5.15.15

crier

munster high school

vol. 49/issue 14 May 15, 2015 MHScrier.com

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

Saturday 80/65

Sunday 79/64

Upcoming n

Boys’ Baseball against Portage: 7 p.m. tonight

n

Woody’s RoundUp: 7 p.m. tonight at Ridge United Methodist Church

n

Spring Sports Banquet: Monday at 6 p.m. in cafeteria

Crier recommends alternatives to visiting Chicago page 9

Student Government sponsors Dance Marathon Science Olympiad competes in tonight in Fieldhouse page 2 national competition page 4

COMING Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor With a community centered around schools, the recent budget crisis affected almost the entirety of the School Town of Munster. The community must stand behind the schools because without the community support, many clubs and programs would be unsuccessful, according to Assistant Superintendent Mr. Steve Tripenfeldas.

“We’re hoping that the community still rallies around us,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said. “We will hopefully provide the same services we always have for the kids. So when you look at the schools, what we’re trying to do is prepare the next generation. So as long as we get that message out and we talk about how important that is, hopefully people will continue to support us.”

This Sunday the School Town of Munster participates in a way to build togetherness, running in the Mustang Stampede 5K color run.

The event, which will consist of a run/walk around town while colored powder is tossed at participants, is collaboratively run by the PTO presidents of Elliott, Eads and Frank H. Hammond (FHH).

together

Amid district’s budget concerns, community members unite to organize fundraising efforts

Mrs. Christine Tsirtsis, Elliott PTO president, anticipates this as a great way to connect the schools to the community in a fun, interactive way.

“I want them both (school and community) to grow with a sense of community while working towards the same goal in a lot more ways than it is now,” Mrs. Tsirtsis. “And I think the color run is a step towards that. It will help with embracing change that will bring us forward.”

The response to this first time event was overwhelmingly positive for the PTOs. Over 500 people have signed up for the event, and more than $7,500 in donations have already been made as of May 9, according to Mrs. Heather Bragnar, Eads PTO president.

Financially, the Mustang Stampede will aid the elementary schools in

some ways; however, the PTOs are unclear on the details.

“We don’t know where the donation money will go yet because we don’t know what the future holds. First, we have to cover our expenses from the walk, and whatever is left will go to the three elementary schools,” FHH PTO president, Mrs. Becky Mckeever said.

“But it was never about the money; it was about the community.”

Organizations are reacting to the urgency surrounding financially supporting the schools. Munster Educational Foundation donated $100,000 to teacher training and an additional $1,000 to classroom supplies such as white boards for the social studies classrooms.

Mr. Tripenfeldas acknowledges the immense support for the schools and

The last Friday eve

Mrs. Patricia Premetz retires after 36 years at MHS, 43 years teaching Vrusha Patel Editor-in-Chief

As a little girl, she used to play school with her sister, and as early as sixth grade, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her father encouraged her to become a computer programmer because it would be profitable. While she understood that computer programmers were high in demand, her passion for teaching was too strong.

“I never had a time in my life that I didn’t want to be a teacher,” Mrs. Patricia Premetz, math teacher, said.

After 43 years of teaching, 36 at MHS, and 18 years of being Department Chair of the Math Department,

Mrs. Premetz will retire at the end of the year. “(Deciding to retire is) a culmination of everything; you just know when it’s right,” Mrs. Premetz said. “One of the major deciding factors was my husband retiring this December.”

Mrs. Premetz had teachers who had a large impact on her life, and she wanted to be able to have the same impact on other people’s lives as well as pass on her passion for mathematics.

In the 36 years she has worked at MHS, she has seen physical changes made to the school building to the change of administration. She has worked with the five superintendents and six principals.

“One thing that has not changed is the commit-

credits the support for the continuation of many successful clubs and programs.

“Whether it is the Munster Educational Foundation or alumnus who donated a million dollars,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said, “or the Booster Club, who donates 50 to 60 thousand, with the budget constraints we have under the new Indiana code with limited funds, it’s imperative that we fund things that we can no longer afford through donations because without them, there would be several things that we just could not do.”

With the community so heavily supporting the school, Mr. Tripenfeldas places a large importance on the students outreaching into the community through involvement and good citizenship.

“I would love to see more general involvement within the community from the students,” Mr. Tripenfeldas said.

“That is one of the biggest things that we can do. Silly things like if you’re going out to eat, choose a restaurant in Munster because those are the businesses supporting your schools. That is why people support the schools, to see our community grow.”

ment to education here,” Mrs. Premetz said.

While the community commitment to education has not changed since she began to teach, education has a larger emphasis on standards, technology and teacher collaboration.

Ms. Valerie Pflum, math teacher, was initially intimidated by Mrs. Premetz due to her intense passion for teaching, but over time they became close friends.

“Who else lets you text (her) at 4:30 in the morning?”Ms. Pflum said.

Mrs. Premetz works long hours and tirelessly on weekends to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“I might actually sleep in until 5:00 in the morning, not wake up at 4:00,” Mrs. Premetz said.

Mrs. Premetz looks forward to volunteering, catching up on her reading list, having lunch with friends and not living by the bell schedule.

“I will miss the people, the administration to the teachers to the students; that interaction is something over 43 years you expect everyday,” Mrs. Premetz said. “I will not miss the grading.”

2 news

Crier/May 15, 2015

Quick Notes Chorale Chorale places fifth overall at state competition, second time ever at State For the second time in the program’s history, Chorale attended their state competition May 9 at Pike High School. The first time they competed in State was last year, which was a payoff for years of hard work, according to Mr. William Woods, choir director.

Chorale placed fifth overall, which surprised the group. They didn’t feel like they had put on their best performance, and judging is very subjective. Although they were excited, Mr. Woods encourages Chorale to keep improving their performance ability.

“They are some of the most fantastic musicians I’ve ever worked with,” Mr. Woods said. “There are college choirs they are just as good or better than, and although they might not see it, every day the work they do is just phenomenal.”

photo by Rachel Bishop

FLOATING THE IDEA In order to publicize and promote Dance Marathon, Student Body Vice President Adam Kulam, senior, carries red balloons through the hallways and explains the purpose of the balloons to freshmen Rashaun Flanagan-Seels and Devin Grabelle. “The red balloons were a huge success,” Adam said. “Our purpose was to get people to approach us out of curiosity, and that is exactly what happened. The balloons were perfect icebreakers, and we spread the word of Dance Marathon all over the school.”

Dance Marathon to occur tonight Student Government organizes Dance Marathon, plans activities; proceeds will benefit patients of Riley Hospital for Children Micala Boyd Beat Reporter Tonight, Student Government sponsors their fourth annual Dance Marathon in the Fieldhouse from 6-10 p.m. to support patients at Riley Hospital for Children.

At Riley Hospital for Children, no child is turned away because of a family’s inability to pay, which is why continued support with fundraisers like Dance Marathon is essential, according to Tara Layous, freshman.

“We are doing things that will raise money for their healthcare, but also gas cards because a lot of people can’t even afford to get to the hospital,” Tara said.

Although the original form stated that registration closed May 6, students can still pay $15 at the door and be admitted into the dance.

Dance Marathon is a multi-hour

fundraiser filled with various activities food vendors we have this year. We including Wii games and volleyball, have Meatheads coming, and they are basketball and beanbag tournaments going to set up a burger bar so you can to keep Dance Marathon interesting build your own burger,” Student Govand upbeat. ernment Sponsor Ms. Angela Wayne, Patients and their social studies teacher, families have been inIt’s just a really good said. “Red Mango will vited to attend the event cause. Four hours of be there doing smoothto share their stories and your day is not really that ies. Chipotle will there experiences with Riley and then Arnie’s Hot much to ask for to save Hospital for Children.

Dogs will be there.” someone’s life.”

“We have a lot of famTara believes Student -Tara Layous, freshman ilies coming from RiGovernment members ley’s Children Hospital appreciate the support talking about how the work that we for Riley Hospital for Children and do enhances and changes their lives,” look forward to hosting the event.

“It’s a really good cause and you can Tara said. “It’s just a really good cause.

Four hours of your day is not really that have a lot of fun doing it. If you bring a much to ask for to save someone’s life.” group of friends, it can be a really good Along with extra planned activities, time,” Tara said. “At the end of the day, Student Government also received do- you can feel accomplished knowing you helped someone at a hospital and nations that made the event possible.

“I’m just amazed by how many cool potentially saved their life.”

