MHS Crier | Issue 2 | 9.29.2023

munster high school

8808 columbia

munster, indiana 46321

http://mhsnews.net

CRIER

mhs

in good spirits

a photo collection of spirit week

RUN FOREST, RUN With the parking lot blurring around her, Addison Dzurovcik, senior, sprints while showing off her Forrest Gump costume to the cars of students passing by.

(photo by marianna young)

FIRE UP THE GRILL Blasting typical dad music every passing period, sophomores Luke Hayden and Josh Malloy show off their BBQ dad outfits. (photo by emma starkey)

BACK IN TIME Dressed in onesies and stuffed animal in hand, freshmen Deni Staehly and Amélie Adam walk past the main office on Wednesday. While the seniors dressed up as senior citizens, freshmen were toddlers, sophomores were pre-teens and juniors were adults. (photo by marianna young)

ERM, ACTUALLY Waiting for class to start, Jabez Reed, senior, sports his nerd day costume Monday. (photo by vivianna rodriguez)

HITTING THE BOOKS Sitting in the Commons, Jasmine Wegman, senior, studies before class in her nerd day costume on Monday. (photo by heidy sanchez)

QUADRUPLETS Smiling for a photo next to their random costume inspiration, Brooklyn Clayton, senior, Mr. Michael Hackett, boys’ basketball coach and seniors Fatima Zehraoui and Ava Zack pose in front of the media center on Tuesday. (photo by marianna young)

JEEZ LUI-Z Walking past the weight room on random costume day Tuesday, seniors Joe Reed and Jaelin White dressed up as Jesus and Luigi.

(photo by emma starkey)

DRIVE (FAR AWAY) Getting out of the car in emo attire Monday morning, Daniella Lesina, junior, holds senior Brooke Lesina’s textbook and calculator. Monday was nerd day for seniors, while the rest of the grades dressed as high school stereotypes, like emo, preppy and jocks. (photo by marianna young) MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ Speaker in the air playing 50s music, seniors Aliciana McGuire, Ariyah Jamerson, Kam Hubbard and Nneka Oniah dance together in the Commons while other students watch. Canes and walkers in hand, they dressed up for senior citizen day Wednesday. (photo by heidy sanchez)

IT’S NOT A PHASE, MOM Walking down the hallway before first period Monday, Sorvino Chansiri, junior, displays his feelings for the day’s theme. (photo by marianna young)

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE Pouring more water into his margarita glass during lunch, Michael Burzynski, senior, dressed as Jimmy Buffet—complete with Jimmy Buffet Crocs—for senior random costume day on Tuesday.

(photo by heidy sanchez)

read page 4 and 5 for more hoco

friday,

sept.

29, 2023

low power mode: on an update on the computer batteries

A number of students have found themselves with various issues stemming from the rapidly failing health of the laptops’ batteries, where some find shorter usable hours, even to the extent of not having functioning batteries without the laptops being on charge.

the merry wives of munster

munster

theatre company prepares for their upcoming production of shakespeare

kylee barnes

This year’s upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” has the Munster Theater company filled with anticipation. The performance takes place next week, Oct. 5-8. Tickets are available online or upon arrival for $8.

“This is actually the first time that I know of, in terms of what I’ve seen in our show history, that Shakespeare will be performed on our stage,” Mr. Raymond Palasz, theater director, said.

Transitioning from last year’s contemporary piece, “Spongebob: The Musical”, the theater department has decided to challenge their students by dancing along the lines of comedy, and classical in hopes to expose students and performers to as many genres of theater as possible.

“I like Shakespeare a lot,” said Delaney Craig, senior, who plays Mistress Paige, “I think there’s a lot of value in it and I’m grateful to be able to use those skills that don’t very often get to be used.”

Written by Shakespeare at the request of Queen Elizabeth I in the early 15th century, this performance takes place in the town of Windsor during the 1940’s. The Merry Wives of Windsor addresses the storylines of cheating, scheming, jealousy, and revenge. The actors have been working hard to master their performances.

