MHS Crier | Issue 3 | 10.04.19

issue three volume 54

CRIER

munster high school

8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321

Alexis Lindenmayer

Oct. 4, 2019

A generation, up in smoke

Editor-in-Chief

V

aping is a better, safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. Or at least that is a common justification people give for their increasing addiction to e-cigarettes.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 18 deaths linked to vaping and expect this number to continue to increase as more deaths are reported and occur all around the United States. Right now, over 800 cases of lung injury are being tied back to vaping, and the CDC is still trying to find an answer to why.

As more teenagers partake in this habit, two students share their experiences with vaping and the recent news that follow it. Crier feels that it is important for these students to share their stories. Since vaping is illegal for people under 18, these sources will be anonymous to protect them from any backlash or punishment.

A senior girl shares that she originally started vaping to “see what the hype was about.” She did not think that she was going to get addicted.

“I felt like I would only do it on the weekends, honestly at parties or any anywhere else that I went with my friends,” the senior girl said. “After the school year had ended and I had more free time in the summer, I really started to pick up on the habit. After summer ended and we got back to school, I realized that it wasn’t a very good habit and I knew that. However, it was kind of difficult because school is hard for me and I felt like I was going through some stuff, and I used that as a coping mechanism to channel all my feelings into something that made me feel relaxed.”

read more on page 3

graphic by Charlie Hofferth

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Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

SIDENOTE

Rotary Club offers community dinner before musical tomorrow

The

creepy and kooky

photo by Lauren Morris

SCARY ON STAGE Stealing the spotlight, Ariel Velasco, senior, and Hunter Hamer, junior, rehearse during tech week. “My favorite part about playing Morticia is her attitude and personality. She is a strong woman that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to speak her mind,” Ariel said.

Students discuss their upcoming fall musical “The Addam’s Family” Erianna Sims Page Editor

Munster High School’s Theater Company (MTC) debuts it’s fall production of “The Addam’s Family” starting yesterday through Sunday. From auditions, to read throughs, to rehearsals, and finally the performance, the cast of this production has had a memorable journey together. Reenacting the mysterious and spooky members of the Addam’s Family has been a memorable experience for the cast.

“We have come such a long way since we first started our rehearsal,” Michael Casner, freshman, said. “At the beginning, we were just getting to know our characters and each other.

We’ve developed our characters and friendships, and it’s amazing to see everything come together.”

Theater has put countless hours of work into this production. They have worked to improving their characters,

props, and overall performance. their own unique ways.

“The start was extremely rough on “I’d have to say that my favorite part everyone,” Hunter Hamer, junior, said. of this play is how unique it is,” Ayush “People barely knew their lines, songs Arora, freshman, said. “The concept of were hard to memorize and sing, and this show is very original, and it comdances turned us all into human pret- pletely disregards the image of an idezels. It took a ton of work and practice al family. Being in theater is so special inside and outside of rehearsal to get to me, because I believe it has made everything down. The growth was ex- me more accepting of different types traordinary to see in everyone and we of people, and it has given me more confidence in trying new things.” continue to see improvements.”

Hunter enjoys being a part of this MTC has taken the traditional adaptation of the Addam’s Family and production, as he grew up watching the show during his childhood. added their own twist to it.

“I enjoy the characters “The twist for our and how they are portrayed play is that the ancestors will play as much Tonight at 7 p.m. in the production,” Hunter said. “From quirky and funof a part as the main Tomorrow at 7 p.m.ny to charming and suave, cast,” Hunter said.

“They will be in just Sunday at 2 p.m. there’s bound to be a character everyone will enjoy. about every scene, reI’m looking forward to the act to everything that’s people that used to watch happening, and get inAt door: $10 the show as a kid like I did, volved with the tranget good vibes watching sitions of scenes. Also, Lunch: $8 it.” each ancestor is a real Online : $8 Theater is eager to see person from history, buy at munaud.booktix.com their hard work pay off as such as Abraham Linthey continue their performances into coln, Julius Caesar and many more.”

Some members of the cast are new the weekend.

“I’m very excited for our show,” to theater, while others have been in productions for years. Everyone has Michael said. “I’m incredibly grateful grown within during the production for the opportunity to be a lead in the of the show, and theater as a whole, in show my freshman year.”

Adam Klaich Design Editor

One of the last places a student would find themselves on spring break is in a small tent in the middle of Florida. These students are the members of Project Bio. At the beginning of the school year, the class learns how to raise and lower tents and work on obtaining their scuba diving licenses.

“Scuba divers started training the first week of school and we’ve been learning many things about the surrounding environment,” Josh Zatorski, senior, said.

In order to scuba dive on the trip,

Debate prepares for novice meet this weekend

Showtimes:

Ticket prices:

Not the average class With five months to go, Project Bio explains their preparation for March trip

Munster Theater Company and the Rotary Club of Munster will collaborate to serve a homegrown dinner followed by the production “The Addam’s Family.” This community dinner will be served tomorrow at 5:15 p.m.,with the musical at 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner cost $5 per person, while tickets for both dinner and show cost $15.

Menu for dinner is inspired by “Project Green,” a project that has targeted students in STEM activities through the creation of the 21st century school garden. This garden will be the source of the food for the dinner. Dishes such as Mediterranean spinach and bean salad, and churros with a raspberry and pear dipping sauce will be served.

The assistant Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Roger Sims, says that the Rotary Club organization wanted to help students and all of their efforts, and this dinner was their way of showing support. “Promoting education in our community, in the region, and in the world is a key component of our Rotary services,” Mr. Sims said. “Our club is community minded and looks to invest our time, abilities, and financial resources in our schools.”

students must get certified by Goose’s Scuba Shack in Dyer. The class trains in the school’s pool and visits Haigh Quarry, a lake is filled with objects under the water scuba divers can observe.

“It’s where they (the class) do their open water training,” Mr. Larry Hautzinger, Project Bio and science teacher, said. “For scuba diving, you have to have two days of confined scuba diving which we do here at the pool, and then for two days they have

Tic, Tic, Tic August: Scuba diving training begins

to do open water at the quarry.”

During the second semester, the class focuses on the state of Florida, how it formed, and what the types of fish, coral and other wildlife they will encounter.

As the trip doesn’t occur every year, each encounter with the state brings along changes.

“It’s a fun trip,” Mr. Hautzinger said. “This is the 45th year of the trip and there’s no other class like this in the state. It is completely unique.”

