feb. 19. 2021
CRIER munster high school issue seven | volume 56 8808 columbia ave. munster in, 46321
‘I’ll get off
my phone in a few minutes...’
reena alsakaji and janai munoz
I
page editors
t starts off slow, creeping up on us without our knowledge. A five minute break between assignments quickly becomes piles of work left at our desk and a daily screen time of nine hours. “I use my phone basically every hour of the day when I’m not sleeping,” Kiki Petrovic, freshman, said. “I always find myself scrolling on my phone and watching the time
run by so fast. (Social media) has definitely caused problems, but I don’t think I could stop using it.”
read more on page 8
photo by anthony young
2
news
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
Debate wins overall in State Students celebrate and prepare for Nationals josephine mittelberger
page editor
For the first time in 27 years, Debate claimed championship at State, with students dominating in each event. In addition to the win at State, the qualification of five members has led the team to tackle Nationals on June 14. “I was super excited when Munster got first at State,” Anagha Kodukula, sophomore, said. “I was surprised in the moment, but then I remembered how talented and incredibly capable the Munster Debate team is.” Cynthia Chockalingam, senior, came first in congressional debate and Brink Wolak, senior, came in second. These wins﹘along with many other breaks in quarter finals and finals﹘
photo by chris perez
helped Munster win by 18 points. Unfortunately, this season has presented many set-backs due to COVID-19. “As I am applying to college, I hadn’t taken the SAT and ACT before, so I had a difficult time figuring out which tournaments to miss to take these exams,” Cynthia said. “I also faced technology issues. For example, during my first preliminary round at State, the platform they were using was not working for me from school, so I drove home in the middle of the round and was only able to attend half of that first round.” Members have overcome connection problems, not being able to work together in-person and trying to find ways to stay motivated. Fortunately for them, virtual debates allowed wearing
BEAT ‘EM, BUST ‘EM In the media center, Keira Hawk, junior, prepares for her next debate round. “This season has had its highs and lows with Covid. A big part of tournaments was conversing with opponents before and after. Also not being able to see everyone’s reactions to us winning would’ve been nice, but being online allows us to go home early,” Keira said.
pajama pants with their formal shirts, taking naps in-between rounds and pacing the amount of tournaments they participated in. “(To stay motivated) I keep in mind that hard work will pay off some time or another,” Ayush Arora, sophomore, said. “I try my best at every tournament and willingly tell myself to get out of bed to write a speech when I may not be feeling completely up to it. My dad gets donuts for tournament days too, so that’s nice.” With their hard work paying off, Debate members can look back at their achievements with pride. “I’m most proud of my event’s performance at State,” Arman Kumar, junior, said. “We were able to achieve a great ranking after not doing too well at about every meet leading up to it.”
Munster comes out on top Debate takes championship by 18 points
1 2 3 4 5
Munster Debate Carmel High School Debate West Lafayette Chesterton Fishers
Source: SpeechWire
76.5 58.5 47.5 45.5 38
graphic by chris perez
Firing on all cylinders Science Olympiad works towards winning State janai munoz
page editor
Throughout the month of February, the Science Olympiad team starts to compete every Saturday, but not like previous years. The study and build events have both had some arrangements made in order to proceed with certain activities. They have been preparing since early November for every meet as much as they can and are ready for state and nationals. “Next month, I would love to see Munster get first at State and advance on to Nationals,” Mikyla Farnell, junior, said. “So far we have competed at a few invitational competitions, placing within the top 10 at all of them.” The excitement that comes with Science Olympiad goes hand in hand with the stress involved. After the upcoming regional events happening on Feb. 20 and 27, the team will then compete virtually at state on March 20
coordinated by Purdue West Lafayette. “It can be very stressful, but it’s also exciting; you get so many opportunities to perform and improve,” Iris Gong, junior, said. “What I struggle with the most is balancing the workload of preparing for competition as well as doing all my homework over the weekend. Not only that, but with so many consecutive competitions, you can never stop working for a while.” Due to COVID-19, Science Olympiad had to turn towards virtual competitions in order to compete with other schools around them. Both study and build events are being held through a new program known as “Scilympiad.” This program allows members of Science Olympiad to be able to communicate with partners and regulate tests. “Events have been modified to fit the online format, most notably all build events have been made trial events for the State tournament,” Stephen Heritage, senior, said. “It’s changed how the team is preparing as build events are no longer a focus as they won’t count at state.”
sidenote DECA wraps up State on Monday
DECA competitors study for their test and wait for role-play scores. “My role-play situations vary and place me in a situation where I am in charge of the front desk, branding or as the general manager at a hotel or lodging facility,” Ashley Nita, senior, said. “I have studied different performance indicators that may have appeared in my role-plays.” Individual and team state participants take a 100 question test that correlates to the event they are in. Individuals had two 10 -minute roleplays, while teams had a 30-minute role-play. Within the role-play, the student were given a prompt and had to explain how they would respond.
Robotics gets into full gear
photo by robert brunetti TECHED OUT Testing a program, Austin Beetson, sophomore, tries to simulate their robot. He worked to build a 14 foot tall windmill that will power an irrigation system.
Robotics has officially begun their season, but not without changes. “FIRST Robotics had decided to do summer competitions, but because it’s really hard to coordinate, we are not going to participate,” Amelia Konstantinopoulos, junior, said. “Instead, we are going to potentially have a scrimmage with high schools in the area.” In addition to the scrimmage, Robotics is able to focus more on side projects like creating the maker space and continuing their work on Project Green. “Even though we’re not able to have a competition season this year, I think we’re still doing great things,” Amelia said. “The bond that we’re all having, laughing at each other and just having fun and doing what we like is great.”
Speech heads toward major competitions
The Indiana High School Forensic Association is hosting a tournament spanning two weekends starting Feb. 27 to March 13, while the National Speech and Debate Association is holding the Speech national qualifier on March 6 with the Congress national qualifier taking place on April 17. All competitions will be held virtually with the members practice every Tuesday, with a hybrid of in-person and online meetings. “Our goal is to have fun, build relationships and spread awareness of important messages,” Mr. Jordan Mayer, Speech and Debate director, said.
Corrections
photo by robert brunetti MODELING ASSISTANCE Making a model, Jacob Katz, junior, helps his teammates work on an event at practice. Jacob would create the model and hand it to another person for them to rebuild it. “I build with legos because they hold a lot of possibilities,” Jacob said.