“It’s odd getting used to the phrasing and the grammatical structure, but just saying it over and over, and reading it, and looking at it, and writing really

Clover Sarkady, senior, who plays Mistress Ford said, “I actually recorded everyone else’s lines and left blank space for my lines, so at home I just play the recording, then I say my lines.”

Along with personal methods of memorization, cast members also participate in drills during rehersal. This helps actors position themselves according to the scene being performed. Blocking also assists actors in connecting to their character, which then helps you connect to them.

To circumvent this issue, Munster’s tech department purchased 400 replacement batteries to install in laptops, with a waiting list. The department recommends students to consistently restart their laptops on school wifi as the department pushes out updates to try and fix issues with performance settings. Crier recommends you do this weekly, during tutorial, for consistency. Munster is also looking into getting new laptops for 2025.

DECA returns

lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

Business teachers Mr. Ryan Popa and Mrs. Kristin Laflech, the club sponsors, worked together to ensure that Munster’s legacy of DECA is not tarnished.

helps,” Delaney said, “Also a little bit of LitCharts and a little no fear Shakespeare.”

Actors have been preparing since last summer, giving them a few months to fully master their characters. While tech members are creating props and en suring things run smoothly; cast members are working hard to delicately portray each character.

“There hasn’t been a play I ha ven’t felt connected to in some way, but that’s just because you spend so much time analyzing everything; It’s like AP lit on crack.”

“For me, getting into character is changing my body posture and how I carry myself, because if I’m carrying myself like Clover, I’m gon-

The Merry Wives of Windduring a time when job opportunities were plentiful, and feminism was on its rise. While immersing yourself in the environment of mid-century drama, you can gain perspective of the art that helped society evolve.

“Go out and support your fellow Mustangs,” Mr.

“I don’t want to focus on what’s different, but what is staying the same,” Mrs. Laflech said.

It was unclear whether or not for DECA return after an issue with members last school year.

“DECA and Munster have a great history of being Champions and we are trying to get us back to that level—a strong focus on role-play practice and a more rigorous routine on the exams DECA requires.” Mrs. Laflech said.

According to Pranshu Aryal, senior, DECA’s student leadership hopes to make the process of DECA more fun and exciting, with more interactive meetings.

DECA is still a club at MHS and the first meeting of DECA Oct. 6.

“DECA is an important club because it allows students to gain knowledge and skills in the business world,” Pranshu said.

corrections

SET THE SCENE Marija Pavlic and Wesley Harle, sophomores, and Josh Decker, Clover Sarkady, Delaney Craig, seniors, stand on stage to rehearse for “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” This play takes place in the 1940s. “Despite the time it was written, the 1500s, we’ve been balancing the date by setting it in the 1940s.” Wesley said, (photo by john kullerstand)

In Issue 1 of Crier , on page 4, the boys’ varsity soccer game against Chesterton was at home, not away. Crierregrets these errors.

emma starkey page editor

Palasz said.

FIXIN’ IT UP Using different tools, Patrick Marsh, Computer technician, fixes a students computer battery due to the recent issues. (photo by aaron alvarez)

BREAK A LEG While at a live rehearsal, Wesley Harle, sophomore, Josh Decker and Clara Dumaresq, seniors, look over the script before going to stage. The show is a unique take on Shakespeare. “We’ve got some very strong actors and our set, costumes, and props all look good, I think it’s going to be a really hilarious show,” Wesley said. (photo by john kullerstand)

twisted tunes

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

“Walk on by. Walk on by…”

The catchy tune has me hooked, but the message behind Doja Cat’s new song, “Paint the Town Red,” makes me hesitate to sing-along.

