[CRIER Munster High School
Change of scene
[
Issue 1 Volume 53 Aug. 24, 2018
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
Food
Faced with the decision whether or not to hire a food service director or hire a food provider this summer, Central Office decided to bring in a private company, Chartwells to provide lunches in the cafeteria. “There was a bid process that the district went through complete with bid sheets and tally sheets and ultimately Chartwells was the winning company that got the bid,” Mr. Wells said. According to Casey Meldgin, senior, the change in provider has been a positive change, even improving the quality of school lunches. “They are actually edible and they are probably the most flavorful lunches I have had from school,” Casey said. “The food also just looks better. The tacos are my favorite thing to order because they are like Chipotle-style tacos where you can say ‘I want this, this and this,” and they will get it for you. It is so lit.”
New lunch, construction, among changes to school for new year
Construction
L
ast year, Track and Field members using the indoor track got accustomed to running around garbage cans filled with water after a hard rain. Following summer construction, the dome in the fieldhouse was finally replaced and upgraded, meaning athletes can now use a track free of obstacles. The upgrade also allowed air-conditioning to be added to the field house. “They also installed two air handler units to air condition the field house, so that is a huge changethat field house has never been air-conditioned before,” Mr. Mike Wells, principal, said. “(Today) we will have our Alumni Hall of Fame assembly in the fieldhouse where it will be air-conditioned so the whole student body will be able to see it.” Previously, fitting lots of people in the field house would cause it to get very hot, even prompting Mr. Wells to joke with the graduating class last year that they had “the privilege of being the last class to go through commencement without air-conditioning.” Volleyball players and other athletes that use the field house after school have found the air conditioning to be a major improvement. “They have the air conditioning on in the gym during school so it cools off the whole gym for right after school,” Volleyball player Sydney Foster, junior, said. “Once we go into practice the air conditioning is off, so like the vents aren’t going but, you can still feel it.” Among the various improvements the field house include new Varsity locker rooms which Sydney also finds to be a welcome change. “I like the new locker rooms,” Sydney said. “I’d say they are organized better and are better quality. The old locker rooms were just kind of gross and everything was musty, but I think now it will just look nicer and be a better quality for us.”
stories by
[Mimi Brody] Editor-in-Chief
MEAL PREP In the kitchen, a food service worker chops meat for tacos. At the start of this school year, the school contracted with the food service company Chartwells.
[your ontake] paint What do you think of the new paint in South hallways? “I think it doesn’t really go with the rest of the school. They only painted the math hallway, and it looks nice and more modern, but it is so out of place. It would be an eyesore if they painted the rest of the school because it would be so bright.”
Deven Burse senior
[photos by Elizabeth Fonseca]
Paint OVER OUR HEADS (top left) The long awaited construction on the field house dome finally wrapped up this summer. KEEP COOL (bottom left)The various improvements include adding new air-handling units, making the field house more accommodating to large groups of people.
[Inside look]
[Upcoming]
Hall of Fame inductees
Afternoon half-day Wednesday, classes will go from noon to 2:55 p.m.
pg. 3
pg. 4-5
New staff members
Students who entered through doors in South on the first day of school were greeted with fresh new paint adorning the walls and lockers. “We kind of went with the theme that is in the weight room and we are going to try and be consistent with a unifying theme and also go with our school colors, red white and black,” Mr. Wells said. “As time progresses in one to two years you will kind of see the building transform with our school colors, so black and white with school colors.” The new paint was met with mixed feelings. Some students appreciated the upgrade and thought it made the school look cleaner and more modern, while others believed it looked
Football plays Chesterton tonight at home 7 p.m. theme: black out [photos by Elizabeth Fonseca]
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
NEW LOOK This year, the South hall’s walls have been repainted. The rest of the school is set to also be updated in the coming years.
too bright and distracting. “I like the new paint better than the green because it fits our school colors better,” Kennedy Clark, senior, said. “I wasn’t here on the first day and someone texted me saying, ‘our school looks like High School Musical now’ which I thought was cool. TAKING OVER After a 45 year career, former football coach, Mr. Leroy Marsh, health teacher, retired. Stepping in for Mr. Marsh, former Offensive Coordinator Coach Jason Grunewald took over as head coach. Coach Grunewald’s Mustangs have a record of 0-1 so far this season.