In Issue 6 of Crier, page 8, the Backtalk question should be “It’s Guy Fieri’s 53rd birthday.” On page 2, the caption for the Munster Theatre Club brief should read, “Rehearsing for the production of ‘They Eat Sunshine, Not Zebras,” Isidora Pavlic and Joshua Korwek, sophomores, and Claire Williams and Chloe Sarkady, freshmen, are receiving constructive criticism from Mr. Raymond Palasz, auditorium director.”
Break it
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2020
news
3
Up
Mr. Michael Kakalow, health teacher, discusses his brain breaks, and the importance of rest time for students
was to not derail the class, and to make a smooth transition into the page editor next topic. “He has a time block where he gives When class has gone on too long, and work has become too much of a it all to the brain break and after it’s strain, it’s important to take a moment over, we go into the homework,” to refresh and rest the mind, and Olivia said. The activities taking place are break the tension of work. It is time for generally simple and lighthearted for a brain break. Mr. Michael Kakalow, health teacher, the students. Some say, occasionally exercises like these can be routinely implements a break in the somewhat awkward at extended class periods. first. Yet as they continue “I’ve been exposed to to be implemented in class, brain breaks prior to photo by lita cleary students have gradually begun being in Munster,” said CHARADES Playing a vocabulary game with his students, Mr. Michael Kakalow, health to enjoy them. Mr. Kakalow. “And I see teacher, stands in front of the class. Two teams attempt to describe the vocab word “They are easy to get used the importance of them, on his forehead first. to since we do them in almost especially with a 90 minute “A lot of my brain breaks, believe it every class and it makes them class.” butterfly by Students tend to agree Cali Petersen, more entertaining,” Ryan Tully, or not, are challenging, because the sophomore, said. “I participate in brain breaks are designed to be in with the sentiment, often junior all of them, but I’m only into them close proximity,” Mr. Kakalow said. feeling fatigued by the long “So what I do is take a brain break if they seem fun to me.” classes spent lecturing and working. sweater by The game most commonly that I have done in the past, and Alison Lee, “School is very stressful, especially junior when you have to sit in a classroom or mentioned was rock-paper-scissors, then I just adapted to our classroom environment for social distancing.” sit at home for 90 straight minutes.” a seeming favorite. To some, it might seem that the “Normally we do something Olivia Evilsizor, sophomore said games and topics used during brain The feeling of being overwhelmed competitive, simple things with breaks might be cheesy, can build up throughout different other students and sometimes Arts and crafts, seen across embarrassing, or not worth subjects as well, especially ones with Mr. Kakalow,” Ryan said. the effort of changing them the page, were made by Crier requiring more attention or that have “The most fun was probably to keep. But at the end of staffers during unplug days rock, paper, scissors— more emotional weight with them. the day, it’s not about the “I know we’re talking about some because who doesn’t (like) What are unplug days? content, nor relaxing, or heavy stuff, we’re talking about the that game?” n Happens the day an issue is being cool and fun. It is about Students have even human body,” Mr. Kakalow said. releases health and learning. “We’re talking about the brain and it’s begun to look forward to giraffe by Max n Students get away from “I think in every course there their mid-class break. a lot to digest.” Lindenmayer, screens at least a half hour should be a brain break” Mr. “Sometimes you just need junior With his students best interest n In-person staff crafts together Kakalow said. “Just take a little in mind, Mr. Kakalow decided that to get up and stretch or do break and say, okay, academics n eLearners log off and nothing was better to ease up on his something fun,” Casey Mcnulty, are important, but making sure our later send of a photo of their students than a proper break to clear sophomore, said. There have been some new work brain is in good shape to receive all unplugged task to teacher their heads. Each break takes place towards the middle of a period, the arounds with the games played during the information that the teachers are source: Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, giving are just as important.” time set aside by Mr. Kakalow himself class, however. Crier adviser
linda ramirez
Crier unplugs
Juniors recover from ISTEP reena alsakaji
page editor
Two days ago, juniors began the first day of ISTEP testing. Weeks prior, when the test dates were initially disclosed, both teachers and students were shocked, as most had been told that the tests were no longer in motion. Last spring, the Indiana Department of Education announced that the then-sophomores wouldn’t need to take ISTEP while schools were closed for in-person learning. However, the state decided that these students must test. “I was pretty upset,” Anna Babus, junior, said. “I was told by all my teachers last year that we wouldn’t have to finish the test and that it was being integrated out of the curriculum.” Juniors were required to take this exam as a result of the cancellation
sudden arrival of ISTEP only threw yet another wrench in the school year. In addition to preparing for AP last year, and it is required in order to exams, the ACT and the SAT—as well graduate. Students took 10 tests with as managing classes—ISTEP testing administrators monitoring the school only further added to the burden on over a two-day period. students’ shoulders. “I find it to be a hindrance,” Reese “Covid had already altered the curWojkovich, junior, said. “These tests riculum,” Violet Luna, junior, said. “But now ISTEP will potentially cause an even larger set back among the class of 2022.” S t a n d a rd i z e d testing itself is already considered a burden by many students—however, many students reported that their biggest concern illustration by anna evilsizor wasn’t the impact don’t truly reflect the student, but what it had on their school life. “I do some basic review over gen[the state] wants to see.” eral formulas and concepts,” Emily The class of 2022 has seen far too Sun, junior, said. “Other than that, I many alterations this year, and the
don’t funnel any extra time into studying for the test.” While this cannot be said for all students, the biggest concern regarding the ISTEP testing was how abrupt the announcement was. Students were informed about ISTEP testing barely a month prior, a stark contrast to what is typically expected. “I am confused,” Alejandro Rodriguez, junior, said. “We are informed all of a sudden that we must now take the exam after being told before that it will not happen.” Though it may not seem like it, some students expressed a few positives of the situation - and in fact, the actual testing may not be too bad. “Initially I was kind of glad that we were going to retake ISTEP,” Mikyla Farnell, junior, said. “Last year, so many things went wrong with the technology and I felt like it didn’t truly represent my abilities. Of course, it would have been nicer if we got exempt from ISTEP, but that’s not happening now. But I’m definitely not looking forward to completing the rest of my standardized testing for junior year such as the SAT and ACT.”
