MHS Crier | Issue 10 | 5.12.23

munster high school

8808 columbia ave. munster, indiana 46321

http://mhsnews.net

A look back at senior year

SHOWING THEIR PRIDE

Representing Black Culture Club at the Homecoming Parade, seniors Kourtney Veals, Tyra Wheaton, Tyler Harvey, and Lauren Robinson hold up ‘Black Lives Matter’ flags. This year’s homecoming parade featured cars from different clubs, such as the Munster Theatre Company and Bowling Club. “Representing BCC was a very important thing for me to do,” Kourtney said. “It made me very happy that we were able to represent our club, especially as minorities at the school, and it made me feel like Munster finally recognized the diversity that they have.” (photo by gia cvitkovich)

Seniors reflect on their four years of high school

Homecoming parade

WORKIN’ OUT

Posing for another photo on 80s’ workout day, seniors Kayley Moore, Kamila Navarro, Mia Buono and Brooke Vivian pretend to workout. This year’s 80s’ workout day was held in the fieldhouse, as opposed to last year on the football field. “The best part about 80s’ workout day was defniitely starting a mosh pit in the middle of the hall, during passing period,” Kamila said.” (photo by shahd odtallah)

STORM THE

COURT

Throwing his hands up in excitement, Sonny Hoekstra, senior, moves to celebrate with his teammate after winning the Toy-Drive Volleyball Tournament. After his win, the student body ran to him, storming the court.

by josephine mittelberger)

30 22 musical chairs

TAKING THE

SEAT Rushing to get to the chair, Sarah Espirtu, senior, fights for one of the musical chairs at the Homecoming Pep Rally. Sarah claimed her spot and made it to the last round of musical chairs.

A QUEEN’S CROWNING Shouting with the rest of the court, Rachel Speckhard, senior, is crowned Prom Queen. This year’s Prom King was Adedayo Adeoye, senior.

(photo by josephine mittelberg-

(photo

HUDDLE UP Seniors Cooper Watts, Alec Castillo, AJ Prieboy, and Aidan Torabi give announcements at the homecoming pep rally. (photo by zuzu smith)

(photo by gia cvitkovich)

Change to look out for

A look into various changes planned for next school year

lauren hoogeveen & seamus keegan

story editor & page editor

Construction starts soon

The classroom renovations that took place last summer will continue over this summer and the next fall. Many teachers in the north will need to completely pack up their room by the end of May 25, the last day of school, as construction workers will be starting that afternoon. These classrooms are planned to be complete by August 1.

Also by that day, the second set of classrooms will begin construction, which is planned to be complete by Thanksgiving. These teachers will have to teach classes in the media center or in empty classrooms until their classrooms are finished.

The classrooms will get new flooring, HVAC, lights with dimmers, cabinets, furniture and paint. Along with the classrooms, the labs will also be renovated with movable counters, allowing a flexible layout. The sinks and gas will be in the permanent counters lining the walls of the room.

The construction dates of the rest of north are to be determined. Over the summer, the lights in the baseball and football fields will also be replaced.

The first round of classrooms are:

• N148, N150, N177, N179, N180, N184, N186, N187, N188, N189

The first second round of classrooms are:

• N142 (biology lab), N144, N170, N172, N173, N174, and N178

Canvas replaces Blackboard

Instead of continuing to use Blackboard for class agendas, announcements and assignments next year, Munster schools will begin to use Canvas.

• The new website for classes will be http://munster.instructure.com

Referendum passes

The Munster education referendum discussed in Crier’s previous issue passed with a 72% vote on May 2. This will hopefully allow for continued improvements in both Munster’s education quality and facilities.

• “Our community is fantastic,” Mr. Bret Heller, superintendent, said to the NWI Times. “They all understand very clearly that the ability for our school district to be very good and its reputation is not only good for our kids, but it also continues to improve the value of our homes in this community.”

Pre-AP class to begin

A major change to next year’s curriculum will be the replacement of honors classes, and the introduction of Pre-AP classes. Pre-AP classes are designed make it easier for students to transition into AP classes.

• Where students had to qualify for honors classes, Pre-AP classes will be eligible for all students.

Schedule changes to block

Starting next school year, MHS will implement a block and 7-period hybrid schedule. Although the schedule has not yet been finalized, the proposed schedule consists of Wednesday and Thursday as block schedule, and Monday, Tuesday and Friday as a traditional 7-period schedule.

 BOXED AWAY Looking over a

New Student Government President & Vice President elected

For next school year, Kiki Petrovic, junior, has been elected president of Student Government alongside George Dovellos, junior, who will be vice president. They hope to:

• Host another charity tournament in addition to the winter volleyball tournament.

of

• “We had great results from the volleyball tournament and ended up donating around $2,000 worth of goods, and I want to see that again,” Kiki said. “Not only is the event fun for the students, but it allows MHS to use its resources to make a difference in the world.”

• Organize Powder Puff football, which is when junior and senior girls play a flag football game against each other. This would most likely take place next fall and include practices and a game.

• “I was really excited and proud that the student body believed in Kiki and I to really make a difference at MHS,” George said. “It was really cool to see we had a lasting impression on our peers.”

• Implement other ideas, such as fixing the water fountains, club representation, student involvement in the morning announcements, student-voted staff of the month awards, Valentine’s Day candy telegrams and quarterly treat days.

The sound of Munster

Choir prepares to perform in Austria this June

lauren hoogeveen story editor

After a little over a year of fundraising and practicing, the MHS Choral Department looks forward to traveling to Austria from June 27 to July 4 to perform at the 2023 Salzburg Choral Festival. In addition to performing classical works, they have a new choral work by American composer Zac Flasch specially composed for the group, which debuted at their May 10 concert and will be performed at the European premiere in a standalone concert in Vienna, Austria July 3.

“It has felt great knowing that we are feeling more prepared and confident as the date approaches,” Ini Edet, junior, said. “Seeing where we started at the beginning of the year and the progress that we have made has made our choir grow closer.”

Along with their performances, members will be able to spend some of the week-long trip exploring Austria, including visiting The Sound of Music’s filming locations, a cable car ride up the mountains, and guided tours of fa-

mous locations in both Vienna and Salzburg. With the end of school comes the end of inclass and after school rehearsals, so the four week gap between school ending and the trip is what worries Mr. Luke McGinnis, choir director, most about the trip. Since he spent time traveling abroad to perform and explore with choirs he was a part of in college, Mr. McGinnis views the trip as passing down the same opportunities to his students.

“That is what was probably most formative for me as a person, not only as a musician, experiencing other cultures that go into Europe,” Mr. McGinnis said. “What I’m most excited for is watching everyone’s experience and thinking, wow, I’m passing along what my teachers gave me, like I gave that opportunity to other people. They’ll never forget this, even if they never sing another note in their life, this will undoubtedly be one of the most formative music experiences of their life. Just to think that the composer sat there, wrote parts out by hand in that space and then being able to take that music there.”

corrections

In Issue 9 of Crier, on page 5, the spring musical is The Spongebob Musical. On page 6, L. Cruz had AP Psychology eighth period. On page 11, in Mr. Ben Boruff’s photo, it should say “738,000 minutes teaching.” Crier regrets these errors.