2 [WELCOME]
Munster High School Crier
Aug. 24, 2018
Choose your own
adventure
Take this quiz about extracurriculars to show which clubs will be the best for you 1. What do you like to do in your free time? A. Watch a movie B. Play video games C. Go to the park D. Volunteer with friends 2. How would you describe yourself with one word? A. Imaginative B. Confident C. Sociable D. Compassionate 3. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A. Veterinarian B. President C. Teacher D. Police Officer
[photo by Micala Boyd]
Dedicating their time with her peers, Cynthia Chockalingham, sophomore, Aidan Chism, junior, Jackie Webber, senior, and Mr. Michael Buck, Debate coach, prepares for a competition. “In debate, I do congressional debate, we act like a mock congress, so we have representatives and senators,” Cynthia said. “So we are in the House or the Senate. When we choose our side, we then get to say our own opinions and people ask us questions about what we believe.”
Finding your Place
4. If you had one wish, what would it be? A. Freedom for everyone B. Ultimate power C. Societal awareness D. World peace
As the school year starts, teachers, students discuss extracurricular activities and their benefits Reporter
Many students consider joining extracurricular activities. Clubs are very important in our school, without them, we would feel somewhat lonely. It’s how we make friends and how students can be the best version of themselves. Clubs tell people what we enjoy and how we want to contribute. “You get the potential to make new friends and meet new people,” Ms. Sharon Vail, school counselor, said. “Also just to get involved and feel a sense of belonging to your school because we all want to feel wanted or needed. A club can definitely help you bond and have a common interest. You can even develop stronger skills. You learn from each other in different ways in a more casual setting.” Most clubs educate students on what it is like outside school and how to interact with each other. “Academic clubs and teams offer students a chance to extend their daily learning beyond school hours, more specifically students can connect with their learning in school to real life scenarios and these skills translate into practical situations,” said Mr. Jordan Mayer, English teacher and Speech and Debate director. “In summary, students are preparing for success by simulating the real world.” It’s not only about meeting new people. You learn something about yourself and can enjoy new activities. “You can meet a lot of new teachers,”
Kayla Prowell, senior, said. “You figure out what you like to do because there’s so many clubs offered. You can try out a bunch of clubs and you figure out, you thought you liked Speech, you join Speech, you hate Speech, but you do like Civics Club.” Some colleges care whether or not you take clubs or not. It just depends what college you like. “It’s 50/50. There’s some colleges that do look to see how much involvement a student has,” Ms. Vail said. “It’s not going to be the decision if a student gets in or not but it can play a role. They want to see if a student is well-adjusted.” According to Mr. Mayer, clubs are about what you can contribute to them and what you can do to make it better. “Colleges are most concerned with displayed leadership skills,” Mr. Mayer said. “Yes, they would like to see that students have balance on their resume and that students are involved in programs where they have made a difference. It is not about the number of activities that you join, but the impact you make within the activity.” A way for students to balance school with clubs or sports is really just knowing how much you can take and the effort you put into school and clubs. “You just have to know how much you can handle if you know you have a lot of homework and you’re in three clubs everyday after school then you know not to join a sport,” Kayla said. “You just have to know yourself and know your limits. It’s more about your personality.”
[FRESHMAN BACKTALK] “It’s different because it’s easier to get to classes and doesn’t take as much time to get to them than I thought it would.” -Morgan Krouse freshman
5. What is your favorite Disney movie? A. “Coco” B. “The Lion King” C. “Inside Out” D. “Zootopia” 6. What is your favorite TV show? A. “Black Mirror” B. “Stranger Things” C. “Parks and Recreation” D. “Grey’s Anatomy”
[ ][
story by
[Catherine Ornelas]
Tally up the letters you have chosen
[
Mostly As These clubs have a lot to do with music, art, writing and reading. It also has a lot to do with performance. • Munster Theater Company • Band • Choral • Art Club • Munster Read & White Book Club • Orchestra • Poetry Club • Publications
[
Mostly Bs These choices have to do with competition and striving for excellence. • Super Bowl • TEAMS • Science Olympiad • Speech and Debate • Student Government
Mostly Cs These have to do with Languages and Culture. As well as clubs raising awareness and educating students. • • • • • • • •
SADD Spanish Club STAND DECA French Club GSA Civics Club ASL Club
[]
]
Mostly Ds These clubs are for people who like to help around the school and like meeting new people. Also people who love problem-solving, and building • Chess Club • Best Buddies • Project X • Robotics Team
How was high school in reality compared to your expectation?
