issue two volume 54
CRIER
munster high school
Sept. 6, 2019
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
SP IR I W T EE K
(top row, left to right) LADY STARDUST Sitting in AP Composition, Caroline Chael, junior, shows off her David Bowie costume. GIDDY UP Trinity Maleve, sophomore, dresses up as a cowgirl for Country vs Country day. (middle row, left to right) CHANGING IT UP At band practice, Finn Manion, sophomore, dresses as Abraham Lincoln in the 1860s. FOLLOW THE LEADER On decades day, Sami Muhrez, senior, leads the senior 80s workout. MUSICALLY NERDY Laughing, Alyssa Valadez, senior, takes out her clarinet. (bottom row, left to right) SCOUTS HONOR Milena Trivunovic, senior, holds a box of Girl Scout cookies during nerd day. I DO Diana Ayala, senior, wears a wedding dress during random costume day. YEE HAW Anthony Young, sophomore, dressed up as a cowboy Country vs Country Day on tips his hat toward the camera.
(top to bottom) LET’S GET PHYSICAL Working out in the commons on Thursday morning, Tarun Girn, senior, lifts weights. WILL TO WIN Sam Sellers, junior, jumps at the Junior vs. Senior Powderpuff game, the Juniors won. (left to right) SWINGING SIXTIES Ashley Burgess, sophomore, dresses up for Decades day in 60s attire. MR. FOOTBALL (left to right) Tarun Girn, Dawson Ginaven, Isaiah McCriston, and Christian Carter, seniors, carry Alex Lesinski, senior. Alex was crowned Mr. Football during the Powderpuff game. UP Jeff Hemmelgarn, senior, walks through the commons dressed as Russell from the Disney movie UP on Random Costume day. photo by Lauren Morris, Maddy Leimbach, Todd McKechnie, Lana Salahieh, Chloe Lambert, Vanessa Situ, Cali Petersen, Robert Young
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Munster High School Crier
Join the club
Sept. 6, 2019
SIDENOTE French
photo by Lauren Morris
LISTEN UP Mr. Steve Stepnoski, English teacher and sponsor of the club, explains the logistics of the new Ultimate Frisbee club at its callout meeting. “I’m looking forward to how much potential the club has. It can be played causally and with high intensity. I think because of these two distinct features, the club will grow,” said Michael Van Deursen, senior and Ultimate Frisbee Club member.
Student founders of new clubs discuss their inspiration, ambitions
education on his culture, and took it upon himself to introduce it to the school. “I believe this club will be a good opportunity to talk Lilia Brunetti about actual Jewish culture and its presence in America toDesign Editor day,” Max said, “There isn’t that much info out there in genThis school year, students will have the opportunity to eral besides our history.” multitask in a way never seen before — munching on potaOn the other hand, a collective student interest can musto latkes and discussing Plato’s cave, all while playing ultiter up support for adding another club for students to conmate frisbee. Well, perhaps not all simultaneously. sider. This year, the school will be home to three new clubs: “I thought of this idea last year after discussing the phithe Jewish Cultural Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, and Philosophy behind Franz Kafka’s novella Metamorphosis in AP losophy Club. Each club, in its own way, reflects the diverse Literature,” George said. “A lot of people were intrigued with personalities of the student body. the concepts, and some said that it would be cool to have a For students like club focused on having converHenry Sklar, senior and sations like that.” founder of the Ultimate As with many things, the Frisbee club, the addiprocess of creating a new club tion of a new club al- A checklist of the requirements entails various roadblocks. lows for a greater diver- needed to start a club “Sometimes it’s a difficult sity of students to come thing where there is an interest Club Sponsor (STM Employee) together recreationally. from students, but there’s no Purpose and Rationale “Not a lot of people faculty member staff member have been exposed to who wants to support it,” Mr. Intended outcomes for students it and once they find Brian Clark, assistant principal, By-laws and constitution it, they’re really going Most importantly, said. to love it and want to Despite this, the ends seem Plan of Operation and costs submit it by Feb. 1 to justify the means. keep coming back every week,” Henry said. “It’s “It gives kids new opportusource: Munster High School Handbook A list of tentative members a good way to get to nities. You know, they might know other upperclassbe interested in something (a men and for underclassmen to make new friends.” club) not available that fits their needs” Mr. Clark said. Additionally, introducing new clubs can foster a welcomAlthough inspired by different situations, each founder ing environment for students to expand their own perspechas aspirations for their club to grow in the future. “Unfortives. tunately, I won’t be able to see a whole bunch,” Henry said. “I hope (this club) will give the students a greater un“But my goal is just to get out and play as much as we can, derstanding of philosophy,” George Dimopoulos, senior and get as many people to at least try as much as we can.” and founder of Philosophy Club said, “along with a more Interested students can attend the Ultimate Frisbee Club accepting outlook on unfamiliar philosophical ideas.” meetings on Wednesdays after school in N126, the PhilosInspiration for a new club has hit each founder in a mulophy Club callout meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in N129 titude of ways, each of them unique. Max Buka, senior and at 3 p.m., and the Jewish Cultural Club callout meeting on co-founder of the Jewish Cultural Club, realized the lack of Thursday, Sept. 12 in N127.
