issue four volume 54
CRIER
munster high school
8808 Columbia Ave. Munster, IN 46321
Times are changing story by erianna sims graphics by Charlie Hofferth and Mercedez Williams
22 percent of MHS students were racial minorities in 2005. Thirteen years later, in 2018, nearly 44 percent of MHS students were racial minorities.
I
t is heavily avoided in discussion in hopes of not offending others or leaving distasteful impressions. There are traces of it in the past and present alike. It is deep-rooted in our history and culture, yet scarcely embraced as a topic of discussion in society. It is the issue of race. Whether it be casual racism between students on a day-to-day basis, or a more drastic form of systemic racism where discrimination is built into every interaction, behavior or belief, race is an important issue that we should not be reluctant to talk about. Because of the changing face of MHS, in this issue Crier introduces the first part of a four-part series on race in order to create a dialogue about the issue—to help break the silence. “I think it’s difficult to talk about race because some people feel guilty, so they don’t talk about the racist things they have done,” Trinitee Hassan, a black senior, said. “Some feel, ‘Slavery is over, who cares?’ I get that they want to be free and live in a world where we don’t talk about race, but this nation is built off of it, you can’t run away from it.” The growth of Munster’s ethnic populations has experienced major fluctuations throughout the years. These shifts in population are in some cases the result of the formation of a more diverse community, which allows the possibility of racial tension to be an issue. Ms. Bertha Sims, a worker at Inland Steel, and Ms. Dorothy Goshay, an educator in the Gary Community School Corporation, had many occasions where racial hostility left its impression on them. Sisters who were raised and educated in East Chicago, they bought a house in Munster in 1994 after Ms. Dorothy suffered an illness. “Within the first twelve to twenty-four months, we had friends come to visit and they would tell us the police trailed them to the house until they saw them pull up in the driveway,” Ms. Dorothy said. “A minister friend of ours was stopped by an officer after making a wrong turn and asked where he was going. After explaining to the officer that he had made a wrong turn, he was followed to the house.” Growing up and hearing my mother Ms. Bertha and aunt Ms. Dorothy talk about experiencing incidents they felt were racially motivated was an eye opener for me, and made me aware of the issues in our world that I would one day confront in my life as a young black woman. As I became older and endured
in 2005, 78 percent of MHS Students were white.
Story continues, next page
Breaking The
Nov. 1 , 2019
in 2018, thirteen years later, 56 percent of mhs students were white.
h o w do w e ta l k about these changes?
Silence
A four part series on race
Source: Indiana Department of Education Compass
n e w s2
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
Times are changing
complain about it to my other friends if it’s really, really bad.”
continued from front
my own situations with race, looking back at all the knowledge and memories my family had to give really made me more educated and more prepared to handle the serious issues of the world. “I would take the children to the park, and some of the other parents would look at me as if to say, ‘What are you doing here?’ ‘Why don’t you go to a park where you live?’” Ms. Dorothy said. “I felt they looked at me as though I left my area to bring my kids to Munster, when in reality, this is where I lived.” As time progressed, the sisters became more aware of the fact that the number of black families in their neighborhood had not increased much. Despite moving into a predominantly white area, the sisters found that although there was an undercurrent of racism with some people, not everyone was like that. There are monumental milestones in life, and high school is a representation of the crossover from childhood to adulthood. Students eventually make up the future of a diverse society, which is why statistical data on the various ethnic populations of the school from the Indiana Department of Education Compass is critical in understanding the true reflection of MHS. The school consists of 1,527 students, and as of last year, 56 percent was white. There was a 24 percent Hispanic enrollment, and less than 10 percent black. The remaining enrollment percentages were Asian, Native American and mixed races. Looking at statistics from previous years, MHS’s white population has always been above 60 percent—except the past year, when it dipped below. “This is my second year at Munster,” Xander Wilson, a black junior, said. “The most previous school I went to was the Hammond Academy of Science and Technology. At my old school, it was mainly black, but up here it’s mainly a white school, so I have been experiencing more incidents dealing with race.”
Students who deal with these racial issues believe more could be done by administration or school staff to help minimize these occurrences. “The staff generalizes people,” Trinitee said. “They think I’m some loud, black, ghetto girl so that’s how they treat me, but little do they know I’m quite intelligent and nonchalant. If the staff could just get to know the minorities at this school, they would see that we’re not their stereotypical minorities. The staff needs a professional development or training on cultural diversity, so that they can be more aware of diverse students and be aware of the unequal treatment that they show towards minority students.” According to the student handbook, School Town of Munster does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin and other protected classes. Faculty and staff are provided regular professional development on numerous topics. Whereas racial bias training is available, in recent times it has possibly fallen behind in practice due to the variety of topics that must be addressed. Considering the changing face of MHS, students who represent the future of the world should be able to discuss the serious issues that surround them in everyday life, and possibly affect their lives in one way or another. Talking about race is one of the first steps needed in order to bring about changes. “I’ve noticed racism a lot more than I did before, and I don’t feel it has ever gotten better per se,” Alison said. “Maybe we’re addressing it in a sense, but I don’t think it has improved. It is going to take a really long time.”
Crier believes that race is a major issue in our community and society as a whole. We think that it is time to confront this issue. Crier is doing so through a four “In school, racism part series on race, this being the first has not affectinstallment. Future parts of this series ed me to a great will address the various aspects of race extent just because and discrimination, focusing on how it people know me so applies to our school. from the staff well, but sometimes I will be in groups with other latinos or black people and I notice small things, like we won’t get as “The main example I can think much help or attention of is in middle school, I got made as a white group” fun of for my lips because they are
As students who transferred like Xander, or grew up in Munster schools, many have come in contact with situations that have involved their race. big.” “I came to Munster in 6th grade Matthew Cortez, senior from Thea Bowman Leadership AcadAmir Henderson, senior emy in Gary,” Trinitee said. “My first years were tougher than the ones that just past. When I was in 6th grade, it was a culture shock to me. I had a situation happen to me where a girl called (A girl) me the n-word, but they (administraShe came up tion) didn’t give her any type of conto me and started sequence except to say sorry to me. At asking me questions that point, I was just angry from then like “Are you Indian? What on. Seeing that the school wasn’t gokind of brown are you, Egyping to do anything had hurt me.” tian or something?” Obviously I was Although Trinitee felt the adminconfused, so I asked her why she was istration failed to do much about her questioning me, and she responded, “If you’re incident, situations or punishments Indian why are you dressed up for handled by administraUSA day?” Anushka Majety, sophomore tion are personal pri“I personally do vate records. Therefore, not believe I have Crier could not ask them experienced racthe faces of the front page to comment on someone’s ism, I would say racpast punishment. ism definitely affects Like Trinitee, students people who are not have encountered similar white, and it’s a huge scenarios, and dealt with issue in our society them as best they could. Howtoday.” ever, someone like Xander may Carina Crisan, junior feels it’s in their best interest to
Have you experienced racism or how has race affected you?
let certain situations pass over them to avoid punishment. “The Alison Lee, an Asian sophofirst time more, has dealt with racial issues someone ever a long time, having grown up in said something outMunster schools, so she has learned right, I was just confused how to approach them. because I had never really “Some people believe racism experienced that before. Later on, doesn’t exist, but Munster High it happened again and I told them off School is not excluded from racism,” because I was like, that’s not right.” Alison said. “It’s all over the world, and Alison Lee, sophomore personally, I either ignore it or if it is extremely serious, I address it. Usually I’ll
Breaking The
Silence
A four part series on race
SIDENOTE Student Government food drive now through Nov. 15
As the holiday season approaches, Student Government have their annual food drive. Students will be able to drop off items from Oct. 28 until Friday, Nov. 15. This year, council members will be collecting with bins for each grade level. To step up to fill the previous deficit of contributions, Alyssa Nahnsen, senior and student body president, hopes that this year the school will be able to donate at least 4,000 items. “I hope we can go above and beyond in order to provide for those in need,” Alyssa said. “Students hold altruism to a high regard, and I hope we can channel that altruism into the food drive to give back to the community.” The council asks students to bring in non-perishable food items. All food collected this year will go to the Greater Hammond Food Pantry.
