composing even while unable to hear, but was no longer able to perform

Ludwig Van Beethoven 1770-1827 source: www.biography.com

Sports Crier / March 7, 2014

KICK

GETTING A OUT OF IT

13

Students participate in different Mixed Martial Arts in order to learn life saving skills while releasing everyday stress Max Baker News Editor Taking deep even breaths, Rachel Jones, junior, bends her knees slightly remembering seven years of rigorous Tae Kwon Do instructions that helped her earn her second degree black belt in the martial art.

“When I finally got my belt I was so happy,” Jones said. “Tae Kwon Do takes a lot of hard work and determination. You have to be 100 percent dedicated during each class and can’t slack off.”

Tae Kwon Do, a Korean martial arts uses more leg power then Karate and Jujitsu, which demand power from punching t, according to Jones.

“I think Tae Kwon Do is more artistic then any other martial art,” Jones said. “It’s one of the reasons why I love doing it.”

Tae Kwon Do is more artsy than any other martial arts,” Jones said. “It takes a lot of practice to get good at it.”

However, Seung Lee, junior, disagrees with Jones.

“A lot of martial arts, like karate, is offensive,” Seung Lee said. “Tae Kwon Do is defensive, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most artistic when it’s up against something like Kung Fu, but it’s up there.”

Tae Kwon Do teaches respect and a unique and fun way to get out of your comfort zone and learn a valuable life saving skill, according to Jones.

“I feel much safer knowing I can defend and protect myself if something were to happen,” Jones said.

The skills Tae Kwon Do require exceeds the normal physical strain of any sport and involves more mental strain and discipline than physical power according to Brittany Lee, junior.

“You have to be calm and patient when you do Tae Kwon Do,”Brittany Lee said.

“There’s a lot of mental and physical factors to it that most people don’t know. You need to stay calm in stressful situations, control yourself, and not rush into any-

thing.”

Brittany Lee currently holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. “It took a lot of hard work to get there,” Brittany Lee said. “I practiced for several hours and refused to let myself slack off, because this was something I wanted more than anything.”

Learning impulse control continues to plague Brittany Lee, but even after ceasing her lessons freshman year, she thanks Tae Kwon Do for the skills she learned.

“It taught me how to control my breathing and deal with stressful situations without stressing out too much,” Brittany Lee said.

Seung Lee actively participates and practices several different forms of martial arts including boxing, Philippine Weapons Arts, Jeet Kune Do, and Tae Kwon Do. “I feel a lot more secure knowing I can do these things,” Seung Lee `said. “I’m not saying I can take on a guy with a gun, but I could probably defend against a girl who is my size.”

For Seung Lee, Tae Kwon do acts as a stress reliever for her anger.

“I love doing martial arts,” Seung Lee said. “I have anger problems and a lot of stress. Martial arts helps me take it out on a nonexistent force. Some people have reading, some people clean, I have martial arts.”

Due to several different cultural aspects, Seung holds a temporary black belt in Tae Kwon Do. “In order to become a full black belt, I have to go back to Korea and take the test,” Seung Lee said. “In America, there aren’t any Tae Kwon Do professionals and in Korea there are. I have to perform in front of them in Korea to earn my black belt.”

While Tae Kwon Do acts as a stress reliever, it also holds a deeper meaning to Seung Lee. “It’s a part of my culture,” Seung said. “I always wanted to do this and it was really cool.”

photo by Cesar Camacho

FORCE KICK Performing the Jump Side kick move, Seung Lee, junior, attempts to use the right amount of force into the kick. “I need to transfer force from my leg to my foot so when I kick something or someone it hurts them,” Seung Lee said.

Moves of preference Seung’s shares her two favorite moves when practicing Tae Kwon Do

Tornado

Jump Side kick

1. Pivot front foot to back

1. Jump off both legs

2. Turn head to target

2. Turn in air

3. Raise back knee while turning

3. Extend back leg out

4. Angle kick with other foot

4. Use heel to make hit target Source: Seung Lee, junior

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Crier / March 7, 2014

As sixth hour comes to a close, Barbara Klavin, junior, packs up to leave. She leaves school after sixth hour every day in order to complete the drive to practice with her team at a Chicago Rowing Foundation location near Lincoln Park.