“

Choirs host themed performance night Chorale, after school choirs prepare to perform at Woody’s RoundUp Asia Marshall Beat Reporter Woody’s RoundUp, a social choir performance hosted by Mr. William Woods, choir director, shows tonight at the Ridge United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall.

The event contains song selections from the chorale choir, the men’s and women’s high school after school groups and the middle school after school group.

“These are songs, especially with the after school groups (that) we’ve been working on for a little while. Most of them are acapella,” Mr. Woods said. “I try to do things that we haven’t done before. Every so often, we have one or

two (songs) that we’ve done three or four years ago, but most people have not heard the choir do these lately.”

Anyone can attend this event to eat the food provided and hear the songs.

The fellowship hall begins serving the food at 6 p.m., and the choir begins to sing around 6:30 p.m. The four groups’ song selection includes open-ended genres that involve jazz, pop, and barber shop.

The event also serves as an opportunity for seniors to receive awards, according to Mr. Woods.

“We give out our Chevrons, varsity letters, and each senior gets a senior award,” Mr. Woods said. “Instead of a plaque, I give them a clock that’s engraved with Munster High Class of

(2015) and it has the clock, the date and a thermometer.”

Alex Samuels, senior, and others are excited about the event and are looking forward to accepting their senior awards.

“I look forward to listening to everyone and singing with everyone. I absolutely look forward to getting awards,” Alex said.

Alex also considers Woody’s RoundUp a way of uniting the choir members who will be performing. “(Woody’s RoundUp is) just an event that is somewhat like a concert but is more social,” Alex said. “I think it’s a great way to end the season, a great way to bring people together in music and bring people together in song.”

Policy Changes Administration plans to change policies for upcoming school year The policy changes for the 20152016 school year will be approved at upcoming School Board meetings, according to Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal.

Students in the Class of 2019 will only need 40 credits in order to graduate with a Core 40 or general diploma.

Also, students will be allotted three college visit days for each their junior and senior years because some have not used the days for their intended purpose, according to Mr. Nolan.

“The entire goal is to have inherent fairness on the system,” Mr. Nolan said.

Additionally, students will be required to sign the drug pledge in order to utilize the student parking lot.

“Driving to school is a privilege, not a right, and we want to make sure that privileges stay that way,” Mr. Nolan said.

Corrections

In issue 12 of Crier, Aarju Patel, junior, was identified with the wrong grade on page twelve, and Mrs. Naomi Risitti’s name was misspelled on page two.

In the Senior Issue of Crier, the following names were misspelled: seniors Danielle Hladek and Jonathan Lemke on the front page, sophomore Kiriako Tsoukalas on page three, senior Miguel Blakeley on page four, seniors Allison Hemingway, Hayley Kwasniewski, Ryan Myers and Emma Jo Prucha and Mr. Steven Stepnoski, English teacher, on page eight. Additionally, Zach Bieniak, junior, was identified with the wrong grade on page eight.

Page four should indicate that Bala Chockalingam and Kimberly Wang will attend University of Chicago.

The map on page four reflects incorrect values and should reflect the following values: 191 students will attend college in Indiana, 1 in Missouri, 2 in North Carolina, 5 in Michigan and none in Mississippi.

Page seven should read that the school stopped offering zero hour classes during the 2013-2014 school year. Additionally, the photo of Rohan Chatterjee, senior, was taken during his AP English Language and Composition class.

Crier regrets these errors.

Crier/May 15, 2015

3 speakout

BACKTALK

Today is National Endangered Species Day. What animal would you want to be?

“A koala. They sleep like 22 hours a day, and that’s the dream for anyone.”

“A narwhal, because everyone loves narwhals and I could sing the song everywhere I go.”

Taylor Moreno, freshman

Jacob Fitch, freshman

“A manatee. For one they’re endangered, so to bring awareness because they’re under appreciated, and they’re pretty cool and really adorable.”

“An elephant, because I heard recently less elephants are in zoos anymore so I want to help their population.”

Safa Chowdhury, sophomore

Skyler Gronkiewicz, sophomore

Many steps must be taken when caught between a rock and a hard place. Each step is a necessary evil to reach the end of the tough situation. Being prepared and knowing well ahead of time about the teacher cuts helps keep the school’s promise of transparency.

What’s the next step?

With only two school weeks left, teachers must have their grades in order and ensure that students have learned all state-mandated material by the end of the year.

OUR TAKE Amid all of this stress, the school has burdened teachers Avoiding the with another concern: will they inevitable teacher have their positions next year? cuts proves Since April 29, the school has detrimental to the known their budget for the comschool ing years and the estimated enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year. Many teachers have also retired, decreasing the numbers of positions that need to be eliminated. While the school has until July 1 to inform the faculty, avoiding public backlash does not justify biding their time.

This is unfair because it creates unnecessary tension.

Has the community forgotten about the budget crisis? School Board meetings are open to the public. The public is even alloted time for comments and questions at the School Board meetings.

The focus of recent School Board meetings has been the accomplishments of students, but no one is inquiring about the future of their academic child’s success.

While recognizing student achievement is appropriate, many students would not be successful without help from the faculty.

The lack of action by the School Board and Superintendent creates an uncertain environment in which qualified teachers with little seniority have begun to place their futures outside of the School Town of Munster. This situation would have been avoided if they were communicative with their intentions.

Media warps public understanding Max Baker Opinion Editor With the suspicious death of Freddie Gray while in police custody April 21 and the subsequent riots on the streets of Baltimore, coupled with the sensationalist media that followed, more and more people are coming to the realization that their parents might have been wrong about the police.

Rioting because of police brutality is nothing new, but as times change, it appears the police try to resist that change. The media is littered with stories of white police officers shooting African Americans for “suspicious behavior” and even going so far as to lie to, not only to their superiors, but also the general public about the incident in

crier

question, as shown in the shooting of Michael Brown.

The media then continues with this trend, framing the shootings as accidental or the protesters as lawless savages without morals.

Meanwhile, the media should report the unbiased truth. Repeatedly reporting incorrect or inaccurate facts about cases can lead to the general public believing it.

This can lead to a divide between protesters and the rest of the public, who now believe they are acting unlawfully or overreacting to an event that should have been seen as peaceful.

Sensationalism does not belong in the current media. It casts the subject matter in an unflattering light and causes unnecessary social issues and

incorrect notions on complex subject matters. When something such as Gray’s death or the Ferguson riots is sensationalized by the media, the actual story becomes lost. The general public focuses on the hype instead of the inciting incident in question. People forget how the stories began and only focus on how exciting the hype is.

Media bombards our everyday lives and with so many different outlets, it is easy for a message or story to become confused and muddled.

Two reports on the same incident can be reported differently. One report can be factual, but not interesting, while the other can be outlandish, but not factual. The general population must be able to avoid the sensationalized news and only focus on the facts.

“A giraffe, because I already am a giraffe.”

Arlo Detmer, junior

“I’d want to be a pug on a big farm with really nice owners, but there’s also other animals like tea cup pigs, but no horses because I’m afraid of them. I love pugs.”

Max Lawson, senior

“I would be a dolphin because I love the color blue, and it’s the closest thing to a mermaid.”

Anna Riggs, junior

“I want to be the Aflac duck. Haven’t you seen the one commercial with him in the gym with a bunch of ladies?”

Mr. Stephen Wroblewski, math teacher

Munster High School

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.

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.

Mailed subscriptions cost $20 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 14 times a school year.

The Staff Editors-in-Chief William Hatczel, Vrusha Patel Copy Editor Meena Kandallu Opinion Editor Max Baker Sports Editors Erin Gallagher, Jordan Szymanski

News Editor Danie Oberman Infocus Editors Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger Beat Reporters Joseph Bermudez, Micala Boyd, Ian Brundige, Mary Ellen Gilhooly, Gavin Hamilton, Asia Marshall, Clayton Seput, Alexandria Shinkan Web Editor Elena Piech Cartoonist Amer Abasi Head Photographer Natalia Bilek Photographers Veronica Bilek, Rachel Bishop, Lauren Koultourides, Kasey Luehrs, Kyra Marriott, Ray Ojel Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

4 news

Crier/May 15, 2015

Science Olympiad competes at

Nationals

After winning State with record-breaking score, team will compete at Nationals Ian Brundige Beat Reporter

This weekend, the Science Olympiad team attends Nationals at the University of Nebraska.

