CRIER Vol. 50/Issue 1/Sept. 11, 2015
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
8808 COLUMBIA AVE, MUNSTER IN 46321
Homecoming Special Issue: pages 4-8
Open to pages 4-8 for coverage of Spirit Week, Homecoming Court, and the Homecoming football game
Tax appeal reduces revenue District faces $880,000 shortfall in December due to tax appeal approved by Lake County Assessor’s Office Meena Kandallu Editor-in-Chief $881,187.16. This is the amount that the school district stands to lose as the result of an
INSIDE LOOK
approximately $2 million property tax appeal by the Franciscan Alliance that the Lake County Assessor’s Office has recently approved. When the school district collects its tax disbursement during a biannual tax draw that will occur this December, the amount received will be lessened by this amount, according to Dr. Jeff Hendrix, superintendent.
Last December, the district faced a similar
Page 8 Football celebrates 50 seasons; plays Andrean tonight at 7 p.m.
Page 4 Crier staff member reviews local thrift stores
Page 11 Girls’ Golf plays at the NCC Conference Tournament today at 8:30 a.m. at Wicker Park
UPCOMING n Farmer’s
Market: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday at Town Hall
n
Cash for Clutter garage sale: Sept. 19 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Munster Community Pool parking lot
n For
Homecoming schedule of events, turn to page 5
situation in which administrators and school board members discovered, upon receiving a tax disbursement, that it was $2.3 million less than the expected amount. Having received no prior notice, the district was left with no time to implement other solutions and was suddenly forced to take an emergency loan to compensate for the lack of funds, according to Dr. Hendrix. In light of the crisis that occurred last December, the current tax appeal has come as another hit to the district’s finances, according to Dr. Hendrix. “It’s similar (to the previous tax appeal) in the sense that we’re not going to get that money, but it’s different in that we now have four months to decide how to make up that revenue whereas the last time, we had 12 hours to make up 2.3 million,” Dr. Hendrix said. Dr. Hendrix is considering two options to compensate the $880,000 shortfall: taking a $1 million loan against the referendum fund or applying for a bank loan that would later be paid off by the general fund. Unlike the tax appeal from last December, which caused the elimination of 50 uncertified staff members’ positions, Dr. Hendrix believes that “there shouldn’t be any more reductions in personnel” or cuts in any other areas. “This isn’t catastrophic like the other (tax appeal) was,” Dr. Hendrix said. “At least we have ways of handling it, (unlike the other tax appeal), because we weren’t aware of (the previous tax appeal) until we went to pick up our tax check.”
The school district is currently in the process of renegotiating of teacher contracts, and Dr. Hen-
drix believes that this tax appeal will play a role in determining the terms of the new contracts. “When you lose funding, you lose the opportunity to provide raises for staff or increase benefits,” Dr. Hendrix said. “Whenever you’re losing that kind of money, it impacts things.” Mr. Larry Hautzinger, lead negotiator for the Munster Teachers’ Association (MTA), explains that the negotiations are largely dictated by state regulations, which have limited the negotiable topics to salary and wage-related benefits. Despite the financial deficit, one of the main focuses of the MTA is finding a way to increase wages for teachers, who have had a pay freeze since 2010, according to Mr. Hautzinger. “One of the big things is, we have to look to the future,” Mr. Hautzinger said. “We’ve got to stay competitive in wages otherwise we won’t be able to fill new positions.”
Myth
vs.
Fact
62% of students believe that lights that are off after school are a result of the district’s financial deficit
Fact: Lights and air conditioning are off when school is not in session in order to reduce unnecessary electricity usage Myth: The administration sometimes turns the lights off in the hallways during passing periods and classes to save money
Myth: Lights are turned off after school to save money
63% of students believe that lights that are off in hallways during classes and passing periods are a result of the district’s financial deficit
Fact: Lights that are off in hallways during classes and passing periods are the result of a computer glitch.
53% of students believe that building the Aquatic Center contributed to the district’s financial deficit, and 37% of students believe that building the football field contributed to the district’s financial deficit
Fact: The money for constructing the Aquatic Center and football field came from the debtservice fund while the deficit is in the general fund. Money cannot be transferred easily between funds
Myth: The school is running out of copy paper because there is not enough money to purchase more
Myth: Constructing the new pool and the football field increased the financial deficit
67% of students believe that a shortage of copy paper has resulted from the school district’s financial deficit
Fact: A total of 10 cases, or 40,000 sheets, are available for teacher use every week. There is enough paper to last the whole year as long as all teachers do not exceed copying more than the allotted 10 cases each week
68% of students believe that the increase in class sizes resulted from the school district’s deficit
Fact: Increased class sizes are a direct result of the financial deficit
Myth: The financial deficit has resulted in increased class sizes
Myth: Lunch prices 54% of students believe that the increase in lunch prices from $2.35 to $2.45 resulted from the district’s deficit were increased in order to make a Fact: The change in lunch prices is due to profit and comfederal regulation and is unrelated to the pensate for the district’s finances. financial deficit 37% of students believe that the initiation of the laptop program five years ago contributed to the school district’s financial deficit
Fact: The laptops cost the district approximately $220,000 a year
Myth: The new laptops that students received this year have further increased the financial deficit
Myth: The 1:1 laptop initiative that began five years ago has increased the financial deficit significantly
47% of students believe that the new laptops that students received this year contributed to the school district’s financial deficit
Fact: The new laptops did not cost the district any additional money since the original contract. Students were given new laptops because of the large number of parts that needed to be replaced
sources: Dr. Jeff Hendrix, superintendent; Mr. Mike Wells, principal; survey conducted by Crier of 302 students from Sept. 1-4 in MRT
2 news Quick Notes New clubs Creative Writing Club, Link Crew and Launch are added to the handbook After receiving final approval at a July School Board meeting, three new clubs have been officially added to the student handbook: the Creative Writing Club, Link Crew, and Launch. The Creative Writing Club, sponsored by Mr. Kevin Clyne, English teacher, will allow students to share their writing and receive critiques from other club members. Link Crew, sponsored by Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, gives upperclassmen the opportunity to mentor freshmen. Launch, sponsored by Mr. David Dausch, social studies teacher, is an entrepreneurship program created by MIT that strives to inspire students to generate business ideas.
Officer James Ghrist Officer James Ghrist is awarded Indiana D.A.R.E. Officer of the year The Munster Police Department and D.A.R.E Indiana named Officer James Ghrist D.A.R.E Officer of the year as he enters his 12th year educating kindergarten through eighth grade Drug Abuse Resistance Education. As Officer Ghrist continues to educate through the D.A.R.E program, he finds that the content of the program is important to teach to the youth. “(The award) means a lot to me,” Officer Ghrist said. “My job is very important to me, and I take it very seriously. I think the information we present (in the D.A.R.E. program) can really help kids in the future. And to be nominated and given this award really means a lot.”