“Mm she the devil...”

staff opinion

short-lasted spirit

Homecoming season—chants in the student section at Friday night football games, neon spandex adorning every senior in the hallway during spirit week and the iconic teachers vs. students tug-of-war game at the pep rally. Although known and remembered as one of the most anticipated times of the school year, it also happens to be one of the only times students passionately express school spirit.

wanting to be involved. But, as seen in student government’s charity volleyball tournament and recently revived powderpuff game, students rise to the occasion when an opportunity is presented to them.

our take

To encourage consistent school spirit, more exciting events should be put on outside of Homecoming.

With teacher alumni constantly comparing today’s students to the rowdy and competitive years prior, the blame usually falls on students not

opinion backtalk

The lack of school spirit does not seem to be rooted in the students themselves, but more so the willingness to put on events that get students involved. The first two months of school leave students’ calendars littered with events, but comes to a halt post-Homecoming. Why do the events have to stop there?

what can we do to improve school spirit?

I’d actually encourage more students to do spirit days. If more people are participating, we’re all more likely to do it.”

carter young freshman

Having more student voice on spirit days, so people are actually interested.”

marija pavlic sophomore

CRIER

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Student Media: Newspaper 1-4 classes and extracurricular involvement. Crier’s website is mhsnews.net.

•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, integrity, honesty, responsibility, objectivity, fairness and independence. Corrections, when necessary, will be published on page 2.

•Opinions expressed 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

Since student government plans Homecoming and the events surrounding it, then the organizations that plan turnabout and prom should create events that evoke the same kind of involvement and excitement for those times of the year. Even the easy, simple spirit days during finals week creates a sense of community in the school. This way, students have fun, memorable events to look forward to throughout the year, not only during football season. School spirit does not have to be attached to a sport or stem from school rivalry— it can come from the students themselves.

“

I see those student section TikToks where they really go all out, and that would be amazing to do something like that here.” maddison clousing junior

“

When games are coming up we could decorate the cafeteria or commons with nice designs.”

leia maduakoalm senior

After lashing out at devoted fans online, like telling them to “get a job,” this song seems to be an intense response. In the song, Doja Cat embraces her new “embodiment” of the devil. It seems as if she has made a “deal” with the devil that now gives her a higher and better status than everyone, specifically the devoted fans she lashed out on.

“My happiness is all of your misery...”

Experimenting with the idea of the devil is definitely not a new concept for pop culture: Billie Eilish’s song, “All The Good Girls Go To Hell,” Sam Smith’s satanic Grammy performance of, “Unholy,” and the Amazon series, “Lucifer.” These types of media, and many more existing ones, play with satanic themes.

“I’m doin’ things they ain’t seen before…”

I am not someone who is extremely religious, but mocking a character that correlates with death is somewhat unsettling to me. Playing around with satanic themes in a worshiping fashion is not something I would promote, especially in the position of a public figure.

However, something about the tune reels me in. I find myself singing in defeat as the catchy tune overtakes the satanic message.

Deadline Manager Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy

and should be either emailed to the editor (laurenhoogeveen@ outlook.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155. 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 or Instagram @munstermedia.

•Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Archived digital issues can be found on issuu.com/mhscrier/ Crier is published 10 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.

Our Staff Editor-in-Chief Lauren Hoogeveen

Head Photographers Zoe Clark, Marianna Young

Story Editor Emily Dywan

Page Editors Kylee Barnes, Emma Starkey, Gabby Van Horne

Photographer Karla Aguilar, Aaron Alvarez, John Kullerstand, Heidy Sanchez, Lexi Villalobos

Cartoonist and Photographer Damien Salahieh

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

illustration by damien salahieh

back in the game powderpuff football returns for the first time since 2019

lauren hoogeveen editor-in-chief

Scanning the busy field for junior Cece Mason, Brooklyn Kuna, junior, throws the football down the right side of the crowd of girls. Ponytails and flag football belts whipping through the air, she catches the ball and sprints to the endzone. For the first time since 2019, Student Government organized a powderpuff game, which is a flag football game between junior and senior girls. With crowds of students in pink attire rushing the field after the juniors won the game 28-6, the team celebrated by spraying water all over the field and gathering in a huddle. Some players, specifically junior Josie Speckhard, predicted the outcome of the game at the first practice Sept. 18.

