crier
munster high school
vol 49 /issue 2 Sept. 12, 2014 mhscrier.com
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321 Upcoming Saturday
66/43 Sunday
72/48
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Football plays at Andrean tonight at 7 p.m.
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PowderPuff game Monday at 6:30 p.m.
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Spirit Days Monday: Hawaiian Day Tuesday: Twin Day Wednesday: Comic Con Day Thursday: Decades Day Friday: MHS Spirit Day
Students overcome challenges from physical disabilities Page 4
Girls’ Golf prepares to end season with Conference match Page 7
Columbia Avenue construction detours students’ routes Page 2
VS. photo illustration by Alex Baker
HEALTH MATTERS More fruits and vegetables will find their way into schools now that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) placed new restrictions on food that
can be sold during the school day. Baked goods like brownies will no longer stand as the dominate choice in schools anymore umder the new nutrition requirements.
Short on funds
New nutrition standards prevent clubs from selling baked goods, forcing clubs to come up with new ways to fundraise Jordan Szymanski Sports Editor
T
he United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently established a nutrition standard for all schools called “Smart Snacks In
Schools,” effective July 2014. The standards come from the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which caused the USDA to enforce guidelines on what schools sell to their students. Due to these regulations, many of Munster’s clubs can no longer participate in popular fundraisers such as bake sales during lunches. “In the past, many clubs did bake sales throughout the school year,” Mr. Morgan Nolan, assistant principal, said. ”Because of the new food laws, they will no longer be able to do this.” The problem with bake sales comes from the requirement that states any food items sold to students must be “whole grain-rich” products or a fruit, vegetable, dairy product or protein food as the first ingredient. They can also include any food combination with at least one-fourth cup of fruit and/or vegetable or contain 10 percent of the Daily Value of either calcium, potassium, vitamin D, or dietary fiber, according to USDA requirements. Although students selling baked goods at lunch have no responsibility to uphold the standard, the administration affiliates itself with all distribution of food or beverage on campus on any given day.
disabilities work with the athletes, and second, you need to fundraise $1,000.” Piech said. “All the money from the bake sales went to Champions Together.” the new standards. According to the USDA guidelines, each state will “Bake sale was our primary, best fundraiser. Everyhave the flexibility to set a certain number of fundraisone loves sweets, and they give you the best return ers that can sell foods that do not meet standards. for your money.” Mrs. Debbie Straka, DECA advisor “We don’t have plans to sell at lunch since we are said. “Now, we don’t know what we are unsure on the specifics, but once we doing. We are brainstorming.” Eating smart hear more, we may consider it,” Mr. For DECA, one of the reasons the Jordan Mayer, Speech and Debate DiUSDA places new money proved significant because it rector, said. paid for most of their expenses, accord- nutrition standards on
Many clubs are unsure of what direction they are taking to make up for the financial loss imposed by
ing to DECA and Best Buddies president Elena Piech, senior. “We used that money (from bake sales) to pay for things like bus fare and the required blazers we need for Internationals.” Elena said. “I don’t know what we are going to do now. We still have the informal dance, but the bake sales were the biggest money maker.” Donations made to organizations were also funded by the bake sale profits.
snacks in school
Beverages 40 calories per 8 ounces 60 calories per 12 ounces Calorie Limits 200 calories or less 230 miligrams or less
Best Buddies raised a couple hundred dollars for
the organization Champions Together mostly due to bake sales and the club would not have reached it’s goal without bake sales, according to Elena. “In order to become a Champions Together school, first, you had to have the students with and without
Source: USDA
One opportunity the clubs have available to them is the bookstore. Clubs
may rent it out to items from during lunch. Anyone can sell non-food items at any time; food serves as the only limitation, according to Mr. Michael Wells, principal. Many clubs like DECA and Best Buddies plan on using the bookstore, but are waiting to receive the guidlines of selling from administration, according
to Elena. Administration continues to make decisions on food distribution. Once they make the final decisions, they plan to notify the clubs. “We have two days a year to sell food outside of the federal guidelines,” Mr. Nolan said. “Once we pin down how we are going to do that, we will let
2 News
Crier/Sept 12, 2014
Quick Notes Speech and Debate BBQ Team members prepare for their biggest fundraiser of the year: chicken barbeque
photo by Rachel Bishop
FLOATING SOME IDEAS Gathered before school hours in Sponsor Mrs. Beth Thornburg’s, math teacher, classroom, members of Junior CEC discuss their space-themed Homecoming parade float ideas. “I’m most looking forward to all the kids showing up and working together and having a good time, enjoying the Homecoming festivities,” Mrs. Thornburg said.