4
opinion
Can’t buy me love
Munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
‘S-no’ more snow days The fight for acceptance
opinion by Gage Hoekstra
From the Martyrdom of a saint, to the appropriation of the Roman Lupercalia and the courts of medieval Europe, Valentine’s Day has a long and storied history, little of which is present in the modern day. Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day and more, Valentine’s Day is what many have coined to be “Hallmark holidays.” Hallmark insists that “while we’re honored that people so closely link the Hallmark name with celebrations and special occasions, we can’t take credit for creating holidays,” but even so, it is difficult not to notice the out-sized influence such corporations have on days like these. Greeting cards, assorted chocolate boxes and prepackaged flowers, mark Valentine’s day as a celebration of consumerism as much as it is of love. According to the National Review Federation, Americans will spend roughly $21.8 billion on Valentine’s Day alone, just narrowly outpacing Zimbabwe’s yearly GDP. This is, to put it bluntly, an absolutely enormous sum of money. Given the sheer enormity of the capital spent on this day, it is reasonable to ask whether this is truly a worthy investment. On one hand, such lavish spending accompanied by such a negligent economic, much less societal, benefit can only be seen as inherently wasteful. Billions of dollars that could easily be better spent on charity, medical research, infrastructure and more is thrown away on an assortment of ultimately meaningless and overpriced heart shaped candy and holiday themed trinkets or sweets. While, of course, these gifts will be appreciated, most are unlikely to become cherished possession or memories. Cards will be thrown away, half eaten chocolate boxes will be left out and flowers will wither and die. For most, the day will be fleeting and costly, while a few corporations will make billions off of what many feel to be an obligation rather than a genuine expression of love. On the other hand, it is hard not to see the innocent nature of this situation. So eager are we to show our affections to those we love, that we are willing to give into what we would otherwise assume to be a scam without so much as a second thought. In many ways this presents Valentie’s day as a celebration of both our flaws and vitures. It is with both these ideas in mind that I would caution against both cynicism and unnecessary adoration. No, Valentine’s Day is not the purest expression of love, but it’s not just a corporate money grab either. This year we should remember that what’s most expensive isn’t necessarily the most heartfelt. We shouldn’t give up this opportunity to celebrate those we love either.
opinion by Alison Lee
photo by Todd McKechnie UNADULTURED JOY Gleefully frolicing, Anthony Young, junior, plays in the snow outside MHS. “I feel overjoyed with the amount of snow!” he said.
opinion by Anthony Young Gone forever is the era of snow days. The once magical feeling of getting the call saying school has been canceled for the day will never be experienced by kids in the coming years. Instead, the call from the school will only mean a day of learning online. I do feel that it is a great improvement in terms of online learning, to be able to go all online in such a short notice, but I also believe that every kid should have the chance to take part in actual snow days. Many people make the argument that, thanks to eLearning days, we no longer have makeup days at the end of the school year when it’s nice and hot outside. I disagree. I would always choose makeup days at the end of the year in exchange for the mid-week break from school that a snow day provides.
Snow days act as a mental recovery day for many kids going through the long break-less months of January and February. Whether you spend your snow day inside, enjoy the warmth and comfort while play video games with your friends, go outside in the cold and play in the snow, or sledding and har snowball fights, these days should be cherished and not substituted with online learning days. eLearning days, for me and many others, are full of distractions. I feel like I am hardly learning on snow online days, at that point it makes more sense to have a regular school day, full of learning, added to the year. Some people again may feel otherwise, but I will stand by my thinking that snow days are a huge part of growing up. I have many memorable snow days and I would hate to deprive the future generations of these magical winter days.
Snowed in A history of the how much snow the Chicagoland area has seen overall in the last five years 2021 in February alone
2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018 2016-2017
18 inches 34.8 inches 49.5 inches 36.1 inches 26.1 inches source: nbcchicago.com
On Jan. 22, Jojo Siwa officially came out. There was some speculation previously whether she was a member of the LGBTQ+ community when she posted a TikTok of her singing to a Lady Gaga song, then a TikTok with the Pride House in LA. It was officially confirmed when she posted a photo of a shirt saying “Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever.” on Twitter. Jojo coming out is a tremendous event that is monumental for the LGBTQ+ community. It helps normalize sexual orientations that are not heterosexual, and helps start conversations. It gives representation to those who need it, and younger fans who identify as queer can see themselves in her. Jojo has millions of followers on all her platforms, many young children. With such a huge platform, Jojo has contributed to the normalization of accepting queerness. Some concerned parents commented that “kids don’t need to see this.” Jojo coming out is not an encouragement for children to be gay, or a greater risk for children to be exposed to sex life. As bell hooks, an American author, professor, feminist and social activist, said, “Queer as not being about who you’re having sex with. That can be a dimension of it, but queer is being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.” Jojo coming out simply encourages children to be more accepting of others, and to support those that identify as queer. Throughout history, there has been a tumultuous road for the gay and transgender rights movement. Oppressive laws, military transgender bans, marriage restrictions and criminalization of sexuality show us that the fight is far from over. Jojo coming out is important to this fight. Each person has a platform of their own, even if it doesn’t have millions of followers. Each person is important in the fight to normalize queerness, no matter who you are. You don’t have to identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community to support it, the same way that you don’t have to be a person of color to care about racism. Allyship can start with the simplest of things like adding pronouns in your bio, educating yourself, encouraging others to do the same and opening conversations about queerness. One of your friends could identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and doing these small things can help them feel more safe and loved, rather than hated. I encourage you to create a safer environment around you, filled with love and openness.