Earlier in the season, the team placed first in the state tournament with a record-breaking score of 61 points and won Iolani, an online invite only practice competition hosted by Iolani School in Hawaii.

In Iolani, Munster beat the school that won last year’s national competition and also the school that won the three previous national competitions.

Based on their win at Iolani, the team aims to improve upon their 15th place finish at Nationals last year, according to sponsor Mr. Keith Koszut, science teacher.

“My goal as a coach is everyone giving their ultimate. If everyone does that, I am not concerned with how we place,” Mr. Koszut said. “But the team as a whole is aiming for top ten. I am confident it is possible to do that with their experience, maybe even place in the top half of that.”

As the competition approaches, the team continues to look for ways to improve past their current abilities, according to Mr. Koszut.

photo by Veronica Bilek

TEST LAUNCH Standing near Door J, Brian Araya, junior, examines the vehicle he uses for an event called Scrambler, which requires competitors to create and test a launcher. While preparing for Nationals, Brian appreciates the support the team offers. “It’s very independent, which is always great,” Brian said, “but we motivate each other and give each other goals.”

“I think the kids are really familiar with the knowledge of their events,” Mr. Koszut said. “They are now focusing on their weaknesses, now people are taking practice tests and trying to refine references for their events.”

After year-round practices every day after school, Brian Araya, junior, believes the team has been preparing their best for each competition.

“As soon as the bell rings, we all go to one of our work rooms, be it a teacher’s room or the small build room and study for test or work to improve our builds,” Brian said.

Seventeen students have already attended Nationals twice or more, either on the middle or high school team. Hayley Kwasniewski, senior, is one of them, and helps to lead, focus and motivate the team.

“We have experience with Nationals, we know what tests look like and how competition is. So I think we’re in a better place than two years ago,” Hayley said. “We want to keep practice focused but enjoyable so people want to be here and work. It is kind of a balancing act.”

“This year has been like the past two years squared,” Mr. Koszut said. “It’s a really strong team, with the benefit of two years of national experience.”

The team aims for high scores and continues to put in hours of work a week, but Hayley recalls why they compete at Nationals.

“Personally, at every competition the best part is seeing my peers do well. It’s so humbling,” Hayley said. “I’ve been surrounded by such good people for my four years of high school.”

Academic Super Bowl ends season with State championship After a year of studying, practicing, Academic Super Bowl leaves season on strong note with overall first place win Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

Gavin Hamilton Beat Reporter

The Academic Super Bowl sent four teams to state competition this year in Purdue West Lafayette last Saturday. The team placed second in the interdisciplinary category, fourth in English, and sixth in their other subjects, science and fine arts. Their best accomplishment over the weekend was their overall first place.

The unique part of the Academic Super Bowl’s season is the fact that four of the six parts of the team

travel to the state competition, which is the most they have ever sent.

“It was the overall best year Munster has had.”

Sponsor Mr. O’Neill, Science Teacher, said.

Mackenzie Farnell, sophomore, is captain of the English team, which got fourth in state. Her role in the group was to finalize all the answers at state before submitting them and to help organize the team.

She didn’t expect to do as well as she did at State.

“Yeah, (we were nervous) but we worked as a team, so it wasn’t that bad,” Mackenzie said.

This season, the team placed first in all categories

at invites, except for social studies, in which they placed third, gaining overall first place in their six subject scores for the first time. At State, they did not receive first in the interdisciplinary category but a second place, a fourth in English, and sixth in their other two subjects, science and fine arts.

“The team has been a little more bit more serious for about four years now so the program is starting to grow up,” Mr. O’Neill said, “so we’ve had seniors competing seriously all four years now.”

The team studied hard for State, hoping to achieve first place for the first time in school history. State is always a very hard competition for the team, but they managed to do well, only losing the competition to one team in the interdisciplinary category.

“I think they’ll be very strong next year, too,” Mr. O’Neill said.

5 infocus

Crier/May 15, 2015

Home away from home

Foreign exchange student reflects on time at school before returning to home country Chloe Wineinger Infocus Editor

the teachers liked you,” Amina said.

“We’re allowed to leave school during The exchange student advisors plac- the ten to fifteen minute breaks being Austrian foreign exchange student tween classes. And during lunch break Amina Akermane, sophomore, in the we were allowed 60 minutes to go United States told her what to expect downtown. There was no make-up work. We didn’t have homework, and in America.

“The representatives told us to ex- when there was, which was like once a pect unhealthy junk food,” Amina month, no one really did it.”

At Amina’s school in Austria, stusaid, “and they told us the people are dents can not choose their own classes, really open and friendly in America.”

After coming to America form Sal- and the level of the classes are harder. zburg, Austria, Amina came to live Although homework is not required, with Ruth Kurowski, sophomore, and most of their class grades are based on quarterly exams, acher family, who had cording to Amina. hosted Amina’s old- Cultural connections She attends a sports er sister, Farrah, four Student shares insight from school in Austria, years ago. To the meaning that students Kurowski household, hosting an exchange student are required to partichosting foreign stu- Different countries have many similar brand names, but products ipate in a sport for a dents is not anything have slight differences. Dove defew hours during the new. They have been odorant is mainly used as bars in school day and after hosting foreign exthe United States, but it is mostly school. Amina spechange students for used as spray in Europe cializes in gymnastics. ten years.

“Every day you “I think my fami- School commute involves multiple have a certain sport ly is really interested forms of public transportation that you do for mulin other cultures,” in Europe. A four-minute ride to tiple hours, and then Ruth said. “Not only school is not very common you do a couple hours do we have foreign source: Ruth Kurowski, sophomore of sports after school,” exchange students, but we have house guests incessant- Amina said. “That’s why you don’t get ly. We have hosted my brother’s Ger- any homework.”

Although Amina felt alienated being man friends, a door-to-door salesman from Argentina who needed help, and around a different family at first, she my dad’s friend, who is a priest from grew more comfortable around them.

“I really liked (staying with a host Uganda.”

Besides living with a new family, family),” Amina said. “At first it was there were other differences Amina weird because I didn’t know anybody, had to get used to during the begin- but they were really open and over ning of the school year, like the school time I got to know them and got more being much bigger, having to switch comfortable.”

Both girls liked staying with someclasses and doing homework.

“If you were late by five to ten one the same age as each other, accordminutes, no one really cared because ing to Ruth.

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$ 29 for 4 classes

Expires 4 weeks after first visit

photo by Natalia Bilek

CULTURE SHOCK At the Best Buddies’ walk, Amina Akermane, sophomore, and Brittney Lee, sophomore, watch a basketball game. As a foreign exchange student from Austria, Amina notices in differences between cultures. “Kids stay out until three or four in the morning (in Austria),” Amina said. “There really is no crime, so they don’t have to worry.”

“It was nice to have a foreign exchange student who was finally around my age,” Ruth said. “When we had them in the past, I was in elementary school, and I couldn’t really hang out with my siblings’ foreign exchange students who were 16. Amina and I are more similar in age, so we have similar interests. Just like living with anybody, we don’t agree on some things, but we don’t fight.”

Even though they may have different personalities and do not spend all of their time with each other, they get along well, according to Ruth.

“We’re kind of polar opposites. Amina likes to shop a lot, likes to talk about boys, and watch Cops,” Ruth said. “I, on the other hand, am not a fan of any

of these things. But I don’t think it affected how we got along because we both went into this knowing that we don’t need to be best friends. Sometimes she’ll come into my room and we’ll talk for three hours, but sometimes we’ll keep our distance. It’s like having a sister. We don’t always need to be hanging around each other.”

Now that Amina has learned to be comfortable with her friends and family here, she does not contact her real family as much, though she will be ready to return back home June 8.

“I FaceTime (my family) once every three to four weeks,” Amina said. “I have so much going on here that I kind of don’t think about Austria, but I’m excited to go back.”

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6 infocus

Crier/May 15, 2015

Out with the old, in with the new With redesigned SAT going into effect next year, new test focuses on college and career preparation Current SAT

Offered until March 2016 According to College Board, over half of students who take the current SAT are unprepared for college.

However, Mr. Peter Fatouros, guidance counselor, acknowledges that the redesigned SAT has not proven its effectiveness since students have not yet taken it.

“I don’t think students should necessarily wait to take the redesigned one or rush to take the old one,” Mr. Fatouros said. “There isn’t any evidence showing that one’s easier than the other. However, if students do want to take the current SAT, they need to sign up for the March SAT.”