 IN THE LIMELIGHT Practicing for their concert May 10, Sophia Flores, freshman, Mia Slocum, sophomore, Adrita Bhattacharya, freshman and Charisse Hagerman, sophomore, sing on the stage at a rehearsal May 9. They worked with Zac Flasch, who is the composer of one of the songs they sung at their concert and will sing in Vienna. (photo by connor mcdonald)

 SPRING CLEANING Reaching up to grab a bottle in the chemistry lab’s storage room, Mrs. Dawn Vidt, science teacher, works on clearing out all chemicals and glassware in preparation for the construction next school year. Although this lab will not be remodeled until after the second round of classrooms, the science department wanted to clean storage early. (photo by lita cleary)

stack

books, Mr. Jordan Mayer, English teacher, packs up the items in his cabinets. N151, his classroom, is planned to be in the first round of classes, but his classroom is one that is still undetermined. (photo by ethan pischner)

President Kiki Petrovic

Vice President George Dovellos photo by ethan pischner

staff opinion

A shift in club culture

When the class of 2023 first filed into the school in 2019, there was no shortage of clubs; there was, also, no shortage of enthusiasm. Each extracurricular had something unique to offer, and we were excited to explore each individual world.

Whether it was Science Olympiad or Speech and Debate, every club was actively involved in the school, and its leaders seemed so far beyond us.

engagement (the class of 2023’s NHS total being half than years’ prior).

our take

Students do not need to join an abundance of clubs for an application

We were, also, the first class to have the 8-point graduation box requirement—but as freshmen, that was not the sole motive for joining.

Now, though, it seems like every student in the building has several clubs under their roster—that, or clubs seem to lack both participation and

Dream on

Every year, students still have the opportunity—more than that, there is almost a hard push for students to try and join as many clubs as possible. Though we could attribute a portion of that to the box requirement, in actuality, a large portion comes from the pressure of college applications, as though if we do not add just one more club, our efforts are futile.

Yet, for all the clubs our school has to offer, and for all the extracurriculars that we join, there are so many that students have no idea exist. How many students were aware that we have a Middle Eastern Culture Club? Or,

competition to get into Ivy League schools and how stupidly expensive they were.

how many clubs have slowly dwindled away over time due to a lack of true, authentic engagement?

When students join so many clubs, solely for the sake of joining them, it almost defeats the purpose of the requirement in the first place. Whether it is directly related to college apps, or if the pandemic has created yet another level of apathy, there has been a shift in almost the culture of joining clubs itself. The requirement itself is not futile, but the issue lies in where students are motivated to join.

No longer are students joining primarily out of interest or work ethic, but for the sake of a college application, or to passively take in information. And, as a result, the quality of the clubs, and the community they provide, diminishes.

each rejection was another reason to give up. I lost hope and just caved into going to PNW.

column by column by

Ever since I can remember, I’ve held personal freedoms in high regard. When I was young, living nestled in the tall pines and rolling hills of small town New Hampshire, I enjoyed running around our yard and the woods surrounding our house. When I lived in the heart of uptown Manhattan in New York City, I begged my parents to let me and my brother walk up to the park by our apartment without supervision.

This appreciation for the freedoms granted to citizens of the United States is one I still appreciate every day. Recently however, these rights have been violated, controlled and diminished in Indiana and the US. On April 5, Indiana Rep. Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law banning all gender affirming care for minors. On May 4, Holcomb signed into law House Bill 1608, prohibiting teachers from teaching sexuality to children Pre-K through 3rd grade, and also requires schools to notify parents if children request to change their preferred name. For children who aren’t accepted for who they are at home, this bill could be extremely damaging. The right to pursue happiness should include the right to gender affirming care, and by denying the care transgender children need, you’re denying their happiness. Banning the teaching of sexuality and forcing schools to notify parents of name changes won’t stop those children from discovering who they are. These requirements will only serve to increase instances of bullying, harassment and self harm.

“Our freedoms and rights to gender affirming care, abortions, and even education, have been violated.”

josephine mittelberger

When I was in fourth grade, I had big dreams: I planned on going to MIT and studying computer engineering. My parents were not exactly supportive—they told me of the impossible

From that point on, my big dreams grew smaller. Maybe I was not cut out for computer engineering—not that I knew much about it—I just felt dumber. Maybe I could go out of state, but at a smaller, less competitive school. Maybe I should be more realistic in my hopes. But for the most part, I kept the naive hope that I would not go to Purdue Northwest: I wanted to explore and learn to be independent.

Yet, as senior year creeped closer, my parents’ insistence grew stronger. Without serious scholarships, PNW would be the only logical choice financially. I threw myself into scholarships, and

Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321 or at (219) 836-3200, ext. 3443. Crier is published through the Advanced Student Media: Newspaper classes and extra-curricular involvement. Crier’s official website is mhsnews.net.

•The newspaper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for the school and community. •Published material will stress objective reporting except on the opinion page. 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. All content is decided and produced solely by Crier staff.

•Letters to the editor and reader suggestions are welcomed.

I felt such intense, biting jealousy for people who could blatantly complain about not getting into colleges that they were able to apply early decision: schools that could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars per semester. It felt so demeaning, and anxiety would build in my chest as I anticipated the question of what college I would go to, and the belittling response that awaited me.

Even features like the college map are tailored for the students at Munster who want to brag about what money they can blow on an expensive name, creating more scrutiny for those who can’t venture as far.

All letters must be signed and should be emailed to the editor (reenaalsakaji@gmail.com). Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors.

•Anonymous sources will be used if and only if the content matter is of high importance and if identification could bring any possible harm towards the individual or others.

our staff

Editor-in-Chief Reena Alsakaji

Design Chief Josephine Mittelberger

Story Editor Lauren Hoogeveen

One of the fundamental arguments for a small government is that it allows the people to do what they please without the interference of others. If you don’t agree with the way someone lives their life, you have every right to not participate in that way of life. What you don’t have the right to do is force your own religious, spiritual and political views on those you don’t agree with. If you don’t agree with gay marriage, don’t marry someone of your own sex. If you don’t agree with abortion, don’t get an abortion. But don’t tell others what they can’t and can do.

Aristotle once said, “A friend to all is a friend to none.” Don’t stay quiet because you want to appease family and friends. These issues don’t affect me directly, but I can see how they affect those around me and I have empathy. I won’t stand idly by while fundamental American values are contradicted and revoked from those I care about, and you shouldn’t either.

Photography Trainer Marianna Young

Page Editors Seamus Keegan, Dorothy Lakshmanamurthy, Emily Dywan

Photographers Zoe Clark, Ethan Pischner, Marianna Young, Connor McDonald, Josephine Zangrilli, Lexi Villalobos

Business Manager Josephine Mittelberger

Cartoonist Damien Salahieh

Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

illustration by damien salahieh

Sweet summer stories

Crier staffers review popular books set during summer vacation

“Every Summer After” by Carly Fortune

seamus keegan page editor

For six summers, Persephone Fraser spent every available moment with Sam Florek. Until, it all fell apart in a spectacularly written and unexpected way. Now, instead of spending her summers in the captivating and nostalgically described lake-side Barry’s Bay, she spends her time in a stylish Toronto apartment alone. When she gets a sudden call from Sam’s brother that sends her back to Barry’s Bay, Percy is forced to reckon with her past mistakes and discover if the love she and Sam share are bigger than their mistakes.