“I thought the juniors were going to win, we have lots of spirit and game knowledge compared to the seniors,” Josie said. “We really wanted to win.”

Although the original idea was for the football team to be the cheerleaders at the game, they were not particularly thrilled at the idea and decided against it. Coached by senior football players George Dovellos, Mathew Opat, Daniel Elias and Jackson Collard, the girls had three practices at Frank H. Hammond Elementary School before the game. Primarily focusing on general rules, the coaches had the girls run scrimmages and learn the basics of football, like how to throw and catch.

“My favorite part was the overall

monday

underclassmen: high school stereotypes

atmosphere,” Cristian Silva, senior and referee, said. “No one was taking it crazy serious, but it was still super fun, even from the refs’ perspective. The celebrations [after scoring] and stuff were hilarious.”

Spending most of the game dodging other players while sprinting down the field, Kylee Marshall, senior, believes that her track skills helped her team out as the senior team running back. She felt that learning the plays and correctly executing them was their biggest struggle.

“During practice, we had them down but once we got against the other team, we kind of fell apart,” Kylee said. “But my favorite part was our energy level and how positive the team was.”

day by day

tuesday

wednesday

seniors: nerds

underclassmen: bbq dad or soccer mom

ALL TIED UP Eating at lunch, Emily Li, senior,

a nerd for the senior spirit day in her collared shirt and tie.

seniors: random costume

underclassmen: age groups

seniors: senior citizens

HOLD YOUR TONG Posing with in his bbq dad outfit, Lars Grow, junior, wears an apron, cap, and carries tongs. (photo by john kullerstand)

the commons before school, senior Olivia Hughes laughs as she acts out putting senior Francesca Campisi under arresto, freshman, (photo by aaron alvarez)

PIGTAIL CENTRAL Chatting during passing period, freshmen Gwenyth Cox and Ally Compton wear their hair in pigtails for their baby outfits. (photo by zoe clark)

Crier went to print on Wednesday night; Thursday and friday photos on mhsnews. net

STAY PUT Blocking her from the ball, Emma Edens, senior, walks up on Charlie Uidl, junior. “Practices were super fun and the game was even better, all good vibes and smiles. The competitive aspect was a good way to become closer with everyone and have that team feeling,” Charlie said. photo by zoe clark)

SPORT THE SPIRIT Coloring in art class, Melanie Carillo, freshman, dresses as a jock with a cap and jersey. (photo by lexi villalobos)

dresses as

(photo by lexi villalobos)

UNDER ARREST Waiting in

EXCUSE ME During the scrimmage during powder puff practice, Kylee Marshall, senior, attempts to dodge Cherise, last name, junior, on defense. “I loved the experience with all my peers, we had amazing chemistry on and off the field.” Kylee said. “Although we didn’t win, I had high energy the whole game.” (photo by marianna young)

SENIOR STROLL Walking in the hallway during passing period, seniors Cate Stephan, Isabella Martin, and Brynn Gardiner wear pearls, robes, and sweaters for senior citizen day. (photo by zoe clark)

FIGHT FOR THE FLAG Running with the ball, Kate Ferrino, senior, attempts to dodge the other team. The traditional powderpuff game returned this year, resulting in a shutdown win from the junior class, final score of 28-6. “I am bummed out we lost, but overall it was a lot of fun,” Kate said. “I hope that the seniors get a second chance if we can get another game going around prom.” (photo by zoe clark)

brought to you by... a look

into student government’s homecoming preparation process

queen’s backtalk

Student Government meets every Wednesday to plan and prepare. Representatives vote on various aspects about Homecoming. Sponsor Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, social studies teacher, tries to oversee almost every aspect of the process.

“It’s successful because of the kids that that helped me,” said Mrs. LaPorte. “I jump in with logistical things and to bounce ideas off, but they really are the backbone to success.”