Professional Development Days Days added to calendar to compensate for Professional Development Days On Nov. 30 and Feb. 26 this school year, students will not be in session due to newly added Professional Development Days for teachers and administrators. The original calendar did not indicate these as days off, according to Mr. Mike Wells, principal. “The Professional Development Days are geared towards getting teachers and administrators on the same page to move our school forward with the goals that were created for school improvement, vertical alignment with curriculum, and student performance in the classroom and standardized testing,” Mr. Wells said.
National Merit Semi-finalists Eight students are chosen as National Merit Semi-finalists
Eight seniors have been named National Merit Semi-finalists for the 2015-2016 school year after earning a qualifying score on the PSAT taken in October 2014. These students are Julia Chael, Arielle Crowe, Meena Kandallu, Daniel Soeka, Anisha Vavilala, Michelle Weller, Lydia Zheng and Anthony Zmuda. Semi-finalists must fill out an application in order to be considered for National Merit Finalist status, and they will become eligible for Merit Scholarship awards if they are named Finalists, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
New president, old influences New Student Body President, Vice President make changes to policies while trying to maintain old traditions Gavin Hamilton Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor Infocus Editor At the beginning of the school year, Student Body President Lucas Newell, senior, and Student Body Vice President, Mackenzie Peirick, senior, start their new roles as student leaders of the school. “I was influenced by William Greenlaw (’13) when I was a freshman. He was the senior class president,” Lucas said. “He made some legitimate changes to the school, and I guess I just wanted to do the same.” At the end of last year, Lucas and Mackenzie created their platform with three main components: transparency, unity and reformation. “With Homecoming coming up, we’re really trying to focus on unity with the whole pep rally thing, trying to get all the grades involved,” Mackenzie said. “And then reformation, we haven’t changed much yet, but we did the alumni Hall of Fame which was a big change from last year.” Lucas and Mackenzie have multiple ideas regarding the unification of the school, such as adding a door decorating contest around the holidays to the new Mustang Resource Time period and creating a new club of student broadcast media. “The door decorating, I think that it almost forces you to collaborate with your classmates and come up with one idea,” Mackenzie said. “(Student broadcast media) also helps you work with others whether it be you’re speaking in the announcements or you’re filming them.” While certain proposals have been accepted so far from Student Govern-
photo by Veronica Bilek
ALL SMILES With a marker in her hand, Student Body President, Lucas Newell, senior, and Student Body Vice President, Mackenzie Peirick, senior, write the names of girls who were voted into homecoming court on the board. “I think it’s really important to support your classmates,” Mackenzie said. “Our main focus is to get more students involved with the school.”
ment’s agenda, Lucas still must work towards achieving approval to enact his full list of ideas. “The only big struggle is when I really want something to be passed or improved and students don’t agree with me,” Lucas said. “Mrs. (Kathleen) LaPorte (FACS teacher), thinks it might be too hard or the administration says it’s not possible.” When issues do arise in their proposed ideas and plans, Lucas and Mackenzie develop their own strategies for problem-solving. “If we ever have an idea that’s shut down, we usually try to figure out why
Melody on their minds Members of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra Youth Orchestra prepare for another year of performances Danie Oberman Associate Editor While new members of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra Youth Orchestra (NWISOYO) recently tried out, returning members have been practicing and performing throughout the summer. Members recently played a Labor Day performance in Griffith, with a mix of old and new music. “I like the exciting atmosphere (of a performance),” Kali Konstantinopoulos, sophomore, said. “It’s also really rewarding, because we have worked really hard on those pieces, trying to get them as close to perfect as possible. And then now, we can show off what we’ve learned.”
NWISOYO will perform in the MHS auditorium Dec. 6. Members practice for two and a half hours every Sunday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts. “The orchestra is pretty much made up of kids who want to make orchestra a future for themselves, so the caliber of playing is a little higher for the Youth Orchestra than it is here,” Miss Bridget Parker, orchestra director, said. Members learn valuable skills such as professionalism, and they bring valuable leadership to the classroom, according to Miss Parker. “(Members are) taught to be great musicians, and so when they come here, they can’t be anything less,” Miss Parker said.
so we’ll ask Mr. (Mike) Wells (Principal), and we’ll also ask him how we can do something similar but have it not shut down,” Mackenzie said. “Lucas and I usually have to talk about it with ourselves but then also talk with the other Student Government members to get their feedback.” From the way Lucas and Mackenzie work together, Mrs. LaPorte finds them a complementary leading team. “I think they are a good balance. Lucas is a lot more easygoing, while Mackenzie makes him more organized,“ Mrs. LaPorte said. “They are a good representation of the school.” Working with a different director proves a valuable learning experience, according to Miss Parker. “They have a different director, and that brings to this orchestra a different perspective on music. They learn at a faster rate. They also bring a sense of leadership to the school orchestra,” Ms. Parker said. The musicians gain exposure to composers and pieces they would not normally find at the high school. “Some of my favorite orchestral songs have come out of that (NWISOYO) experience,” Lissette Araya, sophomore, said. Members of NWISOYO get opportunities to play more advanced music, accompany dancers, professional musicians, and travel. Despite these opportunities, Lissette values the music and her fellow members the most. “It’s nice to have that full symphony experience,” Lissette said. “I just work with a bunch of awesome musicians that share the interest that I have.”
speakout 3
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
CRIER 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. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and twoway 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. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.
JUST KEEP ON ROLLING Pay no attention to the $880,000 tax abatement about to come raining down on the school. A few more people per classroom and walking to school in the rain is as bad as it gets. Getting $880,000 less than anticipated for this school year isn’t worth any worry or attention, really.
Rock and a hard place What is new to MHS for the 2015-2016 school year? On a superficial level, new laptops, No Transportation Zones and increased class sizes seem to be the most significant changes. In large part, these changes have been attributed to the district’s financial deficit, and nearly every student and staff member OUR TAKE seems to have an strong opinion on them. However, the discussions Students should keep in mind that have recently surrounded these the $880,000 topics appear to be detracting from tax appeal when the most important issue that has afdiscussing this fected the district so far this school year’s district year: a shortfall of approximately budget $880,000. Last month, Dr. Jeff Hendrix, superintendent, gave a talk on local radio station WJOB. During the segment he discussed a tax appeal that will be paid to the Franciscan Alliance by the Lake County Assessor. When the school district receives its tax disbursment in December, this tax appeal will directly decrease the school district’s income by approximately $880,000. But what exactly does this mean for the school district? It means that the district will have to reckon with the prospect of no longer receiving an an-
ticipated $880,000 that has already been allocated to pay down the existing financial deficit. And what does this mean for students, parents and staff? While Dr. Hendrix has stated that this decrease in funds caused by the tax appeal will not cause any more cuts, it is simply naive to assume that students, parents and staff will not feel its effects. According to Dr. Hendrix, this tax appeal will delay the district’s ability to start paying off its debt until the end of 2016, meaning that students, parents and staff will have to wait longer until they are part of a school district that is debt free. It means that they will have to continue to deal with the results of the financial deficit, including No Transportation Zones and increased class sizes. So let’s start talking about at the $880,000 tax appeal. Let’s not stop worrying about the cuts that have already been made, but let’s not allow them to overshadow the impending financial concerns that our school will have to respond to within the next few months. Let’s worry about the root of the problem more than the peripheral consequences. Let’s keep up with the current issues that can affect our school in the future.