A timeline of the hows and whens of Project Bio’s prep process

Sept. 28: Field trip to The Dunes

January: “Sunday Swim” scuba diving refreshers start

March 18-26: Final trip to Florida

source: Mr. Larry Hautzinger

photo by Cali Petersen

MAKING HER CASE Reviewing her notes during debate practice, Emily Sun, sophomore, prepares for her upcoming debate tournament this weekend.

Debate has its first novice tomorrow here at MHS. The meet is specifically for new members of the team, hence the word “novice” in the title. The team will compete against six other schools with more experienced debaters judging and assisting the competitors. The meet starts at 7 a.m. and debaters can compete in four events which are policy, lincoln-douglas, congress or forum.

“For the first two rounds, they will have with them an angel, which is an older debater who will advise them and give them little hints,” Mrs. Kathy Kennedy, debate coach, said. “They will not write their speeches, they will not write their questions, and they will not speak for them. They will also be judged by judge, primarily, by older debaters.”

Corrections In Issue two of Crier on the front page, Caroline Chael should be attributed as a senior. On page two, Mrs. Diane Wilson is pictured teaching her French II class. Also on page two, Haley Mize’s name should be spelled Haley Mize-Block. On page 8, Mr. Gordon’s name should be spelled Mr. Michael Gordon. Crier regrets these errors.

Oct. 4, 2019

A generation, up in smoke continued from page 1 A senior boy started vaping when he was 15 as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, which he has already been doing for three years.

“Why does anyone start smoking?

For no reason,” the senior boy said. “I was in my bathroom, I wanted a cigarette and I smoked it. (I continue) because it is chemically addictive.”

As of now, the senior girl has quit vaping due to its expenses, the recent deaths, and the recent health concerns surrounding it.

“I wouldn’t say there was one thing (they caused me to quit) because I had known for a while that I was trying to quit,” the senior girl said. “Gradually as I just stopped using (vapes) or I used them in a shorter amount of time, it was easy. I felt like I didn’t really need it most of the time. There were some times where I kind of felt like I wish I had something, but now thinking about the consequences, I’m glad I quit.”

However, the senior boy is still fighting against his addiction.

“Every week I try to stop, and then I never do because it’s chemically addictive and there’s nothing you can do about it,” the senior boy said. “(I experience) irritability, my skin starts to crawl, I get fidgety. It’s just bad. I feel bad.”

When discussing the recent coverage of vaping related deaths, the senior girl expresses how it made her feel even better about quitting, while the senior boy says that it is all a media ploy.

“The deaths are due to THC pens, not nicotine...the news coverage is an attempt by Big Tobacco lobbyists to shut down vaping so that they can

make profits,” the senior boy said. “Tobacco lobbyists have a big hand in this country’s politics and markets, (Big Tobacco will) do anything it can to secure their place in the market. Since all these kids are now addicted to nicotine, if you take away their vapes, what are they going to switch to? Cigarettes are their only option.”

The senior is refering to speculation that the deaths are caused by vaping THC cartrididges. He believes that powerful tobacco companies aim to cast the blame on normal vaping instead.

Smoking rates among teenagers were decreasing at one point as more teenagers avoided smoking cigarettes.

However, a 2018 study declared that 8 percent of students had smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days, while 20 percent of students said they used an electronic cigarette in the past 30 days.

This data just shows that the nicotine industry is evolving.

Munster High School Crier

is just as bad as smoking cigarettes.

“I think it’s really stupid that people just do it because it’s fun or because their friends do it, but it’s the same reason I picked up cigarettes so

Back in our parents day, cigarettes were their thing, and now they’ve basically modified the cigarette into something that people like us like teenagers will use.

“

- senior girl

Pod percentages

3n e w s

I can’t even say anything,” the senior boy said. “But I think it’s just as bad as cigarettes, picking it up at least. You should probably not do it and stop if you think about it.”

At the end of the day, the CDC is urging people to stay away from e-cigarettes and related products as they continue to look into what is causing the extreme health issues. Students may ponder on why even do it in the first place if there are confirmed and unconfirmed risks.

“There’s no real appeal to (vaping).

You get a buzz for 30 seconds, that’s it,” the senior girl said. “What else is it doing? What good is it doing for you?

It’s something that does more harm than help you. So the real question is, why wouldn’t you stop?”

Ingredients in Juul pods

10%

“

Every week I try to stop and then I never do because it’s chemically addictive and there’s nothing you can do about it

90%

- senior boy

Nicotine, flavoring, and benzoic acid Propylene Glycol and Glycerine

30/60 mix

source: Juul.com graphic by Charlie Hofferth

“Definitely I feel like Juuling and vaping is the new cigarette,” the senior girl said. “Back in our parents day, cigarettes were their thing, and now they’ve basically modified the cigarette into something that people like us like teenagers will use. It’s easier for us to want that rather than a cigarette.”

The senior boys agrees that vaping

The nicotine is highly addictive 0.7 mL per pod

(which is equivalent to to one pack of cigarettes)

There are no confimred harmful effects for Propylene Glycol and Glycerine

Yellow is for caution Behind the wheel

Bus safety information and tips Alyssa Bass Managing Editor

With the ending of the month being National Bus Safety Month— Oct. 21 to 25— and with school settling into session, children’s safety on and off the bus is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Recently Mrs. Mara Candeleria-Reardon, our District 12 State Representative, sent out mass mail informing the people of Munster, Highland, Griffith, and Hammond about school bus safety tips.

source: Martinhealth.org

Traffic rules for when a bus is stopped

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) school buses are the safest type of transportation on the road, even with no seatbelts. School buses are different by design, including a different kind of safety restraint system that works extremely well. Large school buses are heavier and distribute crash forces differently than passenger cars and light trucks do.

Because of the level of safety and precaution, students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely by bus than by driving in a car, according to NHSTA.

Always a way out

Emergency exits on a school bus.

Side exit

Roof exit

Front exit

Key

Back exit

Bus

Window exit graphics by Charlie Hofferth

Stoped Car

Moving Car

o p i n i o n4

Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

Dressing with respect Mercedez Williams Executive Editor

opinion by Mercedez Williams

Editorial

cartoon by Mercedez Williams

We aren’t helping the problem When walking through the halls of a high school, it is universal that you see students struggling with mental illness. Some will express how they can’t stop worrying about their upcoming class presentation, while others will stay quiet about about how unmotivated and sad they have been feeling lately. These days, so many students are dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and a wide variety of similar issues that will affect their mental state. As these issues become more prevalent, so does the capability for people to not take mental illness as seriously as we should.