The French classes saw some major changes recently, including new teacher, Mrs. Diane Wilson, as well as adopting the Indiana University Honors program into their curriculum. Mrs. Wilson is replacing former French teacher Ms. Stephanie Peterson. The IU Honors program will take some getting used to, but will be a valuable learning tool for students, according to Ariel Velasco, senior. “I guess one of the main changes is adapting to the new teacher and the new system,” Ariel said. “We’re gonna start using the IU textbook and the IU Honors program instead of what Ms. Peterson had for us last year. So, it’s like a new course. I’m feeling good about the changes. I like that we’re doing the IU program instead. I feel like its gonna be more helpful for us and we’ll probably learn more.”
It’s on my list
Changing t he g ame eSports looks forward to the upcoming season, discusses their versatility Mercedez Williams Executive Editor
Dedicated to playing both leisurely and competitively, this year’s eSports team has their eye set on growing their club. “It is not just about competitive gaming,” Haley Mize, senior, said, “It’s not just about our tournaments, we still have multiple social media pages we need to run, artists to help us design posters. You do not need to be the best at video games, you do not even have to like video games, but you can still be involved in some way or another.” eSports does many different activities throughout the year. However, most of it
still centers around the root of the club: gaming. “We play games competitively against other schools,” Jake Whitaker, senior, said. “We fund-raise a lot, we want to do community service, we do a lot of stuff, just mostly gaming.” With the start of the new year, eSports opens its doors to all students who wish to join it. But once you join, events and practice begin quickly. “We will have our trials for different teams coming up in the next two weeks,” Haley said. “We want to make sure everyone has their forms in, and we start competing in a few weeks.” eSports can offer advantages such as scholarships, but it also can help students in other ways that one may not expect. “Back in time, I was antisocial, but coming into eSports club,” Johnathan
Wesley, senior, said, “I realized that there are a lot of others like me, and just having that team is so much fun.”
Game On
A guide to eSports’ video game consoles in the esports room.
What: Acer desktop computer • • •
Overwatch League of Legends Rocket League
What: Xbox One • Rocket League • Human Fall Flat • Minecraft photos by Maddy Leimbach
photo by Mercedez Williams
LA PROFESSEUR During her French III class, Mrs. Diane Wilson, French teacher, passes back students’ assignments.
Speech and Debate In honor of the homecoming season, Speech and Debate is holding their annual Chicken Barbecue. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the chicken barbecue. The event is tonight from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. “The (Chicken Barbecue) is a Munster tradition that as been going on for decades,” Noel Fary, senior, said. “You can ask anyone, it’s the best chicken you’ll ever have and you’ll be supporting one of the most committed teams at the high school.” Noel believes that this years chicken barbecue will have a successful turnout because of the teams dedication and help. “It’s great the speech classes are helping out a bunch,” Noel said. “The entire travel team has been ready to help things run smoothly.”
Corrections In issue 1 of Crier, Cali Petersen’s last name was incorrectly spelled. Crier regrets these errors.