We gotcha covered: A letter from the editor The Crier staff is proud to announce that Crier was recently named a 2015 National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist for the first time in 15 years. Crier is one of only 59 newspapers in the country and 3 newspapers in Indiana to receive this honor. We will carry this excellence into the current school year. This year, Crier will feature coverage of a variety of topics, including club updates, sports recaps, movie reviews, staff and student profiles, and news stories about significant school events or occurrences. Regarding this coverage, the Crier staff would like readers to think of Crier as a reliable and unbiased source of information. With a newly created Snapchat ac-
count, Crier also plans to increase its social media presence. Add us on Snapchat at munstermedia for informal updates and live photo/ video coverage of school events. Follow us on Twitter @MunsterMedia for breaking news and photos of the week, along with live tweets from sports games and school events. Follow us on Instagram @MunsterMedia for photos from pep rallies, Battle of the Bands, Prom, etc. Like our Facebook page, Munster High School Crier student newspaper, for important school announcements and Crier news. Additionally, Crier has begun a Humans of MHS photo series, which is
based on the popular website and Facebook page, Humans of New York. Visit our Twitter page today for the first post in this series. For the remainder of the school year, posts will be published weekly on our Twitter page. Finally, the Crier staff encourages readers to give us feedback. If you have an opinion on anything we cover or any other school-related topic, let us know by submitting a letter to the editor. Space permitting, Crier will publish all letters to the editor that meet the official requirements, which are outlined on the right side of this page. Meena Kandallu Editor-in-chief
Opinions expressed in the newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the School Town of Munster, faculty or administration. Letters to the editor and reader suggestions 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 Publications room, 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. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request. Crier is published 11 times a school year.
The Staff Editor-in-Chief Meena Kandallu Design Editor Chloe Wineinger Copy Editor Mariah Villaroman Associate Editor Danie Oberman Media Editor Jordan Szymanski Opinion Editor Danie Oberman Sports Editors Jordan Szymanski Joseph Bermudez Anthony Gonzalez News Editors Sofia Navarro Simon Pirok Infocus Editors Gavin Hamilton Alexandria Shinkan Student Life Editor Ian Brundige Cartoonist Ian Brundige Head Photographer Rachel Bishop Business Manager Mary Ellen Gilhooly Photographers Veronica Bilek Elisa Del Toro Mary Ellen Gilhooly Olivia Hesterman Brandi Hoover Danijela Kaurin Sidney Milne Easan Venkat Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
4 spotlight
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
photo by Danijela Kaurin STEPPING INTO STYLE Shoes and other apparel sit on display at Plato’s Closet in Merrillville. Plato’s Closet offers gently used, name brand apparel for both females and males. Inventory includes seasonal wear, tops, pants, sweaters, and shoes. The store only buys and resells clothing in good condition and in style within the past year. Brands such as Nike, Pink, PacSun and J. Crew can be found at Plato’s Closet.
Getting more for less When building back to school wardrobes, some students choose to shop at thrift stores for high quality apparel at lower prices than buying it new Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor
T
he notion that in order to get a decent sweater, a student has to venture into PacSun and voluntarily pay $50 is absurd. Some students agree; these students instead utilize a resource that is becoming increasingly more popular: thrift stores.
Plato’s Closet, one of the most popular thrift stores, has the best prices
around for barely used clothes. When customers arrive the store actually does look like someone’s closet. A highly organized someone, that is. The walls are lined with all types of attire arranged by color, gender and style. Plato’s Closet mostly has name-brand clothes, such as items from Pink, Nike or Adidas. Plato’s Closet only buys clothing that is in great condition and has been in style within the last year. Each wall of the store is dedicated to a specific type of clothing. As a customer enters the store, the entire right side is lined with sweaters, jackets and shirts popular that season. Just beyond the seasonal wear, the walls contain every type of sweater and sweatshirt available, and a great deal of them are from Pink or Urban Outfitters. Others are from the holy grail of overpriced
stores like PacSun or Express. The middle aisles are seas of denim, dresses, sweatpants, leggings and yoga pants. Displayed on top of the racks are shoes, including high heels, sandals, sneakers, and boots at ridiculously low prices—most under $8. But the store has not forgotten about the boys. The entire left hand side of the store is men’s attire. Chicago sports memorabilia dominates most of the racks; however, like the women’s section, many name brands like Nike, Adidas, J. Crew, and Diamond Supply Co. are sprinkled throughout the racks. The men’s side is also layered in racks of shoes: Hyper-dunks, D-Rose’s, Timberlands and Jordan’s are just some of the popular brands sold at Plato’s Closet. Shockingly, most of the shoes range from $40-70 instead of the usual $100-300, and they appear in great condition, as if the tags were just removed.
Goodwill is the grandfather of all thrift stores, and because of this, it has
acquired a poor reputation. Although critics may be right in suggesting that the clothes at Goodwill are of lesser quality, they are wrong to count Goodwill out completely. Goodwill is an excellent place to shop for specific last-minute items. For example, it is Homecoming week, and a day’s theme is tacky tourists: Goodwill is the place to find that
obnoxious Hawaiian shirt. For another In Motion is the best choice. example, if a great Pinterest idea calls Sure, while finding these items in for cheap picture frames, Goodwill is Target or even another thrift store like the way to go. Goodwill would not be impossible, It may not be the number one choice the idea that the profit goes directly to for attire, but there are some cheap, charity adds to the value of the store. helpful items that one can find within It is a wonderful cause, and very few Goodwill’s walls: $1 summer reading thrift stores actually keep zero percent books, Stanley Cup playoff of the profits they shirts for under $10, white make. So, not only Smart shopping sneakers perfect for waitresscan one find exing that one can pay for with Different thrift traordinary deals their tips, or men’s jeans to be stores offer different for useful items, cut into high-waisted shorts. but one can also do quality, variety The possibilities are endless. an extraordinary favor for someone Plato’s Closet Hearts In Motion is one of HHHHH in need. the best examples of a quality Plato’s Closet offers the best The general idea thrift store that not only ac- quality for the lowest prices of thrift stores is cepts donations, but does not to pay less and profit from their sales. These Goodwill get more. One of stores had to obtain all their HHHHH Low prices make for one-stop the best examples wonderful items somehow, shopping during Spirit Week is that of an outand this brings to attention fit consisting of a the fuel of thrift stores: donaHearts In Motion Nike t-shirt rangtions. HHHHH ing between $20Hearts In Motion accepts All store proceeds to go medi40, Adidas jogging all kinds of donations, from cal aid for people in need pants between $50clothes to furniture to house70, and Jordan’s hold appliances, and they, in return, sell these items to provide care that are $200 in retail prices. The same and aid for the medical treatments of outfit can be created by assembling the children, families and the like. If mi- same clothing instead purchased at nuscule items like coffee mugs, ugly thrift stores for a total of under $100. Christmas sweaters, or over-sized And no one can tell the difference. That comfy t-shirts are on your list, Hearts is the beauty of thrift stores.