To Homecoming and beyond CEC members prepare to begin floats for Homecoming, hope other student volunteers will come out to help build
the backstage area of the auditorium where anyone who wants to stop in and help out with the building of the floats can. With Homecoming a week away, students diligently “I think any help would be great,” Brian said. “Especialwork on dates, dresses, suits and, in the case of Class Ex- ly people who know about building and special effects.” ecutive Council (CEC), the Homecoming floats. While the various CEC normally spread the word about The CEC builds four Homecoming floats after school float building word-to-mouth to their various friends during Homecoming week. At least 20-25 students along with any students willing to listen, Allison hopes showed up to build the floats last year. Many of them CEC that more students will come and help with the process members and their friends, according to Allison Heming- after they find out they can volunteer. way, senior. “We need all the help we can get,” Allison said. “We “I’ve done it every year and it’s a lot of fun building the need people to help build, screw things in, fold paper and floats,” Allison said. “We have a lot of food and music, but apply tissue paper. If you choose to show up, we will definot a lot of people outside CEC show up. I think a lot of nitely have something for you to do.” people don’t know anyone can come and help out. We try Lena Storino, senior, remained unaware of the fact any to tell as many people as we possibly can.” student who wants to volunteer and get involved with the Many students remain unaware that float building process for almost her entire anyone can volunteer to help build the Floating in space high school career. Homecoming floats after school with Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores build “I thought it was primarily CEC and other CEC members. space-themed floats for Homecoming student government,” Lena said. “I didn’t “I was asked to come in and helped know everyone could volunteer.” Sophomores: Football Rocket ship with the heavy construction last year,” Brittany Barajas, senior, will take part in Brian Banach, senior, said. “I’m not in Juniors: Star Trek building her first float on Sunday. CEC, but I like building things and I Seniors: Out of This World “I’m so excited for this,” Brittany said. “I Sources: Ms. Szafasz, Ms. Wieser, Elena Piech thought it was a lot of fun.” couldn’t build a float last year, because it While the CEC continues to build didn’t work with my schedule and I regretthe floats with the limited number of students available, ted it. I love art and I love CEC and this is a perfect way to Allison believes that more students will help increase the combine those two things.” quality and overall image of the floats. Float building, according to Brittany and Brian, allows “The more people we have building the floats, the faster students who enjoy art and engineering to help raise it can get build,” Allison said. “Plus with more people we school spirit and overall moral. can make them much more elaborate and realistic.” “Everyone brings something new to the table,” Brittany The CEC members stay after school during Homecom- said. “If we (the volunteers) are able to combine our skills, ing week, but building will start this Sunday at 6 p.m. in we’ll have an awesome float.” Max Baker Opinion Editor
Columbia construction restricts residents Students, residents caught in traffic, forced to find new routes to avoid inconvenient, necessary road repairs on Columbia Avenue William Hatczel Editor-in-chief
A portion of Columbia Avenue from River Drive to Ridge Road has been closed for construction since July to remove and replace old sewage pipes under the road. “The line (that needs replacing) was put in back in the 1940s either before or after World War II,” Mr. Jim Mandon, town engineer, said. “It began to collapse and sinkholes started to occur. The contractors who fixed the sinkholes realized the pipe was deteriorating. The requirement back then was only to have one line.” Although the project includes digging up the pavement and replacing the pipes along with traffic congestion, the contractors stay on schedule, according to Mr. Mandon. “The contractor is very close to being on schedule,” Mr. Mandon said. “They are installing the pipe this week and then they will be restoring the road for the next two
or three weeks. This is a big improvement that had come up although it (replacing the pipe) wasn’t really planned.” Traffic jams on Columbia Avenue have led to school buses dropping off students down the road away from their houses, according to Stephen Spence, senior. “One day I took the bus home, and it could not even get down the street,” Stephen said. “So the bus driver dropped my friend and I off on Ridge Road and we had to walk all the way down to our houses.” Residents can still expect traffic congestion around Columbia Avenue for a few more weeks. The contractors plan to put new asphalt down on the entire street to prevent wear and tear between the old and new pavement. “The new patch of pavement and old pavement will both deteriorate over time,” Mr. Mandon said. “It makes sense to get it all done now. It also helps us get a reduced price on all the construction being done.”