The carelessness we put around mental health is actually sabotaging advances we make in this subject. People will joke around about self harm and suicide, not understanding that these jokes can actually have a negative impact. When students constantly laugh about how depressed they are, they are putting depression into a comedic light and giving it foolish undertones. Now if some people are actually serious about having depression, others will be less likely to pick up on it since they may think it is being brought up jokingly once again. While using humor is a common way people may be coping with mental illnesses, all it really does it blur the lines between what is real and what is just a gag. The more people who talk about it in a humorous manor, the less it will be taken

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

seriously when it is an actual issue.

If a student confides in a friend about their mental issues, they are definitely more likely to get a response such as “haha, me too” than a more helpful response of “That’s serious. How can I help?” We, as a generation, are going through a lot of stress and hard work, but this Students need doesn’t mean that to stop joking about we are all mentally mental illnesses if ill. Some people need genuine they want them to be taken seriously guidance and words of advice when they are confiding in peers, not a statement of agreement.

Student mental illness is increasing rapidly. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six young people experience a mental disorder each year, but only around 50 percent of those people actually go and receive treatment.

People are struggling with getting help. This can stem from the awful way we belittle mental illnesses and unintentionally silence the people who are genuinely struggling with their mental health.

The sooner we decide to quit all of the meaningless comments and distasteful jokes, the better we can understand people with serious mental health problems.

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

Editor-in-Chief Alexis Lindenmayer Managing Editor Alyssa Bass

List of acceptable halloween costumes: A police officer, a nurse, a witch and a cat. List of unacceptable halloween costumes: blackface and costumes that contain cultural appropriation. To understand what cultural appropriation is, we have to look at the two words that make it up.

Culture is “the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group,”according to Oxford Dictionary, and appropriation is the action of taking something for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission,” according to Oxford Dictionary. Cultural appropriation is “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society,” according to Oxford Dictionary.

Native Americans and indigenous peoples, Asians, and African Americans are the ones who usually fall victim to this. (Native American headdresses and cultural symbols, African American hair styles, and Asian’s ancient style of dress, are a few examples.) This can be seen a lot during Halloween.

Cultural appropriation has been done by many celebrities without educating themselves on the piece of culture that they’re using. Take Kim Kardashian. When she wore fulani braids, she received backlash for ignorantly taking a piece of culture for her own fashion. This is not just for black cultures. In 2013, Katy Perry dressed as a geisha and performed a song called “Unconditionally” which many Asian Americans disagreed with, citing it as “Yellow Face” and jumping onto the stereotype that Asian women are passive. The same happens during fashion runway shows when white models wear dreadlocks for “fashion.” If the designers educated themselves on the significance of traditional African American hairstyles and stopped putting them on non-black models, this colum would not have to be written.

Cultural appropriation becomes a lot more prevalent during Halloween.

Next time you are looking for a costume, make sure you are not dressing as something sacred from another culture. Halloween is not an excuse for cultural appropriation. If you live in modern America, you know it is wrong.

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, Adviser Ms. Sarah-Anne Lanman

Oct. 4, 2019

Munster High School Crier

5r e v i e w

A trip to the orchard Crier staffer reviews County Line Orchard in celebration of fall

photo by Alexis Lindenmayer

APPLE OF MY EYE On a rainy day, unpicked apples sit at the top of the trees. County Line Orchard is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Aug. 28 to Oct. 31.

Alexis Lindenmayer

Activities

Editor-in-Chief

photos by Alexis Lindenmayer

DIRT ROAD (top) A tractor takes guests to the various apple orchards. The tractor arrives every few minutes to move guests from attraction to attraction PUMPKIN PICKING (bottom) Pumpkins and mums are located in front of the County Line Orchard barn.

County Line Orchard is a great place to visit this fall. The 30 minute drive to Hobart is certainly worth it, as there are a variety of different activities to do and treats to try.

After arriving to the orchard, attendees can buy admission to their choice of suitable attractions which are also in the admissions area.

While most of the younger kids’ activities will be found in this area, a tractor will be the mode of transportation for the majority of attractions including U-pick. U-pick is arguably the most popular feature of the orchard. Attendees can pick their own apples, sunflowers and pumpkins and then pay for them by the pound.

The apple orchards are the most notable fields as there are three different orchards for everyone’s apple picking pleasure. Apples are seasonal and currently consist of Snowsweet, Jonagolds, Ruby Jons, Cortland, Gala, Golden Delicious Jonathon and Jubilee Fuji.

The pumpkin patch right up front is a fantastic place to purchase a wide range of different pumpkins. There were pumpkins in all different sizes and shapes that would surely meet anyone’s needs. Not to mention the area also includes some aesthetically-pleasing picture taking spots to post on social media.

There is also a corn maze available for attendees amusement. The maze will resemble a different shape each year to instill excitement into the activity.

When one is done with the outside attractions, they can enter into the big barn to purchase some extra food and sweets. Items would range from delicious bakery items to efficient pre-picked apples. Upstairs, there is a gift shop for people to shop for souvenirs and regional gifts.

photos by Alexis Lindenmayer

BAKING MEMORIES (top) People sit in front of the entrance to the barn. WHAT LIES AHEAD (middle) A row of apples awaits to be picked.

County Line Orchard has three different fields for guests. STOCK UP (bottom) People roam around the inside of the barn as they shop for food in the orchard’s market.

Treats

Donuts

Carmel apple

Fudge

Popcorn

Cider

County Line Orchard’s famous pumpkin and apple cinnamon donuts are genuinely what makes me plan visits every year. They provide an extraordinary taste that just can’t be mimicked by any of Dunkin’s seasonal donuts.

Caramel apples are difficult to get wrong. The orchard sells these caramel apples with toppings ranging from chocolate chips to Reese’s pieces.

They make for a great snack if one is looking for a fun way to expand on a regular, old apple.

Although County Line’s extensive list of fudge is exceptionally delicious, its texture is a bit too smooth. It is if the fudge was just the chocolate frosting found on a typical birthday cake. Still good, just not what I was expecting.

One would have to be crazy to not enjoy popcorn, especially the popcorn sold here.