Telephone (219) 924-3700
FREDRIC D. YOUNG, M.D.
Office Hours By Appointment
Robert L. Young, M.D., Inc. 1646 45th Avenue Munster, IN 46321
WANTAGUARANTEED IN THE 2015-2016 YEARBOOK.... DO YOU
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CRIER Homecoming Special Issue/Sept. 11, 2015
MUNSTER HIGH SCHOOL
Page 6
From Career Day to 80s Workout, students showed off their creative costumes. See how students participated in Homecoming Week.
INSIDE LOOK n
Early dismissal for pep rally this afternoon at 1:40 p.m.
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Class Floats on display today at the Homecoming Parade
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Speech and Debate Chicken Barbeque today at 4:30 p.m.
PICTURE PERFECT MOMENTS (Clockwise from top left) Thursday morning, Jessica Tucker, freshman, and Nicole Dominguez, freshman, dressed for Decades Day wait in the halls for class. Watching the 80s Workout display, Ally Snyder, sophomore, and Madison Dinga, sophomore, laugh at the afro Ally’s brother is wearing. In class on Tuesday, Michael Johnston, junior, and Erin Malley, junior, read over their homework dressed in matching Disney hoodies for Twin Day. In the commons Thursday morning, Anna Blise, senior, celebrates her long- awaited senior spirit day, 80s workout. “I have looked forward to this week since my first spirit day of freshman year,” Anna said.
Page 8 Football plays Andrean tonight for Homecoming game
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Homecoming Football game tonight at 7 p.m.
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Homecoming Queen announced at half time of tonight’s football game
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Spirit week’s winning class admitted into dance early at 6:30 p.m. Page 7 What to do after homecoming quiz based on budget and personalities of the group
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Homecoming Dance Saturday 7-10 p.m. in fieldhouse
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Powderpuff game rescheduled for Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Swept away with memories Students show off costumes, different energy levels for spirit days during Sea Swept themed Homecoming week
Seniors Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor
A
fter three hours of meticulously gluing seashell after seashell to the front of a leotard Monday, Anna Bilse, senior, finally created her costume for the first day of spirit week. “I was supposed to be a flower pot, but the flowers were so expensive. I decided last minute I’d become a mermaid,” Anna said. “It works for both Career Day and Random Costume Day!” With spirit week ending today, Anna put extra effort into her spirted costumes and attitude, knowing this was her last chance to do so. “I have looked forward to this week since my first spirit day of freshman year,” Anna said. “I was always excited for the dress-up aspect and the overall happiness of the week.” Despite missing out on a spirit day because of school being off on Monday, Yiorgo Karnezis, senior, has not noticed any changes in the level of seniors’ energy.
“The week has been a lot of fun. We finally get our own senior week and everyone else gets to watch our crazy costumes,” Yiorgo said. “It’s the last time any of us can dress up so we might as well do it. School spirit played a part, too.” For seniors, whether they chose to wear a single peace sign or neon 80s workout gear, Yiorgo hopes that spirit week built a sense of school spirit within each one of his classmates. “High school goes by quickly. I blinked and I’m already a senior,” Yiorgo said. “It goes by so fast, but I’m happy I’m able to enjoy it right now.”
Juniors
Chloe Wineinger Design Editor Dashing down the hall towards her AP Environmental Science class, Hannah Ernst, junior, dons an apron and a sheepish grin on her face as she sees that the bell is about to ring. “I decided to use Career Day to make a statement by being a housewife, which being a feminist, I would never set myself up for because I feel women should express themselves freely through their career choice,” Hannah Ernst said.
6 homecoming continued from front
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he main reason why Hannah loves spirit week so much is to “add to the spirit of Homecoming,” citing decades day as her favorite day. “My favorite day is decades day because it allows me to relive the culture and attire of people years before me,” Hannah said. Some juniors decline to dress up, though they still enjoy seeing the crazy sights around the school. “I don’t feel like going through the trouble of picking out something to wear,” Matt Kvasnica, junior, said. “But it’s one visible way to show your school spirit, and it’s kind of funny. I like seeing all of the unique things people come up with. It’s a nice change of pace during the school year.”
Sophomores
Mariah Villaroman Copy Editor
“
Please Help! Homeless. I want food. Gimme food!” read sophomore Stevie McDunn’s cardboard sign, which he carried around all day Tuesday, representing that of a homeless man. “Right when I heard it was Career Day, I thought it would be funny to make fun of my future career,” Stevie said. “There was a lot of people I knew who dressed up. But it’d be more funny to see more people dressed up in the hallways and classrooms.” For spirit week this year, Stevie tried to focus on encouraging other sophomores, or any grade level, to participate. He hoped to inspire others through his own eccentric outfits and overall energy that he held constant throughout the week. “I have a good personality, and I try to dress up as stuff that would make people laugh. Something that was really funny I saw was this guy (also dressed up as a homeless man) that had a shopping cart and I said ‘That’s the spirit people need!’” Recalling the shopping cart she also saw rolling down the hallway, Tara Layous, sophomore, has seen many of her sophomore
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015 classmates play a part in spirit week. “For me I’ve noticed that the sophomores stepped it up this year,” Tara said. “I think the sophomores or juniors have the most spirit. As freshman we were nervous, but this year we’re more accustomed to everything and we know we can dress up.”
Freshmen Chloe Wineinger Design Editor
E
ver since she saw her older sister’s spirit day costumes, Priyana Reddy, freshman, knew she had to do spirit week. “(My sister) participated in it when I was a kid,” Priyana said. “I would watch her get all prepared and dressed up for Nerd Day and Decades Day, and I thought it was so cool. When I came into high school, I just had to do it.” Priyana wanted to show the slew of ideas she had for costumes. For Career Day Priyana borrowed worker’s gear from Dunkin’ Donuts from friends, and even carried donuts in the morning. “(For my Dunkin Donuts costume) I kind of thought it would be funny to play into my stereotype,” Priyana said. “I thought people were going to judge me for it, but I ended up having a lot of fun.” Priyana hopes for school spirit to improve for freshmen in the years to come. “I think after seeing how much fun other people participating had, other freshmen would want to experience that and participate,” Priyana said.
Put a
CROWN
on it
Elected Homecoming queens discuss their feelings about being on court
Sammi Buvala “If I could go back to my freshman year, I would make sure to have gone to more school events than I already did. My four years of high school are flying by and I would tell my freshman self to savor the moments.”
Mega Dafiaghor “It feels nice to know that I am on the court because it shows me how many friends I have that support me.”