“People We Meet On Vacation” by Emily Henry

If you’re in need of a classic friends-tolovers trope novel with a tropical twist to pack in your beach bag this season, Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation” is a definite must-read for any hopeless romantic.

Join Poppy, a wild-child who thrives off of the thrill of adventure, and her introverted counterpart Sam on their vacations around the world. The two rekindle after a disastrous fall-out years prior and set out on another summer vacation, in attempts to fix their friendship.

As they travel to new destinations, Pop-

py and Sam revisit their old feelings for one another and find themselves facing the awkward trials and tribulations of a modern love. Between their hilarious banters and occasional cringe-worthy mishaps, the two have an incredible duality that’ll have you rooting for them until the end.

Between Alex and Poppy’s undeniable chemistry, this novel has a unique alternating perspective that really calls for a deep insight between both characters and the reasons for their fallout. This novel is the perfect summer blend of romance, comedy and drama that can take you to a tropical getaway in the comfort of your own home.

Thursday Friday

Billie Eilish is known for her mysterious and eerie music, and “Lovely”, her most popular song, does not encapsulate that. I prefer “My Future” and “Strange Addiction” because they highlight her melodic voice. Karol G’s top Spotify song, “TQG”, had a constant beat that is catchy at first, but gets annoying and repetitive. After listening to her discography I came to the conclusion this is still her best.

Every Summer After is told between the summers of Percy’s childhood and the weekend she spends back in Barry’s Bay. The two perspectives give the reader the freedom to create their own plot lines in their head, always leaving an air of mystery until it’s time for the big reveal. This style is one I enjoyed a lot, and I think complements the story very well. It’s an intricate novel that explores the world of teenage romance, and adult reconciliation. I do wish the story focused more on the time they spent just being teenagers, as it can be a bit heavy on the romance at times. If you’re looking for a steamy summer read that also makes you think, this is definitely the choice for you.

We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart

The past sixteen years Cadence Sinclair spent her summer at her family’s private island off of Cape Cod. After a year of confusion and medical issues, Cadence is battling with the fact that she can’t remember what happened the summer before.

Ghosted by her cousins and friend, Cadence makes it her mission to figure out what exactly happened on the island that left her with unan swered questions.

As a reader I found it impossible not to connect with the characters despite the obvious flaws shown. Gat, a close family friend of the Sinclair’s is East Asian and finds it hard to fit in

with the wealthy and unawarely selfish family. The theme “we don’t have problems, so we should make some” is prominent throughout the novel. E. Lockhart did a wonderful job pacing the aggravating, but smooth story.

Although the idea that Cadence is still searching for her memories of last summer is introduced in the beginning, it can be quickly forgotten if you aren’t a type to binge read. I felt confused when the plot twist arose because the other components drowned out the main question: what happened that summer? Besides the overloaded plot, the book was refreshing.

Crier staffers review Lollapalooza headliner’s most played tracks and recommend other songs

Saturday

I recommend “N95” from Kendrick’s new album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’’. “N95” is the perfect song to get you pumped up for Kendrick’s performance at Lolla. I’ll admit, “About you” deserves the #1 spot on Spotify considering it is the only song in The 1975’s discography I enjoyed listening to all the way through.

I do recommend “Heart Out” because of its catchy beat.

Sunday

“Sun Models” is ODESZA’s most popular song by number of listens. I don’t see the appeal in any of their music but “Boy” is relaxing. Tomorrow X Together’s most popular song is “Blue Hour” which I believe is their best song. It is perfectly rated on Spotify with a number one spot.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers #1 song on Spotify is “Californication” and it is highly deserved. I would recommend “Poster Child” for fans or others trying to get into their music. “Summertime Sadness” is a classic Lana Del Rey song, being #1 on Spotify. I recommend her song “Dealer”, as her rich vocals and strong lyrics pull you in. Her music makes you feel all the emotions.

josephine zangrilli photographer

marianna young photography trainer

Kendrick Lamar & The 1975

Billie Eilish & Karol G Lana Del Rey & Red Hot Chili Peppers

lakshmanamurthy page editor

ODESZA & Tomorrow X Together

photo illustrations by josephine zangrilli

illustrations by josephine zangrilli

senior / front

‘Hey, remember that time when...’

FRESHMAN year

Freshman homecoming. Our first dance. Battle of the Bands. The pandemic begins.

Entering through the front doors, the class of 2023 began the next chapter of their lives for the next four years. The year looked optimistic; the freshman experienced their first dance at homecoming and blended in with the crowds of the sport’s student sections. Tatum Hernandez, senior, reflects on her first year participating in 2020 Battle of the Bands in February. The picture to the right features Tatum singing and playing guitar. “Our last cover we played at Battle was ‘Hey Ho’ by the Lumineers and we ended up getting the crowd to sing along for a bit,” Tatum Hernandez, senior, said. “It was the most amazing experience.”

FIRST DANCE: HOMECOMING

battle of the bands

3.13.2020: Sent home due to covid

Strobing lights. Heels clicking on the wood of the gymnasium floor. Classic homecoming songs like “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus and “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid blast full volume. The picture to the left features the new wave of freshman’s first and last dance experience up until their junior year.

Sophomore year

Itchy Masks. Plastic foldables. Six feet apart. No homecoming, no turnabout.

Volleyball state game

As schools open their doors back up to the public, students adapt to the new safety measures as they return to the classroom during the pandemic’s peak. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the 2020-2021 varsity season volleyball team made it all the way to second place in state.

Lauren Wallace, senior, was a sophomore at the time she was on the team. She still recalls it to be the best season she’s had her whole volleyball career. The picture to the left features Lauren and her teammates celebrating a point.

“Sophomore year volleyball season was such a fever dream,” she said. “I just remember walking into the arena at hall state and feeling like we had finally accomplished our goals. That feeling really stuck with me.”

JUNIOR year

An outdoor homecoming. Student sections re-opened. Another virtual pep rally. Although things started to look brighter for the new school year and mask mandations were slowly beginning to get lifted, there were still lasting impressions of the pandemic’s damage that continued to affect our day-to-day lives.

Seas of students crowding into the bleachers during the homecoming pep rally turned into a live-stream from the safety of the classrooms. Homecoming was held outside for its first time for safety precautions.

Junior year introduced a new student effort to return school-life to normal. The picture to the right features stands starting to fill back up with the familiar lively crowds of Munster’s student section at a varsity basketball game.

Last DANCE: Prom

Senior year

An in-person pep rally. Senior prom. Back to normal.

After two long years of enduring the trials of the pandemic, senior year finally offered an opportunity of what could be a normal year. Surfing through three different decades worth of acid-washed jeans or scrunchies, the 2023 school year finally calls for the senior class to fetch their neon spandex and strap on their itchy headbands for this year’s 80’s workout. This year’s spirit week goes to show that despite all the challenges the senior class endured their last three years through the pandemic, everlasting traditions will continue to prevail.