It comes in spicy cheese, kettle, and cheese. A great snack to bring home to your family, this delicacy can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

This cider is a good combination between sweet and sour. County Line Orchard sells it cold and hot, and both are equally great ways to drink this savory drink. If you’re cozying up on a cool fall night, this cider is a must. photos by Alexis Lindenmayer

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Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

Old, but gold Students discuss the trend of thrift shopping and wearing the clothes of past generations Adam Klaich Design Editor

BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET Wearing clothes she thrifted, Adamari Yepez, senior, enjoys her style. “I like the thrifting style because it’s an affordable way to make yourself feel confident and true to yourself without having to prove anything,” Adamari said, photo by Max Lindenmayer

Thrifty Things

Adamari Yepez, senior, lists some of her favorite thrift stores based on what she has found and talks about some of her favorite finds Bibles For Missions Thrift

Plato’s Closet

2821 Highway Avenue Hammond 2.8 miles from MHS

909 Joliet Street Merriville 19 miles from MHS

Goodwill

Savers

3679 Ridge Road Lansing 1.6 miles from MHS

15625 S 94th Avenue Orland Park 23.6 miles from MHS

Goodwill

The Village

909 Joliet Street Dyer 4.5 miles from MHS

2706 165th Street Hammond 4.9 miles from MHS

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In thrift stores and Goodwills across the country, it’s common to find teenagers and young adults sifting through the clothes of past generations to form their style.

Many teenagers take part in this practice, including Amanda Blackstone, sophomore.

“I go to cheap stores and I buy good clothes for the low,” Amanda said. “I got a pair of Jordans for about two bucks.”

Thrift stores provide lower prices for styles consumers are interested in and all types of clothes can be found in the stores.

“I think it gives them (clothes) second life,” Adamari Yepez, senior said.

“When you donate clothes it’s not because you don’t like them anymore, it’s because you don’t wear it anymore and you have new clothes. You give up on them, but you’re giving it another person.”

Adamari enjoys vintage styles like old logo t-shirts and clothes with interesting designs. She enjoys the adventure that comes with it.

“I go to a lot of Goodwills because they’re all really big, and I also go to Savers, but it’s in Orland so it’s far,” Adamari said. “I also go to a lot of

small ones that not many people know about.”

According to Adamari, smaller stores in neighborhoods and around the area have treated her well and have been a good source of style. Amanda prefers The Village, a thrift store in Hammond, because it has good prices and sells jewelry.

Adamari has sold altered vintage clothes through an Instagram account and although she no longer uses the account, she still enjoys finding and making clothes for other people.

“For me, selling them on the account was more of a past time,” Adamari said. “I did it for myself and I received a lot of compliments, so I thought I should make something out of it and do it for other people. A couple people asked me for it too.”

Amanda has also sold some of her thrifting finds and enjoy altering them for her own enjoyment.

“I’ve done that before, but I don’t really do it that often,” Amanda said.

“I usually keep it for myself and if I don’t like it, I’ll cut it up and make it look cool.”

A popular reaction thrift shoppers receive is one of confusion or slight disgust.

“A lot of people are disgusted by vintage clothes and don’t like to thrift shop, but I saved money and I’m still wearing the same things as them. I just have to wash it,” Adamari said.

Adamari has noticed the trend increase in popularity within the past few years.

“It grew in popularity so fast and I think it’s because famous people started wearing clothes that looked older,” Adamari said.

Misfits T-shirt Cost: Gift “The Misfits shirt was actually a hand me down gift from Mr. Thompson before he left. I included it because it was second hand.

The shirt brings me genuine joy”

Biker Rally T-shirts Cost: $1.99 “The shirt with the eagle give me very hardcore old dad vibes. More specifically, an old dad that used to love motorcycles and riding them around with his friends” photos by Max Lindenmayer

Oct. 4, 2019

Munster High School Crier

The music to our ears

7i n f o c u s

Erianna Sims

Band

Page Editor

photo by Robert Young

AS BOLD AS BRASS In a run through of a portion of their show for competition, Peter Gallagher, senior, plays his tuba. After four years of marching band, Peter looks back on his favorite memory. “(It) would have to be during freshman year right after the state performance,” Peter said. “After putting in all that time across the season for it to all be decided in that moment, it was a very surreal experience for me.”

Choir

Choir prepares for upcoming concerts and performances

Using the instrument of voice, Choir students are preparing for upcoming concerts and events.

“I have been a part of choir here at Munster for a year now, but overall I have always been in a choir since fourth grade,” Michael Fugger, senior, said. “Right now in chorale we are preparing for the fall concert and a concert at Valparaiso University this month.”

Chorale is the highest level of the choir program offered here at the school. Students can move up the ranks for a spot in chorale, coming from other levels of choir.

“Most freshmen come in and go into beginning men’s and beginning women’s chorus,” Caroline Chael, senior, said. “After doing that for a year, they can move on to intermediate, and then audition to get into Chorale.”

Caroline is a section leader for the

Orchestra

sopranos in Chorale.

“I’ve been in chorale for three years and Mr. Robinson selects the people,” Caroline said. “I like being a leader because I remember my first year in chorale, and always looking up to my section leader who was Kim Giannini, (class of ‘18). I want to be a role model for younger students.”

Many seniors reflect back on their time in choir, and the memories they have made and will make in their final year.

“Experiences we all had such as performing at Carnegie Hall or performing in Los Angeles are such good memories,” Caroline said. “Making those memories after working so hard during the year are what make it all worthwhile.”

Choir is different from both band and orchestra, as the instrument students utilize is their voice. Each musi-

Band begins competition season, anticipates season progress

From enduring hot and extensive practices during the summer, to three to four hour practices almost everyday after school, Band has worked incredibly hard to prepare for their competition season.

Last Saturday, Band placed first at their second competition at Penn High School. This win is an optimistic outlook as they work to improve for future competitions.

“All season we have worked hard to win this year’s state championship, and it would be amazing for everyone if we won,” Zoe O’Shaughnessy, senior, said.

“But win or lose, I’ll still be proud of this band because they have grown so much and the results reflect their talent and hard work.”

Zoe has been a part of band for three years now, with two of those years dedicated to being the band’s drum major.

“My first year I was in the front ensemble playing a mallet instrument,” Zoe said. “The last two years, I have been one of the drum majors. This

means that I run rehearsals, make sure everything is set up, and take care of any problems that come up. Sometimes it gets stressful, but it’s such a rewarding experience, especially seeing the other band members grow from almost nothing, to amazing musicians.”

Although band is a part of the musical education here at the school, it differs from orchestra in some ways more than others.

“In my mind, band is different from orchestra because of the time commitment,” Zoe said. “Having been in both band and orchestra, band takes up way more time. We rehearse sometimes four to five days a week ranging from 3-8 hours each of those days.”