Kelsie Kasper “If I could go back to my freshman year, I don’t think I would change anything because I have had a great four years here; it just has been a lot of fun.”
Mary Pugh
“(Being elected onto court) means people in my class nominated me because they thought I was capable of being their Homecoming Queen and I affected them in a positive way.”
photo by Danijela Kaurin
Savannah Shaver “If I could go back and tell freshman Savannah how everything plays out, I would tell her to keep doing what she is doing. I would tell her to keep striving because all the hard work I did/do pays off in the long run.”
photo by Elisa Del Toro
Ally Szakacs “I’m on student government so Homecoming is my Christmas. I love all of it: spirit week, the game, Powderpuff, the dance: I love it all.”
photo by Elisa Del Toro
ANOTHER PLANET Talking with another student, Casey Gouwens, senior, wears alien antennae. (Top left) PLAY HARD Dressed as a businessman, Yiorgo Karnezis, senior, converses with friends Mike Cuvala and Connor Zunica, seniors. (Bottom left) DISNEY DAYS For Twin Day, Anna Dabrowski and Reem Alsakaji, sophomores, enjoy lunch dressed as Minnie Mouse. (Bottom right) HOLD MY PURSE Dressed as a drag queen, Matt Travis, junior, shocks his peers (Top right)
photo by Rachel Bishop
homecoming 7
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
Against the
Do you need a quick, last-minute Homecoming plan for after the dance? Follow this flow chart to find the perfect option for you and your group
CLOCK
Where could we find you at the Homecoming dance?
START HERE
Having a photoshoot!
On the dance floor!
By the food.
Will your group be hungry after the dance?
Are you going to attend the Homecoming Game?
Are you naturally energetic?
We always are!
Why wouldn’t I?
Definitely am!
Eh, probably not.
Nah, it’s no big deal.
Do you have many people in your group?
As a whole, do you enjoy Homecoming spirit week?
I have a really big group.
It’s an amazing week!
It’s just me and a few friends.
I just got paid!
Did you dress up every day this week? Yes, I had awesome costumes!
It’s really nothing major.
Are you more talkative or on the quiet side?
What’s your budget? Kind of dirt poor.
I love socializing!
That would be a no.
Some quiet time is nice.
No, I didn’t feel like it.
What are you doing the day after Homecoming? Go out with friends!
Sleep the day away
The movie theater
Bowling
24-hour restaurant
After a long night of seemingly endless impromptu photoshoots or dancing barefoot on a hard gym floor, the movie theater is the perfect place for your last minute Homecoming plan. You can finally sit and relax in comfortable chairs at Showplace 12 and 16 enjoying a bag of popcorn and any new blockbusters of your choice, such as horror-thriller “The Visit” or teen movie “We Are Your Friends.”
Not even hours of dancing, screaming and running around in fancy clothes can tire you and your friends out. If you are still feeling wired and excited after the dance, hit up a bowling alley for some friendly competition. Both Stardust Bowl and Lynwood Bowl stay open until midnight, plenty of time to burn off that leftover adrenaline. Grab a snack, tie your bowling shoes, and aim for a perfect 300.
Remember the Taylor Swift lyric, “It feels like the perfect night for breakfast at midnight?” Hit up a 24hour restaurant after the Homecoming dance to do just that. Restaurants like Top Notch or Round the Clock offer the perfect atmosphere to unwind and refuel. You can spend the rest of the night rehashing all of your favorite parts of the evening with your friends while eating a well-deserved meal.
At no loss for words Where would you place the Homecoming dance if it could be anywhere in the world?
Students, faculty share thoughts on various Homecoming themed questions
“If I had to only choose one, I’d go to the dance be- Cyrus,” Nick Heppner-Lundin, senior, said. “I cause there are multiple games to go to, whereas the went to dinner, and the waiter spilled the Homecoming dance is a once-in-year event,” Bridget
go to the game be“I would have it at Versailles. It’s a giant cause there is a bunch of school spirit, golden castle. Need I say more?” Claire and plus I have a lot of friends who go to Andrean,” Kayla Prowell, freshman, LeMonnier, senior, said. “Literally anysaid. “The dance, preferably because I’d like to
where but the gym,” Andrew Rapata, sophomore, said. “On a cruise be-
cause it’d be a pretty view and you would be able to get away from everybody dancing and get a nice fresh breath of ocean air,” Taylor Raycroft, freshman, said. “In my basement so I can wear my pajamas,” Paige Mecyssine, junior, said.
If you could only go to the game or dance, which would you go to?
Caraher, senior, said. “I’d
pasta all over me,” Kate Rau, junior said.
“I had a pink dress, and my date said he had a baby blue vest that would match. It didn’t match,” Victoria Reardon, sophomore, said. see sweaty teens dancing rather than them hit- If we had been in school on Monday, ting each other,” Connor Meyer, sophomore said. what theme day would you have liked to see? What has been one of your worst Homecoming experiences? “Wearing red, white and blue to support patriotism because if we didn’t have the holiday off, we
“The first time I went to Homecom- should at least show our respect to the people that ing, my pants ripped, and I had deal served,” Cali Grzybowski, freshman, said. “Favorwith it the rest of the night,” Ashwin ite Politician Day, just to see how Iyer, junior, said. “While dancing with a girl many people dress up as Trump,”
she started singing ‘We Can’t Stop’ by Miley Mr. William Woods, music teacher, said.
8 homecoming
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS As the team bursts through the Munster Mustangs sign, Tim Krajci (30), senior, leads the pack followed by Vince Ivetich (11), sophomore. The intensity of the game is magnified when Krajci steps out of the locker room. “It feels crazy bursting through that sign,” Krajci said. “Your adrenaline is rushing and you are excited to play the game of football. You genuinely feel lucky every time you step on the field.”