The Speech and Debate team prepares for their 48th Annual Chicken Barbeque dinner Sept. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Team members sold tickets, some door to door and others at Jewel-Osco. They have also cut thousands of foil sheets to wrap the chicken in, according to Mr. Jordan Mayer, director of Speech and Debate. The team relies heavily on this fundraising event for their entire school year. “Our program depends on it. Without it, we would have to cut students from the team,” said Mr. Mayer. The dinner offers the option of dining inside the cafeteria before the football game or carrying out. “We usually have about 2,200 people. It’s always very successful for us,” Mr. Mayer said.
Environmental Club Eco-friendly club practices ecofriendly transportation during parade During the Homecoming parade, the environmental club will ride their bikes instead of using a motorized vehicle. “We want to promote just doing more environmentally friendly things,” Ms. Shonna Siegers, club sponsor and science teacher, said. The parade serves as their first movement of the year, according to Ms. Siegers. “My goal for the year is to pick one major issue and educate the school population on it and make an impact on Munster on this issue,” Ms. Siegers said. They aren’t sure of what issue they will chose, because Ms. Siegers wants to leave it up to the students to decide. “I am most looking forward to seeing my students become advocates,” Ms. Siegers said.
Project Biology In preparation for Spring Break, Project Biology members practice scuba diving Members of Project Biology started their scuba diving lessons in the pool last weekend to prepare for their Spring Break trip to Florida. Lessons began last week and will move outdoors soon, according to Mr. Hautzinger, science teacher. “The kids have to do two days of open water dives in the real world and prove to the dive masters that they have learned what they need to know,” Mr. Hautzinger said. These lessons teach members to safely manage changing water depth, according to Mr. Hautzinger. “The farther you go down, the less time you have because of the pressure change. It is important to know depth and bottom time to stay safe,” Mr. Hautzinger said.
Corrections In the last issue of Crier, errors were made on page 5 regarding the GayStraight Alliance (GSA). The sub-headline should read, “After several rejections from administration, GSA starts its first year as an official club.” Additionally, the timeline should state that the first proposal occurred September 2013.
Crier/Sept. 12, 2014
3 speakout BACKTALK
Today is National Milkshake Day. What is your favorite flavor of milkshake and why?
“Strawberry, because my grandpa always wore pink shirts and liked to pick strawberries.” Isabella Servi, freshman
“I love mint-chocolate shakes as they often are the easiest and simplest to make. They have an excellent taste.” Joe Roe, freshman
graphic illustration by Chelsea Eickleberry
‘What’s that Mustang battle cry?’ As the junior walks into the halls, he notices the slightly similar overpowering wave of senior spirit, as he did from the OUR TAKE previous two years. Everyone Administration is in similar costumes with the should bring back exception of a select few underspirit days with classmen. Yet, the oddly similar different themes for situation nagged him. ‘Why are each class all of the students conforming to one theme?’ he thinks to himself. To prevent separation of the classes and increase participation, a ban was placed on the differing themed days. In the past, each grade had separate themes. Celebrating school spirit should remain in the hands of the student body during Homecoming week. However, students remain restricted. The school needs to give a little during
Homecoming week. For example, they should allow students to take pictures of their costumes using their phones, Additionally, the whole student body needs to come together, take charge of school spirit and jump on the opportunity given to them. The purpose of Homecoming week should be a celebration of the students and creating memories with the whole school. Students need to let loose, show people the creative side of the Munster student body and work with teachers and students to become one whole school. In order to create colorful memories, students should increase their spirit. The differing themed days should be revived so that each class can have a special celebration, while celebrating with the whole school.