munster high school crier — feb. 19. 2021
opinion
5
EDITORIAL
Disengage in disinformation “Pete Buttigieg Learns About Problems Facing Rail Infrastructure By Spending Week Living As Train” reads a news headline from The Onion, a media organization known for their satirical take on fake news. This article is accompanied by a photoshopped image of Buttigieg wearing a train costume and standing on a railroad. While this example of fake news is comedic and harmless, it is a reminder to us all that we need to verify where we are getting our information. We spend more time now on our phones than ever before. According to a survey from the nonprofit organization Parents Together, adolescent phone usage is up 500 percent during the pandemic. This increased screen usage affects how we interact with the information we face. With algorithms that keep us hooked to our phones, it is easy to get lost scrolling. With just a couple of clicks or taps, anyone can create an account and spread false information. This makes it up to us, the consumer, to sort fact from fiction. Looking deeper, we firstly need to examine what “fake news” truly means. According to an article by MerriamWebster, the literal definition of fake news is simply: “news (‘reported material’) that is
fake (‘false, counterfeit’).” The phrase itself is only 125 years old, making it relatively new. In 2016, we saw it begin to float around social media. In recent times, we learned that “fake news” was more relevant than ever. To understand it further, we need to know what fake news is not. Fake news is not when a media source reports news that one might disagree with. It isn’t when a columnist publishes an opinion that
the reporting is usually one-sided. However, as a generation, we are more likely to learn about events based on the social media we consume rather than television or web news sources our parents use. While we hear a lot about how older generations fall for scams and conspiracies on Facebook, we are no less susceptible. Crier is dedicated to providing transparency throughout all of our reporting. Our promise printed in the masthead at the bottom of our opinion page in every issue is to always provide factual information. Our writers avoid expressing their personal opinions in every story, unless they are written on our review or opinion pages. Regardless of where the news is coming from, Crier encourages everyone to question what they read, whether or not it comes from a cartoon by daniel nozick trustable news source. differs from your own beliefs. Researching both sides of Fake news happens when a topic is necessary before a writer makes allegations forming an opinion. without a reliable source. Sources are the most crucial part to any story; without it, a Our take news source loses credibility and trust from its readers. Be more conscious of the It is difficult to know when media you consume. When to trust a news source with reading news, make sure to seemingly genuine reporting. learn all sides of an event Many, like Fox News and being reported before CNN, have a reputation for forming an opinion. leaning one way or another on the political aisle, thus
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; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is accessible at www. 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 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 either emailed to the editor (lana.salahieh@gmail.com), 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. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Our Staff
Copy Editor Alison Lee Design Editor Alexis Perez Page Editor Reena Alsakaji, Gage Hoekstra, Josephine Mittelberger, Janai Munoz, Linda Ramirez, Thomas Zangrilli Graphics Editors Henry Hofferth, Anthony Young Head Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Cali Petersen Chief Photographer Madi Green
Editor-in-Chief Lana Salahieh
Photographers Robert Brunetti, Anna Evilsizor, Chris Perez
Managing Editor Atarah Israel
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
6
review
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
Staffers review rom-coms and things they love
16 Candles
Ratings are out of 5 hearts
10 Things I Hate AboutYou josephine mittelberger
page editor
“10 Things I Hate About You” follows Kat Stratford ( Julia Stiles) as she is made a pawn of a naive new student’s scheme to date Bianca (Larisa Oleynik)—her popular, younger sister. This plan is created because their overprotective father forbids Bianca from dating unless Kat is also currently dating. This leads to Cameron ( Joseph Gordon-Levitt)—the new student— and his friend tricking an entitled, rich boy, who also likes Bianca, into paying a boy to go out with Kat. Typically rom-coms are unrealistic and overdramatic. However, these characters make plausible decisions and have depth. For example, the love interest—Patrick (Heath Ledger)—is a
13 Going On 30 alexis perez
design editor
“13 going on 30” is made with a no good fairytale as it starts off with a wish. As the movie progresses, it shows that Jenna played by Jennifer Garner is jealous of the beautiful girls in her magazines. Magical dust that Matt played by Mark Ruffalo puts on a model house he made for her birthday, falls on her while she wishes to be “thirty, flirty and thriving.” This leaves Jenna to get used to being thirteen in a thirtyyear old body. This movie has many obstacles for
alexis perez
design editor
The movie “Sixteen Candles” is very well known and has a striking ‘80s fashion. The start of the movie begins as Samantha Baker (played by Molly Ringwald) has her sixteenth birthday and her whole family ends up forgetting about it due to the fact that her ‘more feminine’ sister is getting married the next day. This movie goes pretty fast especially since it is based on a two-day timeline, which I don’t think most movies do, especially rom-coms. As the movie begins, Jack Ryan,played by Michael Schoeffling, who is the popular boy, seems interested in Sam from the start since he was caught staring at her at the start of school in class. Many things were going on in one day, such as it being Sam’s sixteenth birthday, as well as a dance. At the dance, Jake Ryan really notices Sam and ends up asking one of the geeks, played by Anthony Michael Hall, about her who is on her bus. Jake is in a relationship with the hottest girl in school, which is to be expected in these types of romantic comedies—
well rounded character that has internal struggles and personal values. At first Patrick seems misogynistic—he bargains with Joey about the price it is to date Kat and makes rude comments on Bianca. He shows his sweeter side when he goes on a date with Kat and she gets drunk—he takes care of her and respects that she cannot consent to kiss him. He eventually tries to tie any loose ends with Joey, but Joey’s higher offer is something he cannot refuse and visibly regrets. At times the movie was off putting, for the comedic aspect was childish or purely shock value. Even so, the well thought out aspects of comedy. For instance, Mr. Morgan (Daryl Mitchell) is a funny reality check. At the beginning of the movie, Kat calls out Joey for using his gender as a weapon against others. The teacher calms Kat down
the main character good and bad throughout the movie since it’s such a slow progressing plot. But there were moments in the movie that if you weren’t paying attention, you would miss something important along the storyline such as her coworker played by Judy Greer was one of the girls from high school. For example, Jenna has a boyfriend and meets him when she first finds out she is thirty. However Matt is engaged, which is found out later on in the movie when Jenna runs into them. It leaves this offset feeling in your stomach because it’s obvious that they both fall in love with each other as the movie progresses. It shows in this movie how far a person would go to the
that the popular boy dates the popular girl. The movie brings a basic but interesting turn of events during the whole movie with the geeks, the popular kids and the people who aren’t usually seen. The movie adds a twist when the next day Sam’s sister is having a wedding but before the wedding she took four muscle relaxers to deal with the pain because she started her menstrual cycle, which caused her to act drunk. With Samantha and Jake only speaking for the first time as a very brief conversation between the two at the end of the movie. They go back to his house and celebrate her birthday with a cake, but she doesn’t blow out the candles and doesn’t .It was very heartwarming when I understood it was because she got everything she wished for. I wouldn’t say “Sixteen Candles” is like any other rom-com. Sadly it’s a pretty self-explanatory movie as you continue to watch it since all romantic comedies end the same, but it is still my favorite 80’s movie.