Klavin took up rowing as an eighth grader in Tampa, Fla. After moving to the Chicago area, Klavin had to find a new location to continue rowing at.

“I get something out of it while giving something,” Klavin said.

Rowing gives Klavin many opportunities, not just through competitions and advancing to national competitions but also through college recruitment.

“I’m currently talking about being recruited,” Klavin said. “There’s a lot of choices.”

However, the college recruitment does not serve as Klavin’s only motivation; she strives to do better each season.

“The best moment is yet to come,” Klavin said. “We have one of the best teams in the midwest, maybe even in the nation.”

She finds rowing so captivating partially due to the teamwork aspect; Klavin participated in many sports in the past, and finds rowing requires a unique brand of teamwork.

“It’s definitely a different type of teamwork,” Klavin said. “You’re moving together as one.”

The teamwork motivates her to continue in races even when they get difficult, according to Klavin.

“If you give up, everyone else gives up,” Klavin said. “You are mentally balancing on one another. You believe everyone in front of you and behind you is working just as hard as you are.”

C S 7 6

Needs to help maintain the stroke’s pace to keep the rest of the crew on the same pace Member who provides as much power as possible

Weakest member of the team positioned here to not upset the rhythm

Bow: Member whose sharpness and accuracy keeps boat balanced

Cox: Member does not row, but gives directions while motivating other members

Stroke: Helps the crew maintain steady pace while rowing

5 4

Strongest member who maintains the rhythm of the stern

3 2 B

Member of the powerhouse keeps in touch with the others

The sharpest member must sit here in order to start the stroke successfully

Sources: BBCSport.com and Jamie Becker, captain at Indianapolis Rowing Center

Roll with the punches Student finds way to release his abundance of energy by boxing for fun; he looks forward to possibly competing in boxing tournaments in the future tournaments.”

Stanisavljevic decided to try boxing for his own experience and grew to Pow! After receiving a blow to the love it.

“I joined really for myself, it is my face, Jovan Stanisavljevic, sophomore, sport,” Stanisavljevic said. “It is fun reacts by quickly moving his feet while because I get to fight looking to counter his Glove Game others.” opponent’s hit.

Boxers use variety of moves to Stanisavljevic learned “You will not feel the take down their opponents how to box at Torres punch right away due Jab and Grab Martial Arts Academy to the amount of adrenHit opponent and quickly grab in Hammond two years aline you have during him ago. the fight,” Stanisavlje“I am not ready for vic said. “After I get hit, The Bolo Punch competition,” StaniI just keep going, I do Uppercut that fools opponent savljevic said. “ My not pay attention to it. I The Straight friends think so, but just look to counter (hit Hit using dominant hand to my parents do not want back).” me to get hurt. In the His cousins exposed deliver slick blow future when I can do him to the world of boxSource: listverse.com what I want, I probably ing while growing up. will.”

“My cousins fight Stanisavljevic’s favorite part of boxand I went along with them for ing comes from his chance to release awhile,” Stanisavljevic said. “I saw his excess energy while he fights. some other people box and hit body “I have a lot of energy to waste,” bags. My cousin even had me and my Stanisavljevic said.

“My friends view brother fight while having our own

William Hatczel Sports Editor

me as crazy even though I will not do anything stupid. I have a lot of energy.”

Stanisavljevic feels the anger grow inside of him although he only fights for fun.

“I yell at them and talk smack to them since they are going to be punching my face,” he said. “It makes me mad when I think that they will hit me in the face.”

Good foot work serves a key to a boxers’ success due to the fact that moving fast means dodging more punches, according to Stanisavljevic.

“Footwork is the main part of boxing. If you do not have good footwork then you cannot dodge punches.”

Stanisavljevic thinks of negative things in order to psych himself up for the match.