For better or for worse Vrusha Patel Managing Editor
At Chipotle, a girl gives her order. “Can I have white rice, black beans, chicken, corn salsa, and the Guaca…” “No, you can’t have Guacamole. You should have the sour cream instead!” another customer chimes in, from behind. Much like the girl at Chipotle, same -sex couples cannot marry the people that they love as a result of those against same-sex marriage. In the three days that Indiana allowed same-sex marriage, hundreds of same-sex couples rushed to the courthouse to be married to the loves
crier
of their lives. Sadly, a ban was placed, dictating the lives of around 11, 074 same-sex couples, as reported by the census bureau in 2010. Greg Zoller, Indiana Attorney General, requested that the Supreme Court reverse the Seventh Circuit ruling, stating that the Indiana ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage has to be revoked. The fourteenth amendment dictates,“Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This would indicate that the state cannot allow one group of
individuals a right and deny another group the same right. Same-sex marriage helps with the adoption. 21.2 percent of married same-sex couples look toward adoption, while 4.4 percent of married opposite sex couples look toward adoption, according to a survey conducted by the census bureau in 2011. The ban has to be uplifted in order for equality to exist. In addition, samesex marriages has no effect on the day to day lives of the people against samesex marriage. Same-sex relationships do not undermine the legitimacy of opposite-sex relationships. Outdated thoughts continue to hold back evolving society.
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 Editor-in-Chief William Hatczel Managing Editor Vrusha Patel Copy Editor Meena Kandallu Opinion Editor Max Baker
“Everything but chocolate from anywhere. I’m not a chocolate flavored anything person.” Zahraa Ouyuon, sophomore
“Cookie Dough. I figured it’s probably the same amount of cookie dough they would tell you not to eat by itself anyway.” Claire LeMonnier, junior
“The birthday cake milkshake from Steak n’ Shake because it only comes out once in a while.” Lily Hasler, senior
“Mint chocolate chip. I love the taste of chocolate and I like peppermint. Like Hannah Montana I got the best of both worlds.” Tim DeRolf, sophomore
“Anything without fruits and vegetables, so probably chocolate. I don’t like healthy foods. I’m not a giraffe.” Anisha Vavilala, junior
“Chocolate Banana, chocolate is my alltime favorite flavor, but adding banana adds a twist.” Ms. Angela Wayne, Social Studies Teacher
Sports Editors Erin Gallagher, Jordan Szymanski News Editors Amanda Jones, Danie Oberman Infocus Editors Mariah Villaroman, Chloe Wineinger Web Editor Elena Piech Web Designer Alex Baker Graphics Editor Chelsea Eickleberry Head Photographer Natalia Bilek Photographers Arianna Adams, Alexis Baker, Rachel Bishop, Lauren Koultourides, Kyra Marriott, Ray Ojel, Peyton Puckett, Savannah Shaver Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
4 infocus
Crier/Sept. 12, 2014
‘I’m more than meets the eye’ Two students with physical disabilities discuss outlooks on life with their unique situations it’s nothing of concern. “They’re confused about it (missing an arm) at first,” Bradley said. “But after a while they just come out and ask about it and see that I’m a normal guy. I may appear different on the outside, but on the inside, there's a unique person. I’m more than meets National Numbers the eye. ” Bradley considers Statistics show his gift an opportuni- amputations, wheelchair ty to view the world use throughout America and its problems with a different perspective than most people in the school. “I do a lot of things Number (in millions) differently, and that of Americans that use usually works to my wheelchairs advantage,” Bradley said. “I have to look at and approach a lot of situations differently than most people, but I’m just as intelligent Number of Americans and as athletic as anyunder the age of 18 that one else.” use wheelchairs Bradley aspires to become a car mechanic and eventually open his own chain of garages in the future. Number (in millions) of “I love cars and how people in the United they work,” BradStates with limb loss ley said. “I guess you could say I have a natural talent with them sources: ucsf.edu, www.amputee-coalition.org and becoming a mechanic has nothing to do with physical abilities. This isn’t a disadvantage for me.” Bradley has a YouTube channel where he talks about things he enjoys. “It’s a fun way to express my feelings about certain topics,” Bradley said.