“It's quite similar to what I expected. It's a good deal of work, but I did expect that.” -Jacob Katz freshman
“In reality, school is pretty easy. It was pretty easy to find my classes on the first day. It’s not hard to not have classes with your friends.” -Josh Clark freshman
“When I got to school I thought that finding my classes would be hard, but it’s actually easy.” -Gustavo Carvajal freshman
3 [HALL OF FAME] Hall of history Munster High School Crier
“I am in the process of writing a children’s book, so I would want to finish that. I live in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and we have these weird sinkholes, and we also make Corvettes— all the Corvettes in the world are made here. The book is about, several years ago a sinkhole swallowed six pristine Corvettes in the Corvette Museum. So my book is going to be about gophers, but I am also working with a geography professor to teach children about sinkholes.”
“Well, it’s two things that I obtained from Munster. The first was: I played for legendary football coach John Friend, and he instilled in all his players, and in particular, me, a value system of, ‘Don’t lie, steal or cheat’, and then on the football field, ‘Go out and give 110 percent at all times.’ Number two, I learned that there’s a whole world of academic accomplishments, achievements, and enlightenment that was first instilled in me at Munster. It’s obviously a great academic institution, and it took a while for them to get ahold of me, and they finally did.”
“Shooting for the stars. I took a gamble for a secure job in Indianapolis for a law firm to go work for the mayor of Indianapolis, and politics is a gamble, right? I gambled and went to California. That led me to be an entertainment lawyer. Because I was trying, new doors opened up. If I didn’t reach, I would just have been a lawyer in a mid-size firm in Indianapolis. If I only settled for working for the mayor, and never tried working in California, I would have never went on the Jerry Springer show.”
“As I look back, wonderful memories. I was very fortunate to be a young person in a place where we started a school. Today that school is 54 years old, and we were some of the innovators and the pioneers. What an achievement! We were a young staff, we were eager, we had a community that backed what we believed in, in our musicals, our endeavors and sports, all the activities, a visionary group of people on the administrative end that wanted to see these things.”
taught ‘57-’82 art teacher
In 1969, he arrived at Munster High School to teach physical education and coach the boys swimming team. The team won seven Indiana High School Championships. The dual meet won-lost record was 325 wins, 18 losses and 1 tie. Recently, the aquatic center, which was built in 2010, was named after Coach Jepsen. Mr. Jepsen retired at the end of the 1992-93 school year and relocated to Hendersonville, Tenn.
Ruth Stout
Jon Jepsen
What is the most rewarding aspect of your teaching career?
taught ‘69-’93 P.E. teacher
Gene Fort
taught ‘54-’95 social studies teacher
Faculty Hall of Fame Inductees
Mrs. Stout taught art in the Munster school system for 27 years. As the only art teacher in town, Mrs. Stout had six classes daily between the three grade schools. She drove a black VW Beetle that was always full of art supplies and student projects. When WWMS and MHS opened, she had a chance to set up her own Art Department. Mrs. Stout had a passion for her students. Her favorite thing was to introduce a “non-believer” into art—be it watercolor, sculpture, ceramics, or the graphic arts, and then watch their interest and talents grow.
Class of ‘67 Doctor
Dennis Stevens
Class of ‘89 Lawyer
Class of ‘70 Businessman
What experience(s) do you attribute to your success?
Stephen Hess
How did your time at Munster High School help you to achieve success?
“In my senior year, by coming to help with materials for the spring musical, “Carousel,” I became the properties manager. We had a good time setting up the necessary properties and a few special effects like rose petals falling from above the stage, which didn’t quite work out at the right time.”
What is your favorite memory from MHS?
“Graduation day. My mother, in her capacity as President of the Munster School Board, was the one who awarded my classmates and I with our degrees. It was extremely meaningful because, of all of the amazing teachers I have been fortunate to have during my life, my parents have unquestionably been the most otherworldly and impactful. Having one of them present me with my degree was live poetry.”
Class of ‘07 Journalist
What is an ambition or goal you still hope to achieve?
“I led the Big Ten in pass receptions and yardage my senior year at Indiana University.”
What is your favorite memory from MHS?
Michael Konopasek
“Absolutely, yes. I always knew. I am old enough to be a product of the TV generation, so I was there in the early days where Oprah was getting started and women were really breaking into the television industry. It was such an exciting time, it really was, just to make headway in that field.”