Sept. 6, 2019
Munster High School Crier
3o p i n i o n Saving the Planet
Column By
Adam Klaich Design Editor
cartoon by Mercedez Williams
Editorial
Pulling their weight Out with the old and in with the new. Out with ISTEP and in with new Pathways. Pathways are a new practice that is set to take place with the Class of 2023. Pathways are designed to “individualize their graduation requirements to align to their postsecondary goal. No longer must all students fit into the same academic mold, but rather, they can choose the options that best meet their postsecondary needs and aspirations. Students can create Pathways that serve their educational interests and prepares them for postsecondary educational and career opportunities,” according to the Indiana Department of Education. No longer must students pass the dreaded ISTEP, but instead, have to be involved extracurriculars or find a job. While they are obvious benefits to this, it can also be stressful for students and school counselors. Counselors must already keep up with each student and their path to graduation, but with Pathways, they must make sure every student keeps up with their pathway requirement. Also, what if a student does not want to join a club and cannot get a job? Pathways puts more pressure on the student to successfully finish their pathway in order to graduate. This also can force students to join clubs they are uninterested in. They may do the bare minimum to graduate and take away the fun from students who actually like to participate
CRIER
Crier, Munster High School’s official student newspaper, may be reached via mail at 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321; via phone at 219-836-3200, ext. 3443; or via fax at 219836-3202. Crier is published through the Honors Newspaper Advanced Writing and Editing classes and extra-curricular involvement. •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
in the club. While this can be stressful, but pathways can also be beneficial for students. This ups their college readiness and preparedness for the future. Now students must receive an Honors Diploma or pass the College-Ready benchmark for the SAT or ACT, or they must get an apprenticeship, or have a C or higher in three AP classes. This may sound challenging, but it all helps students be prepared for college. These Pathways give students more insight into what to Pathways can be expect in college, stressful, but also with taking the closest thing to a can be effective college class, an rewards for the AP class. This also students who teaches a student pursure them responsibility and time management with the extracurricular and/or job, along with homework and home life. Some students may be surprised at how time consuming school and extracurriculars can be once they go into college, but if we prepare them with the right tools in high school, they will be set in college and beyond. There are two sides to the argument on Pathways, but ultimately, students and guidance counselors are the one who have to carry the burden of Pathways.
Our take
must be signed and should be either emailed to the editor (alexislindenmayer@gmail.com), given directly to any staff member or delivered to the Publications room, N155, one week prior to publication. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual. Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and grammatical errors. Crier will accept letters from anyone, provided that the content pertains to school or school issues. Feedback may also be submitted on Twitter @munstermedia. •Mailed subscriptions cost $25 per year. Digital issues can be found on issuu.com. Crier is published 13 times a school year. Ad rates and policies are available to anyone upon request.
Our Staff
For the past few weeks, the Amazon Rainforest has been engulfed in a fiery inferno. There are more fires within the forest than ever and 7,000 miles of trees that have been reduced to ashes. Although millions of dollars have been donated to the cause and awareness has been spread through social media, it is simply not enough. The G7 conference, a meeting between world leaders, decided that $22 million would be donated to one of the worlds biggest oxygen sources, but it is simply not enough. To put this amount of money in perspective, Avengers: Endgame had a budget of $356 million and Notre Dame received $1 billion within two days of burning down. This is devastating and embarrassing. The fire in the Amazon was caused by deforestation, and acts as a huge threat with the monstrous issue of global warming pounding on the Earth’s door. We need to set saving the Amazon as a priority. Without the oxygen the forest produces and the carbon dioxide it uses, there won’t be any movies like Avengers or structures of history for us to enjoy. If we fail to change the world and help the environment, the Earth we will get too hot and we will all face a very heated death, and nobody wants that. Although the Amazon fires aren’t directly caused by global warming, there are some uncommon forest areas that are on fire. Siberia is also experiencing wildfires along with regions Alaska and Greenland. These fires are product of the rising temperatures. This is terrifying because Siberia’s average temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit. We are doing a very poor job of taking care of the planet and it is really starting to show. We are completely failing in taking care of our Earth and we need to put in more effort and get our priorities straight. We need to focus on this environmental disaster we have created and donate, find new ways to dispose of harmful substances and give money or help to organizations that will conduct or streamline the Earth’s recovery. We need to do better or human life will cease to exist.
Executive Editor Mercedez Williams Design Editors Lilia Brunetti, Adam Klaich Copy Editor Atarah Israel Page Editor Erianna Sims Director of Photography Charlie Hofferth Head Photographer/Graphics Editor Robert Young Chief Photographer Lana Salahieh Photographers Max Lindenmayer, Maddy Leimbach Lauren Morris, Cali Petersen,
Editor-in-Chief Alexis Lindenmayer
Business Manager Jack Stork
Managing Editor Alyssa Bass
Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman
4i n f o c u s
Munster High School Crier Sept.6, 2019
Sept.6, 2019 Munster High School Crier
Fighting spirit
Covering all things Homecoming
Geekly chic
i n f o c u s5
Q&A with the 2019 Homecoming Court Amanda Beaudouin
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court? A: “I kinda laughed and was like ‘Wow, funny joke” being sarcastic and all. I just look really mean when I walk through the hallways so I was shocked.”