illustration by
and ensures the watcher that if anything bad were to happen to Joey, he wouldn’t help him. Kat thinks she has won and goes on a rant about why female authors don’t get a spot-light in school. Mr. Morgan shuts Kat down, for she lives a privileged life. He continues about how black authors don’t get a spot-light either, but no one cares about that. As a whole, the movie had few slow or unnecessary scenes that did not advance the plot. The screenwriters did a good job by having entertaining side characters and making Kat an imperfect person that struggles with showing her emotions at times. While the comedy aspect lacked in some areas, it was still prominent and enjoyable. illustration by Cali Peterson
feeling of love. At the end, she confesses her love but gets turned down. She surprisingly goes back to being a thirteen with the same wishing dust that turned her thirty at the start of the movie. Like any rom-com it was a little cringey at some points in the movie because I felt embarrassed of how the characters act. I don’t usually watch many romantic comedies but overall it was a mix of emotions that I developed throughout watching it. With that being said, I overall think it was a good movie, but it wasn’t a type of movie I would constantly want to watch just because I think it moves too slowly. illustration by Henry Hofferth
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
review
7
Prismacolor Pencils linda ramirez
page editor
Henry Hofferth
Prismacolor Premier pencils are my absolute favorite medium to work with. They blend so incredibly smooth with their wax base, yet allowing refined details with their potent pigment. There’s also an incredible array of colors to choose from, as well as clear blending pencils to make colors more vibrant. It should be known that they are rather expensive, a 12 pack being roughly $14-$20, and my personal 48 set being sold between $50-$60 dollars. Not only are the pencils expensive, but you’re guaranteed to run out of one color before all the rest. For me, white goes the fastest because I use it to smooth and blend my colors. Luckily not only are there sets with varying ranges of colors, but you can individually stock up on a shade you go through quickly, or specifically require. Those refills of course vary in price depending on
the supplier due to profit margins, but roughly average out to a $1.50, maybe two dollars. They can easily be obtained on Amazon or in craft stores such as Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michaels. Not everything’s fine and dandy with Prismacolor though— aside from the high price point, they’re incredibly fragile despite their “thick core.” It seems like dropping them once causes the inside to shatter, and makes the tip break off every time it’s sharpened. It’s also strainful on your hands to press down so hard in order to gain the rich colors, which can be difficult to erase and smudge very easily. Despite these shortcomings, it’s undeniably the best brand I’ve worked with and a joy to receive. So treat them well when you have them, but always use them up entirely, no holding back. With quality like this, it’s a waste not to. On that note, I rate them a solid four out of five hearts.
illustrations by linda ramirez PENCIL PERFORMANCE order to demonstrate the smooth vibrant colors of prismacolor pencils, Linda Ramirez has illustrated every image on page 7.
Candy
League
gage hoekstra
page editor
Of
Legends thomas zangrilli
page editor
I have a love-hate relationship with the game “League of Legends” I’m either really enjoying it or wanting to rip my head off playing it. Despite this, I still call the jungle my second home. Although I have taken a liking to some of the characters that associate with the jungle, neither of them compare to the experience I have with Nunu and Willump. In the universe of “League of Legends”, the character is a duo involving Nunu, the kid, and his yeti friend named Willump going on adventures together across the arctic. The Jungler is tasked with slaying monsters in the jungle areas, assisting other teammates, and managing objectives. What makes them different from other junglers is that they can
widely ruin the other team’s, and to secure objectives fairly easily and stay in the fight with their abilities. They do have weaknesses however, their own pace and objectives can be interrupted easily early in the game and their playstyle is predictable as they are a simple character. My favorite out of all their abilities is named “Biggest snowball ever!” where Willump starts to roll a gigantic snowball and crashes into people with it. Their voice lines and interactions are another reason for why I like this character so much, Nunu rambling to Willump on long walks, the two encountering monsters, and his lore have always made me smile. Despite all of this, I’ve never bought a cosmetic or outfit for them. Mainly because I love the blue and white color palette that their default designs have already, although they are cosmetic, which I may purchase
Sweet tooth, sugar addict, sucrose junkie; call me what you will but I love candy. Sweet and sour, hard and chewy, I love it all. It is for just this reason that I’ve compiled this short list of some of my favorite candies, in the hopes that I may encourage others to partake in the bliss they deliver. n Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Even after being diagnosed with a mild peanut allergy, I just cannot put down Reese’s. The perfect blend of sweet milk chocolate and smooth peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are nothing less than bite-sized bits of heaven. n Jolly Ranchers: An American classic, Jolly Ranchers are the perfect candy not to gulf
down in one bite. Sweet with just a hint of sour, Jolly Ranchers really are as pleasant as their name sounds. Conveniently packaged and without a tendency to melt or get sticky, Jolly Ranchers are perfect for on the go, or at home, or anywhere really. n Sour Punch: From strips, strings and bites Sour Punch is pinnacle of sour gummies. With a variety of assorted flavors and variants, sour punch has something to offer everyone. Initially offering a few delicious tangy bites before melting away into sweet gummy goodness.
8
infocus
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
Continued from front
‘...but I’ll watch just one more video.’ With phone usage having a strong hold on daily life, students reflect on screen time and social media usage
“Most of the times that I’m on social media, it’s just to browse,” Anushka Majety, junior, said. “However, there are definitely times where I get stressed clicking through everything and getting so much information at once.” One of the biggest catalysts for proSocial media is not a simple time crastination is technology. We hear waster—if it was, the effects would be and see this everywhere. We listen much less severe and much less addicas we are told to shut off our phones tive. Through TikTok, Snapchat, Inswhile working, to take a quick break tagram—platforms that predominantand we say to ourselves, “I should do ly display the highlights of life—users that,” before proceeding to spend two publish when they look their best, more hours staring at a screen. feel their best and act their best, and “My phone definitely gets in the way though we are unconsciously aware of getting work done,” Marley Ander- of this, it can be difficult to consider son, junior, said. “I’ll when we cannot look scroll through In- Average screen time per day past what is stagram for hours right in front when I could be of us. getting homework “Social done instead. When media used I was doing school to make me online, I would find feel really myself going on my bad about phone way more myself,” than necessary.” Hiba FatiMany are aware ma, sophoof their phone ad- Have you ever taken a social media break? more, said. “I diction and still would comhave not taken steps pare myself to change; howto people ever, the narrative constantly changes when we and I had an convince ourselves unhealthy that we can somerelationship how manage our with it, but time as we continI started ue to scroll through working on TikTok dances and myself and Source: Google Forms survey of 392 students Feb. 2-10 Instagram photos. realizing that This is especially people only clear as the simple act of leaving your post the best parts of their lives and phone in another room can go miles it’s not fair to compare myself to them. for your schoolwork. Since then, I’ve enjoyed social media “Usually, I’m very good about leav- more and it’s been more of an outlet.” ing my phone downstairs when I study Though some may consider it a so I’m not tempted or distracted by it,” stretch to quit social media all toLibby Fesko, junior, said. “It allows me gether, taking a social media break is to maximize my time and get as much becoming an increasingly ideal opwork done as possible.” tion. It allows us to focus on more Social media also plays a substan- time-pressing matters, it allows for tial role in what seems like this nev- self-reflection and it allows us to imer-ending cycle, and it accounts for merse ourselves in self-care. a myriad of other issues normalized “I took a social media break during today. At a young age, that can reach the summer and it was probably the as far as elementary school, there’s a best couple of weeks in my entire life,” heavy push towards social media. In Gracie Kisala, sophomore, said. “I 2018, a Pew Research study found that would still call my friends and reach around 97 percent of teenagers had a out all the time, but I noticed mysocial media platform, and 45 percent self going outside more, engaging in were online almost constantly. more face to face conversations and
Fiction
n Fake news is not as common as people make it out to be n Fact-checking and being able to spot fake news can be extremely difficult n Fake news can only one-sided Source: FactCheck.org
photo illustration by anthony young BREAK THE HABIT Screen time for students has gone up, especially with quarantine. For some, quarantine meant hours upon hours of phone time. But for others, quarantine was an opportunity for a social media cleanse.