This year, new tasks were added: • Alongside the Powderpuff revival, Student Government brought back the spirit trucks to the Homecoming parade.

• They also established a committee to oversee the Pep Session. The games that will be played at the Pep Session include tug-o-war, the half-court shot, dodgeball game and musical chairs. Members help set up each event and keep things organized.

Ini Edet, senior, was the student in charge of the entire Pep Session.

“I know what goes on during the pep rally, but I feel like once I get there, I’m gonna be a little bit stressed,” Edet. “I want to make sure everything goes orderly.”

Mrs. LaPorte said the new ideas worked out well.

“I think school spirit is a little higher this year,” Mrs. LaPorte said.

with buddies cec builds themed homecoming houses

building

CEC is starting the new school year with continuing the homecoming houses as a way to allow everyone in the club to participate.

“ We want to make all students have an opportunity to work,” Ms. Szafasz said. “The playhouse allows many students, at multiple times, to participate.”

It allows each member of the club to come in, when their schedule allows, and create something fun for the

school to benefit from, while having fun. The students get to choose their own theme, paint a house for each grade, and then auction them off for charity.

“I love the senior house, Barbie themed, and our pirates theme is also cool,” Kiersten Sangueza, junior, said.

With freshmen decorating the commons, sophomores doing under the sea, juniors making a pirate house, and the seniors a Malibu Barbie house, each grade is putting their own spin on the classic Munster tradition.

speech and debate hosts 55th annual bbq

kylee barnes

Speech and Debate students sold tickets and prepared for the 55th annual chicken BBQ dinner. It will be held tonight, prior to the Homecoming game. However, food preparation begins early in the day when Nelson’s, catering company, cooks the chicken outside of the cafeteria.

“Students used to help by turning the chickens throughout the day,” said

Mr. Jordan Mayer, speech teacher. “However, these days, Nelson’s Company handles everything.”

The Speech and Debate team receives assistance from organizations including Rise and Roll Bakery, Just Desserts, and Strack and Van Til.

“It’s a staple to our school and to homecoming in general,” said Kameryn Hubbard, “Not only does it help us fundraise but it also helps us get in the groove.”

What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court?

“Walking back into my AP Lit class, trying not to look excited, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

emma jez kam hubbard

What’s your favorite spirit day and why?

“80’s workout because it is a tradition, and I have been waiting for this moment since freshman year.”

lily hestjean eva andric

What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court?

“I was so smiley. I just felt like the school gave me a big hug.”

What song would you choose for your football field entrance and why?

“Run The World (Girls) by Beyonce because girls do run the world.”

What song would you choose for your football field entrance and why?

“Way 2 Sexy by Drake and Young Thug because that’s what the homecoming court is.”

pranshu aryal kiki petrovic

What would you do if you were queen of the world for a day?

“I would throw a huge renaissance grand ball and invite world and my idols, like Rihanna.”

THE FINAL TOUCHES Discussing pep rally games at their meeting Sept. 19, George Dovellos, senior, listens to sponsor Mrs. Kathleen Laporte’s advice on organization. Meeting every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m, student government members organized all events Homecoming week. (photo by josephine zangrilli)

SKETCHING IT OUT Focusing on the roof, Lauren Husum, sophomore sketches out an ocean scenery while Ava Walker, sophomore watches. This year’s sophomore house theme is under the sea. (photo by lexi villalobos)

DOOR TO DOOR Sophomores Kristie Tong and Grace Wang walk through the Frank H. neighborhood selling tickets for the chicken dinner that the Speech and Debate team is hosting. (photo by aaron alvarez)

emma starkey page editor

drink it or drop it

Crier’s take on fall drinks from three local locations

Sip Coffee House - Downtown Highland

Autumn Sweater: 4/5

Price: $5, a dollar over-price

Taste: chai, heavily cinnamon, like the mysterious candies elderly people give you

Pros: This drink was flavorful, adequately portioned, and fed my fall serotonin.