1.6
88,000
photo by Rachel Bishop
NOT AN ISSUE Bradley Artus, freshman, sits on a bench in the Commons talking with another student. In his daily life, Bradley does not view the congenital amputation of his left arm in a negative way. “I don’t consider this a disability,” Bradley said.“I can pretty much do everything you can do, so it’s not an issue for me.”
Gift given Max Baker Opinion Editor
Bradley Artus, freshman, has lived without a left arm since birth. Regardless of what others think or perceive about him, Bradley refuses to let his gift, as he calls it, define him. Congenital amputation, the condition in which a child is born without a limb, affects an estimated 1,500 to 4,500 children each year. Normally a child
is born without a limb due to either a genetic abnormality, amniotic band syndrome (where the umbilical cord wraps around a part of the developing fetus’s body) or a blood clot that prevents the limb from developing fully. “I used to be defined by it, but it gave me a chance to earn what everyone else can do. That’s why I call it my gift,” Bradley said. “Calling yourself disabled when you’re not is just not wanting to deal with the fact you can’t deal with anything yourself.” Nearly five weeks into the school year, Bradley claims he has occasionally received some strange looks from some of the upperclassman, but thinks
2.0
Changed course Meena Kandallu Copy Editor When Connor McLeod, freshman, first found himself falling behind at soccer practice and started having difficulty walking up the stairs, he credited his asthma. However, as the symptoms increasingly grew worse, he began suspecting a bigger problem. These unusual symptoms raised concern for Connor’s family, and they took him to a physical therapist to get evaluated. In 2010, when Connor received the diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a type of muscular dystrophy that attacks peripheral nerves and causes muscles to atrophy, it came as a shock, but also as a relief for the family. “For so long, we knew something was wrong and it was a relief that we knew there was an answer,” Ms. Dorothy May, Connor’s grandmother, said. For Connor, this diagnosis proved difficult to deal with. After years of playing outside and being part of a soccer team, he had trouble accepting the new limitations on his physical activity. “I just wanted to die,” Connor said. “I did not like it at all.” The worst aspect of this diagnosis was that it affected his plan of joining the military, according to Ms. Cari McLeod, Connor’s mother. “I think he went through a lot. He always wanted to be in the military and it was a real letdown for him when he found out he couldn’t,” Ms. McLeod said, “And it was hard for us watching his disappointment. He even said a few times, ‘God has cursed me.’” Because of the weakness in his peripheral body parts, such as his legs, Connor uses a wheelchair to
photo by Rachel Bishop
DIFFERENT REACTIONS Connor McLeod, freshman, laughs at a classmate’s joke while working on a math problem. Through his interaction with other students, Connor has found some more understanding than others. “There are certain people who treat me normally, some who help me and some who are just downright mean,” Connor said.
navigate school hallways. While he still walks when at home, longer distances and crowded hallways cause anxiety and physical strain for Connor. “At first I hated it (the wheelchair) but now I like it,” Connor said. “It gets me around.” Despite the hardships he has faced, Connor looks
at his diagnosis with an optimistic perspective and believes that he has not allowed his personality to change. “I don’t really feel that God cursed me now,” Connor said. “When I found out that I didn’t have to run anymore, that’s when I sort of accepted it.”