Redesigned SAT

Offered starting March 2016 The redesigned SAT will feature changes in testing time, subjects, essay, skill emphasis and score range.

“One of the most significant differences, in my opinion, is probably the option of whether to take the writing test,” Mr. Fatouros said. “It’s kind of a double-edged sword. A lot of students may think that they don’t have to take it because it’s optional, but colleges may still want to see that students have taken it.”

The redesigned SAT will focus on areas that “evidence shows matter most for college and career readiness,” according to College Board.

Additionally, College Board plans to open study materials to more students by offering interactive study tools through Khan Academy starting this June.

“The new SAT is supposed to match up better with actual classwork, so it might not require as much studying,” Mr. Fatouros said. “College Board also claims to be adding more opportunities to succeed because they are offering a whole suite of test prep materials through Khan Academy.”

Spot the difference Changes between the current and redesigned SAT format are compared through various aspects of the tests. The left side reflects the current SAT; the right side reflects the redesigned SAT.

Testing time 3 hours and 45 minutes

3 hours plus 50 minutes for optional essay

Subjects Includes Critical Reading, Writing, Mathematics

Includes Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math

Essay Writing section requires a 25-minute essay

Students can choose to complete an optional 50-minute essay

Skill emphasis Primarily emphasizes general reasoning skills

Continues to emphasize reasoning but also focuses more on knowledge, skills and understanding

Score range Score range is 600-2400 (Scale is 200-800 for critical reading, mathematics, and writing)

Score range is 400-1600 (Scale is 200-800 for evidence-based reading and math. Essays are scored from 2-8 on each of the three traits.)

Source: www.collegeboard.org

photo illustration by Veronica Bilek

Crier/May 15, 2015

Taking

top honors

Awards, scholarships, honors for seniors, underclassmen announced at Academic Awards ceremony last Wednesday Senior honors Senior class highest honors: Cayla Bales, Brittany Barajas, Zahra Bhoy, Rohan Chatterjee, Chetan Chauhan, Andy Chen, Balashwethan Chockalingam, Briana Crowe, Hannah Dempsey, Siddharth Divakaruni, Elise Dorn, Kevin Fuhs, Kathleen Gonzales, Daniel Green, Walker Hedgepath, Allison Hemingway, Sarah Hendrix, Oluwagbemisola Ibikunle, Sydney Kawalec, Sai Sripad Kodukula, Adam Kulam, Brittany Lee, Kyle Lee, Jonathan Lemke, Alexander Megremis, Taylor Merkel, Wish Muangmingsuk, Christian Poulos, Sean Pruzin, Conor Taylor, Natalie Vellutini, David Vogel, Kimberly Wang, Garrett Zuck

tion Joel Yonover Scholarship: Allison Hemingway, Garrett Zuck Eternal Valor Foundation 1st Lt. Shaun Blue Memorial Scholarship: Garrett Zuck NROTC Scholarship: Dylan DeYoung ARNG Scholarship: Angelo Velez

Senior class scholarships and awards

Cayla Bales: University of Notre Dame, Glynn Family Honors Program, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 36 on ACT Composite, perfect score of 36 on ACT English, Reading, and Science, perfect score of 800 on SAT Critical Reading, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Senior Principal’s Award for Excellence Math 2, perfect score of 800 on SAT 2015: Rohan Chatterjee, Briana Crowe, Subject Test Molecular Biology, also Adam Ostoich, Nicole Smith, Alexander offered 4 scholarships from other Wisniewski universities Brittany Barajas: University of Illinois Champaign, Stamps Previous Winners of Principal’s Award Foundation Scholarship Saptarshi for Excellence 2014: Cayla Bales, BritChakraborty: University of Dayton, tany Barajas, Elise Dorn, Kevin Fuhs, Merit Scholarship, also offered 9 Daniel Green, Adam Kulam, Natalie scholarships and awards from other Vellutini universities Rohan Chatterjee: New York University, National Merit Finalist, Previous Winners of Principal’s Award perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, perfect for Excellence 2013: Charles DeCesaris, score of 800 on SAT Writing Chetan Drew Hackett, Allison Hemingway, Chauhan: Indiana University BloomingElena Piech, Kimberly Wang ton, Provost’s Scholarship, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 36 Believe in You Principal’s Award: Dana on ACT Science Timothy Chavez: Handler Indiana University Bloomington, Hudson and Holland Scholarship Andy Student Leadership: Chen: Duke University, National Merit Student Body President-Daniel Green Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 Student Body Vice-President-Adam on SAT Math, perfect score of 800 on Kulam SAT Subject Test Math 2, perfect score of 800 on Subject Test Chemistry, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science Matthew Childs:

Hope College, Academic Achievement MHS Booster Club John Mybeck ScholScholarship, also offered 3 scholarships arship: Conor Taylor and awards from other universities MHS Booster Club Grand Mustang Balaswethan Chockalingam: University Scholarship: Stephanie Bulow, Hannah of Chicago, National Merit Finalist, Witting perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, perfect MHS Booster Club Colleen Lusk Scholscore of 800 on SAT Subject Test Math 2, arship: Thomas Speranza perfect score of 36 on ACT Reading, Munster Lions Club Scholarship: perfect score of 36 on ACT Math Jordan Briana Crowe, Austin Eiland, Hannah Cole: University of Indianapolis, Deans Witting Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships Margaret Niksic Memorial Art Scholarfrom other universities Antonia ship: Erica Warner DalleCarbonare: Bellarmine University, Mike Niksic Memorial Baseball ScholMonsignor Horrigan Scholar, Trustee arship: Thomas De Cero Scholarship Charles DeCesaris: Indiana Munster Rotary Club Scholarship: University Bloomington, Provost Briana Crowe, Daniel Green Scholarship, also offered a scholarship Notre Dame Club of NWI Scholarship: from another university James Delis: Sean Pruzin, Natalie Vellutini Purdue University West Lafayette, Munster Chamber of Commerce MHS offered 6 scholarships and awards from Scholarship: Taylor Kotzo other universities Hannah Dempsey: Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship: Briana Miami University of Ohio, RedHawk Crowe, Allison Cunningham, Jordan Excellence Scholarship, also offered 3 Dixon, Vijai Kumar Dharla, Daniel scholarships from other universities Green, Erin Harvath, Allison HemingJordan Dixon: Indiana University way, Jonathan Lemke, Marymargaret Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship Maloney, Benjamin Marcus, William Maureen Doherty: Saint Mary’s College McDunn, Madison Switalla, Patrick Toth, of Notre Dame, Bertrand Award, also Alexander Wisniewski offered 2 scholarships from other Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Academic universities Andrew Dorn: Taylor Scholarship: Kathleen Gonzales University, Presidential Scholarship Munster-Highland Tri Kappa Fine Arts Elise Dorn: Indiana University Award: Brandon Johnson Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, Munster-Highland Tri Kappa PerformDirect Admit to Kelley School of ing Arts Award: Allison Hemingway Business, also offered 2 scholarships Munster- Highland Tri Kappa Music from other universities James Eaton: Arts Award: Jonathan Lemke Wabash College, Presidential ScholarMunster-Highland Tri Kappa Vocal ship Austin Eiland: Indiana University, Arts Award: Thomas Speranza Trustee Scholarship, also offered a Eads PTO Scholarship: Hannah Witting, scholarship from another university Collin Sroge Tessa Faubion: Arizona State University, Frank H. Hammond K-Kids ScholarTrailblazer Scholarship Jessica Flores: ship: Briana Crowe Indiana University–Purdue University Dr. Wallace Underwood Education Indianapolis, Chancellor’s Scholarship Award: Brittany Barajas Victoria Foster: Drury University, Dr. Terry White Memorial Scholarship: Trustee Scholarship Kevin Fuhs: Amanda Kvasnica Stanford University, National Merit Eclectic Book Club Award: Hayley Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 Kwasniewski on SAT Critical Reading, perfect score of Janice Grau Watson Memorial Scholar800 on SAT Math, perfect score of 800 on ship: Dillon Pierie SAT Subject Test Math 2, perfect score of Wabash College Presidential Scholar800 on SAT Subject Test Chemistry, ship: James Eaton, Walker Hedgepath, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Jacob Helmer Physics, perfect score of 36 on ACT Wabash College Boys State ScholarEnglish, perfect score of 36 on ACT ship: Walker Hedgepath Math, also offered 5 scholarships from Legacy Foundation Lilly Endowment other universities Erin Gallagher: Community Scholarship: Walker Syracuse University, offered a scholarHedgepath ship from another university Kaitlynn Edward “Robbie” Robertson Memorial Gloff: St. Xavier University, St. Xavier Scholarship: Allison Hemingway University Merit Scholarship Kathleen Central Indiana Community Founda-