Cons: This drink may be too cinnamony for some people.

Conclusion: For the display and portion, in conclusion, if you enjoy a spicy-cinnamon taste, this is the drink for you.

Iced Jack Skellington: 5/5

Price: $5 (definitely worth every penny)

Taste: After being hit with a sudden burst of rich chocolaty flavor (along with hazelnut and pumpkin) I knew this was the best seasonal drink at Sip.

Pros: big portion and very flavorful

Cons: none

Conclusion: I highly recommend it for the people who enjoy chocolate milk over the strong taste of coffee.

Dunkin - Munster

Ice Spice Drink: 4/5

Price: $5.49

Taste: The drink tastes like a chocolate glazed donut. The flavor of the coffee is there if you look for it.

Pros: Just like a glaze donut in a drink

Cons: The munchkin bits in my drink made the texture a bit unpleasant.

Conclusion: After seeing all the commercials, I was swayed to finally try this drink. If you’re looking for a new fun drink, skip the donut and try this.

Hot Pumpkin Swirl: 4/5

Price: $4.79

Taste: The Pumpkin Swirl, combined with their signature blend coffee and cream, feels like waking up from a cozy autumn nap.

Pros: This hot, fall spiced drink will defeat the fall breeze by warming you from head to toe.

Cons: none

Conclusion: the annual return of this fan-favorite drink has Dunkin Lovers, and me, lining up to get their taste of fall.

Starbucks - Munster

Pumpkin Spice Latte: 5/5

Price: $5.75

Taste: This drink boasts that perfect symphony be tween notes of pumpkin, cin namon and cloves without souring your mouth in over whelming amounts of spices.

Pros: Rich taste, perfect hot drink for the upcoming chilly fall months. 20th year anniversary of the pumpkin spice latte.

Cons: none

Conclusion: When it comes to this drink, I mean it when I say that PSL craze is real. You can’t say you’re a fall person without at least trying it at least once this season.

Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai: 4/5

Price: $5.25

Taste: If you are not much of a coffee drinker, this sweet and creamy cold drink is just for you. The pumpkin cold foam is not too pumpkiny and it fuses with the chai tea flawlessly.

Pros: pleasing presentation and even better flavor

Cons: It’s not an every day drink. Much better for when you’re in the mood.

Conclusion: While this is not a drink to repeatedly order, the drink has a creamy taste and a neat presentation that appeases the eye and the stomach.

Taste of Fall: 2/5

Price: $5 (overpriced)

Taste: mediocre pumpkin flavor

Pros: Big portion and nicely displayed

Cons: It was underwhelming

Conclusion: Although I saw the pumpkin spice topping with my eyes, the spice did not seem to transfer through the sip of my straw.

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte: 2/5

Price: $4.79 (not worth a single penny)

Taste: It combines hints of vanilla, pumpkin spice, espresso and milk; supposedly the perfect fall flavor.

Pros: pleasant display

Cons: While the coffee flavor was there, the quick-melting ice drowned out all else.

Conclusion: Upon receiving this beautifully whipped cream and cinnamon-sugar topped latte, I expected the most, and was met with the least.

Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew: 4/5

Price: $5.25

Taste: Contains a generous dollop of Pumpkin Cold Foam as well as pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg on top.

Pros: the perfect amount of pumpkin punch

Cons: There is not any pumpkin flavor in the actual drink.

Conclusion: The Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew perfectly balances out the necessary amount of pumpkin with every other spice on top, giving you a delicious concoction with every sip you take.

marianna young co-head photographer

marianna young co-head photographer

emily dywan story editor

lexi villalobos photographer

emily dywan story editor

kylee barnes

kylee barnes page editor

damien salahieh page editor

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

tackling it together varsity football awaits homecoming game tonight

Taking on Homecoming week, Football is playing the last home game of the season while also competing for the Battle

The team is looking forward to the Homecoming game and has put in a lot of hard work hoping for a good outcome in order to regain the bridge.