photo by Lauren Morris
GAME TIME During eSports practice, afterschool, Nicholas Pascarella, freshman, plays Overwatch.
eSports designs new Varsity letter
Along with many other clubs, Esports is responding to the new letter requirement. No longer will clubs and academic teams be able to receive the “M” patch from the athletic office, instead they will have to pay for the patch themselves. Haley Mize-Block, senior, says that Esports will be “changing gear” and is looking to do fundraising with different restaurants. They are also working to create their own custom “M” patch with their logo. “For eSports, we have our own logo, like every sport has. We have a Mustang head, but it’s a little custom to us,” Haley said. “It shaped a little differently than the regular Mustang and then sometimes it has circuits in it. Depending on the designers and how they’ll do it, we want to have that kind of at the top.”
Corrections
In Issue 3 of Crier, on page two The Addams Family was incorrectly spelled. On page six, Merrillville was also misspelled. The instrument played by Cynthia Chockalingam is a cello as seen in the photo on page 7. On page nine, the Boys’ Tennis photo was taken by Todd McKechnie. In that same photo, Charlie Morton is a sophomore. On page 10 in the Girls’ Soccer story, Selma Srour is a junior. Tim Giannini’s quote should read “it’s important for goalkeepers to understand what’s going on around the field, so they can direct their teammates as best as they can since they can see what is behind them and in front of them” on page 11. On page 12 Sam Foreit’s name is incorrectly spelled. Crier regrets these errors.
Nov. 1, 2019
Munster High School Crier
Marching to the beat of their own drum
3n e w s DRUMROLL PLEASE (left) On the field during a late-night practice, Mihail Babus, junior, Henry Sklar, senior, and Mara Trivunovic, sophomore, rehearse their show. As the season comes to a close, band hopes to finish on a good note. “(I’m) a little anxious, a little bit happy, and a little bit sad because it’s almost over,” said Mihail, “but I’m also inspired and impressed with how we’re doing.” MUSIC TO THEIR EARS (right) In the front ensemble, Kortlynd Lukowski-Foss, junior, plays his instrument. “My favorite memory from marching band was when we made it to state, (especially) the excitement.” photos by Max Lindenmayer
Band heads to Semi-State tomorrow, discusses recognition Mercedez Williams Executive Editor
Hours of long, grueling practices, on weekends and school nights, all for the same hope: succeed at State. This is the reality of Marching Band. “Our season began Sept. 21, that was our first competition, we have been at it for a while now.” Henry Sklar, senior, said. “I think we are doing well, we have been top three in all of our competitions, I can’t be upset.” In the end, he hopes the band will receive the same publicity as other popular clubs and sports. “As any club would, we would like the same publicity as the football team,” Henry said, “Or Spanish club, like that kind of familiar name, I feel like a lot
of people know what those clubs (and sports) are doing but not what we are doing, (and) we’re happy to share with everyone what we are doing.” Mihail Babus, junior, however does not think that recognition is as important as improving and working as a team. “I notice that there is less recognition (for marching band). Personally, I do not really mind, but, the student section has been cheering us on more at halftime, I have noticed over my past years.” The band season ends this month and the band is currently ranking very high from past competitions. The members agree that they have been trying their hardest to bring home a win. “We have been performing 110 percent all season, all of us really want to win, the drive to succeed and bring home a state championship back to Munster, we all are unified in that goal,” Henry said. The band collectively have been
working towards their goal of winning State, but there are more things to band than just winning competitions. “Our theme for the entire season is to finally have the means to achieve first place at State finals,” Serena Alvarez, senior, said. “And I feel like ev-
eryone in the band can agree that that is our ultimate goal but personally as long as we end the season with great success and knowing that we made our best efforts, then I think that’s the best achievement that we can get out of the season.”
Before the competition starts Rituals different members perform before competition yy Drumline stretches by using Watermelon Tai Chi, mimicking digging up watermelons to stretch hands, wrists, and fingers yy After every saxaphone section meeting, someone plays two quarter notes and the whole section calls out: “sAxaphones!“ yy After a pep talk from their section leader, flutes put their instruments in the air and yell “1-2-3 flutes!” yy Before walking out onto the field, the mellophones take the hem of their uniforms and tug on them twice in unison for good luck
source: Mihail Babus
Munster Town Council up for re-election An Election Guide Meet the Candidates D Jennifer Pizzuto-Dean
R Wendy Mis
R Chuck Gardiner
Clerk-treasurer
Elect, Ward 3
Munster Town Council Elections Tuesday Nov. 5 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lilia Brunetti Design Editor
As the Munster Town Council members and Clerk-TreasurClerk-treasurer er’s four-year terms wrap up, the town will vote to elect or D R R re-elect their representatives Steve Tulowitzki Rich Flahaven Dave Nellans during the upcoming municipal Elect, Ward 4 Elect, Ward 1 Re-elect, Ward 4 election Nov. 5. Each five candidates represent one of the five districts in Munster, as well as D R R a clerk-treasurer—the financial Ken Schoon Lee Ann Mellon Andy Koultourides arm of the town. Re-elect, Ward 2 Elect, Ward 1 Re-elect, Ward, 5 Members determine use of taxpayer dollars, manage industrial growth, coordinate Town services, among various Resident of state and Munster Town Hall other responsibilities. Between district min. 30 days 2020 tax caps and the introducEads School Gym, Door C before election tion of Maple Leaf Crossing, a U.S. Citizen commercial hub at the crossing Elliott School Gym, Door C of 45th and Ridge Road, these 18 years-old or older Munster High School, Door N tasks are especially important. Register at: The next meeting will be www.indianavoters.in.gov Frank Hammond School, Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:45 p.m. at Door R source: munster.org the Town Hall.
Popular precincts Qualifications
Here’s what some of the candidates said they hope to bring to the council: “Transparency of our town’s finances. As I’ve made my way through town, I’ve gotten a lot of a lot of residents list that as a chief concern. I felt that way too, so it’s one of the reasons I decided to run.,” Mrs. Jennifer Pizzuto-Dean, D To carry out my service according to the “TULO” plan, (Transparency, Unity, Leadership, Optimism). I aim to increase engagement among residents (14 percent of voters turned out for our last town election in 2015), give everyone an equal voice in town, lead us through the current financial challenges we are facing due to changes to property tax laws, and bring people together around an inspiring vision for the future,” Mr. Steve Tulowitzki, D “To plan ahead and take strategic actions that will enhance Munster’s vitality well into the future. Centennial Park and the 45th Avenue realignment
and underpass are examples of progress that cannot happen without long-range planning,” Mrs. Lee Ann Mellon, R “I would like to maintain the strong financial health the Town has always enjoyed. Munster has had to make some difficult decisions recently with the property tax caps going into effect in 2020. ,” Mrs. Wendy Mis, R “To do everything I can to make sure Munster’s police, fire and town services remain at a high level of responsiveness, and that the Town Council continues to provide strong support of these departments given the tight budget challenges expected,” Mr. Rich Flahaven, R “To keep Munster safe and help improve the quality of life that we now enjoy. Transparency and availability to all residents and businesses is also my key to making everyone agree that ‘Life is Good in Munster,’” Mr. Dave Nellans, R Other candidates could not be reached for comment by press time.