Senior special awards

Gonzales: Indiana University Bloomington, Kelley Scholars Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 36 on ACT English, also offered 12 scholarships and awards from other universities Daniel Green: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, Kiwanis Indiana Foundation Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Dana Handler: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, Distinguished Scholar Award, also offered a scholarship from another university Quinn Harris: Vanderbilt University, Trustees’ Merit Scholarship, National Achievement Outstanding Participant Erin Harvath: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, also offered 5 scholarships and awards from other universities Walker Hedgepath: Wabash College, President’s Scholarship, Boys State Scholarship, 2015 Lugar Scholar, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 800 on SAT Critical Reading, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test U.S. History Carl Hehemann: University of Evansville, Deans Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Nicole Heiniger: Grand Valley State University, Grand Valley Award for Excellence, Grand Valley Academic Award Allison Hemingway: Purdue University, Presidential Scholarship, also offered 4 scholarships and awards from other universities Sarah Hendrix: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Herbert Presidential Scholarship Oluwagbemisola Ibikunle: Rice University, Trustee Distinguished Scholarship, also offered 6 scholarships and awards from other universities Pharez Israel: Indiana University Bloomington, Hudson & Holland Scholars Award, Premier Young Artist Award, Jacobs School of Music Academic Excellence Award, also offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Rachel Jamrose: University of Louisville, National Scholars Award, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Brandon Johnson: American Academy of Art Chicago, Offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Rachel Jones: Illinois Wesleyan University, Alumni Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities George Jurincie: Marquette University, Père Marquette Award, Valpo Fund Alumni Scholarship, also offered a scholarships from another university Sydney Kawalec: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, 1st Year Indiana Scholars Award Ayesha Khan: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Ryan Kritzer: Indiana State University, Lake Ridge Alumni Association Academic Award Amanda Kvasnica: DePaul University, Dean’s Scholarship, Direct Admit University Honors Program, also offered 4 scholarships and awards from other universities Hayley Kwasniewski: Indiana University Bloomington, 1st Year Indiana Scholars Award, A.R. Metz Scholarship, Herbert Presidential Scholar, Provost Scholarship Maxwell Lawson: Wabash College, Martin G. Alberico Scholarship, Richard Lugar Academic Award, also offered 9 scholarships and awards from other universities Kyle Lee: Purdue University West Lafayette, Trustees Scholarship, Purdue Marquis Scholarship, National Merit Purdue University Scholarship, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 800 on Math, perfect Score of 36 on ACT Math, perfect score of 800 on Subject Test Physics, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Math 2 Jonathan Lemke: Purdue University West Lafayette, National Merit Purdue University Scholarship, Leath Scholarship, National Merit Finalist Allison Levin: Arizona State University, Deans Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships and awards from other universities Marcus Levitan: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship Zachary Long: Valparaiso University, Board of Directors Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Dominic Lucito: Carthage College, Torch Scholarship Marymargaret Maloney: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Benjamin Marcus: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship William McDunn: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Alexander Megremis: Indiana University Bloomington, First Year Indiana Scholars Award, Della J Evans Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, Direct Admit to the College of Arts and Sciences, National Merit Commendation, also offered a scholarship from another university Taylor Merkel: Stanford

University, National Merit Finalist, perfect score of 800 on SAT Math, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Chemistry, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Math 2, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math Lucas Milkovich: University of Illinois Chicago, Offered a scholarship from another university Joshua Morris: Taylor University, Trustee Scholarship, Music Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Adam Ostoich: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship Himali Patel: Indiana University Bloomington, Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship Joshua Peters: Purdue University Calumet, Academic Achievement Scholar, also offered 4 scholarships and awards from other universities Elena Piech: Ithaca College, Park Scholars Award, also offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Dillon Pierie: North Central College, Honor Scholarship, Alumni Referral Award, Kathy Brunke Memorial Scholarship, also offered a scholarship from another university Christian Poulos: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost’s Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities Sean Pruzin: Notre Dame University, National Merit Commendation, perfect score of 36 on ACT Science, perfect score of 36 on ACT Math Grant Rademacher: DePauw University, University Merit Award Michael Rivich: Carthage College, Carthaginian Scholarship William Roser: University of Arizona, Arizona Excellence Award Meredith Simmons: Loyola University Chicago, Dean’s Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships and awards from other universities Raskirth Singh: Indiana University Northwest, Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship Thomas Speranza: DePauw University, Music Performance Award, School of Music Deans Award, University Merit Award, also offered 9 scholarships and awards from other universities Collin Sroge: Bellarmine University, Monsignor Horrigan Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, also offered 4 scholarships and awards from other universities Clayton St. Martin: Purdue University West Lafayette, Deans Scholarship College of Technology, American/Italian Benevolent Society Scholarship, also offered 2 scholarships/awards from other universities Hunter Standley: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship, Alumni Award Luke Still: Indiana University Bloomington, Offered 3 scholarships from other universities Konstantine Svolos: Indiana University Bloomington, Offered 3 scholarships from other universities Conor Taylor: DePaul University, National Merit Commendation Casey Terry: Valparaiso University, Presidential Scholarship, also offered 4 scholarships and awards from other universities Gavin Tienstra: Lewis University, Bishop Bernard Sheil Scholarship Patrick Toth: Indiana University Bloomington, Provost Scholarship, Distinguished Scholar Award, also offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Gillian Urbaniak: Bellarmine University, Monsignor Treece Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, also offered 5 scholarships and awards from other universities Angelo Velez: Ball State University, 21st Century Scholars Award Natalie Vellutini: University of Notre Dame, Provost’s Scholarship, University Scholarship, NWI Alumni Group Scholarship David Vogel: Butler University, Irvington Scholarship, also offered 3 scholarships from other universities Kimberly Wang: University of Chicago, University of Chicago National Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Winner, perfect score of 800 on SAT Writing, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Molecular Biology, perfect score of 800 on SAT Subject Test Chemistry Emily Whitaker: Ball State University, Offered 2 scholarships and awards from other universities Timothy Wiess: University of Wisconsin, offered 10 scholarships from other universities Megan Wilkens: University of Indianapolis, U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar Academic Award Alexander Wisniewski: Indiana University Bloomington, Distinguished Scholar Award, Provost’s Scholarship, Direct Admit to Kelley School of Business, Hutton Honors College Scholarship Garrett Zuck: University of Michigan, Rogel Award of Excellence Scholarship, National Merit Commendation, also offered 2 scholarships from other universities

Underclassman honors Junior Class Highest Honors: Brian Araya, Bridget Caraher, Julia Chael, Arielle Crowe, Arlo Detmer, James Han, Harsh Jhaveri, Meena Kandallu, Tyler Keslin, Kylee McVicker, Dara Medina,

7 infocus Aditya Mishra, Avi Patel, Vivian Reba, Collin Sharpe, Daniel Soeka, Anisha Vavilala, Emily Wierman, Lydia Zheng, Anthony Zmuda Hoosier Boys State Award: Frederick Beckman, Vincent D’Angelo, James Han, Austin Klawitter, Patrick Marsh, Lucas Newell Hoosier Girls State Award: Mega Dafiagor, Sara Wilson Indiana University World Language Honors Program French: Isabel Garcia, Claire LeMonnier, Abigail Pennanen, Michelle Weller Spanish: Serena Patel, Anna Riggs, Daniel Spencer, Jeffery Stoll, Anisha Vavilala, Emily Wierman, Jordan Wright, Jacob Yalowitz Underclassman Principal’s Award for Excellence 2015: Anna Bilse,11, Julia Chael, 11, Alyssa DeJoan, 10, Arlo Detmer, 11, Olivia Foley, 9, Harsh Jhaveri, 11, Rachel Kalbfell, 10, Meena Kandallu, 11, Alexandra Raycroft, 10, Perima Shah, 10, Journey Westfield, 11, Arris Yoniles, 10, Megan Zabrecky, 11

Underclassman Previous Winners of Principal’s Award for Excellence 2014: Timothy DeRolf, 9, Luke Hackett, 10, Mackenzie Peirick, 10 Underclassman Previous Winners of Principal’s Award for Excellence 2013: Luke Pillarella, 9