No matter the club or activity, making it to senior year and realizing it must all come to an end is bittersweet for many.

“Being a senior, I am excited and sad for the season to end,” Zoe said. “We’ve spent so much time together, but I won’t have another year of this.”

cal program offered here at the shool has strengths of its own, whether it involves a physical instrument or not.

“Choir is set apart from the other musical programs because it is more inclusive than the other programs,” Michael said. “Anyone can sing, and coming from someone that used to be in band and orchestra at my old school, singing well is just as hard as playing an instrument well.”

photos by Maddy Leimbach

(above) FACE THE MUSIC Working on the newest concert piece, Noel Fary and Tim Giannini, seniors, read their musical selections during class.

LOVE OF MUSIC Sitting in class together, Claire Powell and Samantha Buffano, seniors, Taylor Perez, sophomore, and Shannon Coughlin, senior, sing a song from their concert booklets. “This year, Chorale has been invited to sing at the Ryman Auditorium,” Shannon said. “Experiences like this make us have a passion to learn more music everyday.”

Orchestra talks new school year and senior members

Orchestra prepares for many new and exciting things for this school year. Their music selections cover all parts of the spectrum, from popular music to more traditional pieces.

“I enjoy the selection of music spanning all my years,” Nikolai Hoogewerf, senior, said. “I am currently looking forward to the joys of the Holiday Concert, the technique of the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) concert, and the final parade of the May Pops Concert.”

Nikolai has been a part of orchestra ever since the fourth grade, and he along with other orchestra students look forward to the performances that await them this year.

“We are performing Sleigh Ride at the Holiday concert, as per tradition, but we will select a new contest piece for ISSMA,” Nikolai said. “It is possible we will also have new arrangements of popular songs like “Josh Groban’s Greatest Hits”, or “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Additionally, I will be performing small solo pieces by Lindsey Stirling at each concert to spark up the excitement.”

Although orchestra uses instruments just

as band does, there are plenty of differences between the two programs.

“Overall, band and orchestra share a plethora of differences,” Nikolai said. “When one thinks of band, they think of the friends they will meet, the competitions they will perform in, the marches and fanfares they will memorize, and the constant sound of brass, woodwind, and percussion. On the other hand, one associates orchestra with calm, quiet introverts and classical music.”

Senior year is bittersweet for many students, but memories made and times shared together are reflected upon as seniors look towards their futures.

“Being a senior, despite not feeling like a senior, has greatly impacted my thoughts on orchestra in the present and the future,” Nikolai said. “I do believe that I will miss the friends I have made throughout my time and the opportunity to play as a collective unit of instruments. When I go to college, I want to continue playing my violin in an ensemble at the very least, but I will make sure to visit Munster once in a while to see the future of the orchestra. I will use the skills and experiences associated with my violin to further my life moving on.”

photos by Todd McKechnie

(above) SYMPHONIC MELODIES Peering at their music pieces, Nikolai Hoogewerf, senior, and Shriya Iyer, junior, practice playing during class. (to the right) CELLO OUT Playing the harp alongside her classmates, Cynthia Chockalingam, junior, practices for the upcoming concerts. Orchestra has several performances this year, and students anticipate their arrival.

i n f o c u s8

Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

On the safe side

School makes changes to safety policies, students react Alyssa Bass Managing Editor

photo by Robert Young

LOCKED OUT Desks stacked in front of a door demonstrate just one of the ways students can slow a dangerous individual trying to get into a classroom, according to Officer Gabe Isenblatter.

October Statewide Fire Drill Earthquake Drill Bullying Prevention Training

November

I

ISAA Basic Training Voted Maintaining School Safety During Elections

December K-12 Child and Sexual Abuse Handling Training

Some of the most memorable parts of this past summer were also the most morbid. The drive-by shooting spree in Odessa and Midway, Texas that killed seven and wounded 24; the Dayton, Ohio shooting that killed nine and wounded 27; the El Paso, Texas Walmart shooting that killed 22 and wounded at least 24; and the Virginia Beach shooting where a city employee killed 12 and injured 4. Those are just some of the shootings that happened this year.

“During summer school my freshman year, someone prank called a bomb threat and we had to rush into a random classroom with a random teacher and be quiet,” Alisha Evans, senior, said. “We were probably in that room for 30 some minutes when the police burst in with guns pointed at us yelling. We didn’t know what was going on the entire day, and even after that, every knock on the door caused me to be paranoid.”

To address some of these issues, the school remodeled the main office so that attendance is now under its jurisdiction. To get past any of the doors, the main office secretary has to allow entry.

In addition to the new set up of the main office, teachers were required to have three days of training prior to the first day of school. The meetings taught things such as recognizing signs of abuse, suicide prevention measures, and even how to tie a tourniquet. Even though the school has taken extra pre-

A plan for Indiana

cautions, students like Genavive Bacino, junior, still feel uncertain about their safety.

“I honestly can’t even say (if students and staff are prepared enough for a real lockdown),” Genavive said.

“You think that with what’s happening, there would be some extra security measures, maybe even just letting kids know that the teachers are trained to handle and active shooter just to assure them. As far as I know, none of my teachers were trained at all, no one has told me.”

Students are told to close stall doors and stand on the toilet if caught in the bathroom during a lockdown, but the lack of stall doors in some boy’s bathrooms seem to pose as an issue.

“The absence of stall doors does pose a problem for a shooting situation and the school should address that,” Grant Afman, senior, said. “However, the doors didn’t just fall off. Vandalism is not an uncommon issue so I can understand why the schools don’t put replacing the doors on top of their todo list.”

The Indiana Department of Education requires one man-made and tornado drill per semester and fire drills monthly. The first fire drill of the school year has to occur within the first 10 days. It is suggested to conduct drills at different times and simulate unusual conditions, like passing periods, lunch, or before/after school.

“I think that I would say probably the whole school knows what to do in a fire drill,” Genavive said. “But for other (drills) I’d say less than half of us would know what to do without instructions.”

Every month, Indiana Department of Education has certain protocols or suggestions for each month of the school year. Here are some of them:

January County Wide School Safety Meeting Training To All Faculty

March

Safety

First

Severe Weather Preparadeness Statewide Tornado Drill

April

Feburary Final Day of Basic Training

Bomb Threat Training

Drill Substitution Option

Protocols Source: Indiana Department of Education

Oct. 4, 2019

Storm

Munster High School Crier

9s p o r t s

LADY MUSTANGS From left to right, Hannah Foster, Imani Kemp, Hazel Wolf, Lilly Lemke, Sydney Foster, Laila Wallace, seniors.

the

photos by Lana Salahieh

With Girls’ Volleyball’s senior night on Oct. 10 profiles on the six senior players

c urt

Lilia Brunetti Design Editor

P

owering through to success match by match, the Girls’ volleyball team has secured the title of Conference Champions.