The Battle of the Bridge is a long standing Munster-Highland football tradition. Since 1966, the two teams have battled it out on the football field, hoping to claim or regain the bridge holding title. After the game is over the team who wins can paint the bridge on Ridge Road, joining the two cities, in their school color.

coach pflum on track for her 200th win

After placing second at conference and holding a score of 8-5-1, the Girls’ Soccer team is ready to take their game to Sectionals next Monday at Lake Central.

After coaching for 20 years, Coach Valerie Pflum is three games away from her 200th win.

of the Bridge against Highland High School. George Dovellos, senior, voices his opinion on only having four home games his senior season.

“It’s unfortunate, but it makes those home games just more special when we have them,” Dovellos said.

The team’s previous home games have been more important than the other, non-home, games. The game on Sept. 8 was dedicated to the team’s previous coach, Tom Largus, who passed away in early 2023. The game on Sept. 22 was the team’s senior night, another important milestone. With a 2-4 record, football season has begun.

“We’ve had a couple of losses, but we have a bunch of upcoming games we’re excited for and we think we can really pull it together and have a good rest of the season,” Dovellos said.

kickin’ into gear

Ranked 12th in the state and currently first place at Conference, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team is bringing their winning streak to Sectionals at Highland High School on Oct. 2. In his 26th year coaching the team, Coach Jim Prasopoulos emphasizes the key to this year’s success is the team’s ability to work together on the field.

“What you do is you keep on trying to build your team chemistry every game,” Coach Prasopoulos said. “When you have a strong veteran team of players, they understand that success comes in everybody being on the same page.”

Junior Niko Panos agrees with his coach’s point

“With the Battle of the Bridge and playing in front of a packed crowd it’ll be fun, especially because it’s our last home game,” DJ Certa, junior said. The team has spent time preparing with team bonding as well as practicing together constantly in order to do so.

“We’ve been playing a lot of seasons together, so you really get to know the team and each other,” Dovellos said.

“The summer really brought us together,” Certa said. “We went to camp over the summer and we also have prep nights before every game.”

boys’ varsity soccer team heads into sectionals

from the on-field perspective as a player and how the team keeps in harmony.

“On the field and off the field, we fight for one another. We do our best to get to know each other more each game,” Panos said. “We’re gonna go as far as we can in the postseason with this team we have right now.”

Robert Gonnella, senior, looks forward to riding their success all the way towards into postseason play and possibly even state.

“We’re honestly just aiming for the deepest postseason run that we can,” Gonnella said. “We’re standing at top 20 in the state, looking really good with only one loss in the season. At the end of the day, winning state is what we’re all set on.”

As hyped as the soccer players are to reaching this achievement for their coach, Coach Pflum sees this achievement more as just a footnote in her coaching history. She has her eyes on a bigger prize once the team takes their win at Sectionals next week and what awaits beyond there.

“I didn’t start coaching with a ‘wanna-win’ column. It’s just one of the milestones that coaching organizations keep track of,” Coach Pflum said. “Hitting it will be just another game and we’ll just keep on working. If I won a state title, that would be different.”

Campbell Gideon, senior, has had Coach Pflum as a soccer coach for seven years. Along with the rest of the team, she’s strong-set on reaching this achievement before the season ends.

“She’s tough on us, but it’s because she wants the best from us,” Campbell said.

“The whole team’s looking forward to her two-hundredth win because it’s such a huge milestone for both her and the team in general.”

emily dywan story editor

LETS TALK Sitting together, the girls varsity soccer team and Coach Valerie Pflum run through plays together after a loss. The team makes it a point to review their performance for improvement in future games. (photo by aaron alvarez)