Departmental Awards Art: Samantha Szura-Outstanding Senior, Brenda Yepez-Painting II, Brandon Johnson-Advanced 2D Art II, Amanda Kvasnica-Drawing, Cayla Bales-Intro to 2D Art, Brett Butler-Ceramics, Carlos Douglas-Digital Design Business: Ethan Courtney-Outstanding Senior, Sarah Hendrix-Accounting, Aron Panas-Computer Programing, Peyton Puckett-Web Design, Kaylynn Gruber-Entrepreneurship, Alexander Wisniewski-Marketing Foundations/ Advertising, Jillian Ylo-Web Design Family & Consumer Science: Anna Bachert-Outstanding Senior Music: Vijai Dharla-Oustanding Senior, Charles DeCesaris-Orchestra, Vijai Dharla-Orchestra, Thomas Speranza-Choir, Rachel Jamrose-Choir, Garrett ZuckBand, Jonathan Lemke-Band Technology Ed. PLTW: Samuel Speckhard-Outstanding Senior, Joshua Armstrong-Digital Electronics, Jhoanna Sadural-Intro to Engineering Design, Samuel Speckhard-Digital Electronics, Avi Patel-Civil Engineering & Architecture, Michelle Weller-Intro to Engineering Design, Jonathan Cieslak-Civil Engineering & Architecture English Language Arts: Rohan Chatterjee-Outstanding Senior, Allison Hemingway-AP Language and Composition, Melanie Krueger-World Literature, Meena Kandallu-Advanced Newspaper III, Emily Wierman-AP Literature and Composition, Mariah Villaroman-English 10 Honors, Micala Boyd-Journalism Mathematics: Balashwethan Chockalingam, Kevin Fuhs, Kyle Lee, Scott Farley, Oluwagbemisola Ibikunle-Outstanding Seniors Physical Education: Michael Szumlas-Outstanding Senior, Anthony Daniels-Physical Education II, Zachary Eng-Physical Education II, Jaycee Helmer-Physical Education II, Sarah Johnson-Physical Education II, Luciano Medina-Physical Education II, Alexandra Wright-Physical Education II Science: Kyle Lee-Outstanding Senior, Brittany Barajas-AP Biology, Carlos Douglas-Anatomy & Physiology/Zoology, Harsh Jhaveri-AP Chemistry, Rachel Kalbfell-Honors Chemistry, Olivia Kindt-Chemistry I, Vivian Wei-PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science Social Studies: Walker Hedgepath-Outstanding Senior, Andy Chen-AP Economics, Oluwagbemisola Ibikunle-Advanced Sociology, Bridget Caraher-AP US History, Jenson Huang-AP Government, Abigail Wagner-AP Psychology, Olivia Foley-AP Human Geography World Languages: Timothy Wiess-Outstanding Senior, Brittany Barajas-Spanish IV, Elise Dorn-AP Spanish V, Joseph Gardner-American Sign Language II, Sydney Kawalec-French V, Carolina Diaz-English as a New Language, Meena Kandallu-Spanish IV

8 spotlight

Crier/May 15, 2015

The logistics of it

The details of the festivals Lollapalloza Date n

July 31-Aug 2

Location n

Rules from the roadies Ten tips to aid festival goers for both Warped Tour and Lollapalooza

1

HYDRATE Investing in a Camelbak will be very beneficial before taking Lollapalooza in August. The festival has water stations scattered about to fill the bag up with.

Grant Park Chicago, IL

Music Type n n n

Hip-Hop Dance Rock

Headliners n

Paul McCartney

n

The Weeknd

Metallica n Florence and the Machine n

Warped Tour Date n

Chicago show: July 25

Location n

First Midwest Bank Amphitheater Tinley Park, IL

Music Type n

Punk Heavy Metal

n

Alternative

n

Headliners n

Never Shout Never

Pierce The Veil n The Wonder Years n Black Veil Brides n

2

DANCE THE DAY AWAY You cannot go to Lolla without visiting Perry’s stage. This stage is a world of its own, you can feel the bass against your heart. Even if dance music is not your cup of tea, stop by at night to see the light show.

3

SHOE GAME As much as everyone likes open toe shoes, you might not enjoy broken toes when you wear your very flimsy flip-flops. Wear lightweight sneakers, so you can enjoy crowd surfing or walking without worrying about footwear.

4

CASHLESS The festival launched their new campaign, Lolla Cashless. This allows festival members to register their wristband with their credit card, enabling them to purchase things with the tap of their wristband.

8

DRESSCODE Ladies, wear a bikini underneath your regular clothes. Guys, wear swim trunks or board shorts. Not only can you take your shirt off if the heat is unbearable, there are also slip-n-slides throughout Warped.

5

PERMANENT MARKS Before Warped Tour, stock up on sharpies. The signers will steal them from you, given the chance, so bring extras. And when you think you have enough, bring two more.

6

POTENTIALLY PLASTIC Inside of the backpack you are bringing, put your phone, money and other valuables inside small sandwich baggies. You will probably get soaked, no matter how careful you are.

7

CASTING SHADE Remember your sunglasses, but leave your favorite pair at home. Opt for the cheap ones from Walgreens, your Ray Bans may fall victim to the mosh pit.

9

BUDDY SYSTEM As a rule of thumb, try not to go into larger mosh pits alone. But if that is inconvenient, then try to make friends inside, and preferably if you are on the smaller side, make friends with the bigger people.

10

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN The reason you spent $50 on a ticket, three hours deciding your day's agenda and 45 minutes making a car playlist is because you want to be there. So enjoy it. Find signers and ask for selfies. Try crowd-surfing, give moshing a shot or just hang out and enjoy the good music. Festivals can be a fool’s paradise, so smarten up and have fun.

Please don't stop the music

Two major music festivals come to Chicago this summer Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

Warped Tour Your t-shirt is soaked in sweat. You are shoulder-to-shoulder-to-shoulder with complete strangers. Suddenly, you are thrown into the pit. The music is throbbing through your temples and you can feel the chorus of your favorite band’s set vibrate through the crowd. You throw your glow paint stained hands high and collide with hundreds of teenagers just like you.

This is Warped Tour, a three month alternative music festival, and this is what millions of kids across America wait for all year. With 45 different shows, every major city in America experiences the Warped Tour take over.

Over 60 artists grace the several makeshift stages positioned in parking lots and amphitheaters throughout the day-long festivals.

Lollapalooza Thousands of teenagers, music gurus and everyone in between come together in Chicago’s Grant Park for three days of an indescribable experience. Lollapalooza, commonly known as Lolla, grows larger and larger each

summer, racking up big name artists such as Paul McCartney and Metallica this year. Because this is such a large festival now, Lollapalooza has expanded their locations to Germany, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

Not only does Lolla provide festival-goers with a killer lineup and seven incredible stages, but they also offer an array of Chicago’s hippest eateries, such as Wow Bao. Other festivals may have similar lineups, but the one incomparable thing is that the backdrop of the event is the jaw-dropping skyline. Lolla’s $350 three-day pass fee may be a turn-off to some, but after the three-days of having fun, the money is completely worth it.

Photo by: Nick Simonite, Lollapalooza photographer

ENCORE The band, Fitz and the Tantrums perform their set in Grant Park to crowd of thousands at last year's Lollapalooza. The band's lead singer, Noelle Scaggs, bows to applause.

Crier/May 15, 2015

9 spotlight

photo by Rachel Bishop

The Sip, a coffee shop with hipster aesthetics, drawing books, and scrabble boards perfectly placed about, is open late. The drink selection is unique and quirky. Customers can choose from iced or hot coffee and multiple teas. The Sip is a relaxing, yet stimulating way to end a day in the Crown Point square.

Valparaiso photo by Rachel Bishop

CHILL OUT High school students spend their Friday at the Sip, a coffee shop in the Crown Point Square. It is a popular hang out on weekends because of its attractive open mic nights. ORDER UP Crown Town Grill, an American-style restuarant, serves during business hours, but reopens its doors at 2 a.m. for the night life of Crown Point.

Regionally Speaking Lake County offers various locations for summer activities, shopping, eating within driving distance Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor

Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

Some of the best things about living 30 minutes from Chicago are all the sporting events, shopping trips and beach days just a train ride away. However, one of the worst things about living 30 minutes from Chicago is all that seems to be available for summer fun is expensive adventures in America’s windy (but immensely crowded and overpriced) city. Lucky for us Northwest Indiana-ens, towns like Crown Point and Valparaiso offer trendy, eccentric spots where the sidewalks are open and the price tags are not as frightening.