Class of ‘69 Lawyer
Glenn Scolnik
What is your personal greatest accomplishment?
Class of ‘75 Journalist
Barbara Deeb
Did you know you wanted to pursue while you were a student in high school?
Larry Johnson played football at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Larry has been a leader at the Detroit Metropolitan YMCA where he has held volunteer positions including Chairman of the Board. He is also involved with the University of Michigan’s Athletic Department and Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Class of ‘82 Political Lawyer
reporting by
[Crier staff]
Scott Yonover
Seven alumni, three former faculty members inducted into ‘18- ‘19 Hall of Fame today at assembly
Larry Johnson
Aug. 24, 2018
What is an ambition or goal you still hope to achieve?
“Professionally, I think it would be nice to get back home at some point in my career, which would be the Chicago market. Or, Have the opportunity to do a lot more traveling in my career, which would probably mean being a network, or national or international correspondent.
What is your personal greatest accomplishment?
“A personal accomplishment that stands out is visiting all 50 states before I turned 30. I accomplished that this year. A professional accomplishment that stands out is being named a fellow at the East-West Center in Hawaii— allowing me to visit the Korean Peninsula this year as part of a Journalism exchange program.”
4[NEW TEACHERS]
Munster High School Crier
Munster High School Crier
Aug. 24, 2018
Aug. 24, 2018
Mr. Steve Stepnoski years taught: 4 years subject: English college: IU Bloomington
Mrs. Jenna Crotty years taught: 7 years subject: Special Education college: Valparaiso University
Mrs. Joan Miller
subject: Special Education college: University of South Florida and Purdue Calumet
Q: What brought you to MHS? A: “A lot of things actually. This is the place I knew I could grow as a professional educator. This is the place I knew was right for me. It is a very community-orientated place. It was the place I was sad to leave in 2014-2015 and I was eager to come back.”
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher? A: “I always wanted to become a teacher. I had a great fifth grade teacher and she kind of inspired me. My first job was a tutoring job, and from there on, I just always knew I wanted to do teaching.”
Q: What is your favorite aspect of teaching? A: “My favorite aspect of teacing is helping students realize their academic potential and helping them overcome weaknesses that they think they may have.”
Q: What was your preparation for MHS like? A: “There are so many things at once. You want to be logistically prepared with seating charts and rosters and those types of things, but you also want to balance that out with making your class impressionable and getting your students to want to come back the next day and the next day.”
Q: What is your favorite aspect of teaching? A: “Definitely working with students. If students are struggling, getting them that more extra help that they need to help understand something better. I like that, especially when that lightbulb kind of goes off.” Q: What about this coming year are you most looking forward to? A: “It’s my first time in high school, so I’m excited to have this change of pace and work with older kids. I keep joking and saying that the kids don’t find me funny like my kindergarteners do.”
Q: How did you feel on your first day of school? How did it go? A: “It felt like coming home. It felt really good to be back in the right place. Also, It went by really fast, meaning at Lake Central I taught four classes a day because they have block scheduling, so seeing seven different groups of students a day made it feel like students were just coming in coming in coming in. It was a blur.”
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
[photo by Lauren Kozy]
Q: Other than teaching in the classroom, how are you planning on getting involved at MHS? A: “I just want to join the school community. I will volunteer at event when I can, I will chaperone dances, I plan on volunteering at the Speech and Debate Chicken Barbecue. I plan on attending sports events and so on.”
Unfamiliar
Mrs. Sarah Adams years taught: 9 years subject: FACS college: Purdue West Lafayette
Q: What about this coming year are you looking forward to most? A: “Cooking. Cooking for sure. I almost went to pastry school, and I wanted to open my own bakery and in high school. You get a lot more freedom with cooking, and you can do so much more, so I’m really excited to look into that.” Q: What brought you to MHS? A: “I’ve always loved the high school. I loved the level and the curriculum. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.”
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher? A: “Well, I used to play school and stuff when I was a little girl. But when I was working as a teacher’s aide at a teen parent high school, the administrator there said, ‘You know, you work really good with at-risk type of students. Have you ever thought about going to college to be a teacher?’ I’d say that’s why, probably.” Q: How did you feel on the first day of school? A: “Busy. Yeah, it’s busy starting a new job, it’s busy. You need to learn new procedures, but it feels good to be back in the classroom.”
faces MHS adds seven new
Q: How did you feel on the first day of school? How was it different from being at WWMS? A: “Seeing some of the kids come down the hallway and be like, “What are you doing here? This is crazy. Why are you here?” That was really comforting. Even some of the older kids who call me by my maiden name makes it kind of feel like home here already.”