“I am pretty focused when it comes to sports,” he said. “ I am pretty much ready for anything. When I think of a something negative like a what if scenario, it pumps me up and gives me more energy.”

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Jordan Cockrum Managing Editor

Direction of motion

As spring nears, student prepares to start a new rowing season

Girls’ Basketball ended their season with a record of 8-12.

“It was really good (season),” Taylor Mihalic, senior, said. “I think we improved a lot from last season both on and off the courts.”

Taylor hopes that the team can carry on the trust they from with each other as they keep working on improvements. “(I hope) that they continue to improve like they have been, “ Mihalic said.

BOYS’ SWIMMING

Stern

With winter season ending, coaches and players reflect on their accomplishments

Boys’ Swimming finished their season by sending six swimmers to State.

“The kids did a great job during the regular season through Sectionals,” Coach Matthew Pavlovich, said.

Coach Pavlovich credits their success to their the team’s work ethic during the entire season.

“It was nice to see the kids work hard in practice,” Coach Pavlovich said. “It paid off in the meet.”

GIRLS SWIMMING

SKILL

Members of the rowing team each have their own task to complete in order to move successfully across the water

Sporting news

Girls’ Swimming ended the season with a ninth place finish at State.

“As a whole, we did a lot better than we thought we’d do,” Mary Beth Blocher, senior, said. “I was happy with our performance.”

Blocher looks back not only at State, but on the team’s performance throughout the season.

“This is probably the most fun team I’ve been on in all of high school,” Blocher said. “I’m glad to have been a part of it.”

BOYS’ AND GIRLS DIVING

STROKE OF

Rock the boat

Girls’ Diving had an eventful year, with three divers scoring first in conference, all under new coaching.

“The teams main concern was not with our performance this year, but learning new skills.”

Emily Anderson, senior, said.

Boys’ Diving ends the season with no regrets; they adjusted to a new coach as well as improving in Sectionals.

“I’ve grown better as a competitor,” Jake Comanse, junior, said.

“I feel like I’ve become a better athlete this season.”

WRESTLING

14

SPORTS

The wrestling team placed third in conference, despite numerous injuries, according to Zach Slosser, senior.

“It was nice to see the younger kids step up and show what they were made out of,” Slosser said.

Expectations were still met by the team, according to Slosser.

“It (the season) was nice and surprising because we still didn’t have our whole line up,” Slosser said.

Sports Crier / March 7, 2014

photo by Casey Gouwens

photo by Alisa Muñoz

BIG STRIDES Running on grass terrain, Mallory Grim, freshman, relies on her stamina to help her through all of her sports. “Cross-Country takes much more stamina, but it definitely helps me out with basketball,” Grim said. “

REPLENISHING Taking a drink of water on the sidelines, Sam Bell, senior, only drinks a small amount to avoid cramping in both football and baseball. “If you are not hydrated you cramp up and your body gives out,” Bell said. “I cramped the first game against Lake Central (football) so I tried my best to stay as hydrated as possible,” Bell said. “Football takes a lot more out of you so it forces you to drink more.”

15

photo by Alisa Muñoz

IN THE ZONE Watching the ball closely, Toni DalleCarbonare, junior, stays focused. “I concentrate by blocking out everything else out except for the ball,” DalleCarbonare said. “I do the same for Track so I do not get nervous before my race or jump.”

COVERING ALL BASES Many athletes play multiple high school sports during the year; each sport they play provides its own challenges that athletes must overcome when transitioning from one sport to the other Turning Heads Mallory Grim, freshman, runs crosscountry, plays basketball and plans to run for the track team. She continues to play basketball even though track and cross-country stand as her Athletic Resume main passions.

“It gives you something to do and makes you learn how to manage your time more,” Grim said.

Lettered as a freshman and Grim enjoys staying fit, as named Rookie of the year well as, the team camaraderie associated with each individNamed a Scholar Athlete ual sport.

“You also meet a lot of Placed Top 15 in new people along the with Conference it,” Grim said. “I wouldn’t know half of the people I know now if I wasn’t in cross-country and basketball.”