Crown Point After only a short car ride, the McDonald’s and gas stations are soon replaced with antique stores and coffee shops. Crown Point Square has some of the best “hipster-esque” places to visit. One in particular is the Chemshaw 13 Donut Shop. This is not your

typical Munster Donut, this donut shop has flavors as bizarre as Arnold Palmer, half-lemonade half-iced tea flavored donut, and as sugary sweet as the Homer, a birthday cake flavored donut.

Just as one settles down into the shop, past the counter sits a comic book store in the back of the donut shop. This place is a regular hang out for the local teenagers. Crown Point high school junior, Caitlin Binder, says her favorite before school treat is the Homer and a coffee.

Across from the donut shop is a quaint antique store called The Copper Butterfly. Owner Mrs. Kari Bunde, loves the store and the flexibility in doing what she wants with it.

The store is a restored pharmacy from the 1920s and has a cozy feeling. Mrs. Bunde sells everything from teacup pillows to archaic trunks to coffee cup shaped vases. The store can be pricey, but only because the quality of the items are higher than anything you find at Homegoods or TJ Maxx.

After looking around for cute places to visit, one might notice that almost all of the places close at 5 p.m. even on weekends.

Further along on Route 30, Valparaiso’s town square contains more home-style businesses.

The first shop to visit is Unique Lifestyles, a boutique on the north side of town. This shop is every last definition of unique. As customers walk in, they are bombarded with colorful knick-knacks and other miniscule items.

Walking through the store, the scenery changes from candle shop to baby store to gardening shed.

The whole ordeal can get very overwhelming and sometimes it can be just down right random.

A few buildings up the street is a chic coffee shop called Black Bird. They have interesting teas and chais such as cinnamon apple and blackberry. The atmosphere is dry, but it is eerily calming.

The most awkward thing about this cafe is the random couch thrown in the middle of the store. It is as if the owner was channeling their inner Central Perk from “Friends” but epically failed.

Around the corner from Black Bird is a small and wholesome bakery, Wildflour. This bakery specializes in gourmet baked goods.

Last year, the store was also featured on the Cooking Network for being an up and coming bakery.

Their macaroons and tarts are some of their best tasting and best selling treats.

Further down the square is a restaurant called Stacks. This local eatery is hidden between several buildings. Behind the door lies a unique atmosphere that would remind one of their grandfather’s den.

The food served here is absolutely outstanding.

The meal should begin with an order of the Stack’s Sticks, which are warm bread sticks unlike any other.

Any of their entrees would suffice, but the best choice for dessert is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Bread Pudding.

Stacks provides a fun environment for friends and family while serving delicious meals.

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10 sports

Crier/May 15, 2015

More than a game Sports column Erin Gallagher Sports Editor

photo by Kyra Marriott

KICK START In a game against Andrean, Mikey Jimenez, senior, dribbles the ball past Andrean opponent Calvin Haislip, junior. Jimenez now prepares for collegiate soccer at University of Illinois at Chicago. “(My favorite part of high school season was) playing with my close friends on the team and seeing my other friends in the crowd,” Jimenez said.

CollegiateConditioning

High school athletes prepare for college athletics Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor The June sun has barely graced the horizon with it’s presence. The alarm clock on his Iphone beeps loudly as he pulls himself up and out of bed. Less than 15 minutes later, he is out the door, dressed in running clothes and turf shoes in hand. But, he will not see a soccer game until August for now he conditions with his new college teammates sometimes as long as two hours twice a day.

Mikey Jimenez, senior, has played club soccer for the Chicago Fire Academy most of his life. This year has been the first year Jimenez competed on the high school team, and will continue on to play at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He credits Chicago Fire for laying the foundation for his soccer career.

“It feels amazing to be committed,” Jimenez said.

“I’ve strived my whole life to play college soccer and I’m excited to be committing to play another four years—and hopefully more—which will all be another chapter in my life to achieve more accomplishments.”

Before Jimenez can turn the page to his college athletic career, he must condition his body to handle the rigorous requirements of his sport.

“My summer before UIC will be all running with and without the soccer ball everyday except Sun-

day,” Jimenez said. “I think any conditioning will be hard if you are making the workouts tougher and more difficult, which is exactly what I will be doing.”

Such a heavy amount of running is incredibly difficult at first, but it gets easier as the workouts progress, according to Jimenez.

“At first when I started doing these workouts, it was the absolute worst and I could barely do it,” Jimenez said. “But I stuck to it and became one of the best defenders, as a player, in the nation at one point.”

As an athlete throughout high school, Dominic Lucito, senior, knows that pushing oneself is the key to success. As a soon-to-be freshman at Carthage College, Lucito will balance summer football conditionings with a summer job.

“My summer conditioning will be intense this summer because I am getting a job which I’m working five days a week,” Lucito said. “So I have to be sure to put in a lot of work on the weekends.”

No matter how busy, an athlete should place high importance on summer conditioning in order to continuously improve alongside the competition, according to Lucito.

“I think it is very important to keep working out in the summer because competition gets very difficult,” Lucito said. “The best chance to play as a freshman in college is to constantly workout in the summer.”

What does it mean to be a good man or woman?

Does it mean helping those in need? Or, does it mean putting others before yourself?

The answer lies in the values past and present athletes possess.

Like so many other children, I grew up as a sports fanatic. It was the disciplined, molded and selfless athletes I looked up to that taught me how to be a good person.

I was taught determination from Michael Jordan.

In high school, Jordan failed to make the varsity basketball team. He came back the next year averaging 20 points a game after a summer of vigorous training.

A Boston father pushed his son Rick, who had cerebral palsy, in a wheelchair through 72 marathons because it made his son feel like he was not disabled.

They taught me love.

I saw our very own Munster High School fill a student section to cheer on Special Olympic athletes in a basketball game. From you, I learned support.

Never let anybody tell you that it’s just a game, or that sports do not matter. There is so much more than the records, the statistics and this season’s top picks.

Sports is watching the Cubs game every Sunday with your dad. It’s the way you lead a group project like the way you led your team to a Sectional victory.

It’s playing for the kid in the crowd that cannot.

Sure, there are some people in sports today who do not exactly portray the persona of a good man or woman.

But, take a peek behind the domestic violence disputes, the deflated ball incident and the performance-enhancing drug, and you will find morally good people.

For instance, watch a professional soccer game, preferably Barcelona. Once midfielder Lionel Messi knocks someone down, a hand to help them up is immediately followed.

University of North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams sent a letter to an 11 year-old boy with Asperger’s who was bullied earlier this week. The boy has been a faithful Tarheels fan for many years. He encouraged him to stay strong and that the team is proud of him.

This brings up a new question, “How does sports make you a better person?”

I think the late American journalist and sportswriter sums it up perfectly when he said, “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”

Against the wind

Girls’ Track wins Conference, prepares for Sectionals and remainder of post-season Mary Ellen Gilhooly Beat Reporter

Up against tough opponents these past weeks, Girls’ Track has been taking strides towards perfection and came close to it in their last conference meet, according to Melanie Mooney,

sophomore.

“Every performance went perfectly or at least very close to perfect,” Mooney said. “There were a lot of season bests and some lifetime bests.”

The team competed in the conference meet on Tuesday, winning it with 208 points, a record high for the meet.

Crier/May 15, 2015 Kankakee Valley placed second behind them with 142 points.

The team’s biggest challenge has been the various weather changes, according to Mooney “As the season progressed, we have learned to not only deal with, but also to excel in all weather conditions,” Mooney said.

The team is starting preparation for Sectionals next Tuesday, hoping to get the win and to keep the streak of good performances going, according to Saveda Majety, sophomore.

“I think we’ll do well there, maybe win it even, but it all comes down to

Clearing the hurdles

Boys’ Track heads into post-season with hopes of title Clayton Seput Beat Reporter After winning the Conference championship Tuesday, Boys’ Track prepares for Sectionals next Tuesday.

“We’re very proud of our Conference championship because last year

we tied for first, but this year we won the whole thing. We also did really well individually because we won a lot of events,” Tyler Keslin, junior, said.

With Sectionals on its way, Boys’ Track started heavily preparing for what was to come. Sectionals next Tuesday will be a challenge for the

team, but Theodore Burgwald, junior, thinks that the team is ready.