[photo by Sydney Pastor]
Q: Other than teaching in the classroom, how are you planning on getting involved at MHS? A: “I absolutely would love to take on more stuff. If any sponsorships come up, and people want me to get involved, I absolutely want to. I’m excited to bring my son to some of the football games and sports activities. He loves it, so I really hope to make an appearance in that sense, too.”
The 18-19 year has just begun, and it is filled with many changes. There are new students, new classes, and more experiences to come. Along with these changes are seven new teachers in a variety of academic departments. What do they stand for? What do they look forward to? interviews by
[Alyssa Bass] [Mimi Brody] [Adam Klaich] [Alexis Lindenmayer] [Kammy Moore] Copy Editor
Editor-in-Chief
Social Media Manager
Page Editor
Q: What surprised you about Munster? A: “How well-behaved the students are, and how big the school is. Those are two real big surprises.”
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
Mrs. Despina Liaskos
years taught: 9 years subject: Business & Vocal Performance college: Ball State University, University of Akron, IU Northwest, Indiana State University
Q: What brought you to MHS? A: “I’m from Northwest Lake County, Indiana, and my husband works out this way. He works out in Hammond. So he was commuting back and forth. Our family is out this way. So we kind of just thought we would move out here and this is a great opportunity. So here I am.” Q: How did you feel on the first day of school? A: “Excited. It was exciting to meet new students in a different environment. Just that first day of school feel you know, everyone’s back to school and excited.”
Williams ] [Nadia Perdue] [Carey Scott] [MercedezAlt-copy Manager Managing Editor
Mrs. Judith DeYoung
Ms. Gabrielle Rapin
years taught: 34 years subject: Science college: Eastern Illinois University
Q: How did you feel on your first day of school? How did it go? A: “It went well. The kids seem really nice here, it’s just a lot of new things. You know learning a new school and how things go, different operations and stuff like that.”
years taught: 4 years subject: Science college: Indiana University Bloomington
Q: You graduated from MHS. What brought you back? A: “When I was here, we had a really, really strong science department. And, then, the years following that, they had to cut back on some of the staff. My position is the first new science teacher hired since I was here as a student, and to me, that’s really exciting, because it not only afforded me the opportunity to come back and teach at one of the best high schools in the state, but also, it means that our school community is improving, and we’re ready to really, really take science to the next level again.”
Q: Other than teaching in the classroom, how are you planning on getting involved at MHS? A: “So, I would love to coach swimming. It’s what I did when I was here as a student, and I also worked with IU’s swim team. But if that’s not available, I’ll have to see what’s open.”
Q: What has surprised you about Munster? A: “Like I said, not a whole lot, because I went here, and not all that long ago. I’m young, but I think I was a little overwhelmed by all the different technologies. I got accustomed to things at Lake Central that I liked to use. All of the ones here, like Blackboard and PowerSchool, they all operate the same as the other systems that I had, but they’re still different in their own ways. So I’m navigating that.”
Q: How did you feel on your first day of school? A: “Accepted. Happy that the kids actually were excited to be here, to be back, and just hopeful. Knowing that I made the right move coming back, and reinvigorated about teaching.”
Q: What has surprised you about Munster? A: “How orderly everything is and how well behaved all the students are. The students are very respectful, and I’m surprised to see students in the building before the school day.” Q: What is your favorite aspect of teaching? A: “My favorite aspect of teaching is always the students and the relationships I’ve formed over the years with the students.”
Business Manager
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
Q: Where did you go to college? A: “I started off at Ball State University. I did my undergrad in vocal performance. Then I went to the University of Akron and got my Masters in vocal performance. And then I stayed at the University of Akron. I finished my two years but I didn’t finish my thesis. I got into the arts on the business side a little bit, eventually went back and got my MBA, and I did that at IU Northwest and then I did my Masters of Ed and School Administration at ISU.”