Hazel Wolf
Q: What is your favorite spirit day? A: “I like random costume day best because you’ll see people casually wearing ridiculous stuff. I’m also a little too excited about my beekeeper outfit.”
Faith Blair
Q: What is your favorite spirit day? A: “(My favorite is) 80s workout day because I feel like everyone goes all out for that. I’ve waited for years for it so I’m really excited.”
Annie Foreit
Q: What would you like to say to all of the people who voted for you? A: “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, and also thank them for making these past few years memorable. Munster High School has an amazing student body, and we did a great job of picking such an admirable court. I am truly honored and excited to even be a part of it.”
Payton Poulston
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you’d be on Homecoming Court? A: “When I found out that I would be on homecoming court I was walking out of the doctor’s office crying because I wasn’t having the best day. My mom then told me that she got a call that I was on court and my mood immediately changed. I was not expecting it and it felt so great knowing that my grade chose me to be on court with the other girls.”
Clara Terry
Q: What is your favorite thing about MHS? A: “My favorite thing about Munster is definitely the people, all my friends. I just feel so comfortable here because all the people are so welcoming and kind.”
Ariel Velasco
Q: What is your favorite thing about MHS? A: “(My favorite thing) is choir and theater I really enjoy that. I just love performing and it is fun to work together with other people and I love everyone in those clubs.
MUSTANG PRIDE The student section cheers on their football team in a game on Aug.23. Munster ended up losing to Lake Central in a score of 34-7.
History repeats itself
photo by Charlie Hofferth
Juniors beat the Seniors in the 2019 Powderpuff, 30-18
Prepping the night
Student government discusses Homecoming pep rally and dance Alexis Lindenmayer Editor-in-Chief
Homecoming is the only time where is socially acceptable to wear wearing cowboys hats, colorful leis and neon spandex in the span of one week. As this exciting week comes to an end, students look forward to the upcoming Pep Rally, today at 1:30 p.m, and the Homecoming dance tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. The Pep Rally was orignially outisde on the football field due o the condition of the fieldhouse, but administration has allowed the event to take place in the field house. Student government has planned the games that will take place at the pep rally. “We wanted to get more people involved so we tried to find games that
more people would be interested in participating in,” Alyssa Nahnsen, senior and student body president, said. “So we have the classic tug of war and we’re also going to be playing musical chairs, which I think will be implementing a new competitive nature.” This year’s Homecoming has a theme of black and white ball. Alyssa shares the process of deciding Homecoming themes each year. “Every year, we come up with a list of about maybe 12 things and we start crossing them off based on whether or not they’re going to be feasible and how ridiculous it’s going to be,” Alyssa said. We always have Candyland in the top three, there’s always Harry Potter, but this year we decided to pick something that we thought would pass is simple, yet elegant.”
photo by Robert Young
COURT IS IN SESSION (from right to left) Amanda Beaudouin, Ariel Velasco. Clara Terry, Faith Blair, Hazel Wolf, Payton Poulston and Annie Foreit, seniors, pose for a nerd day photo. This is the 2019 Homecoming court.
“I am so happy that we won because everyone thought the seniors were going to win and at the beginning of the game, they looked a lot more organized. Every time they scored, we scored, and then we just won. We kind of dominated them.”
The decorations of the dance will reflect the theme, along with a hint of gold accents. Student government makes the dances decorations in room N187. “Decorating is crazy this year since there is so much to do,” Sami Muhrez, senior student body vice president, said. “We have been working almost everyday these past two weeks in order to put together the columns and pillars in time for the dance.” PUTTING IT TOGETHER Working at student government, Andrew Wittkamp and Shriya Iyer, juniors assemble a base for an arch for the dance. Student government has been working on decorations for the past three weeks. “My favorite decoration to work on was the gat that’s going to be attached to some pillars.” Andrew said.
photo by Todd Mckechnie
-Sam Sellers junior “Most of the girls on the team I was never close with, but being on the team really like them and want to talk to them. We shared a lot of laughs and really worked as a team.”