not constantly putting myself in com“When I don’t have my phone, I feel parison to others. It was so much less more productive and can actually get stressful and talking about it makes my work done,” Elena Yanef, junior, me want to go on another social media said. “Before quarantine (social media cleanse.” usage) wasn’t bad Some stuat all. After quardents even antine, I find mystated that self using it all the they took a Some helpful ways to take a break time.” social media from your phone. Gradually stepbreak despite ping away from not believing your phone and phone ad- Change your phone screen to black taking periodic diction was a and white! Iphone and android! breaks can have major part of an enormous imtheir lives. pact on your dai“(Social me- This leave you with less of an urge ly life. The simple dia) wasn’t to open each app. act of phone usage taking up too can change from much of my easy going to overtime,” Khtab Consider limiting your time on each whelming in a split Ishtawi, soph- individual app. second, acc0rding omore, said. to Marley. “But it can be “Phone usage a nuisance and you need a break from is definitely addictive,” Marley said. that part of media.” “I don’t even want to know how many However, many students were al- hours of my life I have wasted scrollready facing difficulty when it came ing through my phone. I just know that to screen time prior to quarantine. when I’m old and reflecting back on There’s no doubt that a predicted two- my life, I’m going to regret how much week to a nearly year-long period of time I wasted on my phone. It’s defiisolation had some effect on phone nitely not worth it.” usage.
Rise of the Fake News WIth increased internet usage, students are more susceptible to fake news. There are many social media apps that continue to spread misinformation. illustration by anthony young
Tips & Tricks
Phone Grayscale
Minimize Notifications
Set Realistic Timers
Fact n Fake news is all around us and we are exposed to it more than we think n It can be difficult, but here’s how you can spot it: n Consider the source FactCheck.org or PolitiFact.com
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
infocus
9
In honor of Black History Month, Crier explores various aspects of Black culture atarah israel and alison lee
SNEAKER CULTURE Modern sneaker culture was made famous by black athletes, particularly basketball players. Resurfacing recently are Retro Air Jordons, which came out in 1985. source: SoleCollector
managing editor and copy editor
“
It’s unfair
to celebrate these things without acknowledging the Black people who had a hand in making it.” — Eddie J. Lewis
”
STREETWEAR Through a combination of influence from both hip hop artists and black athletes, track suits became a popular aspect of streetwear during the ‘80s and ‘90s. source: Bricks Magazine
junior
“
(It’s) when you are able to embrace our music, our fashion and other aspects of our culture, without being able to drop the prejudices and see us as your equal.”
— Johnathan Bryson-Harvey junior
Various black hair types
3c 4a 4c
Naturally voluminous with tight, densely packed curls.
This hair type is typically tightly coiled in springy coils.
This hair type is more fragile and has a tight zig-zag pattern.
HIP HOP Originating in the late ‘70s, and reaching new heights by the ‘80s, hip hop has become an intersection for various aspects of black culture. Numerous slang terms, hairstyles and fashion trends today can be traced to various artists throughout time, such as RUN-DMC’s influence over Black fashion. source: The Guardian
MUSIC
From curly to coily
FASHION HAIR
Cultural appropriation or appreciation?
NATURAL HAIR Though having origins as far back as the ancient world, natural hair today has received attention in popular culture through celebrity hairstyles and social media. In 2016, Beyoncé celebrated the dynamic nature of Black hair in the release of her visual album, “Lemonade.”
sources: Essence, History.com
photos by Max Lindenmayer
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
sidenote Cheer team fights against challenges With their competition season being cancelled, the cheer team attempts to stay positive with COVID-19 restrictions. “(COVID-19) has taught me to not take things for granted and to live life with no regrets,” Meagan Hudson, sophomore, said. “We have had to work together to make the best out of this season.” Making the best out of this season includes restrictions—practicing with masks and sanitizing every 20 minutes. Alterations were more rampant towards the beginning of the year, with mats and stunting being prohibited. “We have been preparing for the basketball games,” Coach Kristen Szafasz, cheer coach, said. “[The girls] do struggle at times to keep their spirits high, but I’m pleased with how well they are dealing with the changes and adapting.”
photo by madi green PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Practicing a quarter cheer Hannah Cockrum, junior, focus on perfecting the cheer.
Ready to run
Following the cancellation of their indoor season, the track team will be forced to wait until April before they are given the chance to compete. While Mr. Dillon Pierie, math teacher and coach for the girls’ team, has recently been brought on to fill the position, the longdistance runners still lack a coach. “With the amount of expected talent to come out to this team this year our goals are to become Conference and sectional champions and put up a good fight for regional champions as well,” Coach LaRence Crowder said. Even with bright expectations for the upcoming season, many runners are still anxious of what this year could bring. “My worst fear is that the season will be cancelled of course,” Michael Collins, junior, said. “Last year I was in the best physical shape of my life when Covid hit. I just don’t want the team’s hard work to go down the drain again.”
Munster partners with winged foot foundation
The Winged Foot Foundation , a non profit organization dedicated to school athletics across Chicago, has reached out to receive donations. It provides equipment and support to track teams, as well as motivational speeches and host family events. Students can show support by leaving running shoes or spikes in the athletics office, or alternatively visit their website http://www.wingedfootfoundation.org/ for further options. From their testimonials page is the thanks of Coach Travis Morris, Hammond High School’s Boys Track & Field Team. “Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to have shoes and spikes donated to our children on the Track and Field Team,” Coach Morris said. “The kids appreciated all the shoes and spikes. We already see that your organization truly is making dreams come true around the Chicagoland area.”