o p i n i o n4
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
The customer is always right? Mercedez Williams Executive Editor
opinion by Alyssa Bass
Editorial
cartoon by Mercedez Williams
Reflecting the masses “Modern Family,” “Love Simon,” and “Call Me by Your Name” are all fantastic forms of media that represent LGBTQ+ people in a positive light. “Modern Family” shows a gay couple tackling life just as any other family would. “Love Simon” displays the highs and lows of being a closeted teenager in high school, and “Call Me by Your Name” is an Oscar nominated movie that paints a tragic love story between its two male leads. While all these forms of entertainment are revolutionary in their depiction of LGBTQ+ people, they aren’t exactly including everyone. Today’s popular LGBTQ+ media tends to exclusively feature white men as opposed to women and people of color, begging the question, “Is it really all that inclusive?” GLAAD, an American non-governmental LGBTQ+ media monitoring organization, reported that in 2018, broadcast television, about 8.8 percent of the characters fell into the LGBTQ+ category. Looking more closely at those numbers, 43 percent were women, 44 percent were people of color, and 2.1 percent had a disability. This is by no means bad representation, but why is it always healthy white males who get the spotlight in Hollywood and television? This isn’t just the case for LGBTQ+ media. White men and white people in general have always gotten priority when it comes to movies and television. According to a UCLA diversity report, in the 2017 season, only 2 out of 10 actors in film are people of color. For television,
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
2.2 out of 10 actors are people of color. Television, film, literature and music have become important parts of our everyday life. Representation is vital is it shows who we are as a whole. Not everyone is white, so why is it that white people are the primary focus on our screens? The simple answer is there shouldn’t be. America has always been known to be a Current day media melting pot, full of needs to more different sexualities, accurately reflect all races, religions, and cultures that should aspects of sexuality all be depicted and race in society equally. At the end of the day, today’s media representation is not perfect. While it is has greatly improved from what is used to be, there are still advancements that could be made. It may be television and the film industry that make the official calls, but we aren’t useless. Support movies like “Moonlight,” a film that portrays a relationship between two black men. Support “Sense8,” a show with a variety of LGBTQ+ men and women and their daily lives. Support movies like “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and “Tell it to the Bees,” films that tell the stories of gay women, yet are not nearly as popularized as they should be. Show that we don’t just want more representation, we want better representation.
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
Is it okay to not tip? The short answer is no. If you have the money to go out to eat then you have the money to tip, it is never okay to not tip. I am a 17 year old high school student who, fortunately, doesn’t have to pay for any bills or who have people who rely on me, but yet I make double of what the grown adult servers make. Many of whom have kids and have to pay for gas, and bills, and have no benefits, like eyecare or dental. I make $4.25 plus tips as a hostess, but yet most servers across America make about $2.13, which means they could work 50 hours a week and earn $100— before taxes. Because servers don’t see a paycheck at all, their entire income is from tips. So when some irritable customer comes in and doesn’t tip because their server didn’t say hi to them before taking their order, that hurts their income. What customers usually might not realize is that you are not the only people they are serving. They probably have four other tables who all need the same amount of attention, not to forget they are running food and drinks to other servers tables. To think someone can be entitled enough to sit at a restaurant for hours, having constant service, and thinking they shouldn’t have to tip is absolutely ridiculous. ‘Why should I have to tip people for doing their job?’ If you’re seriously asking that question ,then you should probably just stay home instead of going out to eat. Trust me when I say that restaurant staff understands if it has been a rough day at work, but ever thought what happens in someone else’s? How do you know something bad isn’t happening to your server? You don’t know whether their family member is sick, or they have been working since 10:15 a.m. and now it’s 9 p.m. and they just got cut, or if they are missing something important to be working. Regardless they will come up to your table with a smile and laugh and joke around, even if they have had a terrible day. As a general rule of thumb, I don’t go below tipping 20 percent. If the server was really good then usually the tip is around 30 percent. I have seen servers entire mood change when they get a good tip. In short, don’t tip below 15 percent, or just don’t go out to eat.
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
Nov. 1 2019
New food for thought
1
Munster High School Crier
In light of National Vegan Month, Crier reviews popular fake meat products Lilia Brunetti Design Editor
Being vegetarian or vegan is both a blessing and a curse — a blessing for health, but a curse on menu searches whenever you’re out to eat. With today’s rise in health consciousness, America has undergone an entrepreneurial revolution: the introduction of “fake meat.” A protein supplement for herbivores, these products are often soy, pea protein, and gluten based. Corporations such as Burger King
Calories: 110 (per patty) Price: $3.99 Main Ingredients: Carrots, Onions, String Beans, Soybeans, Zucchini, Broccoli, Corn, Spinach, Red Peppers
2
Morning Star Farms Chik’N Nuggets
3
Rating:
Calories: 200 (4 nuggets)
Calories: 150 (2 meatballs)
Price: $3.99 per bag
Price: $4.39 per bag
Main Ingredients: Water, Wheat Flour, Soy Flour, Vegetable Oil, Soy Protein Isolate As soon as I took these out of the oven, their smell convinced me I would be trying real chicken. Visually, the crispy breading mimicked meat pretty well, with its inside a perfect meet in the middle of textures. Unlike the Impossible Whopper, MorningStar Farms’ photo by Cali Petersen replication of the chicken was entirely believable. However, the ingredients label sets off red flags, with a long list of starches, isolates and extracts. In the end, I was left wanting more, pleasantly surprised by its savory taste. You just can’t go wrong with chicken nuggets, and MorningStar Farms’ take on the “delicacy” certainly supports this.
Impossible Whopper
Rating: Calories: 210 (only the patty) Price: $5.59 per burger Main Ingredients: Soy Protein, Potato Protein, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Yeast, Heme
I’m a sucker for veggies, and the variety of peppers, peas, and carrots combined within this patty is absolutely fantastic. For any of those looking to get in their daily vegetable requirements, this is the patty to eat. Unlike the others, “Dr. Praeger’s” does not attempt to mimic meat in taste or appearance. Rather, it offers a satisfyingly fresh, clean taste to the meat supplement world. This patty should be celebrated by herbivores and omnivores alike, regardless of feelings towards meat. Overall, this patty reigns supreme, as it’s impressive nutrition facts, minimally processed ingredients, and delicious taste surpass its competitors.
Gardein Classic Meatless Meatballs
Rating:
4
and White Castle have begun marketing off of these products, hoping to secure the vegetarian-vegan demographic, and re-brand themselves as healthy. On the surface, these products have received abundant applause and support from critics and even previous skeptics. However, the mass amount of processing fake meat requires begs the question: Are these products better for you, or the environment?
Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burgers
Rating:
photo by Cali Petersen
5r e v i e w
Main Ingredients: Water, Textured Vegetable Protein, Enriched Flour, Vital Wheat Gluten Soy Protein Isolate, Spice The outside of this product is very misleading, thanks to the freakishly realistic meat crumble-coating. As said on the packaging, these meatballs are certainly photo by Cali Petersen Italian-esque: a much larger serving size than expected. With a convincing exterior, this meatball did a much better job at executing fake beef than Impossible Burger. Inside, the meat was easy to tear apart and a step up from an elastic-like texture. Flavor wise, its seasoning packs a punch of rich flavor, leaving you with a piquant aftertaste.