-Lucy Torres senior
photo by Lauren Morris
CEC houses
Playhouse themes for all grades
Freshmen
Sophomores
Animals
Space
Juniors
Seniors
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
101 Dalmations
photo by Robert Young photos by Cali Petersen
UP ABOVE (left) Habiba Ouyuon and Leira Alvarez, sophomores, work on painting the roof of their playhouse. HARD AT WORK (above) Alayna Blasko, sophomore, concenrates on painting the inside of the playhouse.
GET TOGETHER (top) Taylor Olmstead, Clara Zuniga, Kailyn Oganovich, and Rachel Vanek, juniors, huddle up before the game LAUGHING IT OUT (bottom) Before the game Alyssa Nahnsen and Gillian Bedenk, seniors, laugh and dance around at the sidelines. RAISE HIM UP As students watch on, Amir Henderson, Tarun Girn, Alex Lesinksi, and Dawson Ginaven, seniors celebrate the crowning of the Alex Lesinki as Mr. Football.
photo by Todd Mckechnie
r e v i e w6
Munster High School Crier Sept. 6, 2019
Walking to the Crier staffer reviews The Beatles’ album Abbey Road’s 50th anniversary Adam Klaich Design Editor
On Sept. 26th, 1969, The Beatles released their eleventh studio album: Abbey Road. Fifty years later, the album is ranked as the 14th best album of all time by Rolling Stone and its album cover of the Fab Four walking across the Abbey Road crosswalk is one of the most famous pictures in history. Although Let It Be was the last album The Beatles released, Abbey Road was recorded last making it their final album. The picture was taken on the cross walk outside of Abbey Road Studios, where the band recorded all but one of their albums. According to The Beatles Bible, the picture was Paul McCartney’s idea and was taken by Iain Macmillan on Aug. 8th, 1969 while standing on a ladder. Some of The Beatles’ most popular
Beat
songs are within the 17 tracks on the album including “Here Comes The Sun” and “Come Together.” The Beatles genius creativity is shown throughout the album and the band and uses many elements. From the great orchestra and powerful horns in “Golden Slumbers” and “Carry That Weight” to the multiple uses of the piano throughout the album, not a song is bland and not a second of the album is wasted. So many small details and sound effects make the album more enjoyable. The lyrics are beautifully written and perfectly compliment the music behind it. The song “Something” is a perfect example of this. George Harrison’s beautifully written lyrics are complemented by the guitars and other strings in the background. There’s a song for everyone on Abbey Road. There’s the happy and wildly successful “Here Comes The Sun,” the wacky
and fun “Octopus’s Garden,” and the sad and somber “You Never Give Me Your Money.” No matter who you are or what you listen to, I guarantee that there will be a song you will enjoy. Although the album isn’t as experimental as their self titled album, otherwise known as The White Album, and their classic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, it is still highly unique and one of the best that has come out of the musical powerhouse that was The Beatles. The album is a rightful farewell to the band that so many loved and still love to this day. The album can impress anybody who listens to it and there is no doubt that you’ve heard one of the songs on it or at least seen the album cover. If you’re looking to get into The Beatles, this is a great album to start with and, in my opinion, is one of the greatest albums of all time.
How do The Beatles effect today’s culture? Students and staff reflect on how the Fab Four effect culture today
-Simona Terek sophomore
“They influenced the counter culture and war protest was a part of that. After they broke up and even after some of them died, they still left their mark. People don’t want to be in pointless wars.”
“They were one of America’s first popular boy bands... each one of them were singers and musicians... it was part of their influence that everyone can have a voice in a band.”
-Mrs. Elena Lopez art teacher
-Ty Hesterman senior
“My favorite Beatle is probably George Harrison because of his guitar playing.
“
-Ethan Lieser senior
“When I was
younger, it (favorite Beatle) was Paul. I got a lot of grief from my brothers because they thought I picked the cutest guy who was a weak musician.
“
-Mrs. Lopez art teacher
“My favorite is
George Harrison, but I think The Beatle that was best for culture was John Lennon because he was involved in peace.