sports
10
Stepping up for State Hockey team talks short roster, Roper Cup and State Feb. 26 atarah israel
managing editor
Winning five to four at Westfield. Losing to Bishop Knoll. Tying five to five with one of the top five teams in the state. When considering memorable moments from their season, many Hockey team players recall various instances of victory and defeat. Whether adding to their current record of 10-10-1 or taking away, these moments of play had set the tone for the rest of the season, and team members are now hoping for the same results in the upcoming Roper Cup and State competitions, scheduled for Feb. 16 to 21 and Feb. 26 to 28 respectively. “One game changing event that happened this season was when we tied Crown Pointe 5-5,” Tyler Groen, senior, said. “It was a pretty big deal because at the time they were fourth in the State. We will be playing them in the Roper Cup so hopefully we can bring the same energy against them.” The team has been active in its preparation for the upcoming competitions. Puck movement, offense zones and power plays are all attack-heavy techniques the team has been focusing on—gaining points has been a priority. Hockey members have improved their offensive play in spite of the setback of a short roster this season. “It’s tough for us,” Otto Hoehl, junior, said. “We have to be in good condition because we play teams
photo by chris perez
GLIDING ON ICE At the Kube Sports Complex freshman, Joey Campagna, freshman, races for the puck in a scrimage game against the Spartans. with four lines of defense and offense, and we have two lines of defense and two to three lines of forwards. I think we’ve been really good at staying in games and giving it our full effort. If games are getting out of hand, we don’t quit, even with the short roster.” Players anticipate to endure an extensive test of endurance during the Roper Cup, a tournament in which they may face Lake Central and Crown Pointe. Additionally, the team anticipates facing Bishop Knoll for State. “I don’t know the seedings yet for State,” Ethan “EJ” Boersma, junior said. “But Bishop Knoll is a pretty hard team that I think is beatable. We’re pretty neck and neck with Bishop Knoll, but
every time we play them we get in our own heads. I want to be Bishop Knoll, especially because we share the home ice with them.” Despite the looming threat of larger teams, Hockey has managed to earn an impressive record thus far in the season. Hailing an array of impressive wins this season, the team hopes to create even more during their February games. “When we play the bigger teams we have to step it up, and we do a lot of the time,” Hoehl said. “We have to play our best. There’s not much room for error or mistakes, because it’s hard to get it back when you only have 15 kids playing in the game.”
Toughing It Out Wrestling season comes to an end at Semi-state alexis perez
design editor
The Wrestling team has won more duals this year than the year before. However, after Semi-state this past weekend, the team ended their season. “Our team has been getting better every single practice,” Lex Borrero, sophomore, said. Regionals were Feb. 6 at Hobart High School. The four who went were Chris Bohn, freshman, Gabriel Tienstra, junior, Daniel Kooi, senior, and Lukas Tsirtsis, freshman. Their scores at Regionals qualified them for Semi-state. “I feel like Semi-State is going to be tough competition and I’m just excited to make it this far. I’m going to be practicing hard and keeping my conditioning up to prepare for Semi-state,” Kooi said. While they won’t be going to State, the wrestlers still found positive things about their season. “I think I did really good this
photo by anthony young
MAT TO SEMI-STATE At Hobart High School Munster wrestler, junior Gabe Tienstra faces opponent for spot in semi-state tournament “I have trained this whole season for this moment i have faced this opponent twice before and I’m confident in my moves but I always have to stay assertive and tactical ” Tienstra said. season individually and I improved a lot since last year,” Tienstra said. COVID-19 meant the season looked a lot different. Wrestlers keep their masks on unless doing drills or wrestling, as well as social distancing when they are not wrestling. For safety purposes, they make sure to sanitize before they start to wrestle. “I believe we made the best out of a crappy situation,” Adam Muntean, freshman, said. “Some of our early meets got canceled because of covid but overall it was a fun season and we worked really
hard.” With their season ending teammates still have an upbeat attitude until the end. “Our team was much better this year, we placed 2 in sectionals and won more duels than last year.” Finnian Meyer, sophomore said. Since some of their teammates helped them continue and develop throughout the season. “My team has grown so much together and become so much greater each year,” Tienstra said.
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021
sports
11
Motivation maintance column by cali petersen
photo by bailee dejarlais STRIVING FOR THE STREAK At swim practice Jordan Spilde, sophomore, prepares for the upcoming sectional and state meet practicing the butterfly stroke. The boys team has high hopes to keep their thirty five going on thirty six year streak at sectionals.
Swimming to success Boys’ Swim compete at Sectionals tomorrow Girls’ Swim finished their season at State last week alison lee
copy editor
Despite COVID-19, Boys’ and Girls’ Swim have been able to have a season, and are nearing the completion of it. Girls’ Swim have completed their season with second place at Sectionals and individual wins at State. Boys’ Swim completed preliminaries for Sectionals yesterday, and have finals tomorrow at Munster. “A lot of the guys on the team have been out for two weeks because they might have had a scare or actually had the virus,” Mikey Dempsey, captain and senior, said. “That really sucks because with swimming you need to go every day twice a day, or else you won’t have the endurance to race your best. So if you’re out, you have to do whatever you can while you’re at home to stay in shape. That’s really difficult because in the winter not everyone can go to a pool or have the equipment they need.” COVID-19 has not only impacted
Boys’ and Girls’ Swim physically, but that was really huge for our team,” mentally. With COVID-19, both teams Karl Larson, captain and senior, are more isolated. They can’t be close said. “We haven’t gotten anything to each other in practice or meets, they like that in ten years. So it’s really can’t have their parents’ or friends’ sup- great that we have that background, port or do their so that we team cheer beknow that we fore each meet. can do well at How to qualify for State “We’re all trying Sectionals and to have a positive get down to Place top eight at Sectionals State and have mindset and just swim as best as some good you can, especialperformancSwim the A final ly since we have es.” this season while After tothe sports can morrow, it Win the A final heat happen,” Priscilwill be the end of the Boys’ la Zavala, captain Swim season. and junior, said. Qualify by getting a certain “We’ve been push“I’m just so or equal time to get to State. ing through.” thankful we Now, as Boys’ had a season Source: Anna Evilsizor, sophomore Swim is anticthis year I ipating the final really didn’t stage of Sectionals, they also look forward think we were gonna have one at all, to State. but in a really great season,” Mikey “Last year we were runner up at State; said.
Road to Success
1 2 3 4
Playing six feet apart Coaches and players discuss the season during COVID-19 janai munoz page editor
photo by madi green AIMING HIGH Shooting over Lowell basketball’s players, John Johnson, senior, Luka Balac, senior, scores a basket. With the end of their season approaching, the basketball team has high hopes. “Our goal is to be playing well while going into the sectional and hopefully win that as well,” Balac said.
This year of Boys’ and Girls’ basketball has been like none other, with games getting canceled left and right, the risk of catching covid, not to mention barely any audience at games. “Having no audience at the games just feels weird,” Keith Kaszycki, senior, said. “It doesn’t necessarily make me less motivated, but it’s hard playing in an empty gym. We just have to create our own energy during the games.”