Crier/Sept. 12, 2014
Healthy
5 infocus
conscience Students opt for vegan diets for health, ethical reasons, adapt their lifestyles to these choices Mariah Villaroman Infocus Editor
At the grocery store, instead of reaching for meat, Arlo Detmer, junior and vegan, picks up soy products to get his daily protein. “It gets easier and easier every year because the grocery store gets more and more vegan produce,” Arlo said. The vegan diet, which allows no consumption of meat or animal by-products, has increased steadily in the United States. The number of vegans has doubled since 2009 from 3.25 million people to 7.5 million people, according to www.onegreenplanet.org. Arlo has been ahead of this curve since he was born; his parents have raised him as a vegan his whole life. “They used to be vegetarians for health reasons, and upon further investigation they decided to go vegan for ethical reasons,” Arlo said. Arlo believes that the killing and cruelty of animals proves unnecessary. This and other ethical reasons are the core part of why he stays a vegan, according to Arlo. “That’s the main reason (why I stay vegan): ethical reasons. The fact that it’s healthy is a nice benefit,” Arlo said. “Eating meat and drinking milk is an accepted tradition, and that is why people are desensitized to it. Most people don’t stop to think of it as wrong.” Friends have different reactions and feelings toward the extreme diet Arlo chooses to abide by. “Some of them think it’s ridiculous, but some respect me for it. It varies,” Arlo said. “I don’t take much offense to it (the people who think it’s ridiculous). If they’re just joking around, I just play along.” Switching to a vegan diet requires a slow, progressive change, and Arlo has a way to start. “To transition to veganism is not easy, so do it gradually,” Arlo said. “Start by eliminating food that you don’t care about so much, and slowly move toward a diet without meat or dairy.” Mrs. Tracy Cicirale, a dietitian for Primary Nutrition in the Early Intervention Program, has seen a few people become interested in the vegan diet through her career. Whether they switched for
photo by Natalia Bilek
LUNCH BREAK Arlo Detmer, junior, takes a bite out of his lunch. “My lunch consists of all sorts of things: pasta, sandwiches, salads, pizza, etc. I also have a carton of soy milk every day. In general, there is a tasty vegan version of anything except fish.”
health or philosophical reasons, Tracy believes that hood because of ethical reasons also. “We went to this vegan restaurant, and they had a child switching to the diet would require special attention. Children would need to ensure them- posters and pictures of what they did to animals,” selves, or their parents would, that they are getting Natalia said. Natalia’s family continues to omit meat from enough of their missing nutrients. “I think for a child switching to a vegan diet, it is their diet for another reason as well. The growth hormones in meat make possible important for them to visit a dietiProtein Power cancer cells grow, and Natalia’s tian to make sure the child is receivIn absence of meat, other sister has a 50 percent chance of ing the proper nutrition for growth and development,” Tracy said. foods offer necessary proteins getting cancer, according to what Natalia’s family has heard from Tracy thinks a proper diet should Black Beans: 7 their genetic counselor. be based on moderation, whether a grams in a half cup “Now we eat vegan for my sisperson chooses to eat meat, vegetarter; so, my dad passed away of ian or vegan. Quinoa: 7 grams cancer, it’s a really rare kind, and “I think a good diet is based on in an uncooked my sister might have the same balance, variety and moderation,” quarter cup thing,” Natalia said. “We’re not Tracy said. eating it just so she doesn’t have Arlo believes that the school Tofu: 10 grams to eat it. It helps my sister because should try to revise some of the in a half cup she realizes there’s other stuff she lunches to vegan-friendly, as none offered right now fit the vegan dican eat that tastes good.” Tempeh: 15 Natalia believes that leaving etary guidelines. grams in a half cup meat off the plate helps to keep “They should support people trysource: mensfitness.com herself and others energized and ing to be healthy,” Arlo said. “More ready to go for the day. and more people are trying to go “Sometimes when you eat meat a lot, you feel vegetarian and vegan, and the school should actired and ‘blah,’” Natalia said, “and then when you commodate that.” However, Natalia Salazar, freshman and also veg- eat healthier (following a vegan diet), it keeps you up and running.” an, believes the opposite about the school lunches. A main reason people are against or apprehensive “I don’t think it’s (being vegan) popular enough yet,” Natalia said. “They still have the salad, soup of a vegan diet is because they think it is hard to and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and they follow, but Natalia disagrees. “People think it’s really hard, but you can still enhave that every day.” Natalia has not been a vegan her whole life. She joy life,” Natalia said. “You can still enjoy food, just and her family became vegans during her child- in a healthier way.”