“
“All of the artists I like now are inspired by (The Beatles) and they basically made modern music.”
photo by Todd McKechnie
SOMETHING IN THE WAY During last years Battle of the Bands, Ethan Lieser, senior, performed The Beatles’ song “Something” with Mira Fefferman, senior. “When the music makes you feel a certain way and when it makes you feel something greater than yourself, you know it’s something special,” Ethan said. “It is honestly hard for me to wrap my head around how just four people together created a countless collection of beautiful songs, but I’m beyond glad they did it.”
-Ty Hesterman senior
Source: Biography
George Harrison (1941-2001) George Harrison is the third member to join the band and was the lead guitarist for The Beatles. Towards the end of the bands run, Harrison became an accomplished song writer, impressing Lennon and McCartney.
Paul McCartney (1942-) Paul McCartney is known for writing many of the band’s hits and played the bass guitar. McCartney was the second member to join the band when they were known as The Quarrymen and taught himself how to play guitar and piano.
Ringo Starr (1940-)
John Lennon (1940-1980)
Born Richard Starkey, Ringo was the last to join the bad after drummer Pete Best left the band. According to Hypebot.com, he is one of the most successful and is officially the highest paid drummer in history.
Lennon created The Beatles, originally named The Quarrymen, in 1957 when he was 16 year old. After five years and multiple band mates, the band was renamed and quickly gained stardom and caused Beatlemania.
Sept. 6, 2019
SIDENOTE
Munster High School Crier
7s p o r t s
Volleyball Volleyball started the school year out strong. Entering the season with a win and a loss, the team has continued to improve, winning their latest game against Lowell. “Our current record is 8-5,” Imani Kemp, senior, said. “We played Lowell and beat them in three sets. I look forward to getting in the gym everyday to improve. I really want our team to come together and hopefully win a state championship.”
No interceptions photo by Robert Young
NO BACKING DOWN Football played Lake Central Aug. 23. Blocking an L.C. player, Will Rojas, senior, played hard to help defend his team.
Football plays East Chicago tonight, reflects on Homecoming game and the team’s progress Erianna Sims Page Editor
photo by Chloe Lambert
A GROUP EFFORT (from left to right) Madeline Andrzejewski, junior, Marina Gronkiewicz, sophomore, Imani Kemp, senior, and Sarah Morton, sophomore, huddle together with the team to discuss what went right and what their strategy for the next play will be. “I was giving my team a peptalk,” Imani Kemp, senior, said. “I wanted them to go out there confident and win the game.
Locker rooms Although this school year’s renovations on the exterior of the building may be more visible to students, the interior of the building has seen its fair share of changes as well. In addition to the two new locker rooms installed last school year, the school has added on a total of seven new locker rooms to improve athletes’ conditions. “They divided those (P.E. locker rooms), and are keeping the athletic teams separated,” Mr. Brian Clark, assistant principal, said, “But when we host teams visiting it’s a little easier to put them in these places.” For the past three to four years, this project has been a work in progress thanks to monetary support from the Munster referendum. Each location is updated with new shower facilities, thanks to the plumbing, heating, and cooling renovations that have taken place in the past year. Moreover, these refurbishments benefit the school logistically.
Boys’ Cross Country
The boys’ Cross Country team is in what Juan Olivencia-Duque, junior, calls “the grind phase.” The team is taking part in more work outs and have gone to the weight room more than last year to increase their upper body strength. The team is also running at Riverside Park, one of the courses in the post season. The team is a few meets into the season and Olivencia-Duque thinks that the team has a strong top five runners, even if the team only has one senior this year. “We have one senior right now, Oliver Meraz.” Olivencia-Duque said. “He’s really holding everything together right now and he’s kind of the glue.”