Along with this, the senior class held their final dance at the Serbian Social Center for their 2023 prom. This was the upper class’ first experience having a junior and senior dance.

Graduation on June 4. Now, you look into the future, where you’ll be turning your tassel and moving onto the next chapter of your life in only 24 days. What’s next?

Seniors reflect on key moments during each of their four years at MHS, from 2019-2023

PUMP UP THE JAM

During 80’s workout day, Emily Lyza gets on Lauren Kuechenberg’s shoulders.

WALKING THE RED CARPET

At senior prom, Joey Higgason escorts Akaoma Odeluga down an open aisle (photo by josephine mittelberger)

YAS QUEEN At football’s homecoming night, Meagan Hudson congratulates homecoming queen Gracie Kisala (photo by lita cleary).

Seniors share their future plans after high school graduation Shoot for the stars

Alabama

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa

Dylan Devenny-Sports Management

Tyra Wheaton-Psychology

Arizona

Arizona State University

Phoenix

Estella Ozment-Integrative Health

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix

Tyler Harvey-Communications

California

University of California-

Berkeley

Berkeley

Reena Alsakaji-Neuroscience and Political Science

Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers

Jilli Childs-Pre-Nursing

Florida Southern College

Lakeland

Casey McNulty-Multimedia Journalism and Sports Communication

Florida State University

Tallahassee

Will Feeney-Biotechnology

University of Florida

Gainesville

Luke Ladd-Microbiology

Universal Technical Institute

Orlando

Ah’Nyla Rudd-Larkin-Automotive and Nascar

Illinois

Augustuna College

Rock Island

Meg Westland-Marketing

DePaul University

Chicago

Jasrah Ali-Psychology

Samuel Sanchez-Philosophy

Elmhurst University

Chicago

Alec Castillo-Cybersecurity

Loyola University

Chicago

Sergio Barbosa-Biomedical Engineering

Autumn Koszegi-Biochemistry and Biology

Shreya Patel-Psychology

Alicia Watson-Biology

Roosevelt University

Chicago

Eduardo Hernandez-Business Administration

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago

Steve Mavrak-Architecture

University of St. Francis

Joliet

Casey Knor-Computer Science

Indiana

Ball State University

Muncie

Anna Evilsizor-Communications

Jocelyn Lemus-Biology

Makena Mendoza-Nursing

Butler University

Indianapolis

Thomas Weakland-International Business

DePauw University

Greencastle

Tanner Van Ermen-Economics

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington

Madison Beetson-Biochemistry

Anthony Bellahcen-Computer Science

Teresa Burzynski-Business Management

Leena Campagna-Political Science

Andrew Cipowski-Finance

Indiana University Northwest

Gary

Nathan Ault-Business

Mina Mahmood-Neuroscience

Thanh Nguyen-Dental

Monika Swiatko-Elementary Education

IUPUI

Indianapolis

Aleeza Evans-Pre-Public Health Dental Hygiene

Olivia Evilsizor-Psychology and Spanish

Khtab Ishtawi-Nursing

Jerica Torres-Criminal Justice

Ivy Tech Community College

Crown Point

Julie Alvarez-Elementary Education

Giselle Edwards-Medical Sonography

East Chicago

Devin Downs-IT Tech

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond

Julianna Dodge-International Studies

Katherine Eisha-Criminal Law Corey Dennis-Biochemistry

Hiba Fatima-Political Science

Aaryh Gandhi-Biochemistry

Alexis Goddard-Nursing

Nicholas Hanas-Computer Science

Eileen Harkenrider-Psychology

Sonny Hoekstra-Environmental Science

Abhiram Kandregula-Human Biology

Mady Kindy-Finance

Gracie Kisala-Elementary Education

Anagha Kodukula-Management B.S.B. and Neuroscience

Kayley Moore-Interior Design

Isidora Pavlic-Law and Public Policy

Alicia Powell-Exploratory

Sara Progler-Kinesiology

Clare Regan-Economics and Mathematics Costa Tsakopoulos-Sports Marketing

Ryan Tully-Finance

Brooke Vivian-Nursing

Cooper Watts-Community Health

David Wodynski-Human Biology

Ana Vujadinovic-English Literature

Danish Akbar-Computer Engineering

Brandon Burgess-Computer Science

Martin Caravateanu-Computer Engineering

Michael Casner-Visual Communications

Savannah Chansiri-Marketing

Lita Cleary-Broadcasting/Advertising

L. Cruz-Biological Health Sciences

Isis Franklin-Biological Health Science

Katherine Kooy-Medical Laboratory Science

Jo-han Martinez-Finance

Lily Mason-Mechanical Engineering

Tyler Melgoza-Civil Engineering

Josephine Mittelberger-Nursing

Bayan Musleh-Business and Finance

Natalia Najera-Nursing

Madelynn Nygaard-Psychology

Elisha Rosinski-Information Technology

Daniel Sroka-Marketing

Haneen Srour-Finance and Accounting

Jenna Strbiak-Behavioral Sciences

Xander Panos-Accounting

Brianna Vale-Nursing

Mapping out the future The graduates

senior / college map

Trine University

Joslynn Rushdan-Biomedical Engineering

University of Evansville

Evansville

Sincere Meyer-Criminal Justice

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso

Nicholas Badali-Exercise Science

Madeline Ruiz-Exercise Science

Anna Szafasz-Psychology

Oregon

Oregon State University

Corvallis

Julia Gajewski-Environmental Science

Missouri

Lindenwood University

St. Charles

Evi Allerding-Pre Physical Therapy and Exercise Science

Purdue University West

Lafayette

West Lafayette

Ayush Arora-Biomedical Engineering

Thomas Ashcraft-Computer Science

Austin Beetson-Mechanical Engineering

Elliana Cruz-Business Communications

Daniel Eriks-Chemical Engineering

Sarah Espiritu-English Literature and Education

James Ferguson-Biomedical Health Science

Gernie Galvan-Biomedical Engineering

Margaret Heritage-Mechanical Engineering

Elsa Marcotte-Animal Sciences

Elliott McKeever-Selling and Sales Management

Daniella Nahnsen-Engineering

Alex Orange-Engineering

Tomas Quiroga-Accounting

Ava Raffin-General Management and Finance

Gabriela Ruiz-Exploratory

Katherine Sheehan-Aerospace Engineering

Jenna Skipper-Nutrition and Dietetics

Eric Stojkovich-Financial Counseling and Planning

Kaitlynn Stricklin-Engineering

Charles Vicari-Aerospace Engineering

Henry Wilson-Finance

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tera Haute

Victoria James-Computer Science and Software Engineering

Saint Mary’s College

South Bend

Maddy Burns-Nursing

Gia Cvitkovich-Nursing

Rachel Speckhard-Communications

Anna Raycroft-Speech Pathology

Taylor University

Upland

Caroline Baurain-Environmental Science and Graphic Art

Tricoci University of Beauty

Culture

Highland

Maya Madrigal-Cosmetology

Vincennes University

Indianapolis

Angelica Rzeznikowski-Aviation Flight

Iowa

Grinnell College

Kourtney Veals-Political Science and Theatre

Pellissippi State

Knoxville

John Hayes- Business Management

Grinnell Cambridge

Texas State University

San Marcos

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Jacob Mazumdar-Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Physics