6 spotlight
Crier/Sept. 12, 2014
Half Credit
photo provided by Scott Westerfeld and Simon Pulse
“Uglies” author Scott Westerfeld will release his 600 page novel “Afterworlds” Sept. 23, which satirizes the common themes in Young Adult Lit. Max Baker Opinion Editor One of the most highly anticipated books of September 2014 is author of the “Uglies” trilogy, Scott Westerfeld’s, newest book “Afterworlds.” “Afterworlds” is actually a bind up of two books. Book one, a contemporary story, focuses on an 18 year old who publishes a book. Book two, a paranormal romance, is actually “written” by the eighteen year old, Darcy Patel, and follows a girl named Lizzie, who slips into the land of the dead after a terrorist attack. This book seems like a clever satirization of Young Adult (YA) publishing. In book one, Darcy defers from college and moves to New York City to finish rewrites on her book. She whines about having to rewrite her book to her publication date. Despite the main character’s shortcomings, book one of this book was very well done, at least for the most part. The side characters were interesting, and it offered insight into publishing and showed just how much work authors and editors put into their craft. However, the obligatory love interest crashed her way into the story and subsequently destroyed the rest of Book One. While I understand that this book was meant to be somewhat satirical, Imogen Grey failed to make a meaningful impact on the reader. If Westerfeld wanted to satirize coming-of-age stories, the love interest should not have been a 23 year old lesbian author with a mysterious past.
While Imogen’s character failed to capture the gender and characterization of most love interests, Westerfeld did manage to satirize the borderline obsession of most YA love interests. Everything in Darcy’s life began revolving around Imogen, which captured what Westerfeld’s satirical writing style and purpose. She asked Imogen for writing and editing advice, and even went as far as asking Imogen what foods she could eat/ Book two, Darcy’s book, was a complete let down. Almost every character in book one commented on how well done Darcy’s book was, but the payoff felt empty. In the very first chapter, the main character, Lizzie, accidentally slips into the afterworld inhabited by ghosts. By the second chapter, Lizzie is already kissing the first boy she sees, Yamaraj. Their relationship develops too quickly and never amounts to anything entertaining. The side characters in this section were bland and uninteresting. Watching paint dry would be more exciting and twice as memorable. “Afterworlds” lacks a characterization, even if it is a satire, but the main problem stems from the fact neither book interacts with the other. Readers can skip either section of “Afterworlds” and still comprehend the story. Fans of paranormal romance can read book two and contemporary fans can read book one. The book has an amazing premise, but places emphasis on satirizing certain parts of the book and not others, creating a choppy narrative and clunky plot. However, despite its length, “Afterworlds” is a quick and occasionally entertaining read.
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7 sports
Crier/Sept 19, 2014
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Subhead Subhead Subhead Subhead Subhead Matching hair bows, eyeliner-turned-eye black and selfies…not traditional preparations for a football game, but in the Powder Puff football game on Monday, all the norms were broken. For the first time in Powder Puff History, which started in _______, the juniors won against the seniors with a score of 20-18. “I was extremely excited to be a part of it,” said Anna Bilse, junior. “It’s almost surreal how we started off 18-0 and we managed in the second half to gain 20 points and I feel like we kicked butt!” When the teams congregated on the field an hour before game time, the weather definitely didn’t agree with them. A steady, bitter drizzle soaked the bleachers and made the field a sort of Slip ‘N’ Slide, but it didn’t deter the players. The other factor working against the juniors turned out to be their numerical disadvantage. Seniors had nearly double the players the juniors did. The day before the game one of the junior’s quarterbacks had to drop out because of a sprained thumb. Although both teams had an equivalent number of players on the field at any given time, the juniors had less options to substitute. Junior Coach Mark
Dye, history teacher, had been apprehensive about the smaller team and feared it would turn to running around like “chickens with their heads cut off,” but still remained optimistic. ““I’d say the most surprising part (of the practices) has been the level of seriousness. I’d say you’ve got some girls who are obviously in it to win it,” Mr. Dye said before the game. “It’s not just goofing around. There’s a lot of pride involved.” The first touchdown for the juniors was scored by quarterback Kelsie Kasper, which really boosted morale for the team, according to Bilse. “When Kelsie managed to score the first touchdown for our team, she kind of was the turning point for us winning,” Bilse said. The other game saving play was the impressive interception made by Sammi Buvala at the end of the game, which prevented the seniors from scoring in the last few seconds. “I definitely feel like when Sammi made the interception at the end of the game, that’s basically what helped us win the game,” Bilse said. At halftime, the score was 6-12, with seniors ahead. Instead of the cheerleading team entertaining the crowd during halftime, male members of the student council-Milan Obravidich, sophomore, - climbed
on each other’s’ shoulders while “Eye of the Tiger” played in the background. Game Announcer Rohan Chatterjee commented that cheering was not their strong suit. The juniors had been awarded with many instances of false hope throughout the game, where the team was awarded touchdown points but were revoked after discussion. With just two minutes left in the game, the juniors were behind by four points. “We had been practicing a double reverse in practice and we had only a few seconds left,” said Coach Dye. “We saved that play for a situation late in the game.” The girls had invented the play themselves, and it was the only true play they’d practiced, but it ended up winning the game for them. Even though the final score ruled in favor of the juniors, both teams walked away with some new friendships, good memories, and a team experience. “(The best part of practices is) that we all meshed together as a team,” Rachel Jamrose, senior, said. “The senior girls all have a really good work ethic.” Jamrose learned that playing with a team has great advantages and everyone gets to know each other a lot better. She appreciated the team learning to play together and just have fun.