Football endures new beginnings and bittersweet ends as they prepare for the Homecoming game tonight and progress through the football season. “I am blessed to be on the varsity football team,” Cesar Chavez, junior, said. “This has been a goal of mine for a long time, but the best part about it is that I get to make an impact on the game and help the team.” The team has new staff members, with improved practice routines and play tactics. “We are doing a no-huddle offense, which our new coach, Coach Geffert brought in,” Tarun Girn, senior, said. “He used to be the head coach at Griffith, and he actually coached at Munster previously, and has now come back to be our offensive coordinator. He’s really instilled (in the team) that fast pace high tempo offense to really keep our offense on the field as much as possible and run up the score.” The team has embraced a new creed to help create bonds between varsity
players and freshman players. Homecoming Football game are what “We came up with five words players feel will help bring the school in correlation to each weekday,” and community closer together. Michael Dwyan, “The Homecoming senior, said. “Effort game brings the Monday, attitude whole town together, Tuesday, discipline even if you’re not a Wednesday, family Football changes their motto football fan,” Dywan Thursday and pride said. “The festivities, Friday. To earn our Our new motto this year is “All the floats, the parade mustang decals on In,” Girn said. “Coach Grunewald before, and the our helmet, we came asked us what we wanted the new Homecoming queen up with definitions precedent to be for our team and announcement all for each word, and we decided “All In,” because that help to bring the had to repeat that really embodies what we want this town together for creed in front of our program to be. -Tarun Girn that Friday night.” teammates to receive senior Whether it’s new the decals.” beginnings or the The team is 0-2 and start of an end, the plays East Chicago team will enjoy this who is 1-1 tonight for season’s journey. the Homecoming game. “I’ve definitely learned to cherish “This Homecoming game will be every moment, and it’s a very nostalgic the first of many lasts and it’s all feeling,” Girn said.“For a lot of us seniors bittersweet,” Dywan said. “It’s always we’ve been playing with each other really fun to play the homecoming since elementary and middle school, game and see a big crowd out there, so so we’re just trying to have that one I’m excited for it.” last good ride together. Roll Stangs!” Festivities leading up to the
Switching gears
“
”
Refuse to lose
Daniel Sroka and Nikash Kondamuri debut as powerful freshmen on varsity tennis Atarah Israel Copy Editor
Daniel Sroka and Nikash “Nikky” Kondamuri, freshmen, have taken tennis by storm, debuting in their first game against Lake Central with a staggering win of 5-0. The two boys are surpassing typical expectations. “During practice it’s (expectations) are not as high because, of course, they (older students) have been here longer and they have higher expectations,” Kondamuri, said. “It kind of takes the pressure off of being a freshmen because everyone really likes you, and during the match it gets easier because you still have a lot of learning to do. It’s not as bad.” No matter the level expectation, both boys are proving themselves to be valuable members of the varsity team. “I feel like expectations should be the same for everyone,” Sroka said. “Even if you’re a senior or freshmen, just win.” Both starting tennis from young ages, Sroka and Kondamuri have respectively grown and harbored a passion for the sport. Tennis also seems to be a family
photo by Lana Salahieh
RACKS UP At practice, Daniel Sroka, freshmen, prepares for his upcoming matches. “Not a lot of freshmen are on varsity,” Sroka said. “It shows that my hard work paid off. It’s pretty successful to be a freshman on varsity.”
affair, as both boys have siblings who were on the tennis team before them. “Both of my brothers played high
school too,” Kondamuri said. “And they were on varsity, so I would always go watch their matches and it was really cool. Mr. (Steve) Lopez (social studies teacher) was actually the coach, so I’ve known him for a while. Just watching that and TV.” Daniel’s sister, Karolina Sroka, class of 2019, also played tennis and, according to Sroka, continues to play today. Sroka attributes his desire to play the sport to his dad. “I’ve probably played tennis since (I was) four or five years old,” Sroka said. “My dad, he liked tennis because he went to Nigeria and he had nothing else to do. My sister Karolina, she’s at IU right now and she played tennis for the high school, too.” As for this upcoming tennis season, both boys have high hopes and expect it to be a success. “I feel pretty good, you know. We have a good team this year. We lost two seniors last year that are number one doubles, and our number one singles moved to Texas. “We’ve lost a few, (but) Daniel is another ninth grader, (and) him and me have come in. We’re pretty confident going in.”