I figured I might as well address the hype surrounding Burger King’s take on a moderately healthy food item. Before trying it, I felt a mixture of anxiety and curiosity — only to be let down. The professional wrapping impressed me, and it effortlessly opened to reveal a relatively normal burger. But with a closer look, behind the plethora of lettuce, onion, and a few sad pieces of tomato, the burger itself was extremely thin and dry. Its charred, carnivorous taste made me rethink if I was actually eating meat, and made up for the poor presentation. Unfortunately, the texture itself was similar to rubber. Contrary to the other products, though, you can simply just order it from a drive-thru window. This saves both time and energy, however compromises taste and health. Altogether, the substandard texture certainly hurts its potential to be a fabulous meat supplement, yet it is just nearly saved by its powerful taste.
photo by Cali Petersen
review 6
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
There’s only 365 days left until next Halloween... Review of “A Nightmare Before Christmas” Alexis Lindenmayer Editor-in-Chief
A
s the Halloween season officially ends, people begin trading their Jack-O-Lanterns for Christmas lights, their costumes for ugly sweaters, and their pumpkin spice lattes for eggnog. With the drastic change in season comes hesitance in giving up the October’s spookiness for December’s festivities. Thankfully, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a perfect holiday movie to encompass both holidays into 70 minutes of entertainment. Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” presents the audience with the frightening world that is Halloweentown. There, many wacky ghosts and creatures present themselves through spooky showtunes. Among the bunch is Jack Skellington, who begins to lose interest in the tedious goal of scaring people every Halloween. Unsatisfied with his life, he stumbles upon Christmastown, a cheerful place that is the exact opposite of Halloween town. Jack then becomes obsessed with incorporating this lifestyle into his everyday routine. The film is aesthetically pleasing with its visuals and shots. The iconic shots of Jack standing above Halloween town or the lights of Christmas town are so stunning that they make the audience forget they are watching an animated movie. Not to mention that the animation is unlike any other of its time, with its stop motion not being too obvious, yet apparent enough to make it beautifully original. “A Nightmare Before Christmas” is simply a classic. The characters are fun and interesting with their neat designs and funny lines. A consistent story is told that has every “good movie” aspect: love story, heist, musical numbers and a happy ending. Adults and children alike tune in to watch this movie every year because they can’t seem to get enough of it. Plus, having a movie that maintains its relevance from September to December is truly the work of a genius. One of the best components of this movie is its killer soundtrack. It combines various genres of rock, jazz, and pop to create an album that is great to listen to during the movie, but also anytime you want to get into a chilling mood. 1. “This is Halloween” This is without a doubt, the most iconic song of the whole soundtrack. Every character of Halloweentown gets a chance to sing, displaying a sinister variety of voices and personalities. Everything, lyrics, instruments, and visuals, is working together to convince that Halloween truly is the best time of the year. 2 “Oogie Boogie’s Song” Giving the villain a musical number in the jazz genre is absolutely phenomenal. It is destined to get stuck in your head for days with its neat rhythm and clever lyrics. 3. “Sally’s Song” This is quite a change of pace from the entire soundtrack. It tragically coveys are sadness in such a beautiful song that should definitely be longer than two minutes. 4. “Jack’s Lament” The singing is able to go from calm and reassuring to creepy in a simple instant. Danny Elfman does a phenomenal job of truly encompasses the pride Jack feels in this song, while still conveying his overall sadness with his situation. 5. What’s this? The varying tempo of this song keeps the listener on their seat until the very end. The song’s festive tone is a drastic change from the previous songs, giving it an edge when picking out favorites from the soundtrack.
illustration by Robert Young
Find out which “A Nightmare Before Christmas” character you are 1. In one word, how would your friends describe you? a. Caring b. Sassy c. Insecure 2. What do you do in your free time? a. Volunteer around your community b. Scheming c. Spending time with your friends 3. What would be your dream vacation? a. Somewhere warm and sunny b. Somewhere cold and snowy c. A stay-cation
6. Which are you most scared of? a. Spiders b. Heights c. Everything 7. What is our favorite horror movie? a. “Scary House” b. “Saw” c. “Nightmare on Elm Street” 8. What is your favorite holiday movie? a. “The Polar Express” b. “Home Alone” c. “Elf”
4. Which music genre do you prefer? a. Pop b. Jazz c. Rock
9. In study hall, what are you typically doing? a. Doing your homework b. Gaming c. Sleeping
5. Which cat most resembles your personality? a. Kitten b. Lion c. Jaguar
9. What are you likely doing at a party? a. Playing DJ b. Everything — you are the life of the party c. Following your friends around
Results: Mostly A’s - Sally
You are kind and clever but also a bit timid in your own abilities. You may feel like an outsider but you’re compassion doesn’t go unnoticed.
Mostly B’s - Oogie Boogie
You are very mischievous, a bit flamboyant, and love to make others laugh. Sometimes you have trouble controlling your temper, but you have a creative mind.
Mostly C’s - Mayor of Halloweentown
illustration by Robert Young
You are clumsy and dependent on other people, but you strongly value your friendships. You have a hard time making decisions for yourself, yet decisions still end up being made.
Nov. 1, 2019
Munster High School Crier
7i n f o c u s
Día de celebracion
Students discuss celebration of Día de los Muertos Alyssa Bass Managing Editor
‘Vale más un cobarde en casa, que un valiente en el cementerio, better a coward at home than a hero in the cemetery,’ a popular Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, saying lets people make light of death. Día de los Muertos begins tomorrow. Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties and activities the dead enjoyed in life. “For me, Día de los Muertos is about celebrating death as not an ending of life, but instead a continuation of it,” Diana Ayala, senior, said. “It’s about celebrating the presence of the souls of our loved ones who have passed away.” The release of the popular movie “Coco” in 2017, gave media attention to the Dia de los Muertos and the popular traditions that go with it. According to Serena Alvarez, senior, “Coco” inspired her and her family to start celebrating the holiday. “Though my family is Mexican, we never did anything for Day of the Dead until recently,” Serena said. “We knew about it, but it was never a major part of our traditions. With the release of ‘Coco’ a few years ago, I asked my parents if we could start doing something for the holiday to honor my grandpar-
ents. Now we set up a small ofrenda with items dedicated to them.” Popular practices for Día de los Muertos includes making ofrendas, sugar skulls, baking pan de muerto, putting out marigolds, papel picado, and much more. During freshman year, Diana was in Mexico to attend her grandpa’s funeral, and was also there to witness Día De Los Muertos. “In my hometown in Mexico, which is close to Janitizio, a place known for its Purepecha roots and festivities, they take Día de los Muertos very seriously,” Diana said. “Everyone, from kids in elementary school to members of the municipal government, participates in the festivities. In the U.S. it’s definitely a lot more low key, and we celebrate it more as a family then as a community.” Catholic teachings, when the Spainards arrived in present day Mexico, combined with the native beliefs to create new traditions. The festival related to death and celebrating the ancestors was moved to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls Day on Nov. 2. “We susually pray a rosary in Spanish as a familiy in memory of our deceased loved ones and have a dinner with their favorite foods, music, stuff like that,” Diana said. “We also do catrina makeup to celebrate. We then end the night by talking about out favorite memories about our love ones.”
El amor todo lo puede
Students share their fondest memories of Dia de los Muertos “My grandpa passed away my freshman year about one week before Dia de los Muertos, and since it’s Catholic tradition in Mexico to go to church for nine days after a person passes away as a part of the funeral ceremonies, I was in my hometown in Mexico for Dia de los Muertos. We got to see the plaza full of altars and spent the day at the graves of my relatives. I remember there were mariachis and wild marigolds and food everywhere.” - Diana Ayala
senior
Anatomia de un altar de muertos
Hasta un bello arte
A how-to on papel picado, seen above Supplies: - 5-10 sheets of tissue paper of different colors - Scissors Directions: - Gather your supplies pan de - Cut paper into squares - Fold paper in half, and sugar skull a half again - Cut out pattern on the bottom half - Open it and fold down - Fold diagonally and cut out shapes source: www.caciqueinc.com
“My mom actually told me this story last Saturday. She noticed one of the candles by my grandpa’s frame was twisted on, so she decided to turn it off since it was the only one glowing. When she tried to twist it off, it stayed on no matter what she did until she took out the batteries. It was pretty strange.”