Massachusetts Michigan

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor

Eric Situ-Computer Science

Minnesota St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Winona

Patrick Cullars-Philosophy and History

Montana

Montana State University

Bozeman

Andrew Guelcher-Earth Science

Ohio

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland

Ajitesh Lalam-Biology

The map of the US shows where the 2023 graduates will be attending college

Key

Madison Sheeman-Computer Science

Carthage College

Kenosha

Jack Meyer-Computer Science

Marquette University

Milwaukee

Isabella Boleski-Nursing

University of WisconsinGreen Bay

Green Bay

Jordan Spilde-Kinesiology and Exercise Science

University of Wisconsin-

Milwaukee

Milwaukee

Kamila Navarro-Public Relations

Bailey Goodman-Indiana State University Esmeralda Herrera-Unsure

Tennessee Texas Wisconsin Gap Year Work Force

Joshua Avila-Running his business, Novos, which started in MHS Incubator

Briana Martinez-Cosmetologist

Abbey Salamanca-Cosmetologist

Source: Crier survey of 162 students April 25-May 5

Senior Bests

Heart of Gold

gracie kisala / joey higgason

Class Clown

rita zheng / beshoy mikhail

Most Artistic

tatum hernandez / michael casner

Best Style

hiba fatima / tyler melgoza

Most Athletic

char lorenz / brandon trilli

Best Social Media

kamila navarro / devin downs

Best Smile

daniella nahnsen / henry wilson

Most Likely to be President

reena alsakaji / ayush arora

Cutest Couple

brett adams / lauralyn courtney

Source: Crier survey of 158 students May 2-5

Will be awarded at Senior Banquet tonight

Each star represents one college or a group of colleges in one area. The larger the star, the more students that are in the area.

Four Years, Four Lessons

Work hard enough to be proud of yourself and the work you’ve done, rather than seek approval from others. Never stop trying your best, but be accepting of who you are, including your talents (no matter how against-the-stereotype they may seem) and your weaknesses.

Sophomore Year (2020-2021): Thank your family.

I’ll be honest: I have the memory of a goldfish. There’s not a lot that I can actively remember from my four years at MHS. Nevertheless, I’d say that each of my four years at MHS is defined by its own lesson that I would like to share.

Freshman Year (2019-2020): Be comfortable in your shoes.

My most significant insecurity as a freshman was feeling like I wasn’t “good enough.” I had an article bookmarked on Chrome titled, “To The People Who Are Mediocre At Everything,” and I spent hours wondering when I would find something I’m “truly good at.”

When I say “family,” I don’t necessarily mean a mother, father and sibling. Your family is the set of individuals who will accept you no matter what and will bend backward to support you.

My family is, indeed, my mother, father and sister. And during sophomore year, I began to recognize their value. My parents bought me donuts for virtual debate competitions to simulate in-person meets. My sister gave me unsolicited advice about classes and my work-life balance to look out for my best interests (a fact I wish I had realized back then). My family didn’t need to do any of this for me, but they did. They were my backbone back then, they are my backbone today and they will be my backbone for the rest of my life. I’m beyond grateful for them. Do not forget to thank your family tonight, or whenever you can. If they truly are family, they are irreplaceable, and you know it.

Junior Year (2021-2022): Count your blessings.

What I didn’t realize then was that there will always be someone better than you— that’s a mathematically unavoidable reality with over eight billion people in the world. But as I began to think about why I felt the way I did, it became apparent that much of my anxiety came from trying to conform to societal expectations where being “the best” meant more than exploring my passions.

Junior year is rumored to be the hardest of all four school years of high school. Frankly, I don’t think that’s a rumor—it’s a fact.

At the beginning of the school year, I was brutally unprepared for the workload I had signed myself up for. And it showed. I became stressed, irritable and scared about my future. So, following my parents’ advice, I started to try to change my perspective in second semester.

Letter from the editor

with one another at both our junior and senior prom. We had a final homecoming pep session that was not maybe-or-maybe-not played by our MRT teacher like it was for seniors two years ago. We had our homecoming parade that spanned the entire town, and in a few days, we’ll get to experience Battle of the Bands for the first time in two years. Our class has received so many “after-the-pandemics” that others’ did not.

“At least I have the opportunity to take these classes!”

“At least I know that I’ll be grateful for the work I’m currently putting in later in life!”

As I started counting my blessings, I noticed that my stressors began to feel less monumental. Life wasn’t designed to be easy. But when things get rough, just count your blessings—it goes a long way.

Junior year is rumored to be the hardest of all four school years of high school. Frankly, I don’t think that’s a rumor—it’s a fact.

ayush arora, senior

Senior Year (2022-2023): Remember that everything works out.

This year, I’ve faced academic and interpersonal challenges that I could’ve never predicted. But there’s no good way to predict life, and that’s why I’ve found it vital to keep faith. First introduced to me by my parents and then bolstered by my rhetorical analysis of Steve Jobs’s commencement speech to the Stanford Class of 2005 (thanks, Mr. Stepnoski!), this perspective has helped me enjoy life more than ever.

In the words of my parents, “Everything will happen as it’s supposed to, and whatever happens will be right for you.” Similarly, Jobs remarks, “...you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

For my fellow seniors, I get it. You’re probably feeling some uncertainty right now about what life has in store for you—I am, too. But it will all work out. Craft your destiny while keeping faith in destiny itself.

It’s been an honor to serve you as your Student Body President, and if you ever need anything or just want to talk, you can reach me at eg.ayush@gmail.com.

Graduation: 20 Years Later

As a freshman at MHS in 1999, the biggest accomplishment I could think of was to earn my letterman’s jacket in a high school sport. To be honest, I had no idea what sport that would be. All I knew is that I wanted to wear that red and black jacket in the hallways of this school.

I earned my first letter my sophomore year in track and field. Goal completed. Following that feat, my next goal was to graduate high school and attend Purdue University to become an aerospace engineer.

I graduated high school, but something else had changed. I checked one box with my graduation but then chose a new box to check. My strengths as a student came from my ability to help others, and I found more accomplishment in that than in Calculus or AP Physics. So, it became clear that I needed to change my goal of over five years, and I decided to become a teacher—an English teacher at that. I then told myself I would get a job anywhere but Northwest Indiana. I wanted to live anywhere else!

Then I met the most important person in my life, the object of every love song I had ever heard. My life with her became my new goal. I took a job at a familiar place, MHS, and another goal became helping my students become better writers, thinkers and people. Looking back, I don’t think I could count how many goals I have both accomplished and missed.

Friday, May 5, 2023. A week ago, the World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Four years ago, when we were all overeager, anxious freshmen, the virus was declared as a national emergency.

I find it both fitting and ironic that our class saw its beginning and its “end.” I’ve always thought—though I’m sure other classes feel the same—that the class of 2023 was unique. For all intents and purposes, our class was not exactly robbed in the way others’ were. We got to laugh

Yet, our class feels fragmented. It seeps through in our interactions. Whether it was the long anticipated ‘80s workout day that lacked an actual workout, or our inability to decide on a collective spirit day (I stand by country club over Adam Sandler), we seem to dance around one another, unsure of how to act. Mostly, out of all these detachments, the one that has upset me the most is how it impacts our education. Our class did not unite in an anything-but-a-backpack day expedition (or an attempted one), but we did venture through four incredibly different and difficult years.