50 years on the 50 yard line photo by Rachel Bishop
Football takes on Andrean tonight for Homecoming game, celebrates 50th season Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor A blob of red and white sways in the stands. The notes from the fight song hit them harder than the defensive left tackle. The lights shine bright while the air is hot and sticky under their helmets. This is what they have been waiting for, training for, dying for. Twenty-one players stand toe-to-toe, anxious to begin the most anticipated four quarters of the year: the Homecoming Game. “This is a big game and a lot of excitement. I control my players by management and reminding them that our part in Homecoming is the game,” Coach Leroy Marsh, health teacher, said. “Without the game, there would be no dance, no chicken barbeque, no parade, no bands. Our main focus has to be the game.” The football team’s main priority this season is focus. The players must focus on their game, especially the seniors, as they are the new role models for the team. “My seniors lead by example, both on and off the field,” Coach Marsh said. Defensive lineman Jordan Cistola, senior, values his role as a leader during Homecoming Week. “(The seniors) have to make sure the team is following us,” Cistola said. “We have to make sure we help everyone out so we can all reach our full potential this Friday (tonight).” Tonight, the team takes on last year’s State runner-up, Andrean. Cistola gives credit where credit is due; however, he stands behind the hard work his team has put in this year. “Andrean is tough all the time. They have a pretty good defense, they are big, and they have good athletes all around the field,” Cistola said. “It is going to be very intense, but we work hard. It should be a
good game.” The atmosphere of Homecoming adds to the level of intensity of the game, but for returning players such as running back Jeff Proctor, senior, the stakes are raised given the history of wins and losses between the two teams. “Andrean is always a good team. But seeing that I haven’t beaten them once in my time at Munster High School, I am looking to change that for myself and all the seniors,” Proctor said. I am looking forward to the game; I have been training for Andrean since the beginning of summer, putting in work with guys at the field on our own time. We’ve been working on skills, and we have been in the weight room. We’ve been working as a team.” Players must learn to control their nerves when facing a game with such anticipation, a skill Proctor has mastered. “I don’t get nervous anymore after playing a lot my sophomore year,” Proctor said. “If anything, I cope by just getting angry at the other team for coming onto our field thinking they can show us up. I take that as disrespect.” For Coach Marsh the same drive that drags the players out of bed morning and lands them on the field every afternoon has been keeping him going for 36 years as head coach; it is the love for the game. This year, there is a force much stronger than that pushing Coach Marsh to do his best for his team, the pride of keeping a tradition alive. “It is the 50th football season,“ Coach Marsh said. “It is a very neat deal with the opening game of the season being a reunion and 350 past players coming back. Fifty years of Munster Football means a lot to me. It means a lot to be a part of a pretty special tradition that I am proud of. But right now we have to focus on Friday. The boys need to play for the moment. I have to coach for the moment. We can’t be worried about the memories.”
photo by Rachel Bishop
HUG IT OUT After a successful play against Lake Central August 28, Patrick Marsh (60), senior, celebrates with teammate Aavery Poelinitz (75), sophomore. “The fact that it is my last high school season just adds to the excitement and exhilaration,” Marsh said.
infocus 9
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
Learning
the ropes
Anthony Gonzalez Sofia Navarro Sports Editor News Editor Simon Pirok News Editor
Ms. Rebecca Giffin Science Teacher College attended: St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame Years of experience: 6 Previous job: Laboratory technician at Community Hospital Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching? A: Meeting new students and having old students visit me and thank me for what I’ve taught them. It’s very rewarding. Q: What was your favorite subject in school? A: Science, of course! Q: Who is your favorite musical artist? A: Foo Fighters, Collective Soul and Fleetwood Mac.
Mr. Jason McCauley Social Studies Teacher College attended: Indiana University, University of Illinois, Indiana University Northwest Years of experience: 10 Previous job: Middle School Teacher Q: What is different between the middle school to the high school? A: Really, the students. They’re a lot less dramatic. Here they aren’t as rambunctious. Q: What is the meaning of life? A: Oh boy, I would say making the most of every day. Enjoying who you’re with and what you’re doing. Trying to be the best you can in the moment.
Mr. Jeffrey Hamstra Math Teacher College attended: Grace College, Ball State University Years of experience: 9 Previous job: Math teacher, WWMS Dean Q: What are you looking forward to most this school year? A: I look forward to working with students and staff. Q: What is your favorite movie? A: Hoosiers Pictured clock-wise from top right to bottom left: Nicole Sarkey, nurse, sits at her desk while talking on the phone. Dana Ziel, principal’s secretary, sits at her desk and works in her office. Gabrielle Raspopovich, PE teacher, walks with her class away from the Fieldhouse. Jeffrey Hamstra, math teacher, stands at the front of his room with his arms in the air. Jason McCauley, social studies teacher, hands out papers to his students. Rebecca Giffin, science teacher, helps the students learn by explaining a PowerPoint.
photos by Veronica Bilek, Rachel Bishop, Sidney Milne, Elisa Del Torro and Easan Venkat
Q: What made you choose education as your career? A: I enjoy working with high school students and doing math.
Ms. Gabrielle Raspopovich PE Teacher College attended: St. Joseph’s College Years of experience: 1 Previous job: Student teaching Q: What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened at work? A: When I was student-teaching, a fourth grade girl was on her stomach on a scooter and hit her nose on the floor, and I had to help her through a nosebleed. Q: What is the meaning of life? A: Ball is life. Q: What is your favorite movie? A: “Gladiator.”
Mrs. Dana Ziel Principal Secretary College attended: Purdue Calumet Years of experience: 7 Previous job: Secretary at Eads Elementary School Q: What is the biggest difference between working at Eads Elementary School and MHS? A: At Eads I worked with a group of secretaries in the main office, and now I work by myself and I help out Mr. (Mike) Wells (principal) with whatever he needs. Q: What is your favorite memory from High School? A: School dances. Q: What is your favorite movie? A: “Sandlot.”
Mrs. Nicole Sarkey Nurse College attended: Purdue & Ivy Tech Years of experience: 13 Previous job: Worked at Maxim, Healthcare Service Q: What is your favorite thing about Munster so far? A: The kids, they’ve all been nice and respectful. Everyone that I’ve met has been well-mannered. Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of your job? A: Run and watch my son play soccer
New faculty discuss joining high school staff, personal life, their educational background Ms. Nadine Kavanaugh West Lake Teacher College attended: Indiana University Years of experience: 16 and a half Previous job: School counselor, Special education, R.T.I. Coordinator Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching? A: The ‘I got it’ moment from a student, I know I did my job in teaching that piece of material. Q: What was your favorite subject in school? A: Psychology. Q: What is your favorite thing about Munster High School? A: The wonderful staff and students I have in class.
Mr. Matthew Williams West Lake Teacher College attended: St. Joseph’s College Years of experience: 1 Previous job: Campagna Academy Q: What is the most interesting thing that’s happened at work? A: I’ve had to break up several physical altercations. Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching at Munster? A: There’s a friendly environment around the school. The students and staff are both willing to help. The community around MHS is also really nice. Q: What is the meaning of life? A: To do the best you can and to make a difference in society.