Although she enjoys the new connections she has made, Grim feels fatigued due not having a break in between each season.

“If you really want to do the sport you will let go of that break time to do the sport that you love,” Grim said. “I like being apart of something that is bigger than what I can do just by myself,” Grim said.

family and education is more important in college,” Bell said.

Bell plans to major in business management and focus on his education due to the career and future determining factor that college plays a role in.

Currently, Bell juggles practices, games, and school work by trying to finish his homework at school, so that he can obtain the amount of sleep needed for him to recuperate that night.

“It’s exhausting because after school you are tired and you want to go home,” Bell said. “But I have to go to practice and find a way to get through it.”

Although Bell focused on baseball, he continued to play football for the love of the game and the team camaraderie.

“You become brothers with the guys you play with,” Bell said, “and football is a great sport.”

Looking back, Bell would not give up playing baseball or football even though they require constant activity and energy from him.

“I wouldn’t because of experience and memories that were created and the friendships and bonds that I have over the years,” Bell said.

Athletic Resume

College Bound Signed on with Marian University, Sam Bell, senior, will continue with his Baseball career in college, however, he has no plans on playing football in college.

“I look forward to just being able to go there get a good education. It’s close to

Signed on to play baseball for Marian University Pitched for Varsity Baseball team Named to All-Conference for football this year

Family Tradition Taking a deep breath, Toni DalleCarbonare, junior, takes a swig of her water bottle before taking off in a sprint.

DalleCarbonare participates in both volleyball in the fall and track in the spring, along with club volleyball Athletic Resume in during the winter season.

“It can be stressful at times,” DalleCarbonare said. “It takes a lot of time out of my day, but I love it and Ran in Sectionals and wouldn’t want to stop doing it.”

Regionals for Track While DalleCarbonare has involved herself in several sports, she Named to first team has less time to work on her school All-Conference in work. volleyball “It made school a lot harder,” DalleCarbonare said. “I’m always Made it to Semi-State trying to get something done as with Varsity Volleyball quickly as possible.”

According to DalleCarbonare, while training in two sports in the school year continues to put strain on her social and academic life, she enjoys the feeling of unity sports brings to her life.

“I like meeting all the girls and the coaches on the team and improving my skills.” DalleCarbonare said. “We’re like one big family,” DalleCarbonare has taken several sports since her freshman year and claims her family continues to influence her athletic lifestyle and support her.

“My family is very sports orientated and they’re kind of integrated in my family life,” DalleCarbonare said.

Max Baker News Editor

Vrusha Patel Business Manager

16

SPORTS Crier / March 7, 2014

BALL IN THEIR COURT

Boys’ Basketball faces Lowell tonight in the Semi-final round of Sectionals after defeating Morton in the first round on Tuesday Victoria Avina Associate Editor After a foul from Morton five minutes into the opening round of Sectionals Tuesday, Drew Hackett, junior, scored the first point at the free throw line.

“The free throws definitely helped us,” Hackett said. “We were 19 for 21 throughout the whole game and if you make 19 out of 21 free throws, especially in Sectionals, it’s going to lead into a good outcome which it did with the victory over them. If we made less, it would have been a very close game.”

Although they were in the lead throughout the whole game, Cody Grzybowski senior, notes that they could have started off stronger.

“We’re definitely going to have to start the game better,” Grzybowski said. “Were going to have to get more variety of shots from the inside and outside.”

He adds that they had trouble keeping up with their opposing players and scoring.

“It was hard for us to keep them in front of us because they’re a really quick team,” Grzybowski said.

“We were also having trouble scoring at the beginning at the game.”

Half way through the third quarter, Pat McCarthy scored another basket, keeping Munster in the lead with a score of 52-41. photo by Cesar Camacho

JUMP SHOT After dribbling past the defense, Drew Hackett, junior, throws the ball up while two defenders attempt to disrupt the shot. “After I drove to the basket, two defenders came to help and I thought I had the opportunity to make the lay up, so I shot it,” Hackett said.