We all know that apathy exists, and we are all acutely aware that we have less school spirit

than in years past. I once had a teacher tell me that it would take ten years for a class to remain completely unaffected by covid, and how much more is there to possibly add to the list of what we all know? But I began my high school career with mountains of self-doubt on my shoulders, and though I’m ending senior year with a bit more confidence, I often wonder how much the pandemic left us each hiding in a more comfortable, less ambitious world.

My unsolicited advice is not about repeating known facts about post-pandemic fatigue or awkwardness—though I do think it is valuable. But I know that along my journey of growth in these four years, I still feel inadequate for the world that lies ahead—and I know, from the fleeting moments I’ve had with all my fellow seniors, that others feel the same. As we move into the next years of our lives, whatever shape that may take, I hope that we can find solace in what makes us uncomfortable—what is supposed to make us uncomfortable. Above all, I hope that we can learn to interact with our peers in a way that is authentic.

To the class of 2023, my message is this: be brave and explore. When I graduated high school in 2003, I thought I knew exactly where my life would go; my goals were set. I didn’t know you. I didn’t know Mrs. Barnes. But how thankful I am that I do today! You have so much life ahead of you, so many discoveries and so many goals to achieve and change. Allow each of those to come to you, and savor each one. Life will not be easy. People and events will hurt you. Loss and struggle will abound. So will triumph and joy. The road of life is paved by experiences, both good and bad. Regardless, there is one true currency for your whole trip: the impact you have on others’ lives. Goals are not just about money or success; they are about the difference you make on this Earth. Set goals and do all you can to achieve them, but always know that new goals and accomplishments are waiting just around the corner. What will you accomplish in the next 20 years?

SENIOR / BACKTALK

if you could go back to the first day of school, what is one thing you would change?

“Get rid of my side part right away.”

lucy macdonald

“If I could go back, I wish I could stop caring about what other people think.”

lauren robinson

“I would lower my expectations and sleep in.”

nick hanas

“I would talk too much and be annoying. So I’d be less gossipy.”

theresa sarofeem

thomas barnes

guest column by

reena alsakaji editor-in-chief

“After every competition, I’d always look to the person who did better than me and wonder where I went wrong.”

ayush arora, senior

HUMing along

Dancing on the open floor in their lehengas and kurtas, HUM, a group formed in the late 90s and composed of desi high schoolers from Northwest Indiana, host their annual HUM Night tomorrow. Held at the Merrillville Indian Cultural Center, the event starts at 6 p.m. with tickets available beforehand or at the door for $15 each. The night is filled with song and dance performances, a fashion show, cultural food, such as samosas, butter chicken, paneer, desserts and an open dance floor.

“It is nice to see everyone dressed up and coming out to support HUM,” Krisha Chauhan, freshman, said. “It is a fun night that has lots of great performances that I know took

HUM looks forward to hosting annual HUM Night tomorrow at the Merrillville Indian Cultural Center

countless hours to practice and prepare. Then the best part of the night is at the end when everyone comes together to dance. It is very lively and everyone has a blast.”

Abriham Kandregula, senior and HUM president, and the rest of the HUM group held their first official plan meeting in March to discuss an agenda for the night, ticket selling, and other logistics. However, much planning occurred before the meeting to ensure the banquet hall was booked and food options were finalized.

“We are going to have more people and especially more high schoolers than ever before,” Abhiram said. “I want to make sure that the night is memorable for them all.”

Some dance groups have also been planning their performances several months in

advance. They meet at each other’s houses to learn the dance, make sure everyone is clear on the moves, and then make sure everyone is in sync.

“Our dance practices have been one of the favorite parts of my day,” Pranshu Aryal, junior, said. “By the end of practice, we are all dying with laughter and filled with exhaustion. A good dance has to have lots of energy to bring people to awe.”

HUM, however, goes beyond hosting the HUM Night event. The group volunteers at various homeless shelters, local community events, cultural events and their main continued partnership with the Carmelite Shelter. For the shelter, HUM holds a toy drive to collect toys and monetary donations for the children there.

Ready to rock

Munster’s bands crank their amps up and check their mics for this year’s return of Battle of the Bands, an electric competition between students displaying their talent through the thrill of music and dance. Battle of the Bands will take place next Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. This is the Student Government’s first Battle since 2020’s virtual competition.

Battle will introduce two new bands this year, Route 77 and Adolescence, and spotlight two individual solo perfor-

“We want to make sure we give back to the community that helps us,” Abriham said. “Even if we do get money or donations for us from people, like when we won Munster’s Got Talent, we give back to places like Brothers Keepers, Carmelite Shelter and many others.”

The group has allowed desi students, like Pranshu, to further connect with their culture. She has found that the HUM group, although formed around Indian-American culture, shares close similarities with her own culture, Nepali.

“Being a part of HUM has let me make so many new relationships with people who I can relate to on a personal level,” Pranshu said. “I have learned the importance of being connected with my culture and embracing it. I have been able to learn so much about myself.”

Battle of the Bands makes a return after two years

mances by Tatum Hernandez, senior and Victoria Davis, sophomore. Rock band Creature of Habit featuring returning seniors Gernie Galvan, Dom Chudziak, Ryan Tully, Kevon Carter, and Tatum Hernandez will also return to the stage after their last live performance in 2020’s Battle performing a set of rock covers.

“The school’s music programs each have a component of what we do, but this competition is the only real way to perform in school as a five piece rock band,” Gernie Galvan, senior and keyboardist said. “I think we’re all just excited it’s back.”

Munster’s HUM Youth Group will also be performing at Battle this year, stitching together a set of individual group dances from their Hum Night. HUM has often participated in Battle in prior years, so Abhiram Kandregula, senior and HUM president, looks forward to bringing the group back on the stage.

“Coming back from COVID last year, not many of us were able to be a part of Battle,” he said. “We wanted to bring HUM back into the spotlight and give your members another chance to dance and show the audience what HUM is if they haven’t seen us before.”

dorothy lakshmanamurthy page editor

emily dywan story editor

 IN MOTION Focusing on their moves, seniors Abhiram Kandregula, Anagha Kodukula and Ayush Arora run through the HUM Night dance routine. Usually meeting at each others’ houses, the group enjoys getting to share this experience together and have fun with the dance. “The environment is so exciting and hype, everyone has a great time socializing with friends,” Anagha said. (photo by lexi villalobos)

 STRUMMING AWAY Playing the guitar and bass, Olivia Olivares and Vane Rodriguez, sophomores, practice a song together. With Battle of the Bands approaching, they are getting in as much practice as possible. (photo by zoe clark)

 STEP BY STEP Working hard for HUM Night, seniors (left to right) Hiba Fatima, Neha Rana (Lake Central) and Abhiram Kandregula memorize each step and motion.  ALL SMILES Sharing laughter while having a good time, seniors (left to right) Parneet Gill (Lake Central), Neha Rana, Abhiram Kandregula and Sampreethi Swaminathan (Crown Point) practice dancing before May 13. (photos by lexi villalobos)

Spring sports are blooming

A look into all the spring sports’ season highlights

Baseball co-hosts Region Classic

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

page editor

Giving it their all, the Baseball team came close to a win with a score of 2-3 May 9 against Lowell. The team has a season record, so far, of 12-10.