8s t u d e n t
life
Munster High School
Sept. 6, 2019
On the right track New graduation requirements implemented for the class of 2023
throughout the four years of high school. This does not have to be all at the same place, it can be a combination of different jobs or clubs, according to Mrs. Terry. Since this can provide employability skills, Lexi Perez, freshman, believes that it is a good thing for students to do. “I don’t think it’s putting too much pressure on students,” Lexi said. “You are going to have to learn how to multitask and function outside of school. You need to know how to do other things than just school once you’re in college.” Graduation Pathways not only added more work for students, but also for school counselors which is why MHS hired an additional school counselor, according to Mrs. Terry. Along with counselors, coaches, sponsors and administration has worked added. “Counselors will need to track students more deliberately,” Mr. Snyder said. “It is more important than ever that students pass their classes the first time they take them. The school will need to run an SAT/ACT administration during the year as well as some ASVAB administrations. We will be asking more deliberate questions of students, posing solutions, and tracking progress so that students can achieve their boxes/buckets. The workload will also increase for coaches and sponsors who will need to validate their students’ experiences. In the same way that this SAT: 480 in English and 530 in Math will be more challenging ACT: 18 in English, 22 in English, 22 in for students, it will be Math, and 23 in Science more challenging College-ready benchmarks for school personnel.” students must reach:
Alyssa Bass Managing Editor
For the class of 2023, the long days of ISTEP are no more, ISTEP is no longer a necessity to graduate. State of Indiana implemented the new Graduation Pathways for the current class of freshmen. For classes 2020-2023 ISTEP is still in place and passing was required to graduate. Class of 2023 will be required to take an SAT or ACT. “(SAT or ACT days) will likely be hosted at MHS during (class of 2023’s) junior year,” Mr. Robert Snyder, Assistant Principal and who sat on the Graduation Pathways Panel, said. “When our current sophomores matriculate from MHS, ISTEP will leave with them. I think it is fair to say that ISTEP and the ACT/ SAT are comparable in difficulty, meaning that they are both challenging.” The Graduation Pathways has what people refer to as the bucket/box system, three graduation requirements that students need to meet. Box one is to make sure you meet the standard diploma credit and curricular requirements. Box two says students must learn employability skills through at least one of the following: project-based learning, service-based learning or work-based learning. Box three requires students to show post-secondary-ready competencies. “A lot of our students are involved, which is awesome,” Mrs. Chrisanne Terry, school counselor, said. “People do not only do clubs and sports activities, but they do some volunteering for their churches, synagogues, religious affiliations, volunteering. I think that (Pathways) is going to be just a heads up for the students that are coming up that they have to be involved in something.” According to Mr. Snyder, around 65 percent of students will be able to check box two, employability skills, through a club or a sport at the school. Though the new pathways were enacted to prepare students Honors Diploma, ACT/SAT, ASVAB (Military), for college and future careers to fight unemployment State and Industry recognized Credential, it is difficult to achieve based on individual students, Apprenticeship, AP/IB/Dual Credit Course according to Mr. Snyder. “(The) two biggest challenges I see are: First, legislators and Department of Education are not moving on the same timelines, so information is in a constant (Complete one of the following) state of change as it is getting rolled out to schools,” Mr. Snyder said. “Second, I feel that schools should Employability Skills be afforded more time to build appropriate programming that supports the initiative, and I Project-based: Ex. Capstone or research proje ct think that increased funding should be sup- Service-based: Ex. 70 hours at club, sport, volunteering plied because some of these changes are goWork-based: Ex. internship, job, completion of Capstone ing to require hiring. We want to make m u s t c o m p l e t e a t least one of the following sure that there is a pathway option for every student. All schools have students who struggle with testing and who are less engaged in school.” As students, the new Pathacurricular requir ements ways require 70 hours of participation in a club, sport, or j o b
BAC K TALK
If you could pick any spirit day, what would it be?
“Everybody wears black and white.”
Catherine Cronin freshman
“Pajama day, we never do that and wearing that will be really comfortable all day.” Sarah Pruzin freshman
“Dress up as “Gender Bender another celebrity day.” day. It would be fun to see everyone dressed up as their favorite and see what everyone else likes.” Beliaflor Mora Gabby Nieves sophomore sophomore
“Bring your dog to school day.” Peyton Specht junior
“Drag queen Day.” Marina Gasich junior
3) Postsecondary Competencies
Learn and demonstrate
Students
2) Learn employa bility skills Meet the diploma and ex tr 1) High S The new g chool Diploma class of 2023raduation requ ir
Gradu Pathwation ay Op tions illustration by Charlie Hofferth and Alyssa Bass
sources: Indiana Department of Education
ements
“It would be meme day, because it is a deep interest at the bottom of my heart to dress up as the Cat in the Hat with a bat and run around the school wreaking havoc.” Alyssa Nahnsen senior
“Dress like the alien you steal from Area 51.”
“A day of arete. It is the goal of all schools.”
“Dress like your teacher day.”
April Roberts senior
for
Mr. Micheal Gordon Mr. Matt Kalwasinski Government teacher Psychology teacher