With a season record of 24-5, the girls are now ninth in the state.

Throughout the remainder of their

#4 Hannah “Boomer” Foster #11 Hazel “Haze” Wolf

season, their eyes are on qualifying for the state competition. According to the girls, their key to success lays in everyday workouts, building strength, and maintaining their consistency on the court.

“We’ve got a lot of depth on the team and some very talented girls,” Hazel Wolf, senior and team captain said, “Post season looks promising.”

#14 Sydney “Squid” Foster

Position: Defense Specialist Volleyball player for: 7 years

Position: Outside Hitter Volleyball player for: 8 years

What is your favorite memory from the past four years?

What kind of leadership do you demonstrate being a senior and team captain?

Over the past four years, how have you changed the most?

“We were playing against Lowell and coach put all six seniors in on the court. It was really special because we’ve never actually all played at the same time. It was really cool that we could do that, even just for that little amount of time.”

“To introduce the younger girls into the culture of Munster volleyball, and show them what we’re supposed to be doing. I teach them the general rules, but also to give them someone to look up to.”

“I depend on my teammates more. After four years of playing with a whole bunch of different girls and personalities, you definitely just want to play for your team and for the other people.”

#2 Imani “Mani” Kemp

#15 Lilly “‘Lil Lemk” Lemke #3 Laila “Lai” Wallace

Position: Libero

Position: Setter & Right Side

Volleyball player for: 9 years

Volleyball player for: 12 years What have you learned the most from the team?

What do you bring to the team?

“I’m always the one that tells my team: ‘Alright guys, we got this, we’re calm, stay consistent.’ I put the ball in play, so that leads the team.”

“Volleyball doesn’t control your whole life. I think it’s helped me grow and do other things, too. I’m not just [involved in] volleyball, that’s going to help me out with the long run in life.”

Position: Setter Volleyball player for: 7 years

Position: Middle Volleyball player for: 5 years What do you bring to the team?

“I think I bring a sense of hope and determination — I’m a very determined person. I have high hopes for this team and so I think I bring that sort of leadership aspect.”

Boys’ tennis heads to sectionals With eyes on the future, Boys’ Tennis integrates new team strategies Adam Klaich Design Editor

The Boys’ Tennis season is well underway and the team is currently seventh in the state. With new players and improvements, the team is confident in their playing skills and hopes for a successful season.

“I think we are doing better than any of us ever imagined this year, especial-

ly after losing Zack (Schmidt) and Frank (Wolf), but we’ve filled in those holes,” Joe Webster, senior, said.

The team has been quite successful this year, only losing one game at the beginning of the season.

“I think just because we’re an older team, we have more experience,” DJ Fesko, senior, said. “We’ve been through a lot of tough matches and we’ve won a lot of them this year.”

The team has made some changes to their practice style. Some players switched from single matches to double matches. The team has also changed the amount of work they do at practices.

“At practice, the drilling we’ve been doing has been getting pretty intense,” Webster said, “we conditioned a lot harder and I think it’s really paying off.”

Webster says the team’s fitness has been a key component to their success, allowing them to outlast other teams.

With Sectionals yesterday and the Regional match Saturday, the team has been preparing for post-season. Fesko believes they will always be more prepared that the other teams and think their are in for a very successful postseason. photo by Todd Young “We always work hard, condition our- ALL SET During tennis practice, selves, and get ready,” Fesko said, “We’ll Charlie Morton, junior, prepares to spike back at his opponent. be ready for whoever prepared.”

s p o r t 10 s

Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

Jump off the bandwagon

A game of two halves

opinion by Max Lindenmayer

Girls’ Soccer plans to end their season on a high note Atarah Israel Copy Editor

Soon approaching sectionals, Girls’ Soccer is dedicated to improving their game and having a strong continuation of the season. Pushing through with a record of 7-2-3, the team this year is set on winning sectionals and building team bonds.

“Overall this season we have a lot of talent on the team. So if we put our talent to use, we can be really strong,” Stephanie Cipowski-Smith, senior, said. “So far we’re finding it a bit hard to trust each other and work together as a team, but whenever we do find that trust for each other we are unstoppable.”

The players themselves, however, are not the only aspects of the sport that add to game quality. Pre-game rituals and student turnout is another part of every game’s atmosphere.

“I feel like the boys, they get hyped up, and then everybody wants to go to the game.” Selma Srour, said, “But whenever the girls try to put it out there, no one comes. But, that’s how it is, you know? We still play. That’s not going to affect us playing any better or worse.”

Despite grappling with a rocky beginning this season, the team is hopeful for the rest of the season as they continue to refine their plays and grow stronger.

“We had a rough couple of games but we’re really putting it together now,” Alice Foley, junior, said. “I feel like we’re just gonna get better.”

Two crucial factors in their playing being trust and bonding, the girls maintain the same team attitudes with each other on and off the field.

“We’re all super close,” CipowskiSmith said. “On and off the field we

photo by Todd McKechnie

THROW IT IN Head in the game, Harper Swope, junior, throws the ball in during the Girls’ Varsity soccer game against Lowell. The girls went on to win the game 5-0.

all get along. We hang out outside of practice and games all the time. I know last year, we had a lot of drama on the team. It was really affecting how we played, but this year, we have a really good team dynamic, and it’s really working for us.”

With their season not quite at an end, but no longer beginning, Girls’ Soccer has a journey that is far from over. In terms of winning sectionals and ending the season on a high note, their confidence lies within their coach of thirteen years, Ms. Val Pflum, math teacher.

“She (Ms. Pflum) doesn’t really give up on us,” Lainie Gideon, sophomore, said. “She always knows that if she pushes us harder, she knows how hard we’ll work, and we’ll have a really great season.”

Fancy footwork

Common soccer moves used in games, explained Fake and Take • Also called the “cut” • Fake out your opponent by cutting the ball in the opposite direction Foot Roll • Also called a “rake” • Take the ball with one foot and roll across body The Pull V • Pull the ball back with one foot and kick it behind the other • Creates a “V” shape behind the foot

On par for the win Girls’ Golf wraps up their season with an optimistic future Lilia Brunetti Design Editor

photo by Chloe Lambert

TEE TIME Hitting her driver on the practice range, Becky Jones, junior, says the team is her favorite part of the sport. “It’s like a little family. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” she said.