The common parts of an ofrenda
- Serena Alvarez
senior
Candle Marigolds
picture of the person Drink Rosary muerto
illustrations by Charlie Hofferth and Lauren Morris
i n f o c u s8
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
Rolling out the representation Students and GSA talk LGBTQ+ representation in media and at the school are. The more you talk about it, you rePlenty controversies occur when dealize it’s not a big deal and shouldn’t ciding to include more LGBTQ+ repreEditor-in-Chief be a big deal.” sentation. While he doesn’t agree with The school’s GSA club is all about the reasoning, Aidan Chism, senior n Nov. 1, 1972, ABC’s Movie of the Week released “That promoting positivity for LGBTQ+ indi- explains why some companies may be Certain Summer,” making it viduals. However, Amanda Jonquet, se- hesitant to have inclusivity. one of the first positive portrayals nior, discusses the club’s limited word “When it comes to like LGBTQ repof homosexuality. The movie follows choice. resentation and media, a lot of cor“My undera father attempting to get his son to porations are fearof Running the show understand that he is gay and living standing ful of adding that with his lover. For a movie made in this is that ad- LGBTQ+ characters in 2018 big in because there the 70s, the message is admirable, es- m i n i s t r a t i o n studio films are certain white pecially since it was made in a time would like the right wing groups where homosexuality was still a diag- language that that exist within Latinx nosable mental illness. Over the span GSA uses to be the United States 7% of 47 years, LGBTQ+ representation the type of lanlike the American Asian American has undergone an evolution with many guage that peoFamily Associa13% White ups and downs. From television to the ple in political 58% tion, who use their in big screen, and from literature to mu- positions platform and netBlack 22% sic, LGBTQ+ characters are present today’s world work of websites would be in,” more than ever before. to go against like The improvement of the depiction Amanda said. any inclusivity in of the LGBTQ+ community has espe- “The only reaTV shows,” Aidan cially been evident in a teenager’s own son that they said. “Even if it’s actually get to lifetime. something as sim“When I was younger, nobody talk- say the word ple as like a Nick19 ed about anything,” Jamie DeJoan, se- gay is because elodeon character 26 4 26 11 11 nior, said. “So as far as representation, the mayor of male having two dads. gay bisexual female people people you had Ellen maybe if you knew what Chicago when characters characters They’ll write an arwas going on, but nobody even talked she was runticle on their netsource: GLAAD.org about it then. And now it’s such a hot ning referred to work of websites topic that people are always talking herself as a gay woman. That’s the only and then have their followers write to about it. I don’t agree that representa- reason is allowed. So if it can’t be said the corporation, Nickelodeon, Viacom, tion is at its fullest potential yet, but I by someone who has a high position of Campbell’s Soup, to prevent the instill feel like people are talking about power, like president, Mayor, Gover- clusivity of like a family with two dads it and at least it’s seen as something nor, we can’t say it.” because they want to uphold the tradiExcluding other labels and only us- tional idea of what a family should be.” that’s okay to say out loud.” Seeing LGBTQ+ people in everyday ing the word “gay” lacks representaJamie argues that promoting content is beneficial to young people tion for all labels. LGBTQ+ representation can make “We label ourselves for a reason. companies money for comout there who just want to see themSome people don’t agree with those panies. However, their selves in the characters they adore. labels others motives may not be “There’s obInclusivity for everyone viously a stigma Statistics for transgender representation in television do, but it’s im- righteous. portant for peoabout coming “I think (promoting ple to accept LGBTQ+ representaout and being In 2018, there who you are and tion) can be profitable gay. It’s not as were 26 Non-binary people transgender 4 characters what you like big a problem characters in because I’ve seen yourself to be brands who actualwith your peers, television considered as,” ly spend money and but your par- Trans Women Trans Men Amanda said. put money into orents, your fam- 17 characters 5 characters “Gay is a blan- ganizations that like ily members, or ket term, but cutting down LGBTQ+ people that are gay specifically activity, but they still older than you 4 means homo- have like rainbow stuff can make you sexual. Bisexual for our pride month, feel like somepeople are not so they’re still trying thing is wrong Asian American homosexuals, to make money off of with you,” Ja4 characters t r a n s g e n d e r me,” Jamie said. “There mie said. “So if people are not is a large and growing you see yourself White Latinx 11 characters 6 characters homosexuals, population of people who somewhere on pansexual peo- will see the rainbow and a screen or in a ple are not ho- be like, ‘Oh, please take book or a movie Black mosexuals, so my money.’ I’m definitely or whatever, it 5 characters it doesn’t really one of those people want makes you feel source: GLAAD.org like you’re not alone. It makes you feel fit.” to spend money if that is Amanda believes that using all la- gay representation, so busilike there are other people out there like you and it’s okay to be who you bels is vital in society. nesses in general are trying “It opens up the conversation. If we to exploit everyone no matter are. Along with LGBTQ+ people, cisgen- limit the things that we can talk about, the cause.” der, straight people can benefit from all it’s going to do is limit the types of Companies may not always seeing people of different sexualities people who can speak,” Amanda said. have to best motive when sup“First, it starts with you can’t say bi- porting pride. and identities on their screens. “It’s like contact hypothesis, from sexual, next bisexual people can’t “The whole thing of having a AP Psych,” Jamie said. “The more you speak about who they are because you rainbow icon during the month see things, the more normalized they can’t use that word.” of June and then midnight of
Alexis Lindenmayer
O
July 1, it’s gone, especially by corporation that supports anti LGBTQ+ things, is a huge drop,” Aidan said. “You just have to know what corporations are doing with their money before you support them.” Jamie shares the memory of seeing “Love Simon” for the first time. “I saw ‘Love Simon’ with a bunch of my friends and it was fantastic,” Jamie said. “Just like seeing like everyone being so accepting of everything and it was just like one of those romantic stories that are like the super basic brand movies, but with a gay character. It was really emotionally moving for me because it felt like, ‘Finally.’”
BLOCKBUSTER HITS The movies featured have representation of the LGBTQ+ community. From top to bottom, the movies are “The Way He Looks,” ”Pride,” “ Carol,” “Tell It to the Bees,” “Love Simon,” “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” “Call Me by Your Name,” “Rocketman,” “Milk,””Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Moonlight,” and “The Danish Girls”
photo illustration by Max Lindenmayer posters from IMDb.com
Nov. 1, 2019
Atarah Israel Copy Editor
Munster High School Crier
Getting our house in order
Smelly shoes, overstuffed sports bags, and half empty water bottles — all aspects of the Fieldhouse landscape. Home to various sports’ practices after school, the Fieldhouse is often bustling with a packed schedule of basketball, volleyball, dance and more. Balancing the training of pre-season indoor sports in addition to the post-season of others, the demand for use of the gym is high, and the sports that use it change on even a day to day basis. Consequently, particular sports tend to take precedent. “Other sports teams get it (the Fieldhouse) before we do,” Payton Poulston, senior and Varsity Dance team member, said. “Sometimes basketball has to use some of the courts, but we try to go as much as we can.” Whether two or five teams practice in the Fieldhouse on a given day, the gym remains a place associated with the vigor and hard work of our sports teams.
Dance Team [3:20 p.m.]
As sports seasons change, coverage of Fieldhouse sports on Oct. 16
Girls’ Basketball [3 p.m.]