Changes in positions Returning staffers find a new position in the school Mrs. Samantha Ebert
Teaches: ICP and Biology Taught: Temporarily taught Anatomy, Physiology, Zoology, Biology for Mrs. Sarah Vicari and Mrs. Jacqueline Gasca, during their maternity leave Years of experience: Two
Mrs. Katie Harris
New to: Head of Math Department after replacing Mrs. Pat Premetz who retired Teaches: Algebra 1 and 2 Years of experience: 11
10sports Looking
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
Sports short
for
Cheerleading
Coach Latoya Tyson, Merrillville elementary teacher, currently adjusts to her new position as the head cheerleading coach. “The atmosphere and school spirit is fun and exciting,” Coach Tyson said. “The people here have been very kind and friendly to me. The transition was difficult at first, but things are starting to settle in very quickly.” Coach Tyson has been affected by the transition, but the cheer squad also has been adjusting to the change. “Practice is a bit different now, and it’s big adjustment to get used to,” Khalehla Strong, senior, said. “Now everything is more intense. A good intense. (Coach Tyson is) a little bit stricter, but that’s because she’s new and she’s trying to get used to how we do things or how things go here at Munster.” Coach Tyson has been adapting to her new position. She is also busy preparing the squad for various cheerleading events occurring this year. “Right now we are prepping for the Homecoming pep rally, parade and festivities along with the day,” Coach Tyson said.
redemption Boys’ Tennis adopted redemption as motto after defeat by Crown Point last year Danie Oberman Associate Editor Despite graduating 13 seniors last year and shrinking their roster, Boys’ Tennis has started off their season with success, and looks continue the momentum of their recent victories. Coach Steve Lopez, social studies teacher, credits the team’s success to their depth. The players have the ability to move around, which sets them apart from previous years. “They’re always competing against each other at practice; that actually helps to build the chemistry,” Coach Lopez said. “If you’re higher on the ladder, you have to try to defend your spot. If you’re lower, you have to try to take the spot of the higher guy.” Tomorrow the Mustangs will compete in the Warsaw Invitational, which they won last year by one match. The invitational includes many skilled and competitive schools, according to Trey DeLuna, senior. “It’s a really stacked tournament so every school there is really competitive and really good, and it’s really the first big chance we get to see where we’re at with the top schools,” DeLuna said. DeLuna believes the team can de-
One goal united Boys’ Soccer Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor Boys’ Soccer plays Merrillville tomorrow morning on home turf. “This is a big game,” Camden Seput, senior, said. “We do not want a three game losing streak, and we all want the win. We just got to go out there and play our game.” Coach Jim Prasopolous, West Lake teacher, maintains the need to play strong throughout the game. “We need to be consistent for the 80 minutes we play,” Coach Prasopolous said. “That is the biggest goal and also to take one game at a time, winning them one at a time.” Although the team is on a two game
photo by Easan Venkat
BACK INTO POSITION In a match against Kankakee Valley, Arlo Detmer, senior, returns a shot. “I was mainly focusing on returning the ball and getting back into position in the middle of the court to prepare for my opponent’s return,” Detmer said. Detmer won both matches, by a score of 6-0.
fend their title as invitational winners because he sees the team’s strong work ethic and talent. The doubles players have a really good mentality of attacking, and the singles players have a very consistent lineup. “We don’t try to go for too much, but we try to really keep the ball in play, and that’s what wins most of our matches,” DeLuna said. The invitational includes the Crown Point team, which knocked Munster out of Regionals last year. On Sept. 26, both teams will also have a match at Crown Point. Adam Richter, junior, believes the team has
what it takes to win. The crushing loss last year just motivates the team to practice harder, according to Richter. “We need to focus on not getting nervous and just playing to our full potential (during the game),” Richter said. Coach Lopez believes the most important thing his players can do during the match is to score their own points, not relying on their teammates. (Crown Point) has three of the best players in the area, but I don’t necessarily equate that to having the best team,” Coach Lopez said.
Boys’ Soccer looks to end two game losing streak with win against Merrillville; Girls’ Soccer looks to maintain 7-1 record, prepares for Lowell tomorrow losing streak and the close games have taken a toll on the players, Seput has enjoyed his final season as a Mustang and cherishes the moments so far. “The season has been great,” Seput said. “I love being with those guys every single day. They are like another family to me. Even though we have been losing close games, we have great potential. We need to work on when we are down, building up confidence one step at a time.”
Girls’ Soccer Sofia Navarro News Editor Girls’ Soccer prepares for their upcoming home game against Lowell tomorrow. With an ongoing record of 7-1, the girls have made it clear they’re ready to take on any challenge.
“Lowell normally is not a very difficult team for us, but no matter who we play or what skill level the other team has, we still come out ready play as if it will be our last game.” Lizzy Fies, junior, said. The start of their season proved successful. Although they’ve been doing well, there isn’t any game they don’t see as valid competition. “As a team, we have to think about everyone as competition,” Kaila Crague, senior, said. “If we go into the game thinking we’re going to win easily, we don’t end up playing to our full potential.” Overconfidence may hold back the teams potential, but Fies feels that their ability is more than enough to win. “We have a lot of talented players on our team and when we work together and connect on the field, nothing can stop us,” Fies said.
Boys’ Cross Country Though Boys’ Cross Country defeated Lowell last year, Coach Aaron Brown, WWMS science teacher, predicts the boys will face a challenge during the Bob Thomas Invitational at Lowell tomorrow. “Recently we have beaten them, but they have the ability and numbers to put a good team out there every season,” Coach Brown said. “This season they appear to be a huge challenge for us.” In preparation for the Lowell invitational, Coach Brown trains the runners for competition by going to places that have hills and having them run between 50 to 60 miles a week in order to improve their times, according to Jack Jones, sophomore. “We are running just as hard as we did before,” Jones said. “We toned down mileage to save energy, but (we are) still following normal routine.”
Girls’ Cross Country Girls’ Cross Country will compete at the Lowell invite tomorrow. Coach Kyleen Nolan, science teacher, explains that the team practices for this meet through long run practices and speed workouts. “We have an amazing team this year. We had amazing leadership from our seniors.” Coach Nolan said. “We had a good turnout with summer training, and that’s helping us have some great workouts currently.” Girls’ Cross Country’s main goal is to gain ground on leading Duneland teams ahead in the standings, according to Coach Nolan. “We have strong ability from a lot of underclassmen here in general. Our top five in the last two weeks include two freshman, two sophomores, and a junior,” Coach Nolan said. “The season’s been going great. We’ve had several girls beat personal records, but there’s always room for improvement and I think the girls are still finding their racing styles and strategies.”
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Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
Dig into history Volleyball prepares for Conference against Highland Sept. 15, keeping their record in mind Simon Pirok News Editor Volleyball begins their mid-season soon, looking to get into a winning streak with a victory against Highland Sept. 15. “We’re looking to be undefeated in Conference this year,” Coach Tracy Summers, WWMS teacher, said. “We want to try and make it farther into postseason than we’ve ever gone before.” Volleyball started the season with a record of 12-2 with Conference victories to advance in the post-season. This season has brought several ups and downs, including
a win at the Chicago Christian tournament. “It was a great accomplishment for us; everyone was happy and pleased at the end of the day,” Eudora Negri, senior, said. “We were able to go into the tournament and show our full potential when everyone (was) putting in the same amount of work.” At the beginning of the year, the team looked for different ways to improve. The team went into the season looking to work harder than the rest of the teams in the area by proving that they could compete in games that would go into five sets, according to Negri.
photo by Olivia Hesterman Staying Focused During a team huddle, Marijke Van Dyke (13), junior, and Allison Hajduch (15), senior, give a pep talk to the rest of the team. The team prepared all season for the upcoming post-season and ending their year strong. The team has been determined to work on a few key points to be able to succeed. “We all want to go into the postseason strong, we want to keep our energy high, and we need to communicate. If we can do all three, we should be able to execute really well,” Hajduch said.