“We are very deep in most events. In races, we’re able to go first and second or first and third in almost every event, which helps us as a team,” Burgwald said. “As for weaknesses, we’re still a very young team, and not a lot of our

photo by Lauren Koultourides

UP IN THE AIR During a meet against Highland, Eric Salzeider, sophomore, clears a hurdle during a dash. Hurdles require a unique form and much practice to perfect the event. Salzeider agrees that one of the most difficult part of hurdles is form. “I have to say one of the hardest parts,” Salzeider said, “is having the correct form while keeping the sprinting pace you need to have during the race.”

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how well we prepare and we perform that night,” Majety said.

Practices leading up to the meet will be tough and focused, according to Mooney.

“We will have a hard practice that is geared toward everyone’s individual events,” Mooney said.

Despite all the challenges with the weather and individual events, both Mooney and Majety seem optimistic about the meet and the outcome.

“I think we will win the Sectional pretty easily as a team but there will be some competition in a few individual events,” Mooney said. guys have experience in that regional level, which is unfortunate.”

Knowing the team’s strengths, Zachary Simic, junior, acknowledged how several all around members could make it to State this year.

“One of our biggest strengths to our team is how deep we are. Our third and fourth runners can still come in first against some teams. Also, we have guys who can win their event all over the board with jumps, sprints, distance, and throws,” Simic said. “We have multiple guys who are region top ten in their event. And since I’ve been on the high school team, we have yet to win Sectionals, but I believe this year we should be the favorites.

Anthony Niemiec, sophomore, believes with hard work and determination, the team can prevail and make it to State.

“This year, even though it’s my first year in track, you can tell the team is strong. Coach (John) Stamper (Eads Elementary teacher) said we could actually have 3 or 4 guys go to State with the times we’re running at,” Niemiec said. “We’ve beaten some school records, and especially our 4x1 relay is doing amazing. Pole vault is great, throws is great and high jump too. The main strength is that we all motivate each other and we work as a team.”

Burgwald reminisces about their close finish last year at Sectionals. He believes that they have become better, even though some members are still somewhat inexperienced.

“We’ve been very consistent and doing really well. A majority of our guys are still getting better and better, even in the tough part of our training schedule. We have won a few meets and that should carry over well to Sectionals.”

Burgwald said. “I don’t know about our record. I think we have won twice the last ten years. We came very close last year, losing by a point to the now state champs.”

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Crier/May 15, 2015

Boys’ Baseball prepares Pitch for post season Perfect Joseph Bermudez Beat Reporter The grass is slightly wet. The dirt is compacted under their cleats. The faint smell of burgers and hot dogs cooks in the distance as bright lights shine down from above. Everyone is holding their breath. It’s late in the season. To keep the team’s playoff hopes alive, everyone must play their best the whole time.

The baseball team is 8-0 in Conference, and that will help them with their playoffs coming soon.

“I think (the season) is going pretty well,” Coach Bob Shinkan, math teacher, said. “It seems that we’re starting to put it all together for the stretch run for sectionals.”

Players were not at all expecting the fast start to the season, according to Joe Bryant, senior.

“I’m not at all surprised,” Bryant said. “I thought we would always be good. The talent was always there and I know we would capitalize on that when we all came together as a team.”

Part of coming together is how everyone gets along and the strong bond that all of the players share.

“In the locker room we’re all connected,” Connor Manous, junior, said.

“We all bond well together. We all just mess around and joke around together.”

The players get along well with each other and nicknames are assigned to teammates. Coach Shinkan decides the nicknames for each player though, according to Bryant.

“He’s got nicknames for all of us,” Bryant said. “Most of which are the same, Big Guy. All of them are Big Guy, actually. He has a funny relationship with his players.”

Coach Shinkan, not only comes up with one nickname for everyone, but also impacts the players on how they fare when it’s game time.

“Coach Shinkan is a really great coach, really great guy,” senior Grant Rademacher said. “He really helped me improve my game a lot. He’s a big reason why I am where I am now.”

With team-wide trust, motivation, chemistry and momentum, the team is looking to get past Portage, who are currently 3-6.

“Portage has got a really good program,” Coach Shinkan said. “They’re not the stronger Duneland teams this year but they still have a really good approach. They are definitely a team you cannot overlook.”

To beat Portage, though, the pitching needs to settle down, according to Coach Shinkan.

“After we get past our top two pitchers, we have control issues. (We’re) issuing too many walks. (It’s) something we need to work on so we don’t extend any innings longer than they should

be,” Coach Shinkan said.

Despite the issues with the pitching, the team looks to gain leads with their consistent and strong offense, according to Coach Shinkan.

“Everyone in the lineup is starting to show signs of being more consistent,” Coach Shinkan said. “And that’s what you want as the season progresses.”

The recent consistency would have to be compared to an old saying, “hitting is contagious.” This explains that if one batter starts to hit well, then their teammates will catch the hitting “dis-

ease.”

“You get a couple of hits together, then everyone starts getting excited,” Coach Shinkan said. “Then the defense gets back on their heels. It just makes for exciting innings when you can put together some really good, solid hits.”

Solid hits will help as the team has their eyes set on three goals, according to Rademacher. “(We have) three goals: win conference, win sectionals, then make a huge run in the post-season,” Rademacher said.

photo by Veronica Bilek

FASTBALL During a game against Andrean, Grant Rademacher, senior and second pitcher, pitches the ball while Connor Manous, junior and first pitcher, waits in position. The two pitchers have led the team throughout the seasoh. “What a great combo we (Rademacher and Manous) are, though. We’re undefeated against conference teams, and it shows that Manous and I are getting the job done.”

There’s no plate like home Softball prepares for rival game away at Penn tomorrow, looks forward to post-season Alexandria Shinkan Beat Reporter Girls’ Softball will compete at Penn tomorrow. Penn’s record is 17-1, while Munster’s is 16-3-1. Players believe this game will challenge them because of inconsistencies in their lineup.

Coach Beth Thornburg, math teacher, anticipates this as a good preview for Sectionals.

“I’m not worried, it is a good chal-

lenge for Sectionals,” Coach Thornburg said. “However, I don’t know too much about Penn so I am not sure there is one thing we need to watch out for.”

Taylor Kotzo, senior, says that the team has not played Penn in two years.

“We don’t really know much about Penn, but we know they are number one in the state,” Kotzo said.

Munster is ranked 18 in the state while Penn is ranked 1 because their coaches are good at teaching their

players hitting and pitching skills, according to Nicole Howard, sophomore.

“They have a good work ethic and (are) good all-around players,” Howard said. “Their coaches are very strong in terms of teaching them the game of softball.”

Kotzo agrees Penn will be a challenge, so the team needs to focus on their base running for this game.

“Penn is a good team, they are currently number one in the state, so we know it will be a good challenge to us to see how we can match up against them,” Kotzo said. “As a team, we need to focus on scoring early and of-

photo by Veronica Bilek

HOME RUN At bat, Kelsie Kasper, junior, makes contact with the ball during a game against Griffith. Kasper keeps her focus on offense the most.“I just have to focus on hitting my spots and letting my defense do their job,” Kasper said. “(I have) very high confidence (in my team). I know I have one of the best defenses behind me.”

ten since we are known for scoring in later innings.”

However, Howard has high expectations for this game because Munster beat Lake Central and Lake Central beat Penn in a close game.

“I think we are just as good as Lake Central or better and they beat Penn in a very close game, leading me to believe we can beat them.”Howard said.

If the girls can play to their capability, the game should have a close score, according to Tegan Murphy, senior.

“If we play to our ability, this should be a very good test for our team,” Murphy said.

Coach Thornburg sees inconsistencies on their offensive side because some girls can bat well one day, but have an off day the next. These inconsistencies may cause them troubles.

“Hitting and base running are not consistent, some (players) are hot one day and it switches,”Coach Thornburg said.

On the field, the girls need to limit making mental errors, according to Murphy.

“We need to improve by making less mental errors,” Murphy said. “We need to know what to do with the ball when it comes to us, and we need to know what situations we’re in.”

Girls’ Softball will play their toughest game against Penn. The girls have high expectations for the game and know it will be good competition and an exciting game, according to Rebecca Radtke, freshman.

“My expectations for our game with Penn are high,” Radtke said. “I feel it will be a tough battle and very good competition. Penn is a competitive team and I am excited to play them.”