Many athletes gain motivation by support from the community expecting to hear the crowd roar and cheer and to see the red and white sea of family, friends and faculty. One of the many perks to being a part of one of Munster Athletics’ programs is having the support of family members and students. However, this year due to covid, spectators at athletic events are restricted to two family members of an athlete on the roster and no siblings or students. As a dancer that performs at halftime, I can personally say that performing for my parents sometimes is not enough to keep me motivated. Seeing my parents in the crowd comforts me but seeing my friends in the crowd makes me feel supported. Last year was my first time having the privilege of being a varsity member which had many excitements. I looked forward to performing under late-night football lights and at overcrowded basketball games. The main reason I was excited about these athletic events was to perform in front of the students. Hearing the student section chant for us feels very supportive and makes our team feel appreciated. I believe that all student-athletes can agree that hearing support from their peers contributes to motivation. Not to sound cliché, but dressing up and having a student section plays a key role in the overall high school experience. Athletes can feel unmotivated by the uncertainty of games and who will be able to watch them for the sake of their health and the rest of their families. Munster Athletics has given each sport the opportunity for spectators which is something no athlete should take for granted. I do believe that athletes are grateful for what they have considering this years’ situation, but I do not think that they feel as motivated as they would in previous years.
Though boys’ basketball is ling game after game. In the first week still moving forward, the same isn’t of March the boys plan to take on sectrue for the girls’ team. Due to one of tionals “I was really proud of how the girls the girls on the team catching Covid, their season has now been canceled. progressed throughout the season. It “With all of the Covid shut downs, is really a shame that our seniors did not get the opportunity to especially the curdefend our sectional tirent one that took us NCC Boys’ tle from last season. I felt out of the sectional Conference like we had a really good tournament, I felt Records of other teams chance to repeat as seclike it was a strug- in Munster’s conference tional champs,” Coach Dagle all year long to Andrean: 12-3 vidson, said. “It was diffiget any continuity,” cult having to tell the team Coach Jim David- Highland: 9-10 yesterday that we were beson, PLTW teach- Hobart: 3-10 er, said. “The girls Kankakee Valley: 7-11 ing quarantined and would not be able to continue in worked hard the last Lowell: 10-7 the tournament.” month of the season Munster: 13-5 The Boys’ basketball after our first shutdown and were really beginning to team plays tonight at Andrean high play some good basketball winning school. While the season is still ongo6 of our last 8 games and the first ing, there are many stressors. game in the sectional. We finished “Some barriers are making 10-10 overall, but played a more dif- sure our team is all on the same ficult schedule than in past years.” page, staying healthy as a team, The boys’ basketball team is con- and beating tough competition” tinuing on with their season, tack-
Kaszycki said.
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student life
munster high school crier — feb. 19, 2021 FEELING PEPPY Yelling and clapping in anticipation, the senior crowd celebrates last school year’s Turnabout pep rally Feb. 21. This year’s Turnabout is anticipated to be much different from that of the 2019-2020 school year, due to COVID-19 precautions. “I understand that this year has been frustrating for sure,” Ms. Kristen Szafasz, CEC sponsor for both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year, said. “I hope everyone just makes the best of it.”
BACKTALK If you could create any national holiday, what would it be?
“National Equality Day.”
“National Free Ice Cream Day.”
—Grace Newman freshman
—Alexis Schmidt freshman
“For sure National Get Rid of your Sister Day.”
“I would create a post Super Bowl holiday so there could be a day off after the Super Bowl.
Photo by Lauren Morris
atarah israel and alexis perez
managing editor and design editor
Can I have this dance?
Wittkamp, senior, said. “I was online the first quarter so I missed Homecoming, which really sucked. Senior spirit week is one I’ve been looking forward to since before I was in high school. This has been years in the making, and I sat at home for it. But, at the end of the day, I have to be grateful for what I have and what I’ve been given. I’m healthy, and I haven’t had covid.” Similar to Homecoming, the second dance of this school year will also lack a physical gathering, but will remain to have a voted king’s court and a student awareness week. CEC is also collaborating Pep rallies. Spirit weeks. with Film Club to film a The palpable buzz the virtual pep session. Friday before. For students “The whole school is now, the current age of split in half—eLearners social distancing, schedule Awareness days and corresponding and in school people— adjustments and general colors for Turnabout week and big crowds are a big uncertainty is worlds no-no,” Francis Hovland, away from what was once Monday: Mental health (Green) senior and co-founder of considered a traditional high Film club, said. “So, it’s school experience. In the Tuesday: Suicide Prevention (Or ange) good that we can try to midst of this world of change have a little spirit even if stands yet another reminder Wednesday: Sexual Assualt (Blue) it is not the same.” of the limbo COVID-19 has Adapting to the placed many in—the lack of innumerable amount of Thursday: Suicide Prevention (White) school dances. changes that have taken With Turnabout cancelled place in order to prepare for this school year, students Friday: Suicide Prevention (Black) for events has not been are both disappointed for the easy, but the alternative loss, yet understanding of the would have been much prevalent circumstances. less feasible, according to Ms. Kristen Szafasz, social “I feel like we’re missing a lot of the traditions,” Andrew studies teacher and CEC sponsor. “For someone who chaperones a lot of dances, and who puts on a lot of the dances in the school, it would have been very stressful to figure out how to safely have a dance,” Ms. Szafasz said. For students now, all that remains is the question of Prom. Especially for seniors, the prospect of not having a Prom after last year’s cancellation would be a especially impactful. Discussions concerning Prom have begun, but nothing has been finalized. “As a senior it is really sad that we’re missing out on so much, but I think that everyone’s really trying to make it as special as possible,” Shriya Iyer, senior and student body president, said.
Students react to second dance cancellation of the school year
Spreading awareness
RECORDING HISTORY Surveying the scene, Francis Hovland, senior, directs the filming for the anticipated Turnabout pep rally video. Film Club plans to release the video the last full week of February, according to Francis.
—Sarah Pruzin sophomore
“National No Homework Day.” —Lindsey Reda junior
“National Matthew Mcconaughey Day—a day off where everyone watches the movies he’s in.” —Emma Phillips senior
“National Read your Friend’s Mind day.”
Despite Turnabout’s cancellation, king nomination voting is confirmed to take place. The Turnabout pep —Ms. Brook Lemon rally video is set to be released late February. english teacher
—Aidan Torabi sophomore
“National Nap Day.” -Alexis Lepir junior
“National Pasta Day—I like pasta.”
—Ethan Castillo senior
“National No Ketchup Day.”
-Mr. Keith Koszut science teacher