FAST FEET In their game against Bishop Noll, Isaiah Swider, senior, seeks an opportunity to run to the net. (photo by heidy sanchez)

emily dywan story editor

gabby van horne page editor

RUNNIN’ IT Going through a play, Logan Efantis, junior, weaves around his teammates. During this game Sept. 8, Munster fell short against Andrean 14-21. “I was disappointed that we couldn’t come out on top, but we played well against a good conference opponent,” Efantis said. (photo by zoe clark)

face the fashion

members of the fashion club give their take on fall fashion trends

dorothy lakshmanamurthy deadline manager

Pushing the desks aside and gathering everyone into the center of FACs teacher Ms. Abigail Brosseau’s classroom, Molly Dolatowski, senior and treasurer, with the help of Juliette Dixon, senior and club president, led the new Fashion Club in a game of “This or That” at their first meeting Sept. 19.

Two fashion choices were presented on the classroom Promethean board, and the 44 members that attended the meeting went to the side of the room that corresponded with the fashion choice they preferred.

Hand on hip, Victoria Davis, junior, poses for her fall fashion photo. “Fashion represents my identity that brims with creativity and detail orientation," she said "Like a puzzle comprised of small pieces to showcase one big unique

backtalk

what is your go-to drink order?

“I’d say a Chickfil-a lemonade. It’s been a staple since I was a kid.”

“My go to drink would probably be Sprite. It really goes with anything unlike other drinks.”

close split-ups between the participants. However, the fall fashion questions seemed to have the strongest majority consensus.

This or that fall fashion results:

• All participants preferred sweaters over tank tops

• 5 participants preferred leather jackets over jean jackets

• 17 participants preferred jeans over sweatpants

• All except for one participant preferred a zip up over a flannel Attending the meeting, Lucia Salazar, junior, finds that fall fashion trends seem to stay constant year by year and follow an unchangeable pattern of colors and styles in contrast to other seasons.

“Each year, the fall trends always consist of the same sweaters, flare leggings, jeans,” Lucia said. “It’s always the same colors like burgundy and browns, but spring and summer colors seem to change more often with the trends.”

Sarah Bananzek, senior, also finds fall fashion to be unique in the fact that more warmer shades are worn compared to other seasons.

“Fall is probably my favorite season in terms of fashion,” Sarah said. “I love wearing sweaters and jeans. It’s the most comfortable season to dress for with the warm and cozier tones.”

The game featured several categorized questions, including types of shoes, clothing brands, and color schemes, that caused fashion club leaders share their favorite fall clothing pieces

leggings

personal picks uggs

“Caramel machiatto, because it’s not as bitter as regular coffees, so it’s a good balance.”

zip-up jacket

“I love the fall because the weather gets colder and it is easier for me to pick out outfits” Tony Rotatori, junior and club social media manager, said.

“A zip-up can keep me warm in the colder fall weather, but also is removable.”

“I always wear leggings, but for fall they are perfect for the weather,” Addy Obrien, senior and club vice president, said. “It is kind of warm outside, but still a little chilly. So, leggings are light yet you still have coverage”

“Uggs, especially my Platform Tasmans, go well with everything” Teodora Svilar, junior and club secretary, said. “The brown shoe matches the fall color palette.

“Strawberry acai refresher with lemonade because it tastes delicious, and I do not like coffee.”

“Probably a diet Pepsi because everywhere has one of them, and pop is really difficult to mess up.”

“Lemonade because it’s a really versatile drink and you can add fruit to it and it’s really good.”

“My go-to order is usually an iced pumpkin chai with oat milk and two pumps of apple brown sugar syrup because it tastes exactly like fall to me.”

“I get a flat white, no flavoring, with oat milk and no sugar.”

“Horchata becuse I grew up with it and it's by far the best drink that’s out there!”

Angel Serrano, freshman

Ashlyn Sinwelski, freshman

Aniela Olczak, sophomore

Ila Iverson, junior

Miranda Fisher, senior

Samantha Bleza, junior Luis Serrano, senior

Aviah White, sophomore

Jennifer Dettlo, Spanish Teacher “Regular coffee with cream.” Florencia Stoll, Spanish Teacher

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

vision.” (photo by karla aguilar)