teachers at start of year
Page Editor
[photo by Megan Szymanski]
[NEW TEACHERS]5
[photo by Melanie Powers]
6 [WELCOME]
Munster High School Crier
Aug. 24,2018
Electives that Excel story by
[Alexis Lindenmayer] Page Editor
Opinion
Summer Blues
A variety of different electives are offered to students
One asset of the school is the variety of different electives offered which range outside of the core subjects. Plenty of electives are exclusively for high school students and were not offered at the middle school. According to Mrs. Kathleen LaPorte, former FACS teacher, Culinary Arts is a prime example of a useful elective. There are two classes offered, Culinary Arts I and Culinary Arts II. ”It [Culinary Arts I] consists of most of the book work where they learn nutrition, proper procedures in a kitchen, measuring, utensils, and pretty much everything they would need as a background to go into the kitchen,” Mrs. LaPorte said. “Then they cook for the last 10 weeks of the semester.” Culinary Arts II follows the first class and begins to involve more of the physical cooking of the class. “They [students] pretty much jump right in and ideally will cook twice a week for most of the semester,” Mrs. LaPorte said. Mrs. LaPorte also shares the belief that the skills learned in these two classes are skills that everyone should eventually know. “Being in a kitchen is a good thing to get used to,” Mrs. LaPorte said. “Everyone at some point will have to make themselves a meal. You can’t eat out everyday.” However, if an individual wants to learn more about health and safety, Lifesaving is a potential class to sign up for. The class is taught by Mr. Mathew Pavlovich. The class is only a semester and is offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. “It [Lifesaving] teaches you first aid, CPR, water rescues, and what to do when there are drowning and active drowning victims,” Grant Afman, junior, said. The abilities one learns in lifesaving can ultimately come in handy. At the end of the class, students also take a test to obtain their lifesaving license. “It teaches you all the basic first aid and CPR and you can use that not only at a pool, but in real life,” Grant said. Piano and Keyboard is a class where students will be exposed to music and develop their abilities. The class is one semester and is taught by Mr. Andrew Robinson, choir director. “Students learn fundamentals about the keyboard and how to play different things, such as scales, chords, and solo pieces,” Mr. Robinson said. “We learn about reading music and basic music theory too.” There are plenty of reasons individuals may want to take this music based class. “I think if a student wants to learn some basics about how to play the piano and keyboard, acquire some simple music theory knowledge, and learn different ways to read music,” Mr. Robinson said. Students can learn how to expertly take photos in photography.
Photography is taught by Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman, English teacher, and is a semester long class. “In photography, we typically were given information about the history of photography and film,” Adamari Yepez, junior, said. The class teaches a variety of lessons such as how to taking better pictures, using Photoshop, and operating in a darkroom. “You were given time to take photos of your peers and discuss different techniques with them,” Adamari said. “The photography classroom overall was a positive place to be.”
Why take electives? “In electives you can experience different types of things and find new interests.”
“With elective classes, often comes additional information that will come in handy in your — Roman Garcia future outside the junior classroom.” — Adamari Yepez junior
“These classes can also foster newfound desires (things to either pursue as hobbies or pursue professionally) that students may not have previously considered.” — Mr. Andrew Robinson Choir Director
story by
[Alexis Lindenmayer] Page Editor
Summer for teenagers should be about taking a well-deserved break from all the stress and pressure that school presents. However, if a student plans on attending the next school year, they must participate in the tragedy that is summer reading. Summer reading tests will take place this coming Tuesday and Thursday. I have already taken four summer reading tests and have hated preparing for every one of them. There is something about being told I have to read a certain book that just really inspires me to not want to read it. However, while it may not be ideal, it is something that us students have to endure. Because the procedure is not going away, students will wonder how to deal with summer reading as efficiently as possible. Firstly, I would recommend reading the book as late into the summer as you possibly can. Note, I am not saying students should ignore the book all summer and cram it all in the night before. I just know that reading the book way in the beginning of the summer caused me to forget many important details when I finally took the test. Reading the last few weeks of summer and first week of school helps keep the story clear in your head. It also really helps to ask upperclassmen for recommendations on what books you should read. While it may not be fair, there are some books in the list that show to be a simpler read to students. Upperclassmen know what books are best to read and which tests are the most straightforward. Finally, don’t stress about it too much. If you are a good student and put in effort, the five percent of the semester that the tests affect won’t seem so significant in the end. Summer reading may seem obsessive and tedious but it will be over by the end of the first month of school.
[photo by Elizabeth Fonseca]
[photo by Megan Szymanski]
PICTURE PERFECT Participating in a photo taking session Ian Brundige,‘18, Parkyr Guiton, Clarissa Cortez, Madiha Ali, and Dori Clousing, sophomores, set up backdrop and lights in photography class. The photos taken were for the class’s third photo shoot of the semester. “A lot of our photos shoots included Ian,” Parkyr said. “We did these kinds of projects all the time.”