Ice cream dates, long bus rides brimming with laughter, and bonfires have paved the way for the success of girl’s varsity golf — a team rooted in unbreakable group bonds. Teeing off at Centennial nearly everyday of the week, Varsity Girls’ Golf’s dedication and interrelatedness have dubbed them as NCC Conference Champions, with a record of 7-3 and 4-1.

“This year I hosted a team bonding get together in which we made some s’mores, blasted music and chatted up,” Mirela Jeknic, senior and team captain said. “I feel this was good for everyone

source: Alice Foley

to get to know their teammates more off the golf course.”

According to Becky Jones, junior, no success on the team is merely individualistic, rather a shared attribute.

“Everyone’s supporting each other all the time. If one person does great then everybody does,” Jones said.

Despite not qualifying for State this year, the girls still plan on continuing bonding traditions. In light of this, they reflect on how their experiences will benefit them moving forward. For seniors especially, the past four years have had a profound impact on how they look at the sport.

“I look back and realize how thankful I am to have picked up such a great sport at such a great time with amazing team mates,” Jeknic said.

“Our team is strong and we are always there for one another.”

“Munster Mustangs, we’re for you”— but only if you play Football.

Students regularly show up to Football games on friday night. This is a great concept since it shows that the school is capable of fully supporting a sports team even with their losing record.

I do understand the appeal: people like to watch football games, hangout with friends, or get the FNL post for Instagram.

However, if football can get tons of support, why aren’t the more successful sports getting the same dedication from fans?

Boys’ Tennis has a phenomenal roster which allows the team to be ranked number one in our district and number seven in the state. With the help of Joe Webster, senior, Daniel Sroka, and Nikash “Nikky” Kondamuri, freshmen, who helped the boys team win sectionals for the 39th year in a row.

Yet the encouragement from the students to perform better is not there.

Volleyball does not get much student support at their home games even though they are an amazing team. A great example of a great athlete on volleyball is Haley Melby. She is just a sophomore and is already committed to Iowa University. The talent that this sport has is large in numbers, with a bunch of thunderous seniors.

Plus the excitement of these games is crazy, and most of the time the games are close and the victories end up being cherished for the amount of effort it takes to win.

Volleyball is 21-5 and 7-0 in their conference. These numbers are hard to put up, and Volleyball is one of the few teams that do this successfully.

They may be able to do even better with a roaring crowd in the stands.

Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country are two of the most difficult sports to perform well in, without a doubt.

The amount of effort that is put into performing at a high degree is insane.

Girls cross country star, Hannah Robbins, sophomore, placed 21st at state, as a freshman. She was one of two freshmen to place 25th or higher at the state championships.

This being said, Boys’ Cross Country is in a rebuilding phase with sophomores on the upcoming and strong leadership to keep the team bonded.

Even though Cross Country meets may be far away and not seem too interesting, come support the team at the conference meet this Saturday at Lowell High School or even the Sectional meet at Highland High School. You will be surprised how 17 minutes of racing could be exciting to watch.

These are just a few examples of the ways our school is dominating in athletics, even though there are minimal fans showing up to games and cheering on the athletes.

Furthermore students at high school support the sports that are trendy, not the sports that are performing well and that deserve genuine support. Our sports need your enthusiasm.

Go out and cheer on a sporting team that you typically do not cheer for.

Head to head Oct. 4, 2019

Girls’ and Boys’ Cross Country athletes talk about season and how teams differ Alyssa Bass Managing Editor

Telling the difference

After training everyday after school, and having meets every Saturday since mid-August, Girls’ Cross Country has their conference tomorrow “With the girls’ team we have little ‘families’ and we give each other little gifts before most meets,” Sophie Hand, senior, said. “Things like candy and gatorade.”

Girls’ Cross Country is made up of “families,” according to Hand. These families are only part of the difference between Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country.

“My favorite part about being a member of the cross country team is getting to hang out with such great people every day after school,” Maria Blaesing, senior, said. “Our team is super close and we all get along really well together. Coach Oommen is a very caring and positive coach, and she makes everyone feel like they belong.”

Another major difference between the two teams is the coaching staff, according to Blaesing. Each team has a different coach, and while the Boys’ Cross Country coach has been with them for a while, the same cannot be said about the Girls’ team.

“I’ve been a part of cross country since I was a sophomore,” Blaesing said. “I’ve had a new coach every year. This year the coach for the girls team is Coach Oommen, who also works as a school counselor here at MHS.”

The similarities and differences between Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country

photos by Lana Salahieh

Girls’ Cross Country Different coaches every season Families

11s p o r t s

Munster High School Crier

(on the left) HEAD START At practice after school, Hannah Robbins, sophomore, takes off on a run. “(What motivates me is) having such positive and great group of girls and also working my hardest to try and make it to State.” (on the right) RUN LIKE THE WIND Practicing on the track for Cross Country, Ari Arzumanian, junior, warms up with a sprint. “Aaron Brown (Cross Country coach) gets me to the finish line, when he gives me a look of despair and sadness as he sees me running, it makes me run a little faster. I’m going to push myself that little extra bit so Aaron Brown isn’t as sad.”

With the start of their season, Boys’ Cross Country practice for their Conference at Lowell tomorrow and are hopeful about making it to State, according to Ari Arzumanian, junior.

“I’m looking forward to going against the odds and making an individual state appearance this year,” Arzumanian said.

“Some great runners are around here but I believe I got what it takes.”

Boys’ Cross Country practices six days a week, with two of those days being morning practice at 5:30 a.m. According to Arzumanian the team runs an average of a minimum of seven miles a day.

“Our season has been a season Weight of growth and challenges,” Gabe Tienstra, sophomore, said. “We’re training all improving and preparing for post season and next year.”

Morning The biggest difference between practice the two teams according to Teinstra, is that Boys’ Cross Country has extended practices, with more Longer practice weight training.

“The boys cross country team has longer practices,” Teinstra said. “That could be because the boys team run longer and take more time doing runs and exercises, and also because the girls team is much more productive and fast, while still smoothly completely the run or activity for the practice.”