“Throughout the season, we have melded as a team,” Billy Goldman, junior, said. “Like when we first faced Hobart, we had a devastating loss. It felt good when we played them again recently, and we tallied four home runs against them in a complete blowout.”

The team is looking forward to many important upcoming games. Wrapping up their Conference games and preparing to play at Sectionals May 24 at home, they have the Region Classic tournament, which is co-hosted with Lake Central, today going into tomorrow.

“This season, the players get better every day as they play for each other,” Coach Michael Mikolajczyk said. “They continue

Boys’ Track heads into postseason

josephine mittelberger

guest editor

With a record of 3-1-1 and all of the runners hitting their personal records, Boys’ Track heads towards their post season. Following last year, eight people went to State and achieved 21st in the 3200 meter run, 19th in the 110 meter hurdles, 20th in the 4x400 meter relay and 17th in the 4x800 meter relay. Working towards going back to State strong, many are preparing by creating better running plans.

Trying to recover from an injury, Corey Dennis, senior, hopes to run the 400 four by four at State. Missing the feeling that comes with intense competition, he is anxiously awaiting postseason.

“I like the team as a whole—you cannot always have the best team, but it is really fun going to practice and talking to everyone and then running,” Dennis said.

to push each other and continue pushing when needed to pick each other back up. With this determination, my goal is that we can make it to get a sectional championship. If we play like we are capable of playing, we can accomplish that goal.”

At first, the team struggled to work together and play collaboratively as a team. However, they have improved greatly throughout the season.

“We have improved and achieved working together efficiently by getting our chemistry up which leads us to play as a team,” Tyler Fuller, sophomore said. “Playing as a team helps us win games.”

Brett Adams, senior, who has been playing with the team for all four years, is also looking forward to senior night May 17 against Illiana Christian. Including Adams, the team will be recognizing the five seniors that are on the team.

“I am upset it’s my last season here, but I am happy I will be able to continue to play in college,” Adams said.

Softball plays double-header tomorrow

page editor

Varsity Softball is in full swing with a current record of 10-10 in their regular season and 4-4 in Conference. The team’s next games are tomorrow, featuring a double header against New Palestine at 10 a.m. and Carmel High School at 2 p.m. at the home field.

“While our record is not what we hoped for at this time, we are getting stronger each game,” Coach Jill Perez, WWMS social studies teacher, said. “This season players have been flexible and adaptable, playing some different positions in efforts to determine the strongest line up.”

Varsity celebrated their five senior players this Wednesday at their Senior Night. Mady Kindy, senior and pitcher, says it is bittersweet to finish off her final season soon, but is optimistic for the team’s performance for the rest of the year.

“I have a lot of mixed emotions this year,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to sectionals and playing Lake Central. I hope we can come out on top, win sections and advance to regionals.”

Boys’ Golf prepares for Kankakee Invite

dorothy lakshmanamurthy

page editor

Taking the first place win at the Bomber Invite May 9, Boys’ Golf prepares for their the Kankakee Valley Invite tomorrow. The team’s season record is currently 4-2 and 3-1 in Conference.

Throughout this season, Sam Landmesser, sophomore, shot 35, one under par for a nine-hole course. Torin Mulcahy, junior, shot even-par 36. And the whole team shot a 153 (only seven over par for the four varsity players) at a home match against Chesterton, which is the lowest team score since 2013.

Extremely proud of the successful season they have had so far, Evan Bognar, junior, hopes to continue to get better as they compete in more future matches.

“My favorite part of the season so far has just simply been competing out on the course every day,” Bognar said. “We have bounced back well from all our losses. Like when we went up against Lake Central, we came back with four consecutive wins. It has just been a blast to battle against other schools.”

 EYES ON THE PRIZE Focusing on the pitcher, Bryce Gelarden, junior, prepares to take a swing at the ball. This season his batting average has been 0.322 and, he has played in all 22 games. (photo by marianna young)

 PUTTING AROUND As he practices on the Centennial course, Torin Mulcahy, junior, takes his turn on the putting green. (photo by marianna young)

 LINED UP Running laps, sophomores Ashton Silva and Kwaku Awuah exercise their endurance for track. Despite many of the members sustaining wounds throughout the year, the Boys’ Track has been working hard to overcome their injuries and succeed in the future. (photo by connor mcdonald)

 HEADS UP Playing against Andrean, Kylie Madura, junior, throws the ball to first base. The team faultered 1-7. (photos by marianna young)

A



to receive the ball from

focuses on their opponents net move. The duo won their match against

“This season has been quite the adventure. I am proud of our streak and how far we’ve come from last year,” Glombicki said. “If you told me this would happen at the beginning of the season I would have not believed you.”

Girls’ Tennis gears up for Sectionals May 17

Walking onto the court at the Warsaw tournament April 15, Annie Fuller, sophomore, and Tess Glombicki, junior, looked up at their over six foot opponents. After losing both sets to Warsaw at the Angola tournament last year, they were determined to win. An unlucky draw to play them in the second set instead of finals meant they had to win to even be considered for finals.

Although down 6-7 in the first set, the doubles partners kept their composure and won the second set 6-3 and a tie breaker 10-4. Celebrating with their signature chest bump, Fuller and Glombicki were the only team to beat Warsaw in the whole tournament, along with #1 in doubles.

“We went into that match like we were going to win, and our mindset really brought us off to a strong start,” Fuller said. “We critiqued our strategy and worked every point, eventually beating our previous foes. But even after winning our first match, nothing compares to how insane our second match truly was versus Warsaw. We kept our composure and played strong. Biofreeze was a lifesaver.”

Currently, girls’ tennis team’s record for Conference is 4-0. At practice, the team has been working on how to strategically win points against their opponents, such as practicing various hitting patterns to win shots. Also in preparation for Sectionals May 17, the girls have been focusing on consistency with their hits, making sure to not give up a shot. If they advance to Regionals May 23, the girls’ biggest goal is to beat their rivals Crown Point.

Girls’ Track goes undefeated, heads to Sectionals

Following an undefeated regular season, Girls’ Track won Conference on Tuesday, May 9. The girls’ next step is to take on Sectionals May 16. The last regular meet of the season was May 2, senior night, which solidified the girls’ undefeated record.

Girls’ Track has had an incredibly successful season, and they move on to Sectionals determined to win. Throughout their season, the girls have broken several records in both relay and discus. At Goshen High School at 8 a.m, girls in both Shot Put—Akaoma Odeluga, Tyra Wheaton, Nneka Oniah— and Discus—Akaoma Odeluga, Tyra Wheaton, Ava Tucker—events combined to break both of the

event records for the meet overall.

On April 15 at Chesterton Senior High School, several girls broke the previous school record for the 4x200 relay. The time was 1:44.99 by the following athletes: Savannah Nuetzel, sophomore, Aliciana Mcguire, junior, Nina Garner, sophomore and Kylee Marshall, junior. Practicing for the 4x200 was pretty standard, Nuetzel reflects, but they focused a bit more on handoffs out of everything.