“At the end of the halftime, we came out pretty slow in the third quarter,” Hackett said. “After they went on like a 14-8 running, we knew that we had to pick it up.”

Towards the end of the game, Morton started stacking up on fouls as they tried to slow the team down. They shot more baskets and brought up their score. Grzybowski explains that because they were in the lead, Morton players had to start fouling to have time to make up points.

“Towards the end, they started to start fouling us, so the clock would stop,” Grzybowski said. “We took the advantage and made our free throws.”

Despite not playing at their best, the team still won. However, Coach Mike Hackett, health teacher feels disappointed that the team did not try harder.

“It would have been a lot more comfortable if we have just buried them,”Coach Hackett said. “I think everyone in the locker room understands that were going to have to play a heck of a lot better today.”

Grzybowski agrees with Coach Hackett.

“We could have played better,” Grzybowski said.

“We’re going to have to be focused if we want to win on Today.”

As the team prepares to play Lowell today, they plan to focus on blocking the strongest players on that team, especially Zachary Van Hook.

“There’s a forward name Zach Van Hook,” Hackett said. “He’s their main player. He’s a senior this year and he’s having a really good year for them. He’s a really good offensive player. We have to guard him more intensely then the other players.”

Running in a new direction

Boys’ Track team considers upcoming season a rebuilding one due to the fact that they need to fill in open spots in each of their events after losing many valuable seniors, record holding members William Hatczel Sports Editor After losing 20 seniors who made up the majority of the team last year, Boys’ Track and Field look to fill in those gaps while attempting to accomplish their goals.

“This year seems to be a rebuilding year,” Calvin Sanders, senior, said.

“The seniors who made up the core of the team are now gone.”

The most affected areas of the team’s depth come from the sprints, relays, and jumper sections of the team. The team also lost all four members of their school record holding relay team, according to Coach Johnathan Stamper, Eads Elementary teacher.

“There is a lot of openings to fill,” Coach Stamper said. “The positive is that it is an opportunity for others.”

Seniors like Sanders now prepare to fill in the leadership role in which they look to help teach the younger members.

“We (seniors) are starting to take more of a position,” Calvin said.

“There is a lot of promise with the underclassmen. ” Coach Stamper believes that the leadership role the seniors take on stands out as a normal process.

“I think it happens naturally for the most part,” Coach Stamper said. “It is common in a school like this that has a lot of overachievers.”

Former coach at Lake Central, Mar-

tin Prisby, created a workout where the pole vaulter would train in a rival’s pool.

“We did pool work,” Coach Prisby said. “We went to Lake Central a bit.”

The pool training helps the vaulters perform their vaults without the risk of injury, according to Clay Arnold, sophomore.

“Underwater, we hold onto a pole while swinging upside down,” Arnold said. “We do this to stimulate being upside down without the danger of falling.”

The vaulters also use monkey bars to help strengthen their muscles and core, according to Arnold.

“We use the monkey bars a lot for body control,” Arnold said. “We work a lot on our triceps, back, shoulders, and chest. We need a lot of strength in those areas and it is important to have strong body control and a strong core.”

While the new seniors take on the leadership responsibility and the team fills in gaps on the depth chart, Coach Stamper believes that they can still accomplish many things this year.

“One goal is to be conference champs, we finished second to Hobart the last two years,” Coach Stamper said. “We also want to win Sectionals as a team, we finished second to West Side last year. We want to advance as many individuals to the state tournament as we can.”

Sanders believes that the early season meets don’t matter much compared to later on in the season.

“Early meets are not a good indicator of performance,” Sanders said. “It is really hard to use early meets as a predictor for the future.”

The team needs to work very hard to actually achieve success, according to Coach Stamper.

“We do not win awards right now,” Coach Stamper said. “It is the body of work that makes the difference.” photo by Gage Knor

BEST FOOT FORWARD Practicing hurdles on the track, Kyle Jen, sophomore, looks to keep proper form. “You want to get over the hurdle as quickly as you while keeping your body just above the hurdle,” Jen said.