With their season soon impending, Girls’ Basketball’s practices are frequent and demanding. Meeting everyday after school, the team has high hopes for the season. Beginning warm ups with stretches, the girls can often be seen dominating the Fieldhouse’s main basketball courts. Other aspects of their practice includes running the track running drills. Although their season has yet to start, all of their preseason work is paying off, according to Aleena Mongerie, junior. “I feel like the season is going to be super good,” Mongerie said. “We have a lot of returning players, and then we have a new player as well. So I’m really excited to see how everything goes.”
Although their competition season begins in December, the Dance team has already been dancing throughout the year and feels enthusiastic for the upcoming season. “I feel this year we’re going to have a really good season,” Poulston said. “I’m really looking forward to it. We do have a smaller team this year but I think that we’re going to be a lot stronger than we have in the past. We’ve always done well, but this year I’m excited.” Due to having unreliable time in th Fieldhouse, the Dance team makes use of the gym whenever possible. Utilizing almost every aspect of the gym, the girls also alternate between holding practice in the dance room and at James B. Eads Elementary school. No matter the location, the girls feel confident in themselves and each other. “We all just get along very well,” Poulston said. “We’ve all been dancing together for so long, because we’ve all grown up dancing at the same studios.” With an accomplished history of success and a prospective team of talent, their potential for this year is through the roof. “We have a group of really strong dancers this year,” Avery Beerling, sophomore, said. “Even though we’re small we can make ourselves look big and strong. We all have really good motions and emotions, and I think we’re going to do really well this year.”
Boys’ Wrestling [4 p.m.]
Girls’ Volleyball [3 p.m.] Echoing the domed gym with shouts of instruction and encouragement, Girls’ Volleyball used the Fieldhouse whenever available. Although their season ended, the energy they brought to the gym still remains. Their practices had a resolute schedule, the location did not. Alternating between the Fieldhouse and the elementary school, practices at the Fieldhouse were never guaranteed. Prior to their season ending, the team discusses their practices. The girls’ attributed their tenacity and go-getting attitude to their hard work, their love for the sport, and their love for each other. “It’s like one big family,” Lilly Lemke, senior, said. “We can yell at each other one second, and be best friends the next second. Very much like a big, weird family.” Win or lose, the girls’ effort and enthusiasm for the sport never fails. “For me, volleyball is a stress reliever,” Morton said. “Being with the people that I love the most is what makes me go through the bad days. Honestly, without volleyball, I don’t know if I would be who I am today.”
9s p o r t s
photos by Lana Salahieh
JUST DANCE (top) Sara Progler, freshman, practices the dance routine. GOING FOR A HIT (middle left) Catching some air, Haley Melby, sophomore, goes for a hit. She reflects on a touching moment in her volleyball career, “My favorite moment was the day after I committed to Iowa and knew that my hard work payed off,” she said. STRETCH IT OUT (middle right) Warming up before Girls’ Basketball, Delaney Mcginty, senior, reaches for her toes. KEEPING IN SHAPE (bottom) Elijah Homan, sophomore, ends a wrestling workout with push-ups.
Arriving at the Fieldhouse later in the day, Boys’ Wrestling uses the gym to end their practices. Cooling off with a run and push-ups, the boys end their long day surrounded by the bustling energy of the Fieldhouse. Preparing for their upcoming season, the boys have a lot of work to do, but are up for the challenge, according to Leo Tsirtsis, junior. The boys’ season starts Nov. 4. “I think that we’re improving but we have a lot to make up,” Tsirtsis said. With their work cut out for them, the team’s passion for the sport fuels each training session. The boys are working toward a season of team work and dedication. “It (wrestling) can make you feel happy, it can make you feel sad, it can make you feel angry — all over the spectrum,” Ethan Castillo, junior said. “Its a state of mind.” Although the season has yet to start, the boys already have formed a close bond. “I think we’re a close knit group of guys,” Castillo said. “We’ve known each other for a while now and I’m excited to see some of the freshmen coming in.” Work being the name of the game, the boys’ are eager to start their season and begin the long road to regionals. “Wrestling is a lifestyle,” Tsirtsis said. “You have to keep working at it to get better.”
s p o r t 10 s
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
FALL RECAP Volleyball wins Sectionals
Following the leader
Making it to the Regional tournament last weekend, Girls’ Volleyball finished their season with a 27-8 record. This season, the girls have made it further than in years prior to last years season with a win at their Sectionals tournament. Hazel Wolf, senior and team captain, attributes this success to the family dynamic shared throughout the team. “We are all very close friends and have played with each other for multiple years,” Wolf said, “That trust keeps us relaxed and confident in tough matches.” Moving forward, the team hopes to build atop of their success while retaining their previous goals to success. “One of our unspoken team goals was to finish, at whatever level that may be, playing to the best of our abilities as a united team,” Wolf said.
JV and Varsity cheer welcome new coach Erianna Sims Page Editor
As a cheerleader, the word “leadership” takes on a whole new meaning. Everyone plays a part in the success of the team, and this determined mindset is what has kept the cheer team going this year. Cheer has had a few setbacks this year, but never completely lost sight of what they wanted to accomplish, and how they would reach their goals. As of now, the team is on their third coach of the year. “Ms. (Kristen) Szafasz (social studies teacher) is coaching both JV and Varsity. At first it was definitely rough because it was kind of a blindside. We didn’t feel like we were at the best of our abilities, and now we’re kind of more hopeful, working towards a better year next year and season overall,” Alayna Eismin, senior, said. Ms. Szafasz previously coached the cheer team years ago and was willing to step in when asked to become the Junior Varsity coach and, eventually, the Varsity coach. “The whole year has been a big transition,” Coach Szafasz said. “I was obviously not coaching at the beginning of the year, but due to a lot of coach switching and other circumstances, they (MHS administration) asked me to take over the JV team around the beginning of September, so I decided to do that.” The girls have adjusted well to Coach Szafasz, as she has brought with her new techniques and a new energy. “The goal of mine is to improve their basic this year, in terms of their motion, in terms of their endurance,
Boy’s Cross Country gets 13th at Semi-State photo by Lauren Morris
TEACHING THE TEAM As the JV and Varsity cheer coach, Ms. Kristen Szafasz, social studies teacher, teaches a routine in the dance room mirror. “Overall, we have seen progress within the couple of weeks I have been taking over, but it is a learning curve, juggling both Varsity and JV, but I think both teams are doing really well,” she said.