In addition, Tyra Wheaton, senior, broke the previous school discus record April 8 at the Ed Woodrick Invitatio. The new distance was 127 feet, 6.5 inches.

“It felt really good and everyone was happy for us,” Nuetzel said. “The atmosphere was really good, and I felt so happy that all that we worked for got all paid off.”

lauren hoogeveen story editor

reena alsakaji editor-in-chief

 RACING FOR RESULTS Racing across the track, Cate Stephan, junior, and Liliana Rivera, sophomore, practice for track. In the wake of an undefeated regular season, MHS’ girls track team has been working hard to keep their streak.  IN THE LEAD Running the track, Campbell Gideon, junior, exercises her endurance. The girls track team has been working hard to practice for their future success this season. (photos by connor mcdonald)

CAUSING

RACQUET Preparing

Andrean, Annie Fuller, sophomore, and Tess Glombicki, junior,

Andrean.

(photo by marianna young)

 STANDING OVATION Before the games begin, Elizabeth Krieg, junior, sophomores Risha Panigrahi and Aahna Parikh, Julianna Dodge, senior, and sophomores Cerina Karaholis and Luna Guitierez, line up to shake hands with their opponents for their individual matches. (photo by marianna young)

What would your ideal summer vacation look like?

‘The idea people have of Judaism isn’t really what it is’

“Definitely California. I miss my family out there.”

In honor of Jewish Heritage Month, Jewish students share how Judaism has played a role in their lives

josephine mittelberger design chief

Every year Jordan Fefferman, sophomore, goes to a Jewish summer camp, OSRUI, in Wisconsin for about seven weeks. She is completely disconnected from the world, with no phone or access to the internet, and is able to be a part of a tight knit community of people with a similar heritage and background.

“Mi shebeirach avoteinu/M’kor hab’rachah l’imoteinu/May the source of strength/Who blessed the ones before us,/Help us find the courage/to make our lives a blessing/ and let us say, Amen.”

It was last summer July 4 when the world did not seem so far away from her little camp. That day marks the Highland Park shooting, when a region with one of Chicago’s highest concentrations of Jewish residents lost seven lives and 48 more were injured.

“Mi shebeirach imoteinu/ M’kor habrachah laavoteinu/ Bless those in need of healing/with r’fuah sh’leimah/ The renewal of body/the renewal of spirit,/ And let us say, Amen.”

The camp told the older students of the shooting and a service was held later that day. With some of the campers being from Highland Park, the service was one of the most powerful sights Jordan had ever seen— not a single eye in the room was dry.

“Growing up, going to temple and being around other Jewish people was a great experience,” Jordan said. “Everyone was always

super accepting, community focused and giving back. All the values that I grew up learning through Judaism, I use in my life, and it made me a good person.”

While Jewish History Month can be used as a remembrance for the persecution of Jewish people, it also encapsulates how important the community is to so many Jewish-Americans. For Jordan’s sister, Naomi, senior, the community in Munster is a place she can turn to easily. Although she is not particularly religious, when she goes to services and prays, she finds herself in a clear headspace and is able to take in that moment.

“It just gave me a whole other support system,” Naomi said. “Without it, I don’t know who I’d be today. It makes me feel like I’m playing a part in something that has bigger meaning. I’m a part of a small community and it makes me feel good.”

On top of her part within the Jewish community in the region, Naomi has been able to study abroad in Israel her second semester of her junior year. She stayed right outside of Jerusalem in a kibbutz. She completed all of the required courses that we have in MHS, but she had Hebrew and Jewish History classes that would take her all across the country where they would be able to learn at the exact places they happened in history.

“My favorite part was the Eilat trip where we went to Masada, the big hike and the Dead Sea. We got a lot of opportunities to explore the different areas on our own with our friends that we meet,” Naomi said. “The trip gave me a better answer to what Judaism means to me. I still don’t exactly know what it is, but it got me a step closer.”

Although Simon Nirenberg, junior, has

yet to visit Israel, he has been to Jewish summer camps. He explained the experience as very different because Munster’s Jewish population is extremely small, so he’s felt separated his whole life. When he went to summer camps growing up, he compared it to people going to college and finally meeting other people that have similar interests; while in high school, it is much more isolating. In Munster, if he wants to meet with anyone from the Jewish community, plans can easily slip through the cracks because of conflicting events and how small the community is at MHS.

“We can all relate—we’re all friends, we all have that shared heritage—but there’s fewer opportunities to make our social events happen,” he said. “You have to really make an effort to try and stay connected, so it makes it a little problematic, but it’s fun in that there’s an inside joke of like we all know each other.”

His connection to Judaism has also been integral to his passion for science. Growing up, he noticed that Judaism has a strong intellectual tradition of asking questions in order to understand the world—and it stuck with him. What keeps him motivated is also integral to Jewish culture. With many of the traditions revolving around the fact that Jewish people have survived numerous persecutions, Simon is constantly reminded to stay vigilant.

“I feel like Judaism as a whole, there’s that constant reminder that I’ve always had that I want to be a part of this,” he said. “I don’t want to let this culture die out because my ancestors went through so much suffering and so many people died to keep this culture alive, and it’s my responsibility to pass it off.”

 PAVING THE WAY Exploring Israel with her class, Naomi Fefferman, senior, poses for a photo in Jaffa. (photo sent by naomi fefferman)

 PAINTING A PICTURE At her sumer camp OSRUI, Jordan Fefferman, sophomore, and other campers paint a bathroom. “Being Jewish has given me a sense of ‘you’re not alone’ because I have a whole community behind me,” Jordan said. (photo sent by jordan fefferman)

“I would go to Mexico with my mom to see her side of the family. They have a ranch, and I’d stay there and go to the capital.”

“Going to India. I’d like to see the animals there and try exotic fruits.”

“I’d like to go out every day and drive somewhere beachlike.”

“My ideal summer vacation is winning the lottery and then visiting my aunt in Las Vegas.”

“Going to Mexico, laying out on the beach, and going swimming in the ocean getting hit by waves.”

“Having fun with my friends and going on a road trip and not knowing the destination.”

“I want to go everywhere I haven’t been to but probably Tokyo because it’s sick.”

“My perfect summer would be traveling to Florida and visiting Miami. Also, I would love to go to the Big Apple.”

"Harry Potter World. All inclusive No exclusions.”

Gavin Dafnis, freshman

Sahej Sran, freshman

Paul Harkenrider, sophomore

De’Andre Jones, junior

Christian Campos, senior

Annabelle Spicer, junior Kylie Slough, senior

Sofia Arredondo, sophomore

Mr. Thomas Ehrlich, Math teacher

Ms. Abigail Brosseau, FACS teacher

 A DIVINE TRIP Having spent her second semester of her junior year in Israel, Namoi Fefferman, senior, takes a picture of the city she was staying in Jerusalem. One of her classes was Jewish History, in which she would travel and learn about the history of the historic sites around her. “I have previously been to Israel once and I loved it there,” she said. “I wanted that education, a place where I feel like I would have gotten a deeper meaning with the education.“ (photo sent by naomi fefferman)