Boys’ Both Cross Country A lot

of new members Hopeful for Conference and making it to State

Game on Boys’ Soccer discusses season and preparation for Sectionals Alexis Lindenmayer Editor-in-Chief

photo by Robert Young

LOCKED ON Preparing to steal the ball from his opponent from Highland, Max Arnold, senior, plays against number 16. “I was trying to keep him in front of me so he didn’t get a chance to shoot,” said Arnold. Sept.

18 was varsity boys soccer’s senior night. After an overtime, they won 1-0.

Learning from the best

Tim Giannini, senior, gives goalie advice Know the play “It is important for goalkeepers to understand what’s going on around

Have a vocal presence

“Quiet goalkeepers are very hard to work with because there isn’t much communication between them and their teammates, which can lead to mistakes and miscommunications resulting in goals.”

You always have room to improve

“To truly improve and advance onto the next level of play, like college or even professional, you must continue learning, continue improving on things you feel you may already have mastered.”

Boys’ Soccer kicked off the season with a bit of a rough patch. According to Tim Giannini, senior, they were stuck in a cycle of playing well in some games, but coming up short of expectations in others. However, due to an intensified focus on skills and a strong leadership, the team was able to turn things around and is confident in their ability to dominate at Sectionals.

“In the past few games I feel like we’ve really been able to turn things around. We’re starting to play better and we have more specific things that we’re focusing on,” Giannini said. “Then we’re actually going in and showing those things in the game.”

The team will normally play two games a week on Wednesday and Saturday. When they don’t have a game scheduled, they are out on the field practicing and performing drills.

“Practicing helps us in different ways,

depending on what coach has us do,” Roman Garcia, senior, said. “Some of them are mostly us running and staying conditioned for the games, others are used to practice our technique and touch on the ball but I’d say a majority of our practices are spent practicing how to adjust to our formation and practicing the patterns we’re likely to go through during the game.”

With ten seniors, strong leadership plays a role in the success of the team.

“Most important part of being a senior on our team is kind of taking over and showing proper attitude, work ethic, and actually demonstrating to all of all the other guys is what kind of team we want to be,” Giannini said. “A big part of going into every new season is finding out what type of a team are you going to be, like what is your motto and style.”

With a home advantage this year, Boy’s Soccer is hoping to put all their hard work and skill into doing in Sectionals. The first game will take place Oct. 7.

“Home field will definitely be an advantage because we probably have the best student section in the region and give us the motivation to work hard for each other,” Garcia said. “I think we have a really talented roster and have a deep bench which gives us an advantage over teams who don’t really utilize their bench players so I think if we can keep our heads and play to the best of our abilities there’s no reason why we can’t win sectionals.”

s t u d e n t l i f 12 e

Munster High School Crier

Oct. 4, 2019

BAC K TALK Today is national smile day. What makes you smile?

“One thing that makes me smile is seeing other people smile.”

- Angelis Kinard freshman

A hard pill to swallow

illustration by Mercedez Williams and Lana Salahieh

Mercedez Williams Executive Editor

Although the stigma of having a mental health disorder has lessened over the past decade, it still is undeniably present and its large.

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, or NCCP, 20 percent of adolescents have a diagnosable mental disorder.

“I do not think (the mental health of students) is too fantastic, because I think that often Munster has high achieving students who are not only balancing academics, but also a variety of extracurriculars, and I think that that causes a big stress load on those students.” Saranya Sanaka, senior, said. “There are also students who have to deal with at home issues, while trying to balance academics, maybe even extracurriculars, leaving a lot of stress and pressure on our students, who don’t always have the resources or don’t understand how to get those resources for their mental health.”

There are a resources for those struggling with mental health issues, but most students do not know all of these said resources or they may not be readily accessible enough for them.

“I know you can go to guidance counselors, but other than that there are not that many resources that most students are aware of to keep their general mental health stable,” Saranya said. “I think that a lot of the time, students think that if they are having breakdowns or when their mental health is in danger, that’s when they

Splitting the pill Adolescent mental health has been a big subject for many studies.

Here are some of the statistics: The number of adolescents ages 12-17 who experienced a major depressive episode was

higher in 2016 than in any year in the previous decade

A BITTER PILL Aidan Chism, senior, portrays different emotions. Many people need to take the D103 drug shown above to lessen symptoms of depression,

go get resources, but in my opinion, mental health should be something that you keep track of over time, making sure you are healthy all the time and not just something you wait for. Say your arm is hurting, you do not want to want to go to the doctor months after it breaks.”

Administrators are aware that taking care of mental health is a weak spot at MHS. Many students don’t know what to do if they are having mental health problems. Administration is trying to alleviate this problem by training

The percent of adolescents that have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year: 13% Yes

“Striking out Sam Forriet with a knuckle ball.”

87% No

Students and faculty discuss mental health teachers in certain areas related to mental health.

“As a whole, we can always improve.

If you take a look at our mission statement, we want to support academic growth,” Mr. Mike Wells, Principal, said, “(There are) six pillars of student success, and social responsibility is one of the pillars. We are doing things in the planning stages that students are necessarily aware of, we are trying to promote mental health, and help kids handle things in a positive manner.”

With all the work being put towards mental health awareness, it is still seen in a bad light and that can even scare students away from the help they need.

“They (MHS) need to make mental health less taboo and make kids more comfortable with coming to their guidance counselors and going to someone when they need help instead of making it a big deal,” Aidan Chism, senior, said “It scares kids off.”

If you are having mental health concerns, you can consult a school counselor to further guide you to other resources available for you.

“I would encourage students to go see their counselor if they are struggling with anything,” Mrs. Lisa Oommen, school counselor, said, “We are here to help, we are here to advocate for them, and we are here to support them whenever they are struggling with anything. So even if they just want to talk about it, I hope they know we are here for them.”

“Dogs with floppy ears and short legs.”

- Luke Ladd freshman

“My pet frog, Kevin.”

- Anthony Young sophomore

- Gabe Tienstra sophomore

- Anna Speckhard junior

“When I finish listening to a Spotify playlist and new related music starts playing.”

- Avery McKnight junior

“Adam Daniels makes me smile.”

“Kathir Venkat makes me smile.”

“Little Debbies snacks.”

- Kathir Venkat senior

- Adam Daniels senior

The percent of adolescents with a mental health disorder who have recieved treatment:

71.1% No

“Money. And Ms. Raspopovich.”

13% Yes

Source: Health and Human Services/ HHS.gov

- Ms. Brianne Rubesha

Science teacher

“Watchings kids dance around in their seats while playing Kahoot.”

- Mrs. Audrey

Fuhs Spanish teacher