girls and eight underclassmen, their team bond has grown and is much stronger. “We’re pretty close,” Tyra Wheaton, freshman, said. “I feel like we were always super close as a team. I look forward to learning new stunts, getting to make new friendships with people, and making lots of memories.” Coach Szafasz has a lot in store for the future of the cheer team. “Moving forward I would like the girls to be seen as having school spirit, I want them to be recognized across Overall, we have seen the school for good behavior, good atprogress within the couple tendance, showing school spirit, and of weeks I have been takcheering on the boys and the girls ing over, but it is a learning for football and basketball from here curve, juggling both Varsion out,” Coach Szafasz said. “I would like them to get higher level difficulty and JV, but I think both ty in stunting and pyramids, and show teams are doing really them off at the games, and eventually well. we will plan turnabout and if all goes well, some of the girls said they might -Coach Kristen Szafasz want to stunt compete in February and am approved for both teams I’ve got a March, but we can’t stunt compete unlittle bit better organizing and sending less we get the level of difficulty that we need, so that would be a goal that out calendars, and getting space.” Having a split team, eight senior we’re reaching.” and eventually get to the level of difficulty in their stunting that they would like to get to,” Coach Szafasz said. Coaching both Cheer teams has been a learning opportunity, but she has developed new motion and tumbling techniques. “Scheduling has been very tricky,” Coach Szafasz said, “I have mostly had to change my schedule, because I wasn’t expecting to coach. I already had things scheduled, but now that I
“
Testing new waters Swimming discusses coaching changes Adam Klaich Design Editor
The Boys’ and Girls’ swim teams have a new head coach, Ms. Tina McNulty, and a new assistant boys’ coach, Mr. Dillon Thompson. Both coaches have been involved in coaching the club swim team, which is another Munster swim team that operates outside of the swim season and against other organizations. “I’ve seen them since they started to where they are now,” Coach McNulty said, “so I actually have a good history with them and I know what they can and cannot do, so I just have to tap into that talent, find it, and say ‘Let’s go with it!’” Coach McNulty is currently a Professor at the University of Illinois and was previously the head coach in 1998 to 2001. She has also coached club
swimming since 2009. McNulty said. “You have to do a lot Most high school swimmers par- of examples in age group (swimming) ticipate in club swimming in the off while in high school you can talk to season to prepare for the high school them and they’ll understand.” season. According When it comes to Martin Barnard, Coach McNulty’s to continuing the senior, it is just as success previcoaching years challenging as high ous coaches and 1998-2001: MHS head swim teams have found, school swimming, coach enduring similar McNulty feels no practices. stress. 2010-present: MHS club The pre-built re“It’s just a Munswimming coach lationship has made ster 2019-present: MHS head Coach tradition,” the transitional periMcNulty swimming coach od easier. said. “We’re just “It’s very exciting planning on runto have someone we know and who is ning with it and we have a lot of talent. familiar with who we are and what our It’s just a matter of continuing with goals are,” Barnard said. it and figuring out where everybody’s Coach McNulty enjoys coaching place should be on the team.” high school swimmers because they The coaches and team are excited have been involved in the spot long for the season ahead of them. enough to understand her swim terms “It’s been a transition for the kids and easily understand her. and myself,” Coach McNulty said. “I “It’s nice because they can compre- have high expectations and I am just hend what I’m trying to stay,” Coach waiting to see where we end up.”
Boys Cross Country ended the season placing second at both Conference and Sectionals which qualified the team for Regionals. At Regionals they placed fifth as a team and qualified for Semi-State in the last team spot. After advancing all the way to Semi-State as a team, they placed 13th overall against 20 other schools. Oliver Meraz, senior, was saddened by not making it to state as a team but was also satisfied on what the runners bring to the table for the future. With only losing one senior and gaining nine new members this past season, the cross country team is only growing into something great. “Seeing many of our young guys exceed my expectations was amazing,” Meraz said.
Girls’ Cross Country gets 16th at Semi-State
Girls’ Cross Country finishes the final portion of their season, and looks forward to supporting individual members of the team in their competition at State. The girls placed within the top five at Conference, it being the last race they ran as an entire team. They went on to earn honorable titles in the races that followed, placing second during sectionals, simultaneously defending their title against Highland, and fourth at regionals. They placed sixteenth at Semi-State. “Now, coming to terms that it’s going to be my last race ever, you kind of just sit back and look at everything you’ve accomplished, and you look back at all the races you’ve done and it’s like ‘wow, I really did that,” Hannah Robins, sophomore said.
Boys’ Tennis wins Semi-State This year, Boys’ Tennis made it to State for the first time in 10 years and have now won 39 sectional championships in a row. They ended with a 24-2 record. “Kathir (Venkat, senior) and Charlie (Morton, sophomore) were runner-ups for doubles,” Joe Webster, senior and tennis captain said. “I don’t know the last time anyone has done that for any position we’ve had so that’s a big deal.” The team made it to the State Quarter Finals losing to Terre Haute High School South 3 to 2 and beat Fishers High School in the Semi State round. “I’m happy that we got to go to state once, and I think the team has a bright future ahead,” Webster said.
Nov. 1 2019
11s p o r t s
Munster High School Crier
Recaps by staff reporting Football finishes regular season 0-9 Football finished their regular season with an 0-9 record. They will take on Valparaiso tonight in the first round of Sectionals. “So we’ve had a couple new coaches come in, and really looking at our roster, numbers have been down, and then throughout the middle of our season, about a fourth of our players left,” Michael Dywan, senior, said. “So that really kind of cursed us for the second half of the season.”
Girls’ Soccer wins Sectionals Girls’ Soccer had a strong and determined season, playing their final game at Regionals on Oct. 19. Girls Soccer won Sectionals on Oct. 12. “In the beginning of the season, and throughout the majority of the season, we struggled a lot to find our rhythm,” Stephanie Cipowski-Smith, senior, said. “Towards the end of the season we started to figure it out more, and we started to really play as a team. This was super beneficial because once post season hit we shocked everyone when we beat Crown Point, and then we went on to win sectionals which was a great success, especially because we didn’t win last year. It’s a great feeling to be able to get our title back.” Girls Soccer ended their season with an overall score of 11-5-1. They played South Bend St. Joe for regionals, but despite the loss, the girls still took away the best from their season. “Overall, I’m really proud of our season,” Cipowski-Smith said. “I am happy that I am close to everyone on my team and we all get along so well. We’re like a family and I love my teammates so much.”
Boys’ Soccer wins Conference Boys’ Soccer finished their season with a 9-4- 3 record. They won Conference and made it to Sectionals. Roman Garcia, senior, was satisfied with how the season turned out, but thought the team had more to offer. “At the beginning of the season, there was some turmoil between players and coaches,” Garcia said, “I think we were really able to get over it, especially after a tough start to the schedule.” Garcia is proud of how the team overcame their differences and played their best, being a senior, he hopes next years team will play to the best of their abilities and take more shots. “I would like to tell them to not be regretful when it’s all said and done,” Garcia said. “When the game ended against Morton (the final game of the season), all I could think about was what I could’ve done better and I was regretful I didn’t do more. I ask them to play to the best of their ability and leave no regrets on the field.”
Girls’ Golf wins Conference Girls’ Golf has undergone various improvements this year, with a successful season. They made it all the way to Regionals and were Conference champs with a 7-1 record. Becky Jones, junior, talks about her hopes and ambitions for next year. “Really want to get underclassmen more involved,” Jones said. “I want to do more summer conditioning and I want to have more of the team mentality because I think together, all five of us, can go really far.”
Down, but not out
photo by Robert Young
HEADS IN THE GAME Talking during halftime, Mr. Brian Vance, WWMS teacher and football coach, talks about defense in preparation for the second half. They lost to the Lowell 48-13 on Oct. 4.