SEIZE THE CLAY Participating in ceramics class, Nico Zaromitidis, sophomore, works on creating a clay bowl. “I use it [the bowl] at family gatherings to put food in,“ Nico said. “Usually feta cheese.”
Munster High School Crier
Analyzing the Arts
story by
[Jack Stork] Reporter
Arts allows students to display their talents or gives them a path to follow their dreams. There are several classes and clubs that open the door into arts such as Theater, Speech and Debate, Ceramics, and more. Arts such as Speech and Debate, choir, theatre, band and orchestra have one main thing in common: they are all performance arts, requiring students to present in front of an audience. These activities can teach valuable skills, like speaking development, memorization and help students become more confident with their performances. Theatre is an example. Munster Theatre Company puts on multiple productions per school year, with multiple opportunities to be active in each production. In addition to the sense of community, theatre can prepare students for after high school with the skills in memorization and the exposure to large crowds which will help them get over stage fright. “I joined theatre simply because I really enjoy the arts and I wanted to see what MTC could offer me,” Kim Giannini, ‘18, said when asked why she joined. Similar to theatre, Speech and Debate offers many opportunities to be a part of a close knit group, and the ability to learn public speaking. Speech and Debate is an extracurricular, but students can also choose to take the Advanced Speech class.
[WELCOME] 7 Aug. 24, 2018
What is it like being part of the on-stage arts?
Another aspect of the arts is the wide range of music opportunities. These classes consist of group performances like choir, band or orchestra and some can be an individual performance, such as keyboarding, a class that teaches piano. “On one hand, [the arts] have really impacted the presence I have around people, like speaking skills. It’s also offered me lifelong friends that I will definitely treasure forever,” Kim said.
[your take]
Do you think the arts are important? 100
CONVOS IN COSTUME Before “You Can’t Take It With You” in February, juniors Tim Kaufman and Jack Sullivan prepare backstage.
[photo by Lilla Brunetti]
80
60
40
Yes 84.6% 17.4%
20
No
0
Source: Crier survey of 444 students from May 10-15 on Google Forms
BEFORE THE CLAY In ceramics class, Alisha Evans, junior, takes notes. “I liked ceramics because it’s an open and artistic environment that I thrive in.” [photo by Megan Szymanski]
Searching for Sleep
Students struggle to keep a consistent sleep schedule with start of the school year story by
“Junior year I never slept. I did they have homework and are all of my homework, and all of studying for upcoming tests. Reporter my sports. Plus I did play club Most students say staying High school is a place filled soccer,”Olivia Foley, ’18, said. up to do homework is very with many experiences that important. But there are also come with many so many health and focus ischoices. Joining af- On average, students say they get sues that can impact students ter school clubs and when they don’t get enough sports are just one sleep at night. of sleep at night of those choices The next day, students fall that affect certain asleep in class and it affects factors in your life. and 95 percent say that they are their ability to pay attention. One of those facstill tired in the morning “I think a lack of sleep can tors is the amount cause changes in one’s mood, when they wake up of sleep you get Source: Crier survey of 444 students from May inability to focus and coneach night while balancing your 10-15 on Google Forms centrate, making it difficult activities and your homework. Most students don’t go to bed to work and solve problems,” The average person should get until later in the night, while oth- Mrs. Minerva Martinez, eight hours of sleep every night. ers don’t go to bed at all because school nurse, said.
[Tiara Sparks]
six hours
[Illustration by Megan Szymanski]
SLEEPING ON THE JOB Students putting their heads down is a common sight when students don’t get enough sleep at home.
[CRIER Issue X Volume X May 1, 2018
[
Munster High School
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster IN 46321
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 219-836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. •The newspaper serves as a public forum and 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 (miryambrody@yahoo.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. Crier’s website is http:// mhscrier.com/ Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 12 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
[Our Staff]
Editor-in-Chief Mimi Brody Managing Editor Carey Scott
Graphics Editor Robert Young Web Editor Lilia Brunetti Social Media Manager Adam Klaich Alt-Copy Manager Mercedez Williams Page Editors: Alexis Lindenmayer, Nadia Perdue Business Manager Kammy Moore Head Photographer Elizabeth Fonseca Chief Photographer Melanie Powers Chief Social Media Photographer Lauren Kozy
Copy Editor Alyssa Bass
Photographers: Charlie Hofferth, Lana Salahieh
Design Editor Megan Syzmanski
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
8[STUDENT LIFE]
Munster High School Crier
Aug. 24, 2018
QualityContent
[BACKTALK] Today is National Shooting Star Day. If you could make one wish, what would it be?