Heading into a game Sept. 15, the team looks to develop a new plan for Highland team. The team must win the game to stay undefeated in Conference. “My personal goal this season
was to be as best as I could be as a captain,” Lauren Adams, senior, said. “We all wanted to just improve our overall skills and make it as far as we could in post-season play.”
‘Force to be reckoned with’
Girls’ Golf stays concentrated on advancing to the post-season Joseph Bermudez Sports Editor
photo by Rachel Bishop TEEING OFF Beginning on hole one against Merrillville, Nicole Howard, junior, tees off with this 250 yard drive on the par 4 hole. “Merrillville aren’t one of the best teams around here, so I was planning to beat my (opponent) by two shots on each hole and I was trying to stay focused on not allowing her game to effect my own,” Howard said. The team pulled through with a win and Howard stayed on track with her goal.
As the Girls’ Golf season nears an end, the team focuses on finishing strong and on a high note with the NCC Conference Tournament today and their Hanover Central match next Tuesday, according to Coach Bill Smitka, social studies teacher. “Our goal is to stay focused on the task at hand and do the best we can,” Coach Smitka said. “We need to focus on what is in front of us in the near future, rather than in the far future.” Coach Smitka has seen improvement in the team’s practices from last year to this year and hopes that it will translate into a stronger performance in competitions. “Our scores are getting better and better,” Coach Smitka said. “It’s a process. Good days have to get better, and that’s what’s happening. Good days are getting better, and bad days are diminishing.” The girls plan on doing well today at the NCC Conference tournament and defeating Hanover Central by maintaining a tough practice schedule, accord-
ing to Nicole Howard, junior. “We need to practice a lot,” Howard said. “We’re working on our short game, where we struggle at. All 11 of us are working as a team to help each other out and get better. It helps that we are all really close friends.” The friendship the girls have with each other has done nothing but grow throughout the season, according to Emma Harvath, sophomore. “We do a lot of team bonding, and we all hang out with each other,” Harvath said. “We want to do the best we can, and in order to do that, we have to be close. We are all extremely close, and we can basically talk about anything with anyone. This may be contributing to our recent success the most.” Harvath believes that working together as both a team and as friends has allowed them to create common goals for their upcoming meets. “Our goal is to be competitive among other schools and show that we are a force to be reckoned with,” Harvath said. “But we also not only need to improve, but go as far as possible while staying focused and not over thinking things.”
12student life
Every Step Counts With increasing finacial difficulties the School Town of Munster looks for a way to save money, align with school districts across the state Ian Brundige Student Life Editor The No Transportation Zone (NTZ) or Walk Zone is the one-mile radius around Munster schools in which the district no longer provides bus service for the students. Each school has their own specific NTZ. Due to property tax caps passed in 2008 by Indiana Legislators, called the Circuit Breaker, the district has received less money than previously possible. “We should save money,” Mrs. Karen Demitroulas, transportation supervisor, said. “We are cutting back on buses. We lost five bus drivers that we did not replace, saving on gas, and less repairs because there are less buses.” The decision to implement a No Transportation Zone was officially approved by the School Board at the April 13 School Board meeting. Student and parents were informed by email and voicemail. The information was also posted on the School Town of Munster website. “I was surprised. I heard at registration; they showed my mom, ‘this is where they don’t have bus services,’” Nicole Dominguez, freshman, said. “It kinda made me sad how our school had to downgrade and put limits on bus service.” Including all five School Town of Munster schools and St. Thomas More, there are approximately 800 students living in the No Transportation Zones. 16 bus routes were terminated in total, according to Mrs. Demitroulas. “It didn’t affect the high school as much as the elementary schools; we just lost two bus routes,” Principal Mike Wells said. “(There is) a little
traffic from more parents, and the middle schoolers can’t drop off in front (of WWMS) anymore.” With more students walking and more traffic, the district has seen a need for more crossing guards, according to Mrs. Demitroulas. “We worked with the town and police department,” Mrs. Demitroulas said. “We had many meetings looking at traffic and determined there would be a need for more crossing guards.” As winter approaches and temperatures continue to drop, there are no changes planned by the district to make the walk or bike easier for students in the NTZ, according to Mrs. Demitroulas. “I don’t believe there is going to be much change,” Mrs. Demitroulas said. “I believe Munster now has an ordinance that the sidewalk must be clean (of snow) within 24 hours. We of course monitor our parking lots and the town cleans the streets. We are counting on the walkways being clear.” However some students, like Nicole, are relying on their parents to stay out of the cold. “My mom’s probably going to take me and deal with the traffic,” Nicole said. “She will probably be upset about that. She used to drive me to school, but that was too much of a hassle. Sometimes she would drop off on streets close to the school and I would just walk to school from that point. It will probably be more crazy in the mornings of winter.” While the NTZ policy is new to Munster, many other schools in Indiana have had a No Transportation Zone for years, this change was bound to happen, according to Mr. Wells.
Take a walk Survey reveals how student get to school with new No Transportation Zone “NTZ”
MHS & WWMS
69%
MHS students who came to school in a car
52% Last year
7% Last year
10%
MHS students who walk to school source: survey of 215 students taken from Sept. 1-7 in MRT
BACKTALK Today marks the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. How has this day permanently affected your life?
“My dad worked in Chicago during the attacks, and he had to evacuate the Sears Tower. My mom told me he came home and said he just wanted to see me. I just remember he was always worried for our safety.”
“The 9/11 terriost attacks changed America in a good way by having more protection and with how foreign relations are handle. Things are just more safe now.”
Christina Burzynski, freshman
Garrett Manous, freshman
“It makes me hate America because thousands upon thousands of people have died in wars, mostly overseas, justified because of 9/11.”
“My mom was working, and as the terroist attacks were happening, her work said ‘No, it’s fine. Just keep working.’ She didn’t like that so she changed jobs and we moved.”
Megan Eickleberry, sophomore
Jacob Fitch, sophomore
The onemile radius around MHS and WWMS
Munster
52%
Crier/Sept. 11, 2015
31%
MHS students live in the NTZ
“9/11 has made me more aware of racism and nationalism that comes from generalizing a whole race.”
“9/11 hasn’t affected my life as much as it’s affected people who are constantly stereotyped by extreme anti-terrorism efforts.”
Ruth Kurowski, junior
Anna Whitney, junior
“9/11 definitely changed my perspective on the way I should change my life. When I was young, you didn’t have to like, lock your car or secure many parts of your life. It definitely instilled fear in us, once we were old enough to understand.”
“To be honest, for me it made me feel more patriotic, it made me think more about our country and our country’s needs and how lucky we are to live in a country like this, and I feel in a lot of ways that our country has become stronger because of it.”
MHS students who do not have a driver’s license
36% Last year
24% MHS students who ride the bus to school
15% Last year
7% MHS students who bike to school
Camille Jancosek, senior
Mr. William Melby, Assistant Principal