Football talks season and game against Valparaiso, away at 7 p.m. Alexis Lindenmayer Editor-in-Chief
Football heads to Sectionals tonight at Valparaiso. If the Mustangs, 0-9, are able to pull off this win tonight against the Valparaiso Vikings, 9-0, it would truly be the underdog story of the year. Despite the low odds, football is still working hard and putting effort into practices. “Just like any other game, we’re adapting to their game plan, we’re going to play with our hearts out,” Michael Dywan, senior said. “They’re really good team, really talented team, but we’re doing all that we can with the numbers that we got to go out there and fight like we have been.” Breaking down what led to this mediocre season is complicated. There were obvious obstacles of players quitting and coaching changes, but there is always the underlying issue of the lack of people trying out. “Even just looking at the demo-
graphics of Munster and the kids that are at the school, you really you rarely see any big guys like the ones we compete against,” Dywan said. “Grunewald reached out to just about every person he can to try and find anyone to play football and it’s really tough recruiting process It’s a tough sport to hook on for 10 weeks with no success.” When it comes to the players quitting, Nick Eng, senior, wasn’t too shocked by who quit, with a few exceptions. He thinks the team was able to maintain a good bond regardless. ““It’s the kids you don’t see a lot in the summer or don’t see every single day at practice. Sometimes they skip because they don’t care as much and they’re getting yelled at constantly. So they just say ‘screw it.’ Then you do get surprises with the kids who do show up every day, but quit just because we’re losing.” Eng said. Dywan elaborates on the type of leadership that was needed after the loss of players. “Even keeping guys around for next year for trickle down effect, to where they eventually step in our shoes and hopefully never have to face this kind
of situation again,” Dywan said. “If something bad were to happen, they would be prepared.” Even with everything, the team’s bond has never been stronger with this group. “With all the kids who are there, we’re all friends,” Eng said. “Since there’s so few kids, you can just get to know everyone better and develop a greater bond. Blake Siurek, sophomore, discusses his hope for the coming years as younger players are brought to Varsity. “The kids in freshman and eighth grade have had good records this year, so I definitely think not necessarily size should be an issue because we will definitely have bigger kids,” Siurek said. “Plus, with younger players playing up this year, they are likely to gain more experience and skill with the sport for the upcoming years.” At the end of the day, the team is keeping their heads up for the game tonight. “(My favorite part of the season) is just finishing it out with the people who you know, I’m gonna keep for a lifetime in my in my life,” Dywan said.
Running it out until the end Max Lindenmayer and Hannah Robbins qualify for Cross Country State Final Atarah Israel Copy Editor
Stakes high and adrenaline higher, both Cross Country teams have one member respectively heading to state. With the season coming to a close, Max Lindenmayer and Hannah Robbins, sophomores, strike pride within both Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country. Robbins placing 17th at Semi-state and Lindenmayer placing 18th, the two runners have high hopes for their results at State. “Once I found out I qualified I was pretty excited,” Robbins said. “I knew that going down to State was going to be a fun, exciting adventure and experience.”
Despite running being the main fo“That (ranking first at State) would cus of their training, there are other be crazy because, putting in a lot of aspects that the runners are careful work would actually pay off,” Lindennot to overlook, including their diet. mayer said. “Running every day, runNo matter how minute the ritual may ning a lot, it would really pay off if I seem, the athletes are setting them- got first at State.” selves up to be fully Eagerly anticipating conditioned. the race, the runners are “The night before Personal best times for the thrilled for the opportuevery race I make sure Cross Country 5k nity and hope to inspire to hydrate up with waMustang pride. Gatherter (and) eat a bunch of ing support from famipasta for the carbs,” Lin- Hannah Robins: ly members and teamthis season: 19:20 denmayer said. “Then, mates alike, the runners I actually eat a can of are not going into this career: 18:53 baked beans before I go race alone. to sleep.” “Being the only team Max Lindenmayer: Following the initial member to go, I am nerthis season: 16:33 excitement of qualivous because I don’t career: 16:33 fying, the preparation have a whole team to that the runners face is go with me to stay reintense. With the state competition laxed,” Robbins said. “My teammates tomorrow, both athletes are laborious- were very excited for me when they ly preparing for the big race. found out I made it to state.”
Speed Racers
s t u d e n t l i f 12 e
Munster High School Crier
Nov. 1, 2019
BAC K TALK
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It’s no shave November. If you could come up with a no____ November, what would it be?
Trying to troubleshoot Students and staff discuss school laptops
Adam Klaich Design Editor
Every MHS student has one thing in common: a school-issued laptop. Students frequently use their devices for writing papers, accessing textbooks, checking their grades, and much more. They are meant to simplify and improve a student’s academic career, but what happens when they don’t work? “It’s an ongoing issue,” said Ms. Kelly Hladek, media center specialist said. “Throughout the school year, there’s a persistent stream of students who come into the Media Center with various issues.” The Media Center is presented with many different computer issues. According to their records, 25.4 percent of student trips to the Media Center are for computer related issues. “Depending on the issue, we have a general set of steps we follow,” Ms. Hladek said. “If a student can’t access the wifi, for example, we have a list of troubleshooting steps we use.” Preston Beetson, freshman, experiences various issues regarding his school laptop such as slow processing speeds. When he had an issue with his computer, he took it to the Media Center and received a loaner. He claims the computer given to him was slow, lost files and assignments that couldn’t be transfered and delayed his work in and out of school. “By the time everything loaded, it would be halfway through class,” Preston said. “Sometimes some of my assignments would go missing because they wouldn’t transfer over.” Some students use personal laptops instead of school issued devices. Emma Higgason, senior, prefers this
method because her personal laptop is faster and helps her be more efficient with her academics. “I’d say it does (make a difference) in terms of being efficient with your time and in terms not losing things,” Emma said. She claims the school laptops delay her AP Economics class due to their slow loading times. A personal computer connected to the school’s wifi sets it under the same restrictions and students can easily log onto Blackboard and Powerschool. “I can get everything on this computer that I get on my school computer,” Emma said. “I haven’t run into any problems with needing other software and the same things are blocked on my computer because it goes through the school wifi.” Emma always keeps her school laptop with her during school, but she has been using a personal laptop since her sophomore year. Although personal laptops aren’t prohibited, administration would prefer students use the school issued devices so teachers and Media Center supervisors can easily fix or operate on the same type of computer. According to Mr. Robert Snyder, assistant principal, a school can choose two options while deciding how that school will use technology. MHS uses a one-to-one system, which means each student receives the same type of computer and they are passed down to new students each year. The other option is to have students bring in their own devices. Administration prefers the one-to-one system because all
students have the same device, making it easier for students and teachers to solve computer problems. “If a student in a classroom and a normalized computer isn’t working, everybody has the same thing so a teacher can hop around a shoulder and help a kid or another kid can help that kid,” Mr. Snyder said. “If we go into a classroom setting and there’s 30 different devices, if something doesn’t work, that’s going to go on to the responsibility of the user, and it’s a lot harder for people to troubleshoot that.” The current laptops have been used by students for the past six years and students have reported problems from the amount of use they are subject to. “The technology department works as hard as they can to repair them in house and when (students) turn them in at the end of the year,” Mr. Snyder said. “We send as much out as quickly as we can to Dell hoping we can get as many back the next year.” The school repairs as many computers as it can and hopes to continue to use the same computers. Currently, there are no new plans of replacing the current school laptops. “When one of those cycles ends, the same discussion comes back over toward analyzing a BYOD situation or having a device that doesn’t necessarily meet the wants and needs of every kid who has to carry it, but meets the needs and desires of the school,” Mr. Snyder said.
“No fake November.”
“No singing in the hallway November.”
- Akaoma Odeluga freshman
- Jacob Mazumdar freshman
“No November November, just go straight to December.”
“No Christmas Music November because November is too early to start listening to christmas music.” - Emmaline Miller sophomore
- Andrew Witten sophomore
“No Joe November.”
- Blake Marcotte junior
“No TikTok November. I procrastinate too much and don’t get any homework done.” - Aubrey Chelich junior
Percentages of problems Results from a Crier survey about laptops “No straws November.”
- Delilah Salazar senior
“No Worldstar November.”
- Ty Hesterman senior
Peak performance A list of what students can do to take care of their laptops devised by the Media Center
Restart laptops at least once a week at school to receive all updates Create a reminder to charge your laptop every night and power it down while charging Never shut off your computer by removing the battery
Be conscious of your laptop in your bookbag and set it down carefully Always power down your laptop with the shut down button in the Windows Start Menu illustrations by Robert Young source: Crier Survey out of 556 students and Media Center
“No cheesecake left behind November.”
“I would like no pain November, I have back pain so I know how it feels and I would not wish that on anyone “ - Mr. Benjamin Boruff - Mr. Don Fortner English teacher Economics teacher