Students discuss changes in YouTube as a platform story by
[Carey Scott] Managing Editor
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Whether it’s from watching skits, tutorials, or simply cat videos, but recently, YouTube has become a lot more than just fun and relaxed content. Many YouTubers have moved towards making more content that can be enjoyed by a larger and more traditional consumer base. “I think that now YouTube is a much more professional and diverse platform,” Stephanie Niemic, junior, said. “In previous years there used to primarily just be challenge-type videos and funny skits but now there are more documentaries, makeup channels, and vlogging channels.” Certain creators have proceeded to modify content with the platform to fit a larger range of consumers, like Shane Dawson, who has around 16 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. Shane has moved from doing lots of food reviews and skits, to making what are essentially journalistic documentaries. “When I first started watching Shane Dawson, it was around 20132014 and he had a very different feeling back then than it is now,” Caroline Chael, junior, said. “His style of videos, it was quite different, he did a lot of skits and had a lot of guests come on the show to do skits with him. In recent years, he has
Picking favorites Junior Caroline Chael’s top five favorite YouTubers
1. 2.
3.
grown out of that and had a more positive channel with different things. He’s gone from sort of like a very small creator that was very niche to something that a wide array of people can enjoy.” However, growing with the platform is a double edged sword and can impact a creator, depending on the way that they go about changing their content. “Many creators started making content other people want to see rather than what the creators want to do which affects the quality of it (the content). But it’s also been positive as a lot more people are able to create content and the community the community has extended its reach,” Caroline said. In addition, creators have extended their channel past the mere confines of YouTube. “I feel like it’s a stepping stone for most people,” Caroline said. “If they are YouTuber they make videos for a while, but they end up doing something else. Troye Sivan, for example, started out as a YouTuber but as the years went by, he just sort of transitioned into having a music career.” The platform seems to be more appealing because of how relatable a lot of the creators are, creating a more realistic feeling than other forms of media such as television. “I think YouTube is an appealing platform because it is sort of like a place where people can go to relax and forget about the stresses of their
“A lifetime supply of “I’d like to know twix bars.” how things play out before they happen.” Ashley Burgess freshman
daily lives,” Stephanie said. “People can get inspired or just simply find someone they can relate to.” It is clear that YouTube is a growing industry of sorts, showing a more interactive and customizable platform that allows for a lot more creative freedom than most other modern media. “I think it can (outphase TV). There’s already been YouTube Red,” Caroline said. “Which is like part of that so different creators are making their own TV shows like Good Mythical Morning and only putting it on YouTube Red and not broadcasting it, so eventually as YouTuber’s continue to get bigger and cable television gets smaller, I think it is possible.”
“I know this sounds like a Miss America Pagent question, but (I would wish for) world peace.”
“I want a boyfriend to help me succeed sophomore year.”
Rebecca Jones sophomore
Savannah Kunas sophomore
“I, personally, would wish for a mustache and baked hot cheetos.”
“I wish that all the greatest athletes of all time played at one time so we could really see who are the greatest athletes of all time.” Roman Garcia junior
Noel Fary junior
Speaking in tongues
Kelly Collins and Maya Radjenovich, seniors, explain popular Twitter slang exclamation shortened version of ‘wig flew,’ used to indicate excitement, or surprise
adjective to be so overwhelmed with emotion you cannot handle it
Oh my god, wig! I was shook when sister spilled that tea.
noun simply put, anyone, often used to preceed other words starting with ‘s’ i.e. “sister scandal”
“I wish I could travel to every country in the world.”
Nicole Biestek senior
“I would definitely love to be able to read any book I want to within a week.” Sydney Hamill senior
verb form of gossip, or news. Generally refers to scandalous information
[source: Kelly Collins and Maya Radjenovich, seniors]
“That there would be no poverty for any children.”
4. 5.
Maha Alshamaileh freshman
Mrs. Lisa Mella English teacher
“I would grant the genie his freedom because I always loved Aladdin.” Mr. Jordan Mayer English teacher