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8 sports
Crier/Sept 12, 2014
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If the jersey fits
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Early college acceptance gives Munster athletes new dreams for future while still remembering past
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1 Connor Manous, Baseball
2 Lexi Pitsas, Volleyball
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Connor Manous, junior, made a dream a reality when he accepted a scholarship last summer to University of Miami (Florida) and play baseball for the Hurricanes. “Ever since I was a little kid, my dad had a baseball in my hand,” Manous said. “It’s always been my dream.” His resolution came after touring the campus and meeting with the coaches. 'They took time out of their days to talk to me and get me interested in the college. They were honest,” Manous said. Manous continued sharpening his skills throughout the years. “A lot of it’s been natural talent, and a lot of it has been hard work,” Manous said Manous hopes to keep a competitive edge. “It (competition) forces you to get better and not allow yourself to settle,” Connor said. “You always have to keep working.”
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Lexi Pitsas, sophomore, received a scholarship to Northwestern University in Evanston for volleyball. Her early decision made this year, as a sophomore, was based on many factors, such as the team and proximity to her home. Besides offering an excellent location, the college team will test her skills, according to Pitsas. “The hardness of the competition will push me harder,” Pitsas said. “The girls are also really nice and I connect with them well.” Pitsas played in summer leagues starting at 11 years old, eventually advancing on to traveling teams at 13. Her love for volleyball began when her friend asked her to come along for a tryout, and the sport became her natural talent. “I love diving all over the court and the thrill of digging a ball and passing a ball,” Pitsas said.
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After a lifetime of playing as a Mustang, Drew Hackett, senior, prepares to take his talents to University of Illinois at Chicago. Growing up, Hackett was constanly being exposed to basketball because his father, Mr. Mike Hackett, health teacher, is Munster’s head basketball coach. Hackett signed to play Division I basketball for the UIC Flames last year. “I felt like it (UIC) was the best fit for me, basketball-wise and academic-wise,” Hackett said. Hackett’s father has been motivating him mentally for UIC. “I’ve been telling him that he needs to work hard to achieve the opportunities in front of him,” Coach Hackett said. On the court, Hackett uses winning as his main driving factor. “I hate losing more than anything, and that motivates me to always do as much as I can possibly do,” Hackett said.
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Jessica Flores, senior, began playing soccer at four years old, but little did she know that soccer would open doors to her future. “My dad first got me into soccer. He coached me and shaped me into the player I am today,” Flores said. Flores has verbally committed to continue her soccer career at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). “I chose IUPUI because I like their program, the atmosphere in Indy is also a plus,” Flores said. Coach Valerie Pflum agrees that Flore’s decision to play at IUPUI was the perfect fit for her. “The coach has been watching her play for a few years now, so he really knows what she’s like as a player,” Coach Pflum said. The soccer field is where she feels most comfortable, according to Flores. “I love the feeling you get after you score